Layered Lighting: The Secret to Dynamic and Appealing Interiors

Layered Lighting: The Secret to Dynamic and Appealing Interiors

Designed and installed effectively, lighting has the power to completely transform spaces, adding depth, warmth, and character whilst also improving practicality and comfort.​

No longer the ‘magic secret’ held by lighting and interior designers, today’s savvy homemakers and DIYers recognise how effective lighting design can play a role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their home.

One of the key principles of lighting design that drives this is layering. An approach that combines different forms of lighting to create dynamic, functional, and visually appealing interiors that cater to different needs and moods throughout the day.

So, what is layered lighting and what does it entail?

Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, a layered lighting scheme can incorporate three different types of lighting – ambient, task and accent.

Ambient lighting is what many would consider the ‘traditional’ or ‘main’ lighting source in a room, often provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures or recessed downlights.

Task lighting is a more focussed source of lighting that provides visibility for specific activities such as reading, cooking, shaving or working. Downlights or over-mirror lights in a bathroom or under-cabinet and pendant lights over kitchen islands are great examples of this type of lighting solution.

Accent lighting is a more decorative lighting source, typically used to add dimension to rooms and create atmosphere. This includes fixtures such LED strip lighting, picture lights or wall lights which can be used to draw attention to specific architectural features or decorative items.

And it is not just lighting format that is important when it comes to layering lighting. Different lighting technologies also play a key role in achieving an effective scheme.

From smart bulbs that provide detailed colour and brightness selection, to motion sensors and voice-activated controls that enable reactive automation, there are varied solutions that enhance the functionality of all three types of lighting and create a more professional result.

Combining a number of different lighting solutions can create real standout in a number of spaces in the home. For example, a kitchen could feature under cabinet lights to illuminate work surfaces (task lighting), recessed ceiling lights (ambient), and LED strips under cabinet bases (accent); and incorporating technologies such as smart lighting will achieve a true layering effect and enable the room to be used in different ways throughout the day – from cooking, to working, to relaxing.