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There are three layers of light: ambient, task and accent. The size of your room and room type will determine which types you need, but in general you want at least two to properly light a room. Sometimes simply adding a layer of light can dramatically increase your home’s quality of light. 

Ambient lighting or general lighting is needed in every room. It provides a comfortable overall level of light. Ambient light sources are typically overhead lighting, and as a general rule it’s the best place to start when lighting a room.

Ambient light sources to consider for your lighting plan: ceiling fans, chandeliers, flush-mount/semi-flush-mount ceiling fixtures, pendants, recessed lighting, torchiere lamps, track lighting, vanity lighting and wall sconces.

Task lighting is just that – lighting that allows you to perform a task. It supplies the intense, direct light needed for detailed work – reading, cooking, prep, applying make-up – in places like the kitchen, office and bath.

Task light sources to consider for your lighting plan: desk lamps, island or mini pendants, track lighting, under-cabinet lighting, vanity lighting and work lamps.

Accent lighting allows you to spotlight interesting features in your home decor, such as a painting or a mantel. It also serves as a secondary light source to augment ambient lighting in a room. Ambient lighting mainly provides overhead lighting, and accent lighting helps fill in the rest of the room where ambient light can’t reach.

Accent lighting sources to consider for your lighting plan: recessed lighting, track lighting and wall sconces.