Home Lighting Types and Trends

Lighting is one of the most important parts of interior design. It sets the tone of a room, literally and figuratively, and adds both style and function.

The Three Types of Home Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, also called mood lighting, is soft, general light that lets you see and move around a room. It is not bright enough for detailed tasks.

• Chandeliers and pendants
• Recessed lights
• Ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures

Dimmers let you adjust the mood. In a kitchen, island pendants, a center fixture or recessed lights provide ambient light, but they are not ideal for reading a recipe or label.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is bright, focused light for reading, cooking and working.

• Recessed lights
• Under-cabinet lights that illuminate countertops
• Vanity lights
• Swing-arm lamps and track lighting that can be aimed where you work

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting draws the eye to a specific feature, much like museum lighting highlights artwork.

• Lights in bookcases or display cabinets
• Picture lights and spotlights over wall art
• Wall sconces and lamps in a reading nook
• Decorative fixtures, like a hand-blown glass pendant, that are art in themselves

Using Lighting Room by Room

Kitchens and bathrooms need both ambient and task lighting. Bedrooms and living rooms mainly need ambient and accent lighting to create a calm, relaxing feel. For kitchen-specific ideas, see 4 tips to brighten your kitchen.

Trend: Recessed Lighting Everywhere

Recessed lighting is the most versatile option because it fits all three categories. On a dimmer, it can be turned up for task lighting or down for mood lighting, and small or adjustable eyeball fixtures work as accent lights. Many clients now want recessed lights throughout the home:

• Over showers, tubs and other dark bathroom areas
• Across the kitchen for evenly spread light instead of a single central fixture

Balance recessed lights with pendants, sconces and lamps to bring personal style to each room.

Plan Your Lighting

A lighting plan ensures you get the right light in the right places, whether you are building new or replacing dated fixtures. Lighting can make or break a space. Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

Written by Sara Bagwell, a designer with Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling. This article originally appeared in the May 2020 edition of Lakeside on Lanier.