Lighting Tips – The Art of Layered Lighting

What exactly is the art of layered lightening?

A room should never be illuminated by one, sole ceiling fixture. This is because long shadows are casted and corners of the room may not be sufficiently lighted. Hence, various combination of lighting is recommended to achieve the best lighting effect for a room.

Thus, such a popular practice is known as “light layering”.

Like makeup, each lighting layer has to be is progressively applied to a room to achieve the desired effect. In fact, at least 2 layers of lighting is needed to properly light a room. So what are they?

Layer #1 – General Lighting

Commonly known as ambient lighting, general lighting should serve as a foundation for a properly light room due to its fairly uniform lighting. Chandeliers and flush-mounted ceiling fixtures usually fall into this category. The purpose of overall lighting is to provide enough light for us to proceed with general daily activities such as walking and finding our way around a room.

Layer #2 – Task Lighting

Task lighting provides direct illumination to aid us in performing certain tasks such as reading, putting on makeup and cooking. Study or desk lamp, recessed can lights, mini-pendants over the kitchen island, under-cabinet or under-counter kitchen lighting and powder room vanity lights are common types of task lighting.

Layer #3 - Accent Lighting

Accent lighting adds visual texture and interest to a room. Track lights, up-lights, down-lights, directional lights and flushed wall sconces fall under this category. The job of accent lighting is to spotlight a special object (such as artwork, architecture, sculptures), special features like textured wall or to strategically throw shadows to add visual interest, intrigue, depth, dimension and texture to an otherwise boring and plain room.

Layer # 4 – Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting doesn’t provide much light as they are mainly for ornamental artistic purposes. These lightings are usually on the dim side and meant to accentuate the object itself. Examples of such lighting include deck stairs strip lights and special lights for water features.

Room by Room Guide Lighting Tips

Refer to this site for lighting tips for each individual room. :)

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