Lighting and Light Fixtures

Types of Light

Think about maximizing the natural light you have or could have. To increase the amount of natural light you receive throughout the day, you might want to install a large window or trim bushes or trees that block sunlight from entering the house.

Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting or background lighting, should resemble the natural light you receive during the day. There are two types of ambient light: direct and indirect. A fixture that throws its light downward is an example of direct lighting. A fixture that throws its light to the ceiling casts indirect lighting. Fixtures that help provide ambient lighting are wall lights, downlights, uplights, and standard lamps.

Accent Lighting
Accent lighting can almost lend an artistic quality that brings a space and objects to life by adding texture and shape. Fixtures that help achieve accent lighting include halogen spotlights, downlights, uplights, track lighting, and table lamps.

Task Lighting
Task lighting is one of the most important types because it's what you use for a specific activity such as reading, working at a computer, cooking, or doing crafts with the kids. Task lights usually have tungsten, halogen, or fluorescent light bulbs. Fixtures might include an angled desk lamp or a clip-on spotlight.