There are three types of lighting for you to consider when planning your dream remodel. Lighting is a more complex and important subject than just one blog can cover. Today, we’ll discuss the various functions of lighting and the three main types to consider – general lighting, task lighting, and mood lighting.
What is General Lighting?
This is your basic lighting that allows you to maneuver safely through your home. It provides overall light for an area’s use and is sometimes called “the big light.” You typically don’t give much thought to this lighting because it’s just there and does its job. Examples of fixtures used for general lighting would be recessed lighting and ceiling-mounted fixtures. If not done correctly, general lighting can ruin the desired aesthetic of a space and can be either too bright or too dim, making it hard to function within the room. You need ample general lighting for safety but don’t want to have to end up with football stadium lighting!
What is Task Lighting?
Task lighting is strategically placed lighting designed to assist you with a specific task. Examples are: under cabinet lighting in a kitchen to help with cooking, or a lighted makeup mirror in your bathroom. It’s typically a brighter and more focused light that can ease the stress on the eyes and help make those tasks easier to complete. This type of light is generally on a single switch and is located close to the activity, so it can be accessed easily.
What is Mood Lighting?
Mood lighting, also known as decorative lighting, actually serves a dual purpose. In addition to providing needed light, the choice of style and design also adds to the overall aesthetic of the space. . You can, of course, create a mood simply by adding candles on a dining table, but you can also achieve a similar effect by adding a dimmer switch to your general lighting. Additionally, you can use smaller lamps or accent lights to create mood lighting to enhance the ambience of the room. Adding a small chandelier over a freestanding tub, for example, can bring a level of luxury and relaxation to the space.
As you can see, the decisions concerning the correct lighting can be a bit overwhelming, but this is where our designers shine…pun intended!