Lighting Layers: The Key to Better Home Lighting Design
Discover the Magic of Great Lighting Design
When it comes to interior design, lighting is everything. You can have the most beautiful kitchen cabinets, artwork on the wall, or unique rugs on the floor, but without careful attention to lighting, you could unintentionally tamper with the room’s mood.
That’s where lighting design comes in. Lighting design is the thoughtful arrangement of lighting fixtures and systems to enhance a home’s functionality, aesthetics, and overall ambiance. Effective lighting design considers factors such as room size, natural light sources, color schemes, and intended activities within each space.
And the first secret to great lighting design? It’s to apply lighting in layers. Here’s what that means and how layered lighting can enhance your Raleigh, NC, home.
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Designing with Layers
Most homes aren’t built with lighting design in mind. Instead, home builders install rows of recessed lights or a single light at the center of the ceiling. While this provides illumination, relying solely on overhead lights can cast unflattering shadows and an unpleasant atmosphere. You won’t be highlighting the walls or finishes in the room—only the floor.
Instead, lighting layers create a more visually dynamic and eye-catching environment. Imagine a room is like a blank canvas, and light is the paint. By using varying levels of light, you’ll bring the room to life.
Here are three types of lighting layers that we use in home lighting designs:
Ambient Lighting
Think of ambient light like the air in a room. Ambient lights provide soft, glare-free illumination that adds depth and character to your living spaces. While natural light from windows contributes to ambient lighting, there are several other fixtures that can fulfill this role:
- Flush-mounted ceiling lights
- Chandeliers
- Pendant lights
- Torchieres (upward-facing lights)
- Cove lights
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is a great way to highlight and showcase furniture, artwork, architectural features, photographs, and decorative pieces in your home. Unlike ambient lights, accent lights are brighter and aim to draw attention to specific elements that you value. They bring a unique charm to your rooms. Some examples of accent lights include:
- Wall sconces
- Picture and artwork lights
- Linear lighting
- Recessed lighting
- Track lights
Task Lighting
Task lights have a purpose. They may illuminate the countertops while you cook or shine a light on your desk as you write. Task lights serve the practical purpose of enabling you to perform specific activities without straining your eyes or dodging shadows. By strategically placing stylish task lighting, you can ensure a seamless experience throughout your home. Task lighting options include:
- Pendants
- Desk and table lamps
- Floor lamps
- Under cabinet lights
By considering and incorporating these different types of lighting, homeowners can create a personalized and functional lighting design that adds both beauty and practicality to their living spaces. And with smart lighting control, you’re free to customize the brightness and color of LED bulbs anytime.
If you’re renovating your Raleigh home or are building a new house, Synergy Integrated Systems is your local lighting designer. Contact us here to learn more about our home lighting services. We look forward to working with you!
