Types of Interior Light for Your Home

September 19, 2025

Lighting is an important aspect of interior design. Adding light to a room can completely transform its appearance and functionality.

Choosing the right light, however, isn't just about brightness. Interior decoration can take advantage of various lighting types that come in individual shapes, sizes, and prices.

Below are a few key types of lighting and the best fixtures for achieving each type.

General Lighting

General lighting or ambient lighting is the foundation of any lighting scheme and provides uniform illumination. General lighting is usually soft and radiates a comfortable level of brightness without causing glare in a room.

Artificial light can be the sole source of general lighting or a combination of artificial and natural light. Examples of fixtures that emit ambient lighting include:

Chandeliers and pendants
Wall and ceiling sconces
Floor lamps
Recessed or track lights

General lighting is perfect for hallways and stairs for optimal visibility. General lighting can also be helpful in the kitchen and entrances. The lighting does not perform particularly well when a person works closely on an activity, such as reading.

Task Lighting

Task lighting directs light onto the task at hand, whether cooking, reading, or doing computer work. Task lighting enhances visual clarity and prevents eyestrain.

Common types of task lights are:

Pendant lighting
Desk lamps
Swing arm lamps
Bathroom vanity wall lights
Under-counter kitchen lighting

Various factors go into selecting the right type of task lighting, including what activity you’ll use it for. Ideally, task lighting should not create distracting glare or shadows. You can also isolate the switches for task lighting from a room's overall switch so that you can only turn the lights on when necessary.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting emphasizes a specific aspect of a room or item. The lighting highlights particular objects or architectural features, such as plants, artwork, bookshelves, and sculptures.

Accent lighting can create a dramatic effect and add depth and atmosphere to a room.

Among the most common types of accent lighting are:

Track lights
Wall sconces
Recessed fixtures
Spotlights
Step lights
Picture and display lights

Lighting accents should not be the focal point. Rather the light should serve as a supporting element.

Decorative Lighting

The decorative types of lighting contribute to a space's atmosphere, whether they are on or off.

Decorative lights help to highlight the style you want to achieve for your space. For example, you could have a light in a cage with a chain for an industrial style or a woven basket type of fixture for a cottage style.

The decorative lighting category includes all light fixtures that are visible and physically present in the space.

Mood Lighting

Mood lighting is lighting that create the desired atmosphere in any room. Mood lighting sits with task and general lighting to help make up your complete lighting plan.

You can use mood lighting anywhere in your home. In the living room, you can use floor lamps to create an inviting space for guests. In the bedroom, low-level lighting, such as bedside table lamps, is good when settling in for the night.

In the same way we select furniture, appliances, and accessories for our homes, we should also pay attention to the lighting we choose. Proper lighting complements the décor and brings out the beauty of your home.

Understanding the basic types of lighting allows you to choose from a wide range of options for your interior lighting. You can even experiment with different light fixtures and discover a unique backdrop that can make a huge difference to your home.

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