Basic types of lighting
There are three basic types of lighting that work together to light your home.
- General
- Task
- Accent
A good lighting plan combines all three types to light an area, according to function and style.
General Lighting 
Provides an area with an overall illumination. Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights, and with lanterns outside your home. A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight, general lighting is fundamental to a lighting plan.
Task Lighting
Helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, hobbies, games, or balancing your check book. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and portable lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.
Accent Lighting
Adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of your decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculpture and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. This is usually provided by track, recessed or wall mounted fixtures.
See Also:
Shapes and forms of lighting >>