BLOG

What is Accent Lighting

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is a type of lighting that is used to highlight or accentuate specific areas or objects in a room. It is not the primary source of light but is complementary to ambient and task lighting. The purpose of accent lighting is to generate visual interest, particularly in darker areas of a room. This type of lighting can be achieved using directional fixtures or bulbs, such as wall lights, recessed spotlighting, track lighting, or wall-mounted picture lighting.

Looking For Motion-Activated Energy-Saving Solutions?

Contact us for complete PIR motion sensors, motion-activated energy-saving products, motion sensor switches, and Occupancy/Vacancy commercial solutions.

Accent lighting can be used both indoors and outdoors to create points of visual interest and to draw attention to specific features such as artwork, fireplaces, plants, textured walls, or architectural details. However, it is important to use accent lighting strategically to avoid overuse, which can create a cluttered or disorganized space.

In addition to its functional purpose, accent lighting can also be used to set the mood of a room and create different atmospheres. By reducing the ambient light in the space surrounding the accented object, effective highlights can be created while saving energy. It is essential to consider how a space is used and what features or treasures within the space need to be highlighted before creating a lighting scheme. Layering lighting sources from several fixtures, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces, can cast a cozy glow and highlight any focal point features.

Get Inspired by Rayzeek Motion Sensor Portfolios.

Doesn't find what you want? Don't worry. There are always alternate ways to solve your problems. Maybe one of our portfolios can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Example of Accent Lighting

Some products that can be considered as examples of accent lighting are wall lights, recessed spotlighting, track lighting, and wall-mounted picture lighting.

What Is Accent Lighting vs Ambient Lighting

Accent lighting is a type of lighting that is designed to emphasize a particular object or area. It is usually brighter than ambient lighting, with a brightness level that is typically three times higher. The purpose of accent lighting is to draw attention to specific features, such as artwork, furniture, or architectural details, and make them stand out as focal points.

What Is the Common Use of Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is commonly utilized in outdoor settings to emphasize the beauty of a tree, plant, or water feature, or to direct attention towards a specific area of the landscape. Typically, recessed or track lighting with adjustable fittings is employed for accent lighting, enabling precise focus even on small objects.

Where Do You Put Accent Lights

The ideal locations for accent lights are within recesses, below cupboards, under furnishings, behind screens or exhibits, and beneath staircases. LED tape lights are the most popular and easy-to-install fixtures for accent lighting, but under-cabinet lights and specific downlights can also be appropriate alternatives.

What Are the 4 Types of Lighting

The four primary categories of lighting are ambient, task, accent, and decorative.

How Bright Should Accent Lights Be

For optimal effect, it is recommended that accent lights be three times more luminous than the surrounding ambient lighting.

Is a Table Lamp Accent Lighting

The size of the lamp is the primary factor that distinguishes a table lamp from an accent lamp. Typically, table lamps are bigger and are utilized for task lighting or to enhance the ambiance of a room. On the other hand, accent lamps are smaller and are used to provide additional light in specific areas.

How Far Should Accent Light Be From Wall

When it comes to accent lighting, the general guideline for placing recessed light fixtures is to keep them within 1.5 to 3 feet from the wall. This is especially important if you want to highlight specific architectural elements or artwork. However, if your fixtures are not adjustable, it’s recommended to position them even closer to the wall.

What Is Recessed Accent Lighting

Recessed accent lighting refers to lighting fixtures that are installed inside a surface such as a ceiling or wall. These fixtures consist of three main components, namely the housing, trim, and bulb. The housing, which is concealed within the surface, contains the electrical connections of the fixture.

What Are the Names of Accent Lights

Commonly used accent lights are wall sconces, floodlights, recessed lights, torchère lamps, and track lighting. These types of lights are used to create visual interest in a room by providing brighter lighting.

What Is Accent Color

Accent colors are additional colors that are used to either contrast or complement the primary colors used in a room. These colors are used to emphasize certain elements, enhance the color scheme, or add a touch of liveliness and drama to an otherwise monotonous space.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for Accent Lighting

To determine the appropriate lumens for accent lighting, a general guideline is to use 10-20 lumens per square foot for a sitting room or bedroom. However, for areas like bathrooms or kitchens, a stronger level of lighting is necessary, typically around 70-80 lumens per square foot. To calculate the required lumens, multiply the square footage of the room by the appropriate figure.

What Type of Lighting Is Best for Dining Room

For a cozy and inviting atmosphere, it is recommended to use warm white or golden lighting with a temperature of up to 2,700 Kelvin in the dining room. It is important to avoid overly bright lighting as it can make the food look unappetizing.

What Is the Opposite of Ambient Light

The opposite of ambient light is accent lighting. It provides a highly focused light that aims to highlight a specific area or object in a room.

English