What Are The Different Types Of Lighting For Your Home?

In general there are four types of residential lighting: general, task, accent and decorative lighting. These can be combined to achieve your desired impact in a specific place. So you may tailor your selection to your specific requirements. In this guide we will take a deep dive into the lighting types, fixtures and where to place them.

4 Different Types of Lights

These are the 4 types of residential lighting:

• General lighting illuminates the entire space
• Task lighting provides targeted illumination
• Accent lighting highlights particular elements
• Decorative lighting adds some visual appeal

Each lighting type serves a specialized purpose and can be used differently to create the desired lighting effect in your space. Let’s find out the details for every lighting type below.

General Lighting

General lighting provides overall illumination for a space and is typically provided by overhead fixtures like ceiling lights or chandeliers. This type of lighting is essential for creating a well-lit, functional area that is comfortable and safe to move around in.

Indoor General Lighting

Indoor general lighting is to illuminate a space completely. This lighting works independently from other lighting sources to distribute a consistent illumination level around the room.

• Ceiling lights are like the little black dress of lighting – they go with everything! You can use it in your living room or bedroom for a neutral atmosphere and warm light temperature.

• Chandeliers are the fancy pants of lighting – they add some elegance to any room. Use them in your dining room or entryway for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Flush-mount lights are like the undercover agent of lighting – they blend in seamlessly and get the job done. Use them in a hallway or bathroom for a subtle, warm light.

• Recessed lighting is like the stealth feature of lighting – it’s sleek, modern, and can be placed anywhere. Use it in your living room or kitchen for a clean, warm light.

• Puff lighting is like the cute little marshmallow of lighting – it’s round and puffy and makes you feel good. Use it in your living room or bedroom for a neutral, warm light.

• Island lights are like the party host of lighting – they provide the perfect light to keep the party going all night. Use them in your kitchen for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Wafer lights are like the ninja of lighting – they’re slim, discreet, and can fit anywhere. Use them in your bathroom and hallway for a warm, subtle light.

Outdoor General Lighting

Typically, outside lighting is used to improve security and assure visibility surrounding your home. Although it is also used to lessen the risk of injury when moving around the building, it is also advised to illuminate the house’s entrances and stairs.

• Wall-mounted lights are an excellent option to light up your doors and windows. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them on an exterior wall or front porch. That way, you’ll always be able to see where you’re going when you come home at night.

• Post lights are mounted on poles and are perfect for illuminating your pathways or driveways. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a warm light temperature. That means you can take a nice, romantic walk down your driveway without tripping over your feet.

• Floodlights are potent lights illuminating large areas like sports fields or parking lots. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them in your backyard or garage. That way, you can have a backyard party for every occasion.

• LED area lights are energy efficient and have a long lifespan. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them in your driveway or backyard. That way, you can save money on your electricity bills and still have plenty of light to see what you’re doing.

• Parking lot lights and poles are designed explicitly for illuminating parking lots. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. That means you can park your car without worrying about hitting anything.

• Outdoor stairway lighting is a great way to guide people as they climb or descend stairs. It has a neutral atmosphere and gives off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using it on stairs or on a deck. That way, you can avoid falling down the stairs and making a fool of yourself.

• Canopy lights are mounted on the underside of a canopy or overhang, providing illumination for the area beneath it. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them on a front porch or patio. That way, you can sit outside and enjoy the night air without feeling like you’re in the dark.

• Dusk-to-dawn lights turn themselves on at dusk and turn themselves off at dawn, providing convenient and energy-efficient outdoor lighting. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them in your front yard or backyard. That way, you will not forget to turn the lights on and off daily.

• Outdoor sign lights are great for illuminating outdoor signs. They have a neutral atmosphere and give off a cool, light temperature. We suggest using them on poles or on the side of a building to direct light onto the sign face, like your home number.

• Solar-powered LED lighting uses LED technology and is powered by solar panels, making it an environmentally friendly option for outdoor lighting. It has a neutral atmosphere and gives off a cool, light temperature. That means you can save the planet and light up your property at the same time.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is often brighter and more focused than ambient lighting, which can help reduce eyestrain and improve productivity. Task lighting is used to light up a specific area, such as a kitchen counter or a desk.

This type of lighting is essential for tasks requiring precise or detailed vision. It is frequently used with ambient lighting to provide more focused illumination in a space.

Indoor Task Lighting

Indoor task lighting does not need to light up the whole room. Instead, it is there to focus on an area that needs to be brighter to put focus on something.

• Pendant lights: These are the perfect lights for when you want to generate a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen or dining room. Plus, they look super chic hanging from the ceiling.

• Wall sconces: Want to add a little ambiance to your reading nook or bathroom? Wall sconces are the way to go. They’re an excellent way to show off your impeccable taste in lighting fixtures.

• Under-cabinet lights: These lights are perfect when you need extra light in the kitchen or home office. Plus, they’ll make your counters look like they belong in a fancy restaurant.

• Vanity lights: If you want to feel like a Hollywood star getting ready for the red carpet, vanity lights are the way to go. Plus, they’ll make your bathroom look like a high-end spa.

