A common mistake many homeowners make is to rely on a single type of lighting to illuminate an entire room. While this may seem to get the job done, a room can become much more functional, and also more comfortable, by practicing the technique known as “light layering.” This technique uses the four main categories of lighting that we touched on earlier in our post on Kitchen Lighting. To recap, those categories are Ambient light, Task light, Accent light and Decorative light.

Ambient light should be the foundation layer. Usually provided by overhead fixtures, wall sconces and torchiere lamps, it's the functional light that allows you to see the room. It tends to be soft and flattering, and can make a room feel cozy all by itself.

It's not the best type of light for reading or working, though, and for that you need Task lighting. This is the second layer that brings focused illumination to a desk or a reading chair. The lighting source should optimally be between your head and the work surface to prevent shadows or glare, and should be bright enough to enable you to see what you're doing without eye strain.

Our third layer is Accent light. Accent lighting draws attention to certain areas or features, such as the art lighting we discussed in our last post. Picture lights, track lighting, mantle lights and upward-pointing wall sconces are all examples of lighting that draws the eye and creates interest in a room.

Decorative light is the final layer. The focus here is more on the fixture than on the light it puts out. Think crystal chandeliers, Tiffany lamps and decorative sconces. The main function of decorative lighting is simply to look pretty and add sparkle while the other three types of lighting do the heavy lifting of providing functional illumination.

On their own, any one of these types of lighting can ensure that you don't trip over the furniture. But by combining each of them in layers, you'll create a comfortable, fully functional space that adapts to your changing needs and fully integrates with the room's décor.