Lighting can make or break the look and feel of any interior space. With thoughtful lighting design, you can not only illuminate a room, but also set the mood, highlight architectural details, and make the space more functional. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of layering light through different lighting elements to create depth, drama, and interest in your home.
In the first few lines, we introduced the idea of using layered lighting to sculpt a space. Lighting is like a sculptor’s tools, allowing you to shape the atmosphere and dimensions of a room. When used strategically, it brings out the best in your interior design.
What is Lighting Layering?
Lighting layering refers to using multiple lighting sources in a coordinated way to light a space. The goal is to create a hierarchy of illumination that provides both general and task lighting as needed. This layered approach combines ambient, accent, and functional lighting to make a room feel warm, inviting and dimensional.
With lighting layers, you don’t depend on a single central overhead light to illuminate the entire space. Instead, you thoughtfully distribute light from several sources at different elevations and intensities. This sculpts the space by creating zones of light and shadow that add visual interest. It’s a more organic, nuanced way to bring light into a room.
History of Lighting Layers
The use of layered lighting dates back to the early 20th century and the influential Bauhaus school of design in Germany. Bauhaus interiors relied on multiple light sources to shape space by highlighting specific areas while leaving others in shadow.
In the 1930s-1950s, lighting master Richard Kelly extended these ideas. He defined three fundamental types of architectural lighting: ambient, focal glow, and play of brilliants. This approach uses different fixtures and effects to sculpt a space. Kelly’s principles guide interior lighting design to this day.
Since mid-century, the layered lighting approach has taken off. Improvements in lighting technology, such as track lights and dimmers, allow for more creativity and control. Today, interior designers blend multiple lighting tools to produce stunning, customizable lighting schemes.
Elements of Lighting Layers
Typically, a layered lighting plan incorporates some combination of the following:
- Ambient lighting – General, overall illumination from ceiling or wall fixtures
- Task lighting – Direct light focused on a specific surface or area
- Accent lighting – Directional lighting to highlight a particular object, architectural detail or part of the room
- Decorative lighting – Adds style through creative fixtures and visible bulbs
- Natural lighting – Maximizing illumination from windows, skylights, and other exterior sources
With these lighting tools, you can spotlight rooms, wall features, artwork, and even particular furniture pieces. The blending of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to spaces.
How to Achieve Lighting Layers
Here are some tips and strategies for sculpting your interior with layered lighting:
Combine Ambient and Task Lighting
Anchor the space with general ambient lighting from overhead fixtures or wall sconces. Then supplement with task lighting where needed – at desks, reading nooks, kitchen countertops, etc. This provides both overall illumination and focused light for specific activities.
Use Directional Lighting for Accents
Add track, rail, or adjustable recessed lighting to spotlight architectural details, art, collections, and furniture. Aim directional lighting at the most important focal points to make them stand out.
Mix Lighting at Different Heights
Install lighting at varying elevations throughout the room – from floor lamps and wall sconces at lower levels to pendants and chandeliers hanging above. This helps reduce shadows and makes the lighting pleasing and natural.
Employ Dimmer Switches
Use dimmers on key lighting elements so you can control the ambience in a space. Brighten things up for tasks or dim for relaxing evenings. This also allows you to balance and adjust the lighting layers as needed.
Don’t Overlook Natural Light
Make the most of daylight. Consider bigger windows, skylights, or solar tubes to let natural light sculpt the space. Then use artificial lighting to complement and extend the natural illumination.
Select Warm Color Temperatures
Choose bulbs and fixtures with warmer color temperatures (3000K or below) to create a welcoming glow in living areas. Crisper daylight (3500-4000K) works better in task-oriented spaces like kitchens.
Bounce and Uplight
Use sconces or accent lights to graze walls and ceilings to spread ambient illumination. Bouncing and uplighting eliminates harsh shadows and provides even, flattering light.
Highlight Focal Points
Use narrow-beam adjustable lights or mini-track systems to spotlight prized paintings, sculptures, architectural niches, bookshelves, and collections to make them pop.
Layer Lighting From the Ground Up
Start with ambient ground-level lighting like floor and table lamps, then add mid-level lighting from wall sconces, pendants, and chandeliers, finishing with ceiling wash lighting. This builds contrast and dimension from the floor to the ceiling.
Control Layers with Switches and Dimmers
Use separate switches and dimmers to control distinct lighting layers. This allows you to vary the strength and mood of each layer. For example, keep general lights bright for cleaning and dim accent lighting low for movies.
Best Practices for Lighting Layers
To get the most out of your layered lighting design, keep these best practices in mind:
- Blend at least three layers – Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to sculpt an inviting glow.
- Light the walls – Illuminate wall surfaces to spread soft, indirect light into the room.
- Avoid glare – Select fixtures that diffuse and soften light. Use dimmers and shades to control excessive brightness.
- Highlight entryways – Welcome guests with accent lighting in foyers, over front doors, and on exterior paths.
- Light art properly – Follow museum standards by limiting light on artworks to 50-200 lux, using LEDs not halogens.
- Light dining spaces – Use pendants or chandeliers to create ambient sparkle over dining tables. Install undercabinet lighting in kitchens.
- Consider furniture placement – Position furnishings to maximize lamp and overhead lighting.
- Choose dimmable fixtures – Dimmers allow you to control brightness, set scenes, and save energy.
- Layer lighting inside and out – Extend interior lighting layers outside to terraces, patios, and garden paths with smart outdoor fixtures.
- Automate it – Use smart bulbs and programmable switches to schedule lights for convenience and security.
Conclusion
Lighting layers allow you to craft exceptional interior lighting. By blending complementary types and sources of light, you can sculpt any residential or commercial space to match your vision. Aim for a harmonious balance of ambient fill, task, and accent lighting tailored to how the room will be used. Place fixtures at varying elevations for natural effects. The result will be a warm, welcoming, multi-dimensional interior that appears carefully curated. With the right lighting layers, your interior design dreams can shine bright.
