Tips and Tricks for Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is one of the areas of home lighting that often gets neglected. That being said, because it is so often forgotten, it tends to be a difficult area for homeowners to work with. That means choosing the right light fixtures can also be extremely difficult. Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, anyone can conquer accent lighting for their home.
What is Accent Lighting?
In order to create accent lighting, one must first understand what it is. Simply put, accent lighting is lighting that focuses light on a feature, helping to visually accent it and draw attention to it. Accent light fixtures adds drama to the space, highlighting a specific area. It can be particularly helpful in creating a focal point in a room, especially if a natural focal point doesn’t occur.
Accent lighting may also go by a number of different terms including decorative lighting or highlight lighting.
What Light Fixtures Can Be Used For Accent Lighting?
One of the biggest hurdles you may face when trying to incorporate accent lighting into your lighting scheme is trying to figure out what light fixtures can be used for accent lighting.
Remember that accent lighting is meant to draw attention to an area or even to itself. That means light fixtures such as strategically placed recessed lights, up-lights such as wall sconces or torchieres, track lights and interior cabinet lights or under cabinet lights. These of course, are just a few examples. Even small accent lamps or candles can be used for accent lighting if properly placed.
Tips and Tricks for Accent Lighting
To start, when using accent lighting in your lighting scheme: focus on what you want to see. Use your chosen light fixtures to highlight or accent features of your home that you want to have attention drawn to.
Next, don’t be afraid to add colored bulbs to your accent light fixtures. Colored bulbs can really help draw attention to themselves, especially when strategically placed. Colored lighting looks great when combined with wall sconces or under cabinet lights.
Accent lighting also works great on a dimmer switch. By adding a dimmer switch, you create the ultimate control over your chosen accent light fixtures. That can help you change the room from dramatic to romantic and everything in between at the drop of a hat. This is a huge plus, especially when working with accent lighting.
Finally, don’t be afraid to let different light fixtures do double duty. A single light fixture can be used to serve a number of different purposes. For example, recessed lights can be used for general lighting. On a dimmer switch, they can also be used for ambient lighting. When placed over an architectural feature, such as a fireplace, they also become accent lighting. That’s three different types of lighting coming from a single light fixture.
In short, accent lighting does not have to be difficult. In fact, with a few tips in hand and an understanding of what accent lighting is, anyone can incorporate this type of lighting into their lighting scheme. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Are you ready to try out some accent lighting in your own home? Check out our selection of ceiling lights and make your home really shine.
About Kristen Crosby
Kristen is an avid design blogger who loves DIY projects. She gets her inspiration from fashion and music. Connect with Kristen, or find more home decor inspiration from Arcadian Home on Google Plus!
Tags: Accent, Accent Light, Accent Lighting, recessed lights, track lights, under cabinet lights
