Choosing the Right Light for Your Space

Though it is one of the most essential parts of a room, lighting can be one of the trickiest.  It is all to easy to pick a light too bright, too dark, too focused, or too general.  To make the decision easier, you must consider the different types of light.

The three types of lighting that are used in the home are task, ambient, and accent.

Task lighting lights the way while you cook, read, sew, etc. This can be a desk lamp, a bedside sconce for reading, or a pendant light hanging over a kitchen worksurface.

Photo: Cottage Living

Ambient lighting is the general lighting cast over a room from an overhead light or chandlier.  You will find ambient lighting in every room of the house, from a closet to the dining room.

Photo: Southern Living

Photo: Sunset Magazine

Accent lighting is the pretty light that sets the mood in a room. It adds drama and glitter, though is not necessarily meant to serve a utilitarian purpose.

One, two, or all three types of light can be utilized in one room, however it is necessary to figure out which ones you absolutely need in your room so that it will be adequately lit.