Are you totally confused about lighting types, and what you should put where?  As boring as lighting seems to be, it’s really important, as it can make or break a space.  I ‘m going to try and give you the run down in a sassy and easy fashion.  Lighting can be categorized into 4 general types:  1) ambient or general, 2) accent, 3) task, and 4) decorative.  Using all types of light in your room will not only make your space brighter, but it will help you bring light to areas that you may not have thought about before, making your lighting much more efficient.  So if you feel like your house is dark and dreary like the back of a pedophile’s van full of candy, then listen up!

Ambient lighting is what gives off the bulk of light in a room.  Examples of ambient lighting are recessed lights, surface mount ceiling lights (preferably not 1970s style fixtures that you see in your apartment entryway.   Eeeeew!), table lamps, and floor lamps.  Ambient or general lighting usually diffuses light evenly within your space.  If you are lighting your bedroom or living room, soft white incandescent bulbs are the most common bulbs, as they will provide warmth and an overall glow.  Utility areas or places that need brighter illumination require fluorescent bulbs.

Accent lighting is exactly what it implies-an accent!  Unfortunately, accent lights don’t come in the form of hot Australian boys or Swedish girls….different kind of accent here, people!  OK, so accent lighting is generally directional and is used to light a specific object.  Examples include flood, spot, or track lights to highlight artwork on a wall or in a niche, or maybe even the stripper pole in your bedroom that you found when you organized your closet.  Wall sconces are also considered accent light.  They don’t really provide much function, other than just showing off your pretty things, you know, like the photographs of your fat, dead relatives in your hallway.  Accent light can be used sparingly, just like your ugly photographs, which is the reason you’re probably not a professional photographer to begin with.  Halogen lights are a form of accent light that will also give you a smooth beam of light with excellent control.  You can also opt for something pretty and fancy-shmancy.

Task lighting is also a directional light that is aimed at a specific task.  Most task lights are low energy, unless your goal is to kill a small animal under a magnifying glass with your newly found task light.  Fixtures that accomplish this goal (lighting, not killing!) include desk lamps, ceiling pendants, and appliance lights (i.e. fluorescent bars under your upper kitchen cabinets).  You can really use whatever kind of bulb you want, but low-voltage halogen lamps work well in adjustable desk lamps, as they provide clear illumination where you need it the most.

Last, but definitely not least, decorative lighting is sexy lighting!  Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, candles, disco balls…..whatever!  These all fall under the decorative category.  Don’t get these confused with accent, as you will see there is a little bit of a crossover.  Decorative lighting can also be functional and general lighting, but it can also serve a very specific purpose, like making you feel like Queen Elizabeth in your very own dining room.  If you have a fancy queen-like crystal chandelier, consider using crystal candelabra bulbs to give your fixture a little extra bling!