Types of Interior Lighting
Lighting can transform a room into a glossy-magazine-worthy place with a flip of a switch, but it can also under or over-illuminate, resulting in headaches and tired eyes. The five primary forms of interior lighting are general, ambient, mood, task, and accent lighting. Some lights may fall into more than one category, but having a general understanding of each specific form of lighting can be quite useful in developing an effective interior lighting scheme.
General Lighting
General lighting is the fundamental building block of any lighting design, it delivers a uniform glow across an entire room and illuminates a space for functional rather than aesthetic reasons.
General lighting is distinguished by its directness, which should be regulated by a dimmer switch to accommodate fluctuations in daylight. A chandelier or an artistic installation creates solid visual statements and guides the eye in a room. However, these must be complemented by other lighting layers, as a central light source generates unpleasant shadows.
Ambient Lighting
The next lighting layer is ambient lighting, which works well with general lighting. Both types share essential qualities in that they are primarily helpful and used to illuminate an entire region. The primary distinction between the two is the direction of their light. General lighting is simply that—general lighting for day and night use. Ambiance lighting is frequently linked to a dimming system to regulate the light intensity depending on the occasion. Also, it can add drama as it is typically utilized for entertainment.
Ambient lighting is indirect and softer than general lighting since it does not cast unattractive shadows due to downlighting. Ambient lighting is also a form of architectural lighting frequently used to change the appearance or scale of a place.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is any light source employed for a specific task, such as reading or working with tools. However, mix it with enough ambient light to avoid eye strain caused by the dramatic contrast between light and dark areas.
A desk lamp is an excellent example of task lighting to be used in an office or other workspaces. The kitchen is another location where task lighting should be used to make food preparation easier. It can be mounted under a cabinet to provide excellent lighting for tasks.
Mood Lighting
Mood lighting is equally crucial to a room's overall appearance as general and ambient lighting. It creates pools of light that counteract the shadows generated by conventional lighting, making a place feel more inviting. It is also a vital part of a space's aesthetic since it's concerned with style and function. Popular options for this kind of lighting include table lamps and floor lamps. Because mood lighting is frequently the layer closest to eye level, applying a filter is critical to block any glare from ugly naked light bulbs. The same goes for general or ambient lighting if the bare bulb can be seen.
Accent Lighting
Similar to task lighting, accent lighting serves a specific purpose, and it is any lighting that has been expressly included to highlight a specific aspect in a room. Accent lighting includes spotlights that showcase artwork, sculptures, showpieces, and objects in cabinets, tables, or pedestals to enhance their appearance, especially in a dimly lit room. Like task lighting, it requires more light output and demands a higher wattage. Architectural lighting is sometimes used as accent lighting as well as ambient lighting. Accent architectural lighting is more subtle, highlighting textures and outlining perimeters rather than a specific object.
Lighting is an important design element of any room décor. Lighting should be layered in the same way that colours and textures are. When it comes to home décor lighting, there are numerous alternatives, while adding a layer or two of additional lighting sources adds depth to interior design.
Written By
Mayeesha Azam