Joining Lighting Aesthetics & Function
The right lighting design can not only heighten the style of your home, it also helps to create a welcoming environment and has a positive impact on the functionality of a space. With that in mind, it’s important to consider the different types of lighting so that you understand the layers of lighting needed to make the most impact both aesthetically and functionally.
The three basic types of lighting are ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Learn more about each, then discover how to utilize them in each of the areas of your home.
1. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, helps set the tone for a room or area of your home and provides enough light for you and your guests to move around. The most common types of ambient lighting include overhead fixtures as well as floor and table lamps, which can also function as task lighting. Since LEDs are an energy-efficient lighting option, they are ideal for general lighting purposes which get frequent and extended use in a home.
2. Task Lighting
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Intended to help you accomplish a specific task, task lighting provides localized lighting for working, reading, cooking, and more. From desk lamps and table lamps to under cabinet lighting and beyond, the best types of task lighting allow you to adjust the brightness/darkness of a chosen area in a way that best suits your needs while preventing eye strain and reducing glare.
3. Accent Lighting
Whether you have artwork to show off or a unique design element in your home to highlight, accent lighting can help you create the perfect focal point in your space. Since LEDs emit no UV light and minimal heat, they are the best choice for safely lighting artwork or adding picture lighting. Accent lighting also helps to produce added dimension in combination with your ambient and task lighting. In order to draw attention to the item or feature being highlighted and not the lighting itself, effective accent lighting can be angled and directed to create a spotlight. Common options include recessed lighting, track lighting, and wall-mounted light fixtures.
Lighting Temperature
Beyond the basic types of lighting and their applications, the color temperature of your LED lighting can also have a major effect on the aesthetics and functionality of your space. The three primary types of color temperature for LED lights are Warm White, Cool White and Daylight. Although the whiter lights will appear brighter to the human eye, the amount of light or Lumens does not actually change with color temperature.
Warm White LEDs provide a warmer color temperature that helps create a cozy, welcoming feel which is best for bedrooms and living rooms. Cool White color temperature LED lighting provides a bright light that is ideal for use in work areas, kitchens, bathrooms or garages. Finally, Daylight color temperature LEDs provide a crisp light with a slightly bluish-white tone. In residential applications, lighting with this color temperature is used for outdoor lighting and security lighting.
Lighting Location
When it comes to picking the right LED lighting for the look and feel of your space, consider what type of room you’re lighting. From entryways and living spaces to kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, each space inside and outside of your home has different lighting needs.
Lighting for Main Living Spaces
From the family room and living room to your master bedroom, choosing the right lighting for your main living spaces will have a great influence on the design of your home and its overall feel. Create a warm and cozy look or go for a modern feel – the versatility of LED lighting helps bring to life a wide range of interior designs. Incorporate lighting layers with a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to get the most out of your spaces. Have a small space? No problem – learn more about choosing LED lighting for apartments or small spaces.
Kitchen Lighting
In most homes, kitchens serve as a versatile space. From an area for food prep, paying bills and other tasks which require precise, focused light to a gathering space for family and friends where you can socialize or unwind with a glass of wine – make sure the versatility of your kitchen lighting matches the diverse functionality of the heart of your home! LED lighting can provide the function you need coupled with the looks you want for kitchen island lighting, under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting and more. Learn more about lighting for kitchens.
Bathroom Lighting
Since bathrooms aren’t one of the main living spaces in a home, the lighting in a bathroom is often an afterthought or even overlooked. However, this versatile space serves many purposes – from your morning routine to winding down for the night – and the right lighting adds the practicality you need to this space. At the same time, the addition of trendy, practical lighting is also one of the easiest ways to give your bathroom an instant makeover. While people typically think about lights around a mirror or wall sconces for bathrooms, you can get creative with LED overhead lighting options, dimmable LEDs, fixtures with LED filament bulbs, and more. Learn more about refreshing your bathroom lighting.
Outdoor Lighting
Not only does outdoor LED lighting for motion lights, porch lights, driveway lighting and other outdoor areas serve important safety and security purposes for your home, landscape LED lighting also adds to the curb appeal of your home. From uplighting for trees, shrubs and other landscaping elements to well lights, LED path lights and more, outdoor lighting serves diverse functions while adding to the aesthetics of your home. Learn more about outdoor LED lighting.
