Lighting is one thing we use on daily basis, however the best lighting selections can rapidly take an area from common to ambiance. Whether or not you’re glamming up your Los Angeles rental, adorning your own home in Seattle, or elevating the vibe in a New York residence, you need to undoubtedly implement this design trick each inside professional is aware of: a method referred to as layered lighting.
Recessed lighting, a dangling pendant, and under-cabinet lights present lighting depth on this kitchen.
What’s layered lighting?
“Layered lighting uses three types of lighting to make a room feel comfortable, look good, and function well in everyday life,” explains Anayeli Carrillo at Dkor Interiors in Miami.
As a substitute of counting on a single overhead fixture, layered lighting blends ambient, job, and accent lighting so as to add depth, dimension, and adaptability to a room. Every layer serves a particular objective—setting the temper, spotlighting a workspace, or highlighting architectural particulars—and collectively, they assist create a balanced and fantastically lit surroundings.
The three sorts of lighting
“We always recommend layering different types of light to create both comfort and function,” Carrillo says. Efficient layered lighting makes use of three sorts of mild that work collectively to light up and improve an inside:
Normal lighting: ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting that brighten all the house.
Job lighting: suppose desk lamps or under-cabinet lights that help centered actions.
Accent lighting: mild sources like wall sconces or LED strips that spotlight options and add an ornamental contact.
“Task lighting is a must: it provides focused light for activities like reading, cooking, or getting ready,” Carrillo expands. “We usually suggest placing lamps or wall lights near desks, vanities, kitchen counters, or bedsides.”
For the ultimate layer, the specialists at Dkor Interiors advocate ornamental lighting. “It brings personality, style, and visual interest to the space,” says Carrillo. “A beautiful floor lamp or a unique table lamp can act as both a decorative accent and a practical light source. Even without overhead lighting, these thoughtful layers can transform a room into cozy and intentionally designed space. By combining all three, we create spaces that are both practical and nice to look at, choosing the right lighting mix based on the needs of each room.”
A number of mild sources carry heat and depth to this lounge.
Why you need to layer your lighting
Incorporating layered lighting into your own home has extra advantages than simply good design. “To be honest, I don’t prefer overhead lighting,” admits Nohea Sentenac, proprietor of Sentenac Home Interiors in Mesa, AZ. “It’s not natural to your circadian rhythm—it makes you feel like the sun is always above you, so it’s always noon in your brain.”
To assist wind down: “I always advocate for layered lighting between the abdomen and just above eye level,” Sentenac advises. “Mix up table lamps, floor lamps, cordless mini lamps…even candles.”
Lighting can have an effect on the temper of an area greater than you may understand. “Light color (warm vs. cool), light texture (directional vs. diffuse), and light intensity (bright vs. dark) are three fundamental aspects of lighting that can significantly impact the mood of a space,” says Jorgelina Lopez at La Loupe Design.
Put into apply: Select mild sources with a heat colour temperature, between 2700K and 3000K, to create an inviting and enjoyable environment, Lopez recommends.
Sensible design suggestions for layered lighting
Whereas layered lighting units the temper and tone of your own home, the fixtures you select, the place you place them, and even the bulbs themselves play a big half within the general look of an area.
“We love starting with a minimalist floor lamp—especially one with a curved arm—for its ability to cast a wide, gentle glow that instantly warms up a reading nook or quiet corner,” says Lien at mild fixture supplier Lighting Homei. “From there, wall sconces and table lamps placed at different heights help build depth and mood throughout the space.”
Lien says to consider lighting not simply as one thing obligatory, however as a design assertion that provides character and concord. “Subtle variations in shape, material, and placement can transform a dim room into a calm, inviting retreat,” they are saying. “With the right mix, you’ll create a space that feels lived-in, layered, and effortlessly cozy.” Right here’s some design tricks to contemplate when layering lighting in your house.
Use subtle mild
So as to add depth and visible curiosity, Lopez says to concentrate on various textures and intensities of sunshine. “Soft diffuse light defines the brightness of the space, and directional accent lighting creates visual interest through contrast,” she explains. “To achieve diffuse light, select fixtures or shades that distribute light evenly instead of those with exposed bulbs.”
Nick Ciurej, who owns cozy cabin decor firm The Cabin Shack, says to think about desk lamps with delicate, textured lampshades—like a linen or cotton material—that may additionally diffuse mild gently throughout the room, good for studying or leisure.
The lamp shades on this rustic lounge give texture and permit the sunshine to diffuse.
Deal with heat
Ambient lighting helps to set the temper of a room. “Go for warm, amber-toned bulbs to make your space feel inviting rather than daylight bulbs,” Ciurej recommends. “To add a bit of charm, string lights or fairy lights tucked into bookshelves or draped along walls can give off a warm, twinkling effect that feels both magical and cozy. For smaller spaces or rooms with limited surface area, wall sconces are an excellent solution especially with dimmable bulbs.”
