Light layering is about creating different shades of light, playing with shadows and using colours to enhance your space and make it both more functional and beautiful. Multiple light sources help balance a room while adding depth and dimension. There are three basic levels of light layering that work in different ways in your bedroom, lounge room, dining room, bathroom, kitchen or entrance way.
Ambient Lighting
Is considered the base level of lighting. Done well, it makes a room considerably more welcoming. It provides an area with overall illumination and a comfortable level of brightness to see and move about safely. Ambient lighting is typically provided by ceiling-mounted luminaires, with illumination mainly for orientation and general vision. Examples of ambient lighting include downlights, spotlights, oysters, batten-fix, pendants and wall-mounted luminaires.
Task Lighting
Provides a direct source of light for a specific activity like reading, grooming, preparing food and cooking, doing homework and playing games. Ensuring adequate task lighting makes a work environment more pleasant, free of glare and shadows and bright enough to prevent eye strain. Examples of task lighting include track lighting systems, spotlights, wall-mounted, pendants & under-cabinet luminaires
Accent Lighting
Adds drama to a room or area by creating visual interest. It can be used to draw the eye to items such as artworks or displays, highlight architectural design elements and outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting is often provided by downlights, under-cabinet luminaires, spotlights and track lighting systems.
Bathroom Lighting:
Lighting in your bathroom is one of the most important elements for creating both a functional and beautiful space. Personal grooming such as shaving or putting make up on requires quality task lighting, while ambient lighting is important for creating calm and a retreat feels in your new bathroom.
Ambient Light Layer
Suspend ceiling-mounted lights such as oysters, small pendants and chandeliers centrally to provide light for bathing, showering and moving about. 3 in 1 luminaire with integrated heating lamps and exhausts is an alternative. Downlights designed for wet areas can be positioned around a room’s perimeter.
Task Light Layer
Grooming tasks need wall-mounted luminaires on both sides of the mirror for even, shadow-free facial lighting. For larger, landscape-shaped mirrors, strip/horizontal wall-mounted luminaires placed above will more effective. Good task lighting is essential for tasks such as shaving and reading.
Accent Light Layer
Add a chandelier or pendant in the centre of the room to add character. LED strip lighting under bench-tops and in storage nooks will enhance features such as splashbacks. Under-cabinet lighting makes late-night trips to the bathroom safer and easier.
Kitchen Lighting:
Your new kitchen will be the most used area of your home so getting your light plan perfect should be high on your renovation wishlist. Safety is paramount, with sufficient task lighting for preparing meals, while ambient lighting is crucial in creating a welcoming and relaxing space.
Ambient Light Layer
Position downlights around the perimeter of the room or install a ceiling-mounted luminary centrally.
Task Light Layer
Choose a row of miniature pendants or a track lighting system positioned over an island bench, with under-cabinet luminaries. This could include strip lighting for work areas.
Accent Light Layer
Install strip lighting under bench-tops and cabinets to highlight features such as splash backs. Glass cabinets and shelving can also be enhanced with strip lighting.