When designing your home, it’s important to consider how lighting plays a role in how you use and move through a space. I always suggest using a layered approach when it comes to selecting lighting. Whether you’re sprucing up your living room, revamping your kitchen, or embarking on a total home remodel, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the ambiance of your home. In this guide, we’ll explore various types of household lighting and shed some light on how best to use them.
1. General or Ambient Lighting: Think of general or ambient lightinng as your home’s primary source of light. It’s the foundation of your lighting scheme, providing overall brightness to a room. This could be ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed lights (aka pot lights), or even floor lamps and wall sconces that direct the light upwards and illuminate a wide area. General lighting ensures that your space is well-lit and functional, allowing you to move around safely. Whenever possible, have your electrician put your ambient lighting on a dimmer switch so you can have some flexibility when lighting up your room.
2. Accent Lighting: Want to showcase a piece of art, highlight architectural features, or draw attention to a specific area? That’s where accent lighting comes into play. It adds drama and visual interest by directing focus to particular elements within a room. Picture lights, table lamps and even track lighting are excellent choices for accentuating your home’s unique features. Accent lighting is also used outdoors to light up a lovely tree or sculpture. 
3. Task Lighting: Sometimes you need focused illumination for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working. Task lighting is designed to provide concentrated light where you need it most. Desk lamps in an office, under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen, pendant lights over a kitchen island, and bedside table lamps for reading are all examples of task lighting. Even though the role of task lighting is primarily to enhance functionality and productivity, it doesn’t have to be boring. Use this as another opportunity to inject personality and style into your home.
4. Mood Lighting: Want to add drama and personality to your space? Mood lighting is your go-to. It’s all about creating a specific ambiance or vibe through the use of light. Dimmer switches and LED strips are fantastic tools for setting the mood. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, mood lighting allows you to tailor the atmosphere to your liking.
Just like adding layers to your outfit elevates your style, layering different types of lighting adds depth and character to your space. Remember, lighting isn’t just about functionality; it’s also a form of expression.
Understanding the different types of lighting will help you illuminate your home in style. So go ahead, light up your life, one fixture at a time!
Mirelle Goren Interiors offers full-service interior design in the GTA. If you or someone you know is looking for home remodeling or decorating services, click on the Let’s Connect button below to find out more about our services. I’d love to hear from you!
xx Mirelle