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Using lighting correctly can have a dramatic impact on how you feel within that space, and will also affect how you use the area. A good lighting setup will use multiple types of lighting in order to create different dimensions throughout the room. We’re aware that this can get a little confusing, which is why we have broken down the importance of ambient, task and accent lighting.

Layering lights in your home will create a better aesthetic, and can even give you a healthy boost should you take colour temperature into consideration too. We’re going to go through the three main types here with you today, so you can use LED lights to effectively brighten up your home.

Ambient Lighting

This is the most common type of lighting that you would see in any room as it adds an overall glow. It provides just enough light to see and move around safely and comfortably, and isn’t too intense. The effect of ambient lighting should lift the room naturally, while keeping everything relatively flat. As a rule, this means that ambient lighting shouldn’t be used for working closely with things, but should instead be used to relax in areas like the living room.

Typically used to create this type of mood lighting are: Chandeliers, Track Lights, Ceiling Lights, and Pendant fittings.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is an efficient way to illuminate a specific area of a room. As the name suggests, it is localised light to help with… you guessed it! Tasks!

Usually, these lights should produce little glare while still being bright enough to prevent any eye-strain issues. This is why you would normally use task lighting for reading, cooking or working.

The best fittings to use to receive this concentrated light are pendants or adjustable track lights with directional spotlights. Even table and desk lamps will be more than effective, and would work well with adjustable necks to allow you to direct the light as much as possible.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, on the other hand, creates a focal point, building on the already ambient light to create new dimensions. It is mainly used to draw attention to specific architectural features, or hanging art and pictures.

To accent successfully, the fitting should direct 3 times as much light towards the focal point in comparison to the rest of the room. The reason why LEDs are the best option to do this is due to their high CRI. In Laymen’s terms, this means that the light will show the true colouring of the artwork or imagery in all its glory, without distorting anything.

Better yet, their efficient heat sinks allow them to easily dissipate the heat that is created while they are on. This means that unlike a traditional halogen, they will remain fairly cool, so it won’t cause any damage.

You will often see fittings such as: Wall Lights, or recessed lights used to create the focal. Alternatively, there are specific fittings like the Capri Gold Twin Picture Wall Light that are designed with accenting in mind.

If you have any questions regarding us or our products, or if you need help with your very own lighting setup, feel free to get in touch! We can be reached over the phone on 0116 321 4120, or you can send us an email to cs@wled.co.uk.

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