Outdoor Task Lighting

Outdoor task lighting is to light up a small area like a pathway.

• Path lights: These lights are perfect for illuminating your walkways and gardens. Plus, they’ll make your outdoor spaces look like something out of a magazine.

• Step lights: Want to make your stairs look like you are in an art museum? Step lights are the way to go. Plus, they’ll help prevent you from tripping and falling on your face.

• Deck lights: These lights are perfect for adding a little ambiance to your deck or patio. Plus, they’ll make your outdoor living spaces look like luxury resorts.

• Security lights: These lights are perfect for keeping your front and backyard safe and secure. Plus, they’ll make any would-be burglars think twice before messing with your property.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting highlights specific features or objects in a room, like artwork or architectural details. This type of lighting can add depth to a space, drawing the eye to essential or exciting elements.

Indoor Accent Lighting

Indoor accent lighting is used to showcase art or a photo gallery.

• Spotlights: These lights create a dramatic atmosphere with a cool or warm light temperature, depending on your bulb. We suggest using them to accent artwork, specific work areas, or bookcases. They’re also great for making your book collection look super fancy.

• Track lighting: This lighting creates a neutral atmosphere with a warm light temperature. We suggest using it for displays or a home office. It’s also perfect for making your home office look like a super stylish office from a tech startup.

• Picture lights: These lights create a neutral atmosphere with a warm light temperature. We suggest using them on artwork or photographs. They’re also great for making your area look super fancy.

• LED strip lights: These lights have a neutral atmosphere and warm light temperature. We suggest using them in your living room, bedroom, hallways, and kitchen. Various color strip lights are available to create beautiful accents to a wall or ceiling. They’re also perfect for making your kitchen look like a super stylish kitchen from a cooking show.

Outdoor Accent Lighting

Outdoor accent lighting highlights an area where you want something to stand out.

• Landscape lighting: This lighting gives a neutral atmosphere with a cool light temperature. We suggest using it to accentuate particular plants, walls, or trees (Palm trees in particular). Vary with color bulbs. They also make your backyard look like a super fancy tropical resort.

• Floodlights: These lights light up an area with a neutral atmosphere creating a cool light temperature. We suggest using them in open spaces for security or to light up flagpoles or garden areas. They’re also great for making your garden look like a fancy garden.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting helps to increase the room’s aesthetic appeal. This illumination is excellent for making the room feel warm and welcoming. You may get the desired effect by combining it with different lighting fixtures.

These lights are strategically positioned around the area to create a luxurious atmosphere. You can use them separately or as a set to develop a concept.

Indoor Decorative Lighting

Indoor decorative lighting can be used to “frame” an area.

• String lights are the ideal way to add cozy vibes to your space. Hang them in your bedroom, living room, backyard, or patio for a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Chandeliers are a fantastic way to add some elegance to your space. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or want to impress your guests, chandeliers are the way to go. Hang them in your dining room or entryway for a touch of sophistication.

• Lanterns are a versatile option for outdoor lighting. Whether you’re hanging them on your porch, backyard, or patio, lanterns will surely add some ambiance to your space. And don’t worry, they’re not just for camping – you can use electric or battery-powered lanterns too!

• Ceiling fans are a practical option for keeping your space cool but can also add warmth to a room. Hang one in your living room or bedroom for a neutral, cozy atmosphere.

Outdoor Decorative Lighting

Outdoor decorative lighting gives soft lighting to create an atmosphere.

• String lights add cozy, warm lighting to your backyard or patio. These little bulbs are connected by a cord or wire and can be hung just about anywhere. They’re super cute and add a fun, casual atmosphere to any outdoor space. So go ahead, deck out your backyard with string lights, and enjoy the warm, cozy vibes!

• Lanterns are a great option if you’re looking to add some cozy outdoor lighting. They give off a warm, light temperature that creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a backyard or patio. Plus, they’re portable and come in various styles and sizes. So you can definitely find one that fits your needs. Whether you want to power it with electricity, batteries, or candles, lanterns are a versatile choice for outdoor lighting.

• Landscape lighting is excellent for showing off your beautiful plants and trees. Use it to highlight your favorite features or to create a pathway for guests to follow. Just remember to keep it cool with a blue or white light temperature.

Keep in mind that the suggested atmospheres and light temperatures are just examples and may vary depending on the specific context and needs of a space. The important thing is to choose the right type of lighting and light temperature to suit the space’s intended use and desired atmosphere.

What Is Light Temperature?

Light temperature is a way of describing the hue of a light source. It is measured in Kelvin (K) units on the temperature scale. The higher the light source temperature, the bluer it appears; the lower the temperature, the reddish it seems.

For example, a light source with a temperature of 2500 K would appear very warm and reddish, like a candle flame. While a light source with a temperature of 10000 K would appear very cool and bluish, like the sky on a clear day.

Here is a table with the various light temperatures and their corresponding uses and suggested atmospheres they can create:

Note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual use of a light source can vary depending on individual preferences and the space’s specific requirements.