Types of Lighting

When trying to determine what type of light is needed in a room you must look at the tasks that will take place in that room. The following are some different types of lighting available:

• Ambient – A general, all-purpose light that is best for a room where you need a high light source. Ambient lighting provides for safe movement in your home. Ambient lighting can be a soft or bright light making a room warm or cool.
o Indirect lighting – A form of ambient lighting that uses fixtures to throw light onto the upper walls and ceiling. Indirect lighting has a minimal amount of glare which is useful in a room where you may be watching television or working on a computer.
o Wall washing – Wall washing draws your eye to a wall to highlight a large piece of art or perhaps a fireplace. Wall washing makes a room feel larger than its actual size. To accomplish this you would place light fixtures at set intervals on the floor or ceiling. Do not use this technique on walls that contain windows or mirrors or you will create a glare.

• Accent lighting – Accent lighting is also called object lighting. This type of lighting allows you to create dramatic effects using directional fixtures. Accent lighting is decorative and is intended to highlight a particular space, such as a floral arrangement on a table or a piece of artwork. A good approach is to transport the light source to the task by using a hanging fixture or a floor lamp, or by projecting the light to the task as with a spot light from track or recessed fixtures. However, you must be careful when using spot lights that you do not create a glare. Low voltage accent lights are used to accentuate your landscaping at night or to draw attention to a tree or fountain in the yard.

• Task lighting – Task lighting provides a focused light for specific tasks in a room. This is a good lighting for a reading area, sewing area, study, or kitchen where you require more light.