Introduction of 3 Main Lighting Styles

    When lighting installation is done in a home or office, there is a common expectation among people. The expectation is based on the view that one type of lighting is all that is needed for all lighting functions. But is one type of lighting adequate for home lighting or office lighting? One type of lighting is neither adequate in a home or office. The different areas in a home require different types of lighting. A living room might need a combination of two or more types of lighting.

    On the other end, a bed room might only need one or two types of lighting. Such lighting issues require a broad understanding of lighting as a variable of interior and exterior décor. Lighting is majorly used for illumination purposes in homes. Other than illumination, lighting is used to facilitate visual interest in a room. A lighting design that is carefully created in a home accentuates its beauty and tranquility of a home. Basically, there are three types of lighting which serve different roles as will be explained in details below.

1. General/Ambient lighting

    A great lighting plan must consider general lighting since it is the one that is commonly used at home. General lamp is used to provide radiance for the entire room and is casually regarded as natural light. General lighting ensures people can see and move about in a room with utmost safety. The key purpose is to create lighting uniformity in all spaces regardless of whether there is task lighting and accent lighting or not. The amount of light that emanates from general lamp has to be of medium brightness to avoid dazzling light. This assures comfortable lighting in a home. Design experts recommend that general lighting should be given priority before considering task and accent lighting.

2. Task lighting

    This lighting is in some cases referred to as office lighting. It is lighting that is very concentrated on specific sections of a space to provide illumination in order to assist a given function. A general rule that has to be observed when using task lamp is to ensure sufficient level of brightness. In a home for instance, a study room, kitchen, dining room, bed rooms and bathrooms require task lighting. In a study room, a table lamp is necessary to enhance computer aided functions such as typing, writing and reading activities. A kitchen and dining room requires soft task lantern to facilitate food preparation and eating activities.

3. Accent lighting (highlighting)

    Indoor and outdoor accent lighting is vital in homes. Accent lighting is used for creating visual appeal which is an important factor in design. Accent lighting can create emphasis concerning a particular thing both in the interior and exterior of a home, it gives the impression of a larger space. The level of brightness in accent lighting is usually higher than that of other types of lighting. As such, it is possible for the targeted objects to become focal points and draw the attention of people. An attractive piece of furniture, book shelve or outdoor plant is capable of attracting the attention of people as a result of accent lighting. Both in a home or an office, photographs and large paintings catch the attention of people when accent lighting is used.

    In conclusion, one type of lighting cannot achieve home lighting and office lighting needs. As explained above, there are numerous types of lighting. Each category of lamp is meant for a unique role and works well     with specific lighting fixtures. Thus all the three types of lighting should be assimilated in a home. Since it is not easy for people to professionally harmonize these three types of lighting in a home, the service of lighting designers have to be used.