When you plan an outfit, you think about layering foundational pieces with accents and accessories to create dimension visual interest. Home décor follows a similar concept. Furniture and wall color anchor the space, and rugs, artwork, and smaller objects bring the room to life.
Lighting works the same way, with layers that serve individual purposes and work together to create a stylish, welcoming space. Knowing how to combine ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting is about more than aesthetics; it helps you design a room that properly balances form and function.
Both your living room and bedroom benefit from table lamps. In the living room, table lamps allow you to read without adding glare to any screens or casting shadows under an overhead light. Similarly, a lamp on your nightstand means you don't need to keep the whole room lit when you’re in bed with a book or get up to turn off the lights before falling asleep. Consider putting warm bulbs in these lamps to promote relaxation before bed4.
For your bathroom, pay careful attention to task lights that eliminate shadows by ensuring your wall and ceiling light sources distribute the same amount of light5. An evenly lit room will make shaving and makeup application easier. Combine lighting types, such as pendants, bath bars, and sconces, for a sophisticated effect.
In the kitchen, combine under-cabinet and pendant lights to ensure food prep areas are well-lit.
If you have a home office, table lights and floor lamps add focused light for your work
Use picture lights to showcase family photos or artwork in your entryway for a welcoming feeling as you return home or usher in guests.
Sconces placed in your dining room add sophistication to dinner parties. Combined with a dimmed chandelier or pendant, using accents to illuminate only a small part of your dining room creates an intimate setting.
By contrast, consider making your living room more open using large beams of light. For example, track lights help draw attention to bookshelves while wall sconces highlight your artwork.
As you consider different types of lighting for each room, remember to start by creating a foundational layer of ambient lights. Next, consider any tasks you'll be using each room for and choose lights for those sections. Add depth by choosing accent lights to highlight your home's architecture or artwork. Lastly, complete each room with decorative lights to reflect your personal style.
Whatever your needs or preferences, explore Louis Poulsen’s designs to create a unique lighting scheme for your home. Visit our Madison Avenue or Miami showroom to see our fixtures firsthand, and join us on Instagram for style inspiration.