Few things are as exciting as decorating or redecorating your home to make it feel comforting, cozy, and, most importantly — your own. Incorporating various types of lighting in interior design is a great way to make each area more inviting. Adding unique fixtures that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding décor will create a more dynamic feel, offering a distinct ambiance in each space for both you and your guests to enjoy.

This blog will explore four of the most common forms of illumination that you can include around the home. We’ll also discuss which types of fixtures work best depending on your home’s layout and design style. Since there is a wide range of eccentric and functional pieces to choose from, curating your lighting thoughtfully will add a personalized flair to each room.

Why Ambient Lighting Is the Foundation of Your Interior Lighting Plan

When we consider ambient lighting, we are generally talking about the main luminary source in a given space. However, ambient lighting can include everything from elaborate fixtures hanging from the ceiling to recessed lighting, wall sconces, and assorted lamps. It can also be achieved when fixtures work in unison. The purpose of ambient lighting is to be able to exhibit a warm, calming glow that is easy on the eyes and fit for regular use. They should provide sufficient lighting to navigate the room and balance the design to create a harmonious look and feel. 

Finch 43 Inch Large Pendant by Arteriors Home

@refinestudios

The Finch 43 Inch Large Pendant by Arteriors Home is an exuberant fixture complete with style and grace. Here, elegantly hanging from the wooden beams overhead, we see a pair of these pendants in the living room of this lovely mid-century modern home. The natural wood branches tie in with the rustic décor, while the organic display of the starburst motif lends a modern, artistic touch to the whole space. Due to the home’s open concept, you can see how the style in this room carries over into the kitchen and beyond.

How Task Lighting Enhances Functionality in Your Home

While ambient lighting sets a room’s overall mood, using task lighting where specific activities take place improves efficiency and productivity. By illuminating these workstations, you’re not only able to perform tasks safely but also create a focal point in the room. Examples of this are evident in parts of the kitchen dedicated to food preparation or when considering the best lighting to center around a desk in an office. While task lighting is nonchalant, it can still attract attention due to its purposeful placement, especially if the area is being used.

Thayer 26 Inch Desk Lamp by Currey and Company

@mirajeaninteriors, photography by @reema_desai

The sophisticated shape of the Thayer 26 Inch Desk Lamp by Currey and Company makes it both visually appealing and useful for anyone working in this home office. Its goose-neck profile complements the room’s modern style, and the lamp’s vintage brass and solid black base help to match the other furniture and décor in the vicinity. Standing at just over two feet, the Thayer Desk Lamp is sure to provide plentiful lighting for whatever tasks you do.

How Accent Lighting Highlights Your Home’s Best Features

While triumphant, decorative overhead lighting reigns masterful at brightening a room for ample visibility, it’s a secondary layer of illumination that really provides depth. Accent lighting can help enhance design features in a subtle way, but when acting alone, it presents a gentle, soothing glow that draws interest to a particular area of the room. Accent lighting can highlight artwork, bookcases, and curio displays, or even illuminate alcoves or other architectural features to bolster visual intrigue.

Julissa 24 Inch Picture and Display Light by Mitzi

@stegallstudios

The Julissa 24 Inch Picture and Display Light by Mitzi is a sleek, modern accent light characterized by a slim profile and clean geometry. The perforations at the bottom allow light to disperse softly while also adding a stylish design element. Placed here above the recessed shelves with its aged brass finish, this fixture spotlights the various decorations that are on display below its focused glow. Because of its unique composition, the Julissa integrates nicely with the greater presentation of the bookshelves.

How Decorative Lighting Adds Style and Personality

Although all lighting is meant to be functional, there’s no dismissing the wondrous aura of extravagant, decorative fixtures. Ornate lighting has a commanding presence, and the more eye-catching a piece is, the more of a centerpiece it becomes. When these captivating fixtures work with the design effortlessly, the entire ambiance of the room is uplifted, ushering in a welcoming vibe that is hard to resist. With so many shapes and styles to choose from, there’s certainly a decorative addition out there for every home.

Sprig 42 Inch 4 Light Multi Light Pendant by Hubbardton Forge

@joyfuldesignstudio

The Sprig 42 Inch 4 Light Multi Light Pendant by Hubbardton Forge makes a bold statement in any space. In this incredibly vibrant and culturally inspired setting, this fabulous pendant features botanical overtones that are showcased with steel and glass berries of multiple sizes. With its flowing arrangement, the Sprig increases the allure of an already colorful and compelling room.

No matter which type or style of light fixtures you’re looking for, Capitol Lighting has you covered. With an extensive stock of the finest brands in home lighting, homeowners can be sure they’ll be able to find designs for every room with us. Browse our 2024 catalog or stop by one of Capitol’s lighting showrooms today and see how we can help add a touch of brilliance to your home.