Basics of Interior Home Lighting Design

Interior lighting design is one of the most important interior design basics, yet it's often the most neglected by DIY decorators. No matter how carefully you've furnished, arranged, and accessorized, you do not have a well-decorated home until you've implemented some lighting design basics.

Of course, you'll want to think about the look and feel of lighting fixtures—perhaps matching antique-style fixtures to your older home or creating a look of elegance with a crystal chandelier. But selecting the actual fixtures is secondary. First, you'll need to create a plan that will fulfill your general lighting needs.

To light your home properly, add the three layers of home lighting―ambient, task, and accent.

Ambient Lighting: First Layer of Home Lighting

Ambient lighting is also called general lighting, and it's the most basic of the three types of lighting. It's the natural light from your windows, and the lighting that substitutes for natural light.

Among the fixtures that provide ambient lighting are:

• Chandeliers and other ceiling fixtures
• Light kits on ceiling fans
• Track lighting
• Recessed ceiling lights
• Torchieres
• Wall sconces providing enough light to do more than spotlight an area

Most people understand the need for ambient lighting, but too many stop there. Ambient lighting is just the base, upon which you must add the other two layers of lighting.

Task Lighting: Second Layer of Home Lighting

Task lighting is just what it sounds like: it's the light you need to perform tasks―reading, studying, cooking, applying makeup, etc.

Task lighting fixtures include:

• Table lamps
• Desk lamps
• Swing arm lamps
• Under counter lights
• Pendant lights
• Directed track or recessed lights
• Vanity lights
• Adjustable floor lamps

Before you select task lighting, make of list of the activities you need to perform in each room.

Accent Lighting: Third Layer of Home Lighting

Some people think of accent lighting as mood lighting, and it is, but it's much more than that.

In addition to providing atmosphere and influencing mood, accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features and important objects, and to draw attention away from the things that aren't as pleasing. Even though accent lighting can disguise decorating blunders, it's the most often-forgotten of the three types of lighting.

Some examples of accent lighting are:

• Can lights and uplights
• Picture lights
• Candlelight
• Directed track or recessed lights
• Niche lighting
• Chandeliers with dimmer switches
• Wall sconces
• Lighting inside glass or wire door cabinets
• Light bridges on media furniture

Notice that chandeliers and wall sconces can double as accent lighting, especially when you install dimmer switches. Track and recessed lighting can function as any of the three layers of lighting, depending on how you direct them.

When you plan your accent lighting, ask yourself how you want each room to feel, and which elements you want to highlight or hide. Consider the location of paintings or particularly beautiful pieces of furniture that you want to feature. Now is your chance to think of your home as a work of art, and to light it appropriately.