Accent Lighting

 

Accent lighting is different from general or task lighting in that it has a decorative function as well. Accent lighting is used to add drama to a room or other space by increasing contrast and visual interest. It’s also used to draw attention to a particular feature like a piece of artwork or a bookcase in a room. It can also be used to highlight draperies, a dramatic ceiling, or the texture of a wall or column.

Accent lighting is ideal for lighting wall hangings, artwork, retail displays, trade show booths, museum exhibits, signs, bookcases and other areas where additional lighting is needed to highlight something from the rest of the room.

One rule of thumb with accent lighting is that it should provide three times as much illumination on the subject as the general lighting in the room. This light can be provided by a variety of sources, including recessed lighting, track or monorail lighting, spotlights, wallwashers, or other wall-mounted fixtures.

Another popular choice in accent lighting is undershelf/undercabinet fixtures. These fixtures - mounted on the underside of kitchen cabinets, garage shelving, inside display cabinets, etc - can provide both task and accent lighting. They light kitchen countertops for cutting and other tasks, and workshop areas for sawing or performing other detailed work. They’re also suited for showcasing prized possessions like family china or an antique gun collection.

These fixtures can be either AC or battery powered, and usually include compact, energy-saving fourescent tubes. Another option for undershelf lighting is rows of low-voltage mini-lights, or a miniture track light unit.

For accent lighting in other parts of the home, wall sconces are often a good choice. These wall-mounted fixtures can provide either accent or general lighting depending on the installation. Many wall sconces come as a matching set with dining room chandeliers or other overhead fixtures, or as stand-alone units in a hallway or bathroom. Sconces typically come with either incandescent or energy-saving compact flourescent light bulbs.

Another type of modern accent lighting fixtures are low-voltage units (typically 12 volts) and use 50 watt or similar halogen bulbs. Wall lights are usually equipped with flexible arms for easy adjusments. Look for a unit that has a quiet electronic transformer, especially if it is to be used in a quiet residentail or commercial space. These units have a variety of mounting options, including on the ceiling, on the wall, on shelving, in cabinets, above work stations, and in numerous other applications where the mounting surface is sturdy but less than once inch thick.

 

 

 

 

 

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