What is layering lighting?

In a home, layering lighting is the art of using multiple different lighting sources in order to provide task lighting, ambient lighting or accent lighting. Your kitchen, for example, is often a multifunctional space. Sometimes you need task lighting to read your cookbook or chop your vegetables, and sometimes your kitchen the gathering spot while you are entertaining.

The first type of lighting that is essential to have is task lighting. This means that you have the optimal amount of lumens to be able to perform the tasks that you will be doing in each room. This is why most homeowners have a combination of low profile flush mounts and pendant lights in the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is another bonus for task lighting! This is also why your hood most likely has lights installed in it. More examples of task lighting that homeowners add during the build is lighting at a makeup vanity, additional lights in the office, or additional lights in the garage for a work bench.

The second type of lighting is ambient lighting. A successful setup of ambient lighting would mean that you have many sources of low light that set a peaceful mood in your home. This is another great reason to add under cabinet lighting! It evenly lights up your countertop with a soft glow. Ambiance is the reason why dimmers are so common. Puck lights in glass cabinetry add beautiful ambient lighting. Another trend that adds ambiance is led strip lighting underneath the toe kick of your cabinets. When you are furnishing your home, having a collection of lamps helps too.

Accent lighting is the cherry on top of a well-planned lighting collection! The idea of accent lighting can actually be achieved by considering it while you are adding your task and ambient lighting. This includes selecting interesting pieces that you love and will act as a focal point in the room! An example of this is the collection of sputnik lights in the foyer of our Middleton model. This can also mean that it is lighting that accents other decorative pieces that you plan to showcase in your home! This can be done through adding puck lights that showcase your glassware in your glass cabinets, or by adding a sconce above an art niche.

There are endless ways to have fun with light fixtures. When designing a home, it is easy to achieve a high-end or custom feel just by implementing creative lighting installations that make your home feel unique.