A Beginner’s Guide to Lighting in Layers
Discover the secrets of combining light sources to create richer-looking and more flexible living spaces
We often talk about creating layers of light, but what does that actually mean? Using multiple sources of light creates maximum effect in a space. For example, ambient lighting can be combined with task lighting to provide shadow-free work areas, while accent lighting adds drama and interest, and decorative lighting injects flair and personality. Using a mixture of fittings will create a richer home environment. Take a look at these examples to see how layered lighting can work for you.
Let different fixtures do different jobs. With the downlights taking care of the ambient lighting in this dining area, the decorative lights needn’t have a high output to do their job. Not all fixtures in a room have to emit the same level of light. Indeed, lighting everything equally ultimately means highlighting nothing at all.
This is a fun design that not only looks stunning in the daytime but also provides soft, intimate lighting for evening.
This is a fun design that not only looks stunning in the daytime but also provides soft, intimate lighting for evening.
Plan your downlights carefully. Downlight-based designs can be rich and interesting. This example avoids the most common pitfall of putting in a grid of downlights — which, if used indiscriminately, can suck the shape and soul out of a room — and instead focuses on what’s happening in different parts of the space.
The focus of attention can be changed by increasing or lowering different lights in different areas; it’s important to group lights together into smaller circuits to give you that flexibility. Bear in mind that you can always set separate circuits at the same level, but you can’t easily split 20 or 30 lights all wired to act as one!
This picture shows what can be achieved with intelligently zoned downlights and some careful thought.
The focus of attention can be changed by increasing or lowering different lights in different areas; it’s important to group lights together into smaller circuits to give you that flexibility. Bear in mind that you can always set separate circuits at the same level, but you can’t easily split 20 or 30 lights all wired to act as one!
This picture shows what can be achieved with intelligently zoned downlights and some careful thought.
Soften a bathroom with accent lighting. Bathrooms present one of the toughest challenges for LED lighting. Ideally, you want to control both the output and color temperature of the light throughout the day. Color temperature is how cool or warm the light appears. In a bathroom, it’s nice to have cool white light in the morning to wake you up and make you alert, while in the evening you want warm light to tell you that night and sleep are on the way.
LED is largely fixed in color temperature, but it’s still possible to layer lighting to use different circuits for different jobs. Good, accurate lighting for putting on makeup can be combined with low-level accent lights that can be used on their own late at night. The key is to separate the circuits to give you flexibility.
LED is largely fixed in color temperature, but it’s still possible to layer lighting to use different circuits for different jobs. Good, accurate lighting for putting on makeup can be combined with low-level accent lights that can be used on their own late at night. The key is to separate the circuits to give you flexibility.
Light personal features in your home. Accent lighting is all about picking out those features that matter to you. Great accent lighting can be almost hidden in full view, making your eye focus on the feature brought to life by the light.
LED offers great opportunities for accent lighting with remarkably small in-wall, uplight, downlight and linear fittings available for the tightest of spaces.
LED offers great opportunities for accent lighting with remarkably small in-wall, uplight, downlight and linear fittings available for the tightest of spaces.
Add intimacy with long-drop fixtures. The long-drop pendant coupled with the lighted onyx table achieves two different and seemingly incompatible effects in this triple-height entrance hall. The two light sources bring the lighting down to an intimate level in what could be a tricky space, while the long-drop pendant also draws your eye upward, emphasizing the glorious space.
It’s a clever solution that works well in the evening but also complements the natural light that streams in during the day.
It’s a clever solution that works well in the evening but also complements the natural light that streams in during the day.
Be consistent with color temperature. Using multiple light sources can unify a space better than a blanket of downlights, where all the light is coming from one direction.
One thing to bear in mind when using different light sources is that subtle variations in color will be accentuated. Take time to test different fittings alongside each other to create a harmonious scheme, as in this energizing, cool white kitchen.
One thing to bear in mind when using different light sources is that subtle variations in color will be accentuated. Take time to test different fittings alongside each other to create a harmonious scheme, as in this energizing, cool white kitchen.
Make a statement with color. With colored fixtures on separate circuits, it’s possible to turn a hardworking, utilitarian kitchen into a dramatic party and entertaining space when needed. Color-changing LED fittings and the increasing use of lighting control systems have made adding drama through color much more achievable.
Highlight an interesting ceiling with uplights. Pair miniature floor-mounted LED uplights with more traditional wall lights to emphasize the striking architecture of domed or curved ceilings, as the owners have done in this renovated Arts and Crafts house. The combination of light sources raises your eye through the space to make the most of the beautiful ceiling, and it also frames the door at the end of the corridor.
Layer task, ambient and accent lighting for maximum results. This bathroom demonstrates several types of lighting working at once. Downlighting provides the light we need to see and work in a space. The decorative fittings soften the room and layer the ambient light. The mirror fitting provides shadow-free makeup lighting, while the mirrored niches use miniature LED downlights to highlight key products and add a touch of glamour and personality.
Tell us: Has layered lighting altered your space for the better? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Tell us: Has layered lighting altered your space for the better? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Get Turned On to a Lighting Plan
Your Guide to Common Light Fixtures — and How to Use Them
It’s really worth getting a professional’s advice when you’re debating how to light multiuse rooms like this.