Strip lights for locations like below cupboards or above soffits are an ideal various to a hardwired resolution, Sentenac says. “For the outdoors, string lights and solar lights are great non-permanent solutions,” she recommends.
Don’t neglect room corners
Utilizing the corners of a room to strategically place lights assist create concord with on a regular basis items and convey easy stability, particularly when positioned on facet tables or low furnishings, shares mild design firm Simplini. “It’s also a smart, practical move: corners often have nearby outlets, so you can skip messy cords and keep a clean, modern look,” the group says.
“Once the base glow is set, layer the atmosphere with one accent piece you truly love. A sculptural or iconic design adds character and becomes an emotional focal point of the room.”
Different lighting design options
There might be a lot to consider when utilizing layered lighting in your house, however our specialists had been fast to level out suggestions to assist stability the house—no inside designer required.
“Floor and table lamps can anchor a space with soft ambient light, while wall sconces add vertical interest and balance,” shares the group at Goldman Lumen Lighting Options. “Dimmable lights allow you to shift the mood from bright and energizing to calm and relaxing. To make a room feel more inviting and lived-in, use warm-toned bulbs and place lights at different heights.”
Suggestions for layered lighting by room
Now that we’ve coated the fundamentals of layered lighting design, it’s time to place all of it collectively—room by room. Right here’s what our specialists advocate.
This color-drenched lounge is complimented by heat bulbs and the glow from the off-room bar.
Bed room lighting
“Creating a cozy, warm room is all about layering light sources and choosing fixtures that enhance the ambiance. In bedrooms, wall sconces are an excellent choice. They can be set up to provide soft, diffused light while also adding a touch of elegance to your space. Pairing them with table or floor lamps can create depth and ensure ample illumination throughout the room.” – Jonathan Schmidt, Lead Product Designer at Lusa Lighting
Youngsters’s room lighting
“For children’s rooms, lighting can be both fun and practical. Try playful hanging lampshades shaped like sea animals with adjustable brightness to create a calming atmosphere at bedtime. Decorative, whimsical lamps can add fun during playtime and make the room cheerful. Cordless lamps or rechargeable nightlights placed safely within reach help kids feel secure and independent at night, reducing worries about darkness while being safe and easy to use.” – Vasili Lights, specializing in lights for youngsters’s rooms
Lounge lighting
“For the living room, strategically positioning and combining multiple light sources at varying heights throughout the room will establish balanced and welcoming ambient light while adding versatility. Include a wall lamp with an extended arm for medium-level lighting. A tall floor lamp with a diffused shade in the room’s corners will soften its edges, and multiple table lamps can ensure an even distribution of ambient light.” – Jorgelina Lopez, La Loupe Design
Eating room lighting
“In the dining room, wall-mounted uplights add volume and contribute to an all-encompassing glow that expands the space, while a decorative pendant lamp over the dining table enhances the mood and atmosphere, serving to anchor the space. If overhead lighting isn’t an option, plug-in pendant lights provide a convenient solution without needing electrical wiring. They can be hung with decorative hooks and cord stay accessories for a clean cord running along the wall.” – Jorgelina Lopez, La Loupe Design
Kitchen lighting
“For kitchens, pendant lights over countertops offer both functionality and style, casting focused light where you need it most. Undercabinet lighting is another must-have in the kitchen—it illuminates countertops in a way downlights or pendants just can’t achieve on their own. It can also provide more than enough indirect light to be used on its own later in the day as you begin to wind down. By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can achieve a beautifully lit space that feels warm and welcoming at any time of day.” – Jonathan Schmidt, Lead Product Designer at Lusa Lighting
So how are you going to carry layered lighting into your own home? Sierra Walters, graphic designer on the dwelling decor and staging firm The Cozy Dwelling, describes her expertise with styling houses and creatively mild any room.
The nice and cozy lamp within the nook creates a focul level on this maximalist residence.
“Torchiere style floor lamps with shades shaped to reflect the light upwards and off the walls can make the room feel larger and ceilings higher,” Walters reveals. “Job lighting for seating areas makes for a superb studying nook or practical lighting. Desk lamps with heat, increased wattage bulbs and light-colored shades can be utilized to fill the house.
“Add table or task lamps to bookshelves, end tables, and sofa tables to lighten spaces throughout the room. They can even help in the kitchen. Try a small stylish task lamp in a deep kitchen corner or under cabinet lighting for a high-end look. Accent lighting brings design to the room in addition to light. This may include a spot light on wall art as a focal point or even a whimsical lighted art piece as décor to add mood and ambiance. Whatever your lighting limitations are, there are always many solutions to try.”
