Lighting is an often overlooked necessity when it comes to decorating your home. Many people just place a couple of matching end lamps next to the sofa and rely on overhead fixtures to provide sufficient illumination. However, a properly lit room is not only beautiful but, importantly, much more functional.
Most lighting experts will tell you that a good lighting plan has three layers: task, ambient and accent lighting.
Task lighting
Task lighting may just be the most important layer. It provides sufficient lighting for reading, crossword puzzles, work, cooking – whatever you enjoy doing in the space. A proper reading lamp should cast the light over your shoulder and onto the page you are reading or project you are working on. Use a 150-watt bulb to reduce eye strain and prevent glare.
Task lighting can come in the form of table lamps, wall lamps, and under-counter lighting in the kitchen or floor lamps. Overhead lighting is often too far away to provide proper illumination for most tasks.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is used to light an entire room or space. This is most often accomplished through ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers and pendants, track lighting and recessed lighting. You should be able to move about your rooms freely– no more stubbed toes or knocking over furniture with the proper ambient lighting fixtures.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting adds personality to your space. It might highlight a special piece of artwork, brighten a dark corner or draw your eye to a focal point. Sconces, wall mounted lamps, picture lights, track lighting and small lamps are all forms of accent lighting.
A properly lit room will have a combination of all three of these lighting types. Hickory Furniture Mart has a variety of different lighting showrooms, making it easy to choose a good lighting plan for your home.