Ambient Light and How to Achieve the Perfect Balance

Ambient light is one of the most important factors in achieving the perfect balance of indoor lighting. However, many people don’t understand the different types of light and how to layer these sources to get the perfect interior balance.

Additionally, the lines between the light sources are not clear. Rather, they blend into each other depending on how people use them in a particular setting.

We reveal some of these differences to help you layer your interior lighting like a pro.

Definition of ambient light

Ambient light is known as general lighting because it is light that covers an entire room, such as a chandelier or a flush-mounted fixture in the central ceiling of a room.

Ambient light also comes from small light sources like table and floor lamps that contribute to the overall room light. Ambient light is therefore the primary source of illumination, which is indirect rather than focused.

Ambient lights differ from other types of artificial lights, such as task lights and accent lights, which are more localized forms of light.

ambient light source

There are many sources of ambient light that can be useful in interior design. Utilize different light sources to achieve the right lighting levels at different times of the day.

• chandelier and pendant light – These lights are suspended from the ceiling and have one or more bulbs. Many of these lights are decorative. This light may not reach the entire room, so other light sources are needed to illuminate all the dark corners.
• flush mount fixture – This kind of light is mounted on the ceiling. Depending on the size of the room, flush mount fixtures may not provide sufficient ambient light and must be supplemented by other light sources.
• recessed light – Recessed lighting is installed inside the ceiling or wall instead of on the surface. These lights are useful as ambient lights because they are more subtle and can be used to complement other ambient room lighting such as chandeliers and flush mounted fixtures.
• track lighting – This is lighting that uses multiple light sources spread out along a continuous fixture or track. Track lighting is useful for those who don’t want to wire individual lights. Rather, it is wired in one place and the electricity is distributed throughout the track.
• wall sconce – A sconce is a wall-mounted fixture that provides more localized ambient light to a specific area.
• lamp – Lamps provide ambient light that people use to balance when ambient ceiling lighting is not sufficient. Clear or cloth shades provide more ambient light than solid shades that focus light in a specific direction.

Other forms of light

All available light sources can be used to create a layered look to give the room depth and interest.

1. natural light – Many people forget that sunlight and moonlight are important sources of indoor and outdoor light. Windows bring in light during the day, reducing the need for additional light at certain times of the day.
2. task lighting – Task lighting illuminates areas where tasks are performed, such as study desk lamps or under kitchen cabinet lighting.
3. accent lighting – This lighting highlights specific areas to draw more attention. For example, you can illuminate specific architecture or wall art in your home.

correct balance of light

Ambient light has the greatest impact on mood. This is why it is also known as mood lighting. So getting the ambient light right is important.

Here are some factors to consider when thinking about ambient light sources:

position

Consider where you need an ambient light source to illuminate a room. You can’t eradicate all dark corners with ambient light, but you can consider where the overall light will have the most impact. If overhead lights are not available, supplement them in the form of movable lights such as lamps.

colour

Light colors, both warm and cool, have a noticeable effect on the mood and sensations you get in a particular room. In most cases, cold, bluish light is too strong for overall interior lighting.

Warm or yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

But you don’t want the light to be too yellow. Therefore, most experts recommend ambient light ranging from 2000K (bright white) to 3000K (warm white) when measured in Kelvin.

Luminance

Ambient lighting needs change throughout the day. Therefore, it’s important to have a way to control the amount of ambient light in a given space. Dimmers on overhead lights help with this, as do multiple light sources like lamps that can be turned on and off as needed.

style

All the lights in the room should work together to create a cohesive look. Use lights from different categories, but try to maintain a unified style.

ambient light inspiration

There are many ways to add different forms of ambient light. I’ve put together photos of rooms with different light sources that add warmth and depth to the overall design.

ambient light in living room

Consider the light in this living room. There are four ambient light sources that contribute to the overall balance of the room and serve different functions.

A gorgeous chandelier provides a striking focal point in the room and soft light throughout the room. Large windows provide the advantage of natural light, but diminish at night. A lamp next to the sofa serves as both ambient and task lighting for reading or fine work.

ambient dining room lights

In a modern dining room like this one, too many extra lighting sources create visual clutter and ruin the design. This dining room has a stunning chandelier that provides most of the room’s ambient light.

ambient lighting in the bedroom

A combination of different types of lighting in the bedroom is essential for common tasks and getting ready for bed. A chandelier provides an overall light and focal point. The bedside lamp has a cross shade so it provides general lighting and task lighting for reading.

Ambient lighting for open floor plans

Open floor plans are popular these days. It gives you flexibility in how you use the space and allows for a light and airy style. However, the lighting source must be sufficient to keep the space illuminated.

This open room uses both track lighting and pendant lighting. Homeowners also strive to let in as much natural light as possible with large windows and skylights.

ambient wall lighting

This dining room has an LED chandelier that illuminates the table, but it’s not enough for the entire room.Wall lights are a soft form of ambient light that work to illuminate areas the chandelier can’t reach. Wall lights go well with contemporary and minimalist design styles.

Other types of light

The lines between light sources are blurred because lights serve many functions instead of a single function.

decorative lighting

The light behind this headboard is both decorative and ambient. However, the purpose of the light should be to emphasize the interesting shape of the headboard, not to provide an overall light, so it should be considered decorative.

task lighting

Undercounter lighting is another form of lighting that blurs the lines between different types of lighting. It contributes to the overall light of the room. However, it should be considered task lighting as it is intended to illuminate a specific area for a specific task.

centralized cabinet lighting

One beautiful way to highlight a particular architectural feature, such as a shelving unit, is to add light to draw the eye.

Backlight

Another great use for decorative lighting is to illuminate a special collection you own. This lighting is ambient, but its purpose is to highlight a particular item.

bedroom accent light

Lighting of all kinds is important in the bedroom. Because you need ambient light and a more focused light to prepare for the night. This accent light behind the headboard highlights the unique design of the headboard and nightstand, but also contributes to the overall light of the room.

Ambient Light: Summary

Ambient light is a decorative and necessary form of light throughout our interior spaces. This lighting is provided by many light sources, both invisible and invisible.

However, this is just one type of lighting required to create a layered and complex room. Ultimately, using mixed methods is the best way to achieve effective interior spaces with depth and visual interest.