Five Types of Lighting: and why you need them all
The love for the home has me writing about lighting today, which seems relevant as we will soon say goodbye to those long summer days of late evening sunshine (for those who still practice daylight savings time).
Lighting is most often an overlooked detail. For those who have the opportunity to build from scratch, a common mistake with lighting is that it is often dealt with after the fact or not viewed in sync with the entire room. Industry speaks to certain varieties of light that are typically needed in a space. Lighting should be viewed as “layers” in a space and should be found at different heights of the room, from the ceiling to sitting or below sitting level.
general lighting:
General lighting is lighting that spreads an overall ambient light through the entire room, this is considered your cleaning lights. General lighting is located overhead (ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, light fixtures).
task lighting:
Task lighting is lighting used at a work surface or over a specific work or surface area. (light directed over a desk or kitchen sink, under counter lights, lighting that illuminate a hallway or walkway).
spot lighting:
Spot lighting is a type of accent light that brings attention to a particular space. For example, this might be a fixture directed towards artwork on the wall or a particular spot on a shelf that you highlight with a small lamp.
decorative lighting:
Decorative lighting is lighting that overlays a layer of ambiance in a room (dimmable or small lamps, string lights, candles). This type of lighting is approached when you consider changing the mood of the room. Perhaps your kitchen’s general or task lighting options are on as you host for the holidays. But if those same lights are dimmable, it sure does make coffee on a Sunday morning a bit more enjoyable.
SHOP MY HOUSE:
I rounded up my favorite lamps and lighting situations from around my house. I love a good recessed light for when I’m in work mode. You can go a modern route like these or a less standard or modern route like how Landed Interiors used the low pendant or flush mount globe look (think outside of the box). When I’m most hosting, cleaning, or cooking, it’s lamps and ambiance all day long.
aaaand don’t forget natural light:
Perhaps most importantly, think about your natural light in a space. With blinds, shutters, drapery, and curtains, you can control a “dimmable” aspect of the sun’s natural light in your space. These kinds of accessories in a window often create “light texture” and shadows that add depth to any space.
by Hope Johnson | inspired by nostalgia and comfort
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