Ambient lighting

Begin with the ambient lighting or general lighting that just makes the room visible. Ambient light is the basic lighting layer, illuminating walls, open areas, and main pieces of furniture so that you can navigate the space with ease. For instance ambient lighting in a living room is very important because the room is often occupied by more than one person. Hanging ceiling fixtures offers the broad wash of diffused illumination required for soft, general lighting. Ambient light can be direct, bounced off a wall, or diffused through a shade to warm up the quality of the light.

Select your style:

• Torchières are uplights that emit a soft, even wash of light, their beam bounces from the ceiling before angling down.
• Recessed downlights are built into the ceiling and have a reflective lining.
• Pendants hang from the ceiling. They come in different shapes and styles that can add another decorative element to a room.
• Suspended uplights are ceiling-mounted fixtures that cast light upward and give an even glow.
• Wall-mounted uplights or sconces cast a diffused glow and are wise choices for pale-colored rooms or reflective wall finishes.