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Mitzi's Guide to Layered Lighting

Bright open living room with four green velvet chairs arranged around a round coffee table, brass chandelier overhead, large sliding glass doors and plants
 

One of the easiest ways to elevate your home is by layering your lighting. Interior designers use three types of lighting in their spaces: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Here, we explain how each one plays a key role in illuminating a room and making your space feel intentional and curated. 

Living room lit by Miller flush mount and Alexandra floor lamps, warm ambient glow over neutral sofa, plants, and textured rug

Alexandra Floor Lamp, opens in a new tab and Miller Flush Mount, opens in a new tab
Design: Hilary Matt, Photo: Kirsten Francis

Start With a Base Layer

Ambient lighting is the base layer of lighting. Sometimes referred to as “general lighting”, this layer is meant to provide overall illumination in the room. But just because it’s the base, it doesn’t need to be basic! Whether it’s a statement chandelier , opens in a new tabor an eye-catching flush mount, opens in a new tab, ambient lighting is the centerpiece of a room.

Vaulted living room lit by a black metal chandelier with five warm conical shades, highlighting a sofa, plants, shelves, and mantel

Onda Chandelier, opens in a new tab
Design: Trinity Shi

Add the Functional Layer

Providing illumination where it’s needed most, task lighting can be a floor lamp, opens in a new tab beside a cozy reading chair, a sconce , opens in a new tabover a vanity providing getting-ready lighting, or a pendant, opens in a new tab over a kitchen island. While this layer’s main priority is function, we like to think of it as an opportunity to add more character!. 

Powder room with octagonal mirror and two brass wall sconces above a dark green vanity with white sink and yellow patterned wallpaper

Gillian Wall Sconce, opens in a new tab
Design: Haley Poe Interior Design, Photo: Ellen Vanessa Photography

The Finishing Touch

Accent lighting is where the room comes alive. Whether it’s a picture light, opens in a new tab highlighting an architectural detail or a piece of artwork, or being the art itself, accent lighting is where you can show off your personality and style. 

Front of Fifi Picture Light showing warm light on framed art with floral wallpaper and pink bench

Fifi Picture Light, opens in a new tab
Design: Kelly Fordon Interiors

Lighting is key in making your space feel warm and welcoming. Utilizing all three layers will ensure your home functions for your everyday life. Shop all categories of fixtures on Mitzi.com, opens in a new tab to elevate your space!