Lessons in Lighting

When decorating your home, you may get excited about options in furniture, art, and accessories, but there’s an important aspect of your home’s mood and function that can’t be overlooked: lighting.
 

The layers of lighting in your rooms both establish and support the use of each area. Consider the typical four layers of lighting. 

1. General or ambient lighting

2. Task lighting

3. Accent lighting

4. Mood lighting

Ambient lighting
First, ambient lighting is where you begin lighting your room. That’s the general light provided by overhead fixtures, whether recessed lights in the ceiling or fixtures mounted to the ceiling. The effect is usually soft and even. 
In a dining room, a chandelier might serve as your source of ambient light.
 

Task lighting
Secondly, you’ll provide task lighting with fixtures that illuminate a particular area for a certain purpose. In a kitchen you might use pendants over an island, for example. For good academic lighting, how about hanging a pair over your children’s homework table? 
 

In an area used for reading or study, table lamps and floor lamps are also appropriate. And of course, you’ll be choosing based not just on function, but on style. Just the right lamp in a spot can totally make the room!
 

Yes, kitchens and study areas require task lighting, but–consider your bathroom mirror.
 

Why settle for a builder grade fixture casting harsh shadows over your vanity when you could flank your mirror with a couple of amazing wall sconces? Style unlimited--and we know face height bulbs are best for makeup application!

Accent Lighting
The third layer of home lighting is accent lighting. While accent lighting can serve to spotlight a feature in your home, it can be a feature in itself. Lamps are a typical type of accent lighting.
 

At times, the functions of task lighting and accent lighting overlap. Choosing accent lamps--that’s where you can really have some decorating delight! Lamps perfectly perform as accent lighting. Artwork lights would be considered accent lights.
 
Mood Lighting
How do you want a space to feel? Inviting? Restful? Playful? Mood lighting is not actually a separate category of lighting. Really, any of the above types of lighting can be used to establish a mood for your tasks, your occasions or activities. 
You can put a dimmer on your chandelier for an intimate meal. You can create a welcoming ambience with wall sconces. And accent lamps can brighten a dark corner. Even lanterns and candles contribute to the mood of your spaces.
 

 
Your lighting choices influence how a room feels and functions. Look around your rooms and see how a few updated lighting changes could improve the look and livability of your interiors. Our friendly design associates are happy to assist you! Visit our Ridge Road store in Rockwall, or chat online with us at mintjulepdecor.com.