How To: Devise a Lighting Plan

Object or Accent Lighting

Accent lighting emphasizes objects by focusing light directly on them. You can create very dramatic effects with accent lighting by using directional luminaires. Be warned, however, that with accent lighting it is easy to overdo it — a room with too much accent lighting may appear disorganized and feel chaotic. Remember that if you light everything, nothing will be highlighted. To increase visual impact, try selecting lamps that focus a narrow beam of light on a small object with a minimum of stray light. Also, if you reduce the ambient light surrounding the accented object or area, you can still create effective highlights and save energy. For the most dramatic and efficient effects, place light-colored objects on a dark background, thereby reducing the output required to light your object and increasing the drama of the presentation.

Finally, task lighting provides focused light for specific tasks in a room that might also have ambient lighting. Task lighting is especially appropriate for seeing small objects or objects with little contrast. Remember that as people age they require more light to do the same visual tasks they did as younger people — a lot more light! Every room in your home could require some type of task lighting. Look first to the rooms where appliances are used when determining your task lighting needs: the kitchen, study, home office, workshop, or project room. A closer look at these and other room-specific lighting needs will mark the first step in a plan for smarter lighting design in your home.