Lighting can make or break a room. Truly. You can have the most beautiful finishes, the loveliest wallpaper (you know I'm a fan), and the coziest furniture—but if the lighting is off, the whole space will feel flat, harsh, or unfinished.
The secret? Layering.
A well-lit room isn’t about one perfect statement fixture—it’s about multiple types of light working together. ...general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting.
Let's dive in. Here are the four main types of lighting every space needs, and how to think about each one.
Every space needs these four types of lighting for a cozy, well-lit space.
01. General Lighting
General lighting is for your overall illumination for a room. This is your baseline light—the kind that helps you see where you’re going, find what you dropped on the floor, or clean at the end of the day.
This typically comes from overhead fixtures like flush mounts, recessed lights, or chandeliers. While necessary, general lighting is rarely about mood. Think of it as functional and practical rather than charming.
That said, not all overhead lighting is created equal. Choosing fixtures with warmth, character, and (ideally) dimmers can make this layer feel far less utilitarian.
And don't feel obligated to opt for recessed lighting. You can often incorporate general lighting in more decorative ways like the examples below.
02. Task Lighting
Task lighting is exactly what it sounds like: focused light for doing things.
This includes lighting over:
Kitchen counters and sinks
Desks and workspaces
Reading chairs or bedside tables
Bathroom vanities
Anywhere you need clarity and precision, task lighting matters. It keeps you from squinting, straining, or relying solely on overhead light that casts unhelpful shadows.
Good task lighting is intentional, targeted, and practical—but it can still be beautiful. A thoughtfully chosen sconce or lamp can pull double duty here.
03. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is where things start to feel layered, intentional, and lived-in. You know I already love it.
This type of lighting draws attention to specific areas or objects, adding depth and dimension to a room. This light is for gazing and looking at. Think:
Artwork lighting
Built-in shelving
Picture lights
Sconces in hallways or intimate corners
Architectural details you want to highlight
Accent lighting creates visual interest and gives the eye somewhere to land or a path to guide you through (like sconces down a hallway). It’s subtle but powerful—and often what separates a “nice” room from one that feels designed.
04. Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting is the finishing touch—the layer that brings warmth, atmosphere, and a sense of completeness.
This includes:
Table and floor lamps
Wall sconces
Dimmers
Candles
Any low-level, glow-giving source of light
Decorative lighting is less about function and more about feeling. It’s what makes a space cozy at night, inviting to guests, and comforting at the end of the day or those early morning hours when the sun's not quite up. In many ways, this is the layer that makes a house feel like home.
Layering Your Light is Step One. What's Next? Glad you asked...
Once you understand the four main types of lighting and how they work together, the next step is choosing the right kind of light itself.
This is where things like color temperature and brightness come into play. Even the perfectly layered lighting plan can fall flat if the bulbs are too cool, too harsh, or too dim. Understanding the Kelvin scale and lumens helps ensure your lighting doesn’t just function well—but actually feels good in your home.
What is the Kelvin scale?
The Kelvin (K) scale measures the color temperature of light—how warm or cool it appears.
Lower numbers = warmer, cozier, more golden light
Higher numbers = cooler, bluer, more crisp light
Kelvin describes the color of light, not how bright it is.
That’s where lumens come in.
Lumens measure brightness—how much light a bulb actually puts out.
A light can be warm and bright, or cool and dim, depending on the lumens.
Think of it this way:
Kelvin = mood
Lumens = strength
You need both working together for lighting to feel good.
What Kelvin temperature do designers actually recommend?
Most designers recommend staying in the warm to neutral-warm light family for homes.
2200K–2700K → Warm, cozy, inviting
3000K → Neutral-warm, slightly brighter but still home-friendly
4000K+ → Cool, crisp, office/hospital territory (generally avoid for living spaces)
WHEN IN DOUBT:
Stick to 3000K.
A Note for Your Builder
If you’re building or renovating, this is your gentle nudge to review your floor plans with lighting in mind.
THINK IT THROUGH:
Where different types of light will be needed
Where lamps might live (and therefore where outlets should be placed)
Future decorative lighting—both indoors and out
Planning ahead allows lighting to feel intentional rather than added as an afterthought—and it makes all the difference in how a space functions and feels long-term.
Tip for Charm
Rely less on overhead lighting and more on layers placed where life actually happens.
Lamps by chairs. Sconces where you linger. Soft light in corners you pass through every day. That’s where the magic is.
