Decorating with Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific objects or areas around your home. Although many people see accent lighting as simply mood lighting, the truth is that there’s much more to accent lighting than that.
If you would like to introduce specific aesthetics and drama to a space, and draw attention to features like artwork, furnishings, architectural details, accent lights are the perfect tool. For this reason, they great for entrances and living or garden areas. Adjustable fittings are best for this kind of lighting because they allow for focusing on small areas or objects.
With these lights, you can achieve the opposite effect as well. Use accent lights to draw attention away from points of your home that may not be as pleasing like damages, imperfections in design, and unfinished areas of the home.
Common types of Accent Lights
LED Tape Lights
Using LED tape lights gives you all kinds of astounding design options. These lights are growing in popularity for home lighting because they’re flexible, have a slim profile, and are environmentally friendly. They can be installed in cabinets and casework, under or above cabinet lights, around staircases, or in the toe kick for a unique kind of night light. LED tape lights also last a very long time, much longer than ordinary light bulbs. Even better, they’re affordable and easy to install.
Wall Lights
Sconces are a popular kind of wall light. These kinds of lights straddle the line between accent lighting and ambient lighting. Sconces provide small amounts of light to corners, corridors, bathrooms, and more.
These lights are the best way to add layers of light to a space, as well as add dedicated light sources for different for working, reading, or accenting artwork. Sconces are usually more ornate and detailed than other fixtures. With that said, there are simplistic options as well.
Sconces come in many different styles such as antique, traditional, modern, contemporary, French, Paris flea market, Tuscan, and much more. You can also buy sconces in different materials such as stone, copper, Murano glass, and bronze black wrought iron.
Recessed Spotlighting
This is a great option for kitchens because not only will they brighten up the space, but they will also show off unique aspects of your kitchen such as countertops and backsplashes. These lights are also useful when you need task lighting if you’re cooking or preparing something in your kitchen. Additionally, recessed spotlights do a great job at highlighting cherished items on display on shelves, or in nooks.
Track Lighting
Track lights are a great addition to any home. They’re individually adjustable, so their lights can go exactly the way you want them to. Although most have a modern style, you can find some that are more decorative.
Picture Lights
As you may see at any fine arts museum, you can purchase lights specially designed to showcase any art you would like proudly displayed. Picture lights come in many different sizes and finishes, while some even come in eco-friendly, energy-saving LED lights.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights are a great choice because they can be placed almost anywhere in a home. They’re also versatile because depending on the style, they can double as an accent or task lighting as well. Use one or two pendants over a side table or any other focal point to create accent lighting.
Chandeliers with Dimmers
Even though chandeliers are more commonly used as a form of ambient lighting, they can be used as accent lighting as well when paired with dimmer lights.
When planning your accent lighting, think about what you want the room to feel like, and which elements you want to showcase or hide. If you have any paintings or pieces of furniture, consider their location and how you want to show them off.
We’re here to Help!
Your home is an extension of your personality and should be treated as such! If you’re looking to decorate your home, call your trusted, local electricians, Zar Electric. We’d love to help you install any lights you need to achieve your design goals. Book your appointment today!