All types of lighting are not created equal– a fixture that’s completely appropriate for the kitchen or bathroom, for example, might be totally out of place for a cozy bedroom space. 

This might seem obvious, but identifying the absolute perfect lighting solution for each room of your home requires a little bit more consideration than you might expect!

How do I decide which type of lighting is right for the space?

Of course, if you’re designing a room in your home, every last design choice is ultimately up to you. If you’ve got a dream that involves a specific type of lighting, even if it’s not typical for the room, you have every right to follow your vision!

But choosing lighting that works for each space in your home will help the overall feel of your home. It’ll also improve your experiences in each room, and– as an extra bonus– can increase the sale value of your home!

What are the main types of lighting?

There are three main categories when it comes to interior lighting, and choosing the correct ones can greatly improve life in your home!

One big mistake to avoid: skimping on light fixtures and relying on one overhead light source for everything within a room. This can be harsh and unpleasant and can even hinder you from enjoying optimal use of your space.

Instead, focus on ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient lighting typically provides the majority of the light within a room. If you choose an overhead fixture, that fixture qualifies as ambient lighting.

Accent lighting, as you might guess from the name, is used to accentuate a specific item or area of a room. 

For example, if you have a piece of artwork or a family portrait that deserves extra attention, you can choose picture lighting to make it stand out within the space. With the right lighting, it’s sure to draw the eye of anyone who enters your home! 

Accent lighting can also come in handy for architectural features like alcoves or niches. Adding accent lighting to an alcove can add extra dimension and interest to a space, and if used correctly, can even make the space feel larger.

What is task lighting?

Just like accent lighting, you can most likely guess the purpose of task lighting from its name. But choosing the right task lighting requires some consideration!

In order to make the right choice, you have to really think about what the space will be used for. Which areas of the home are used for specific activities and hobbies? 

Desk lamps are a great example of task lighting. Having a well-lit workspace helps you see what you’re working on, whether it’s paperwork or painting. Without that lighting, the quality of your work (and of your experience) would definitely suffer.

Task lighting is also important for the kitchen, where you really need to be able to see what you’re doing. 

When you’re searching for the perfect task lighting, it also helps to consider versatility. Lamps and fixtures that you can adjust to shine in different directions can make your space suited to whatever you need to get done within it.

How do I choose the perfect task lighting?

The design experts here at Kaufman By Design are here to help. If you need some extra ideas, inspiration, or assistance with your interior lighting, feel free to give us a call at 501-372-6500, or stop by for a visit.