What is Accent Lighting?
Accent lighting actually got its start as a type of luxury lighting for interior spaces, particularly in hotels, restaurants and certain corporate locations. Today, accent lighting has expanded from these spaces and into the homes of people all over the United States. So, if you’ve ever been in a home improvement store, you know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different light fixtures to choose from. There are overhead ceiling lights, table lamps, outdoor lights and even light fixtures that you’re not quite sure what their purpose may be. There are lights for ambient lighting, architectural lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. But what exactly is accent lighting and do you need it for your home?
What is Accent Lighting?
Accent lighting includes any type of directional lighting or other lighting type that creates interest or highlights a feature or area in an individual room or space. Accent lighting may also be referred to as decorative lighting. However, decorative lighting can also be referred to as light fixtures that are decorative in nature and draw attention to themselves, such as chandeliers.
Typically, accent lighting is used to highlight items such as a painting or a sculpture. It can also be used to bring attention to other decorative items in the room or architectural elements of the home, such as a fireplace.
Types of accent light fixtures include track lights, recessed lights or wall sconces.
Where Should I Place Accent Light Fixtures?
As noted earlier, accent lights can be used to highlight specific prized possessions. For example, you could use track lights or recessed lights in your living room to highlight pieces of artwork. You can also use track lights or recessed lights to highlight a fireplace.
Accent light fixtures can also be used to highlight other spaces in your home as well. Consider using accent lighting to highlight your kitchen cabinetry or perhaps some bookshelves in your home office.
Other options include using wall sconces to highlight doorways or archways in your home, as well as foyers, hallways or other entryways.
Remember that these light fixtures can come in a number of different sizes, shapes and colors, so be sure to choose the options that best compliment the room’s decor. For example, a modern wall sconce would look completely out of place in a Victorian styled living room, but would work well in contemporary, modern or in some instances, traditionally decorated rooms. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Want even more light? Check out our large selection of wall lamps to illuminate the rest of your space!
Tags: accent lighting, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, track lighting, Wall Sconce
