By layering lighting types, you can effortlessly create a balanced and functional atmosphere, all with the simple flip of a switch. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right..
Lighting has the power to transform a space, setting the mood and bringing out the beauty of your home’s design. But the key to creating a truly well-lit space isn’t simply adding a few overhead lights—it's about layering different lighting types to create a balanced, warm ambiance that suits every room and activity. To get it just right, understanding the lighting types you need and how to layer them is essential. The goal is to combine the right balance of ambient lighting (for overall illumination), task lighting (for focused tasks like reading or cooking), and accent lighting (to highlight architectural features or artwork). Each type of lighting adds depth and dimension, ensuring no corner is left in the dark.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the foundation of any well-lit space. It provides the general illumination you need to see and move comfortably around a room. Begin with a statement pendant light or chandelier above the center of the room. These lighting types should fill the space with soft, even light, without causing glare or harsh shadows. This is the light you rely on most, so it’s essential to choose the right fixtures to create a balanced and welcoming feel. But don't settle for just one ceiling light—consider how you can layer your ambient lighting to make your room feel brighter and more dynamic.
Living Room
For ambient lighting, start with a pendant light or chandelier above the center of the room to provide soft, even illumination. In larger living rooms, you may want one large pendant (about 60–80 cm in diameter) or two smaller pendants (around 40–50 cm each). Add recessed lighting (one every 1.5–2 meters) in the ceiling for even distribution of light.
Dining Room
For the dining room, use a pendant light or chandelier above the table. A light fixture with a 40–60 cm diameter is ideal for a table size of around 120–160 cm long. Hang it 75–90 cm above the tabletop to ensure proper lighting without glare. If the room is larger, you may want two smaller pendant lights spaced evenly over the table, each about 40 cm in diameter. Use recessed lighting (one every 2 meters) to add soft light around the room.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, install pendant lights over the island for ambient light. Use two or three pendants (each about 30–40 cm in diameter) if the island is 150–200 cm long. Hang them 75–90 cm above the counter for even light. Add recessed lighting (one every 1.5 meters) in the ceiling for full room coverage.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, hang a pendant light or chandelier above the bed to provide general illumination. A pendant with a diameter of 30–50 cm works well for this. For the perfect bedside lighting, place bedside table lamps on your nightstands. This allows you to read or work in bed without straining your eyes. You can also add a standing floor lamp in the corner of your room or beside a cozy armchair in your reading nook to ensure the area is well-lit for quiet evenings.
What NOT to do: Don’t rely on harsh overhead lights or single light sources. Too much brightness from one fixture can create glare and make the room feel uninviting. Make sure to balance out the light with a few well-placed sources.
Layering Lighting Type #2 To Highlight Your Favorite Features
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the secret weapon for adding drama and personality to your home. Use it to highlight artwork, architectural features, or other design elements that deserve extra attention. This lighting type helps create a visual focal point and can elevate the aesthetic of any room.
In the Bedroom
Incorporate picture lights above your bed or frame a piece of art near the headboard to create a calm, inviting atmosphere. Accent lighting not only highlights the beauty of the room, but also creates a cozy, layered lighting effect that adds to the relaxation factor.
In the Living Room
Use track lighting or picture lights to draw attention to art on the walls in the living room. These adjustable fixtures can be aimed at specific pieces, casting a soft, focused beam of light that makes your art stand out. If you have architectural features like a textured wall or a beautiful bookshelf, consider placing wall sconces or spotlights to bring those elements into the spotlight.
What NOT to do: Avoid overdoing accent lighting in every corner of the room. Too many accent lights can clutter the space and take away from the focal points.
Complement interior spaces by coordinating lighting throughout your home for a modern mixed look.
While you don’t have to match every fixture, coordinating finishes or complementary shapes can help tie together different zones. Mixing different lighting types along with finishes and textures ( glass pendants with rattan shades, or wood with metal) can create a stylish, layered effect. Just be sure to maintain a sense of cohesion throughout for a balanced, harmonious look.
Layering Lighting Type #3 For Practicality and Precision
Task Lighting
While ambient lighting sets the stage, task lighting ensures that your home is functional and easy to navigate for specific activities. Task lighting illuminates workspaces, reading areas, and any other spots where you need extra light to perform detailed tasks.
Kitchen
Install under-cabinet lighting to brighten up countertops and cooking areas. This will eliminate shadows and ensure you have adequate light for food prep. Over your kitchen island, hang pendant lights or small task-specific fixtures that provide focused light without overwhelming the space.
For lighting ideas in the kitchen, adding two or three small pendant lights directly over your kitchen island accentuates it ambient lighting and as a focal point. Wall lights can be the alternative to downlights as focus lighting illumination onto specific areas for prepping and the sink, and then there's the practical charm of under cabinet lighting and toe kick lighting for a stylish touch that offers different levels of illumination adding a subtle yet a well-lit foundation to the kitchen space.
Similarly, lighting ideas for the dining area, placing table lamps on a console contrast beautifully with surrounding elements and with hanging lights over a dining table. Pair sleek glass table lamps against a backdrop of neutral walls with wooden hanging lights for a modern and natural look. For a minimalist feel, metal lamps offer a sleek and focused spotlight over the dining table while maintaining an understated vibe.
Living Room
In the living room, a table lamp placed on an end table next to your favorite chair will give you the light you need for reading or relaxing without competing with the ambient lighting. Floor lamps are another great option for task lighting, especially when positioned near a sofa or armchair. Look for lamps that allow you to adjust the light direction, so you can focus light exactly where you need it.
Quick Tip: When choosing task lighting types, think about the height and placement. For example, lights should be positioned high enough so they don’t block your view, but low enough to offer targeted illumination.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Before you start layering in all your artificial lights, take stock of the natural light your room gets. Natural light brings an entirely different vibe to a space, and maximizing it can have a huge impact on how the types of lighting layers in your home.
For living rooms or dining rooms, make sure you’re not blocking windows with heavy curtains or furniture. Light, sheer drapes or blinds that let in the natural light while providing some privacy are perfect for maintaining that airy feel. Consider reflective surfaces like mirrors or glossy furniture to help bounce light around the room and create a brighter atmosphere.
For the bedroom, a simple change like swapping out heavy, dark bedding for lighter colors can help amplify the natural light streaming in. If you have a reading nook, placing it near a window will give you the perfect blend of natural and task lighting.
Layering Lighting For the Perfect Balance
From entryways to dining rooms and bedrooms, our statement home lighting brings a sleek modern appeal to any room as a chic accessory.