Electric Lighting Design
Lighting Types
General (or ambient) lighting provides overall illumination by way of ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, recessed lights or track lights. Task lighting is more specific, supplying direct light for reading, sewing and cooking. Accent lighting can add drama by spotlighting objects or highlighting interesting aspects of a house.
Lighting Needs
Different areas of the house have different lighting needs. A ceiling fixture might provide general lighting for high-use areas such as entrances, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, baths, family rooms, laundry and work rooms. A pendant light, hung from a chord or chain, typically offers task or general lighting for tables or counters.
Recessed fixtures installed in the ceiling can throw light on a tight spot or a broad beam. Track lighting often can be used for either accent or ambient lighting, depending on need. Think about the future flexibility of your design, especially when accenting displays of items subject to rearrangement.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com