Ambient lights illuminate the whole space. Most ceiling lights that diffuse the light are ambient lights, other examples are wall sconces. The fixtures cover the wall with light for an overall glow and the wall reflects the light and diminishes the look of a single source.
Harmonious ambient lighting should be too dominant. It should give the background to your decor, but not be the focal point.
Task lights
Task lights are purely functional. They should always be planned in the lighting scheme of any room, illuminating specific areas for specific purposes, such as reading your favorite magazine in the comfort of a welcoming armchair.
The key to good task lightings is installing them directly over or slightly to the side of each area. Include task light in every area of the room where you carry out specific activities, at the desk, above the bar and dining table. Link them all to separate switches to be able to switch them on and off whenever you need them.
Accent lights
Often the most overlooked element in any room but always the most dramatic, accent light draws attention to a particular element, such as an interesting architectural or decorative object. The key here is choosing what to highlight. Don't light every object at once or none will stand out!
Be creative with your accent lights. Halogen spotlights can be used to accentuate a beautiful work of art. A light can also be placed on the floor beneath an indoor plant to create shadows on the ceiling.
With accent light and a few well chosen decor accents and paintings, any room can turn into a theater of arts!
Decorative lights
While accent lights emphasize a specific accent, decorative lights are themselves the attention drawing accents. They do not provide a lot of light; their sole purpose is to grab attention and ad to the dramatic scheme of your decor.
Accent lights play a leading role in contemporary home decorating, along ceramic vessels, paintings and other design accents.
