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Key Takeaways:
The 3 types of lighting are:
- Ambient lightning- Best for general illumination
- Task lighting- Best for Focused Illumination
- Accent lighting- Best for attention driven illumination
Did you know that nearly 15% of the electricity used in Australian homes goes to lighting, as the Australian Department of Energy reported?
In an attempt to lower this huge power use, Houzz’s 2023 Renovation Trends Study says that about 91% of homeowners doing renovations prioritise lighting.
Choosing the proper lighting has more to do than just lowering lighting costs and improving visibility. The correct lighting can boost performance and help to achieve energy efficiency.
It also determines the mood and improves aesthetics.
But how do you choose the best lighting that achieves all this?
Well, the first thing is to understand the types of lighting and match them to your needs.
To make the whole process easier, this article introduces the 3 types of lighting, detailing what they are, how they work and the best places to use them.
Read to learn how different lighting can create functional, beautiful spaces that feel just right at any time of the day or night.
1. Ambient Lighting: Creating Comfort & Illumination
Ambient light refers to ordinary light that we turn on to brighten any room evenly for better vision and safe movement in a dark or dim environment.
This lighting is known to diffuse light throughout the entire space without forming shadows or dark spots.
They thus ensure uniform visibility and provide a neutral lighting base that allows for easy installation of other lighting layers.
Ambient lights are a must in any room with limited natural light. Without them, such spaces would feel disjointed or too dim.
Where to Use Ambient Lighting (Applications)
- Bedrooms and living rooms to provide a cozy, welcoming feel
- Kitchen and dining areas for overall illumination of day-to-day tasks
- Bathroom lighting to achieve full room brightness and safety
- Stairways, corridors, and entranceways to prevent blind spots and facilitate movement
- Open-plan areas where even lighting across zones is a necessity
When to Use Ambient Lighting
- During the day, particularly when there is insufficient natural lighting
- As soon as one steps into the room
- At night, to provide a calming and uniform light
- In everyday casual or social life, where general brightness is desired
How to Use Ambient Lighting
You can use ambient lighting in:
- Ceiling-mounted fixtures – for instance, flush mounts, pendants, or chandeliers
- Recessed lighting that blends seamlessly with the ceiling
- Wall sconces in narrow spaces to distribute soft light evenly
- Floor or table lamps to remove any dark spots or shadows in larger rooms
2. Task Lighting: Light With Purpose
Task lighting is meant to help with proper visibility when handling tasks or projects that need attention to detail.
With this type of lighting, light is only directed where it is needed and not spread all over, as is the case with ambient light.
They are designed to ensure maximum visibility of the targeted spaces or areas, thus eliminating eye strain when handling accuracy-demanding tasks like writing, sewing, etc.
Where to Use Task Lighting (Applications)
- Kitchen countertops and islands for chopping, cooking, and food preparation
- Home office or study spaces for writing, typing, or other computer use
- Bath vanities for shaving, grooming, or application of makeup
- The bedroom bedside for reading or night-time activities
- Craft rooms, garages, or workshops for detailed hands-on projects
- Closets and storage spaces to facilitate easy retrieval of items
When to Use Task Lighting
- When ambient lighting isn’t enough for detail-driven tasks
- In the mornings or the evenings, when there is scarce natural light
- Whenever a particular activity requires better and brighter lighting
- While doing repeated or visually demanding tasks for extended durations
How to Use Task Lighting
- Under-cabinet lights to illuminate kitchen countertops evenly
- Adjustable desk lamps that provide focused lighting to a workstation
- Wall-mounted swing-arm lights to illuminate where it is necessary
- Pendant lights hang over islands or working desks for direct task illumination
- Mirror or strip lights near bathroom vanities for face-level illumination
- Portable LED lights for workshop or utility areas
3. Accent Lighting: Focused and Bright
Contrary to the above types of lighting that focus on improving functionality, accent lighting is meant to draw attention to specific objects, features or designs.
Their primary focus is improving the aesthetics and enhancing the visual appeal of your rooms or spaces.
It is the best type of lighting when you want to create a dramatic, sophisticated, or cozy atmosphere in a room and separate focal points from the background.
Where to Use Accent Lighting (Applications)
- Feature walls to exhibit textures, patterns, or paint finishes
- Bookshelves and display units for light decorative items
- Artworks or sculptures to emphasise visually striking pieces using directional beams
- Bedrooms for subtle backlighting above headboards or beneath floating shelves
- Hallways or stairways to emphasise architectural silhouettes or framed features
- Outdoor spaces for garden beds, water features, or entranceways
When to Use Accent Lighting
- At night, to provide a relaxing or luxurious environment
- At parties or events where mood-lifting is needed
- When emphasising interior design aspects or theme-specific areas
- In order to separate homogeneous lighting and add dynamic contrast
How to Use Accent Lighting
- Track lighting that includes adjustable heads pointing towards artwork or built-ins
- Wall washers to illuminate textured surfaces evenly
- LED strip lights placed beneath shelving, cabinets, or behind furniture
- Recessed directional lighting aimed at specific points
- Spotlights mounted indoors or outdoors for specific emphasis
Difference between ambient, task and accent lighting
| Feature | Accent Lighting | Task Lighting | Ambient Lighting |
|---|
| Purpose | Highlights specific features or objects | Provides focused light for specific tasks | Provides overall illumination to a space |
| Brightness | Usually brighter than ambient to create contrast | Brighter and focused on a work area | Soft and diffused to create a comfortable setting |
| Examples | Spotlights on artwork, track lighting | Ceiling lights, wall sconces, and natural daylight | Ceiling lights, wall sconces, natural daylight |
How to Layer The Three Types of Lighting Effectively?
Layering lighting means setting up all three types of lighting together in the same room or space.
Although each type of lighting has a unique purpose that it serves best, they can all be combined for a well-balanced, flexible environment that supports various functions throughout the day.
Why Layering Matters
- Improves visibility in various zones
- Avoids over-reliance on a single source of illumination
- Provides depth, warmth, and visual interest
- Supports mood changes, tasks, and décor objectives
- Enhances energy efficiency by focusing on light usage
Tips for Successful Lighting Layers
- Begin with ambient light to provide basic visibility.
- Add task lighting where detail or accuracy is needed.
- Add accent lighting to define the mood and emphasise details.
- Use individual controls or dimmers for every layer
- Balance the intensity to prevent extremely bright or very dark spots
- Unify the overall look by using the same colour temperature across the layers
Final Thoughts
As evident from our discussion, lighting up your space is more than rushing to the market and purchasing every light that appeals to your eyes. It requires a proper understanding of the three types of lighting and knowing the purpose you want to fulfil.
Now that you have already learned what each of the three lights are and the role they serve, take time to assess your needs. Think about how you use each space in your home and go for lighting that matches the exact purpose. This will not only improve productivity but also comfort and style!
Types of Lighting: Most Common Questions Answered
Which is the best type of lighting: ambient, task, or accent?
There is no single best light. The most suitable type of lighting will depend on the specific purpose you want to achieve.
If you want general lighting to improve visibility, go for ambient. If you want to concentrate light in certain areas like working places go for task light. And if you want to add beauty to your spaces and highlight certain icons, go for accent lighting.If you want to concentrate light in certain areas, like working places, go for a task light.
How can I determine what type of lighting I need?
Before choosing between ambient, task or accent lighting, first of all, think about the exact purpose you want to achieve and match it with the type of lighting best for that purpose.
Can I just use one type of lighting in a room?
Yes! You can use a single type of lighting in a room. However, experts recommend using all three types whenever possible. They work together to offer a versatile lighting system that is both functional and attractive.
What is the best way to make a room appear larger using lighting?
Achieve depth by using a combination of ambient and accent lighting. Place lights in strategic locations, e.g., corners or walls, in order to increase the sense of space.
Can task lighting decrease eye strain?
That is the exact thing task lighting does. They help to deliver light where it is needed most, thus improving visibility and minimising eye strain.
Should you always use dimmers on all kinds of lighting?
They are not always necessary. You can use them or even do without; however, from an expert’s point of view, dimmers can help you control lighting intensity to achieve different moods and feelings.
