3 Layers of Lighting Explained

Layers of Lighting

Whether you’re a homeowner, a designer, or just someone who wants to get a better handle on lighting, there are several key concepts that you should be aware of. One of the most important is the concept of layers. These layers of lighting include various components -Task, Accent, and Ambient lighting.

Layers of Light

Ambient Lighting

Using the right layers of lighting can bring your space to life. By combining the three main types of light, you can create custom designs for your home.

Adding a chandelier to your dining room or living room is a great way to add personality to the room. It’s also a great way to set the tone of the room.

Ceiling mounted lights are one of the main types of ambient lighting. These are often used in the kitchen or hallway to create an overall glow. These types of lighting can also be combined with other forms of lighting to enhance the look of a room.

The other type of layering is accent lighting. These are meant to be three times brighter than ambient lighting. They are a great way to highlight a wall hanging or architectural detail. You can also use this type of lighting to make a color shine.

The best part of this kind of lighting is that it can be controlled with a dimmer switch. This allows you to achieve the perfect level of brightness for your room.


Accent Lighting

Using accent lighting is a great way to create a warm and inviting space. These decorative lights can be used to highlight certain items in the home, such as art, books, or a fireplace. They also can be used to enhance the overall look of a room.

When you choose the proper light bulbs, you will be able to create a layered look in your space. The different colour temperatures and CRI ratings will determine how the effects will work in your space.

For example, a high CRI rating will make your colours appear more vibrant. Conversely, a low CRI will give your colours a more muted tone. In this case, you may need to use a different type of lighting for your accents.

When choosing the right accents, you must consider the dimensions of the object you wish to highlight. You can either opt for a large fixture that is designed to function as an accent light, or you can use adjustable fittings that allow you to focus on a smaller area.


Task Lighting

Using a layered lighting strategy is a great way to change the function of a room. This is especially true in open plan living spaces.

To ensure that you get the most out of your layered lighting design, it’s important to understand the basics. By following a few simple guidelines, you can achieve an effective, aesthetically pleasing lighting scheme.

The best way to do this is to create a plan that will take into account the activities that will occur in each area. In the kitchen, for example, you will need task light to illuminate countertops and cabinets for food preparation. In the bathroom, you will need a light to help with makeup applications.

There is no shortage of options for layered lighting. You can buy yours from a hardware store, or even a third-party source. You can choose from recessed pot lights, directional recessed lights, or track lighting.

Regardless of the lighting solution you choose, there are three important elements to remember. These include a solid base layer, a supplementary layer, and an accent or auxiliary layer. The first two are critical for your safety, while the accent layer is your opportunity to add some artistic flair to the space.


Focal Lighting

Using a variety of sources in layers of lighting can transform your home. Whether you want to create a dramatic mood or add a hint of sophistication, layered lighting can help you achieve your goals.

The first layer of layered lighting is ambient luminescence, or general lighting. Generally, this layer is created by ceiling fans, overhead lighting, chandeliers, or semi-flush/flush mount ceiling fixtures. The lights need to provide enough illumination for the area and not be too bright. Ideally, they should radiate evenly throughout the room.

The second layer is task lighting. This type of lighting is used to highlight specific tasks in a particular area. Common types of task lighting include desk lamps, table lamps, pendants, and floor lamps. Besides illuminating specific tasks, task lighting can also remove distracting shadows. It is often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas.

The third layer of layered lighting is accent lighting. This type of lighting highlights architectural features, textures, colors, and other design elements in a room. It is used to emphasize the look of window displays, display cases, and other decorative items.

The experts at Phantom Lighting Systems can create a custom layers of lighting solution to fit your space. Since 1980 we have been leaders in the lighting industry. Give us a call at 1-800-863-1184 or fill out the form on our contact page to be connected with one of our lighting experts who can help.