What are the different types of lighting you can make use of in your home or office environment? There seem to be so many different options. Do you choose LED products or halogen light bulbs? Do you go for natural or artificial? And what is ambient vs accent? Fear not, we have everything you need to know about the different types of lighting in this blog, so continue reading for more information!
Natural lighting
The first on the list of different types of lighting. Natural light. Nothing beats it! Natural light is provided by the sun, and if your room or space has enough sunlight passing through it, then you may not need to use any other lights at all during the day. This will significantly lower your energy bills as a result. Natural light helps to regulate your body clock, improve concentration and productivity, and has lots of health benefits too. It can also make rooms appear more spacious, especially with the use of mirrors.
Here are some ways to maximise natural lighting in your home or workspace:
- Make use of your windows: If you have a new office space or one being built, then opting for floor-to-ceiling windows will allow for more sunlight to enter. You can also consider having a skylight or roof window to introduce natural light into darker areas like hallways or loft spaces. If you have existing windows then avoid blocking daylight with curtains and cluttered windowsills and instead opt for a sleek window blind.
- Use glass walls and partitions: Replacing solid walls with glass bricks or transparent panels enhances light flow between rooms. It also opens up the space into more of a studio style.
- Consider reflective surfaces: As mentioned earlier, a well-positioned mirror is natural light’s best friend! Using mirrors, glossy floors, and light-coloured walls can help bounce natural light around the room, brightening up darker spaces.
Artificial lighting
Artificial lighting is the opposite and doesn’t come from the sun. Anything other than sunlight is technically artificial light. Everything from the light behind your phone screen to the bulbs in your bedroom – it’s all manmade and artificial. Different types of lighting offer different benefits and drawbacks, and fulfil a huge range of applications. The right type of artificial lighting can make a significant difference to the atmosphere and usability of a space.
Types of artificial light sources include:
- LED lights: These are extremely energy efficient, durable and long lasting. LED downlights are available in various colours and brightness levels, making them a very popular choice.
- Halogen bulbs: These produce a bright, white light similar to natural daylight but consume a lot more energy than LED lights.
- Incandescent bulbs: Traditional bulbs that produce a warm glow. Everyone has used one of these bulbs in their lifetime, but they are being phased out due to their high energy consumption.
- Fluorescent tubes: These are often used in offices and commercial spaces. They are extremely bright and cost effective, but can sometimes produce a harsh glare.
General lighting
General lighting is what it says on the tin. It provides uniform illumination across an entire space, with good visibility. It allows people to move around safely without shadows or dark spots. Common sources of general lighting include LED ceiling panels, ceiling-mounted fixtures, and pendant lights.
Ambient lighting
Also known as background or ‘mood’ lighting. There are tons of different reasons why you might want to soften the glow and adjust the mood of your room. Ambient lighting allows you to gently illuminate an area without causing glare, whilst enhancing the atmosphere to match the occasion.
Ways to incorporate ambient lighting include:
- Wall sconces: Mounted on walls to create an inviting, indirect glow.
- Floor and table lamps: Provide gentle lighting in living spaces and bedrooms.
- Cove lighting: Hide LED strips along ceilings or walls for a subtle effect.
- Dimmable lights: Allows for flexibility in brightness and mood control.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific elements of a space, such as artwork or decorative objects. It creates contrast and adds depth to a room’s design. It can also highlight an exterior feature, such as a shop sign or walkway.
Examples of accent lighting include:
- Spotlights: Direct focused beams on paintings, sculptures, or textured