The Art of Layered Lighting

The most inviting rooms are rarely lit by a single source. Layered lighting combines three kinds of light so a space works — and feels good — at every hour.

Ambient light

This is your base layer: soft, even light that fills the room. Pendants and floor lamps with fabric or opal glass shades diffuse light gently.

Task light

Focused light where you read, work or prepare food. A table lamp beside a sofa or a lamp on a desk keeps eyes comfortable without flooding the whole room.

Accent light

Small pools of light that highlight what you love — a candle on a tray, a lamp near artwork, a lantern on a shelf. This is where warmth and atmosphere come from.

Tip: choose warm bulbs (around 2700K) and aim for at least three light sources in each living space.