Types of Lighting PDF

TYPES OF LIGHTING
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Proper lighting can have a significant impact on how you feel in a space, and each space
may call for a variety of different lighting requirements. A good lighting setup combines
different kinds of lighting to create a welcoming space where you can easily work or relax.
There are three basic types of lighting you should layer in a room in order to accomplish
this:
 Ambient or general lighting

 Accent lighting
 Task lighting
Ambient/General Lighting
This is one of the most common types of lighting. Ambient light is a soft glow that blankets
your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. In photography
and cinematography, ambient light is considered the "natural light" within a room. In décor,
ambient light is very similar, except you create the ambient light by making the room's
lighting as natural and flat as possible. While ambient light is meant to get you safely from
point A-to-B, it is not ideal for working closely with things or to highlight things around your
space.
How to Light a Room with General Lighting?
When used correctly, ambient light creates a fantastic environment to relax from an overly
stressful day or to have a warm conversation with an old friend. Ambient lighting is often
referred to as mood lighting, because this light captures the soft curves of your face and
allows your pupils to dilate slightly (a physical sign of affection). Some yoga studios have
even begun using the softer ambient lighting in their classes to help draw stress from the
body.
Types of fixtures that can provide general ambient indoor lighting:
Ceiling lights:
Ceiling lights are the most commonly used form of house lighting. Mounted flush to the
ceiling, these lights provide low-light. They are typically attached to a wall switch.
Recessed lighting:
When placed on a dimmer switch, recessed lighting can be used for ambient ceiling lighting.
Table lamps:
If you want a truly cozy ambience, try adding a shaded table lamp on an occasional table.
The ambient effect is immediate.
Torchière lamps:
A torchière floor or table lamp reflects light toward the ceiling. This lighting option
brightens up any corner or area in a room.
Chandeliers:
A chandelier is one of the most dramatic types of fixtures. Some chandelier designs provide
both up lighting and down lighting.
ACCENT LIGHTING
This is a very concentrated light with the intention of drawing the eye to its focal point.
Accent lighting is a way of adding style and drama to your home. This will help you
illuminate the pieces you want on display, while shadowing dull areas. People use accenting
for wall washing, artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of furniture, collections and the
general architecture of their homes. Outdoor accent lighting is when you highlight parts of
the architecture of your home or yard. This is very popular during the holidays, especially
Halloween and Christmas.
How to Use Accent Lighting?
Accent lighting is one of the types of lighting that creates a very sophisticated atmosphere.
It evokes feelings of meaning and importance to the images it displays. This lighting type is
used a lot for museums, historical buildings and art shows.
Types of fixtures that provide ambient outdoor lighting:
Recessed lighting:
Recessed lighting provides a subtle way to illuminate the perimeter of a room, add softer
lighting to rooms, illuminate bookcases, or provide under cabinet lighting.
Wall sconces:
Wall sconces are a great mood-setter for a room. Whether it provides up lighting or down
lighting, this type of light fixture can brighten a hallway, provide additional lighting for a
dining room buffet, or free up floor and surface space in a bathroom.
Track lighting:
Popularized in the 1970s, track lighting is still a favourite choice for many people wishing to
highlight works of art. It can also be used to provide up lighting or down lighting.
Ceiling Lighting Picture lighting:
Art buffs enjoy picture lighting that can be place directly above a painting. This type of light
fixture provides direct down lighting to highlight the work of art.
Cove lighting:
Cove lighting is used for ceilings, especially tray ceilings (also referred to as trey ceilings),
valances, and l edges. The lighting strip is placed between the cove and the ceiling.
TASK LIGHTING
This is a smaller more concentrated light. You want task lighting around when you’re
working. In fact, some people call it office lighting. Task lighting is meant to help you see
when you’re doing projects in which you need a finer light, such as, reading, cooking,
writing, sewing and many other things. Task lighting only works well when it is used as a
contrasting light. For example, if you have a low lit room with a swing arm lamp turned on
over your desk, the light over the desk surface will be more effective with less glare or
shadow-effect than if the entire room was lit with a brighter light.
How to Use Task Lighting?
Task lighting helps naturally stimulate your brain. The contrasting light allows you to be
more alert and concentrated. This will help you see more details as you work, creating
higher quality results. This is why many businesses choose to use task lighting in their
offices.
Types of fixtures that provide task lighting:
Under cabinet lighting:
Typically mounted beneath a cabinet, under cabinet lighting added to a kitchen, workshop
or craft room provides excellent task lighting.
Pendant:
Pendant lights are popular in kitchens and some bathroom designs. Suspended from the
ceiling, these lights provide direct overhead lighting to work areas.
Desk illuminated by desk lamp Desk lamps:
A desk lamp, especially one with a movable arm or goose neck is an ideal task light.
Table lamps: A table lamp can provide needed lighting for a desk work space, living room or
bedside table. For example, a pair of buffet table lamps can be just the right touch for
serving dinners.
Wall sconces:
Some areas requiring task lighting might not be ideal for table lamps that would take up
valuable storage, work, or serving surfaces. In these spaces, wall sconces that provide
downright can be a good alternative for task lighting.
Other Lighting Effects
Other than the lighting systems mentioned above there are a number of effects that can be
created through the medium of light. These are mainly decorative effects and are used as
part of the decorating scheme. Some of the main lighting effects are:
Backlighting: Rear lighting technique that diffuses light through translucent materials
Highlighting: Emphasizes featured object by creating 5 to 10 times the amount of

brightness on the object than in the background. High contrast attracts attention.
Decorative Luminaries: Often used for style or glitter/sparkle rather than light-producing
qualities. To reduce contrast if strictly decorative, use low wattage lamps, dimming switch,
and supplementary ambient & task lighting
Decorative Lighting: Light as art. Light output assumes unique and original forms. High
contrast environment enhances impact.
Silhouetting: Sandwiches an object between viewer and sheet of light. Object is outlined
by the light the brightness of which serves as negative space. Details on face of object are
obliterated.
Shadow play: Occurs where pattern of light is the background, or negative space, and
shape of shadow carries the message.
Beam play: Opposite of shadow play where light beam becomes the visual feature.
Sometimes achieved with gobos.
Coloured light: Use of coloured light sources to create special visual effects
Sparkle: Occurs when bits of small brightness appear on a dark background. Requires very
high contrast to be effective.

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TYPES OF LIGHTING

 Ambient or general lighting

How to Light a Room with General Lighting?

How to Use Accent Lighting?

Ceiling Lighting Picture lighting:

How to Use Task Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting:

Highlighting: Emphasizes featured object by creating 5 to 10 times the amount of

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