Lighting sets the mood of any space. Whether you’re planning a quiet and romantic evening at home or brightening up your workspace, the right lighting makes a world of difference. One of the best ways to achieve the perfect atmosphere is by using layered lighting. Here’s how to easily add layered lighting to your home.
Layering is the single most important part of any room design – layers add visual interest to a space, making the room more dynamic rather than plain and one-dimensional.
Layering lighting in a room is not a new concept; designers have been using it for decades to add flexibility to a space and create ambiance. It’s the combination of three main types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Each layer serves a purpose and when combined, they transform your space into something pretty amazing.
Ambient Lighting: This is your room’s general, all-over light. It helps you see and move around. It can come from ceiling fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lights, or recessed lighting. Think of it as the base layer of your lighting setup.
Task Lighting: Task lighting is meant for specific tasks like reading, cooking, or working. This layer includes lights like desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, or vanity lights.
Accent Lighting: Accent lighting adds drama and highlights specific areas or objects in a room, like artwork. Think of spotlights, track lighting, or even LED strips.
Depending on the room, a certain lighting layer will appear more dominant. For the living room and bedroom, ambient lighting is given more attention as it can create a relaxing mood. Alternatively, task lighting is given more priority for the kitchen and bathroom because those areas use lighting for functionality and efficiency.
Remember, the kitchen is the heart of your home and needs the best lighting and ambiance. So, before you begin looking at lighting options for the kitchen area, consider the layout of the room.
The first step is to establish the base layer starting with ambient lighting. Choose a light fixture that fills the room with even light. Ceiling lights, chandeliers, or large pendant lights are all good options. Once you have your general lighting in place, you can move on to the next layer: task lighting.
Think about where you need brighter, focused light. A reading nook could benefit from a table lamp, while the kitchen needs under-cabinet lighting for food prep on countertops. Make sure your task lights are adjustable so you can focus the light exactly where you need it.
Finally, finish with accent lighting to highlight special features in the room. You can use spotlights or picture lights to draw attention to artwork or family photos. Accent lighting is also perfect for creating a cozy vibe. Try using a soft table lamp or a string of fairy lights to add warmth, charm, and ambiance.
Now that you have the layers in place, it’s time to balance them. Depending on the room’s purpose, one layer may be more dominant. However, finding a balance between all three will create a cohesive, inviting space.
Consider the Mood: Think about the vibe you want to create in each room. Bright, clear lighting is great for workspaces, while warm, soft light is perfect for relaxing spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.
Mix it Up: Don’t rely on just one type of light. Using a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting gives your room depth and flexibility.
Save money: Consider using energy-efficient lighting like LEDs. They not only save you money but also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a great option for layered lighting.
If you’re planning to sell your home, layered lighting is essential. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that can attract potential buyers and make your space feel more appealing.
And if you’re ready to sell, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
~ Leigh Brown and your One Community Real Estate® Team
hello@leighsells.com | 704-705-7036
Leigh Brown & Associates | One Community Real Estate®
Our REALTORS® embrace the role of those who sell, who lead & who influence our communities as your Real Estate Advocates. #onecommunity
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Guest Blogger: Tammy Pitts
Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family, which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.
Author. Coach. Keynote speaker. Leigh Brown is laser-focused on inspiring real estate agents to break through and Just Say Hi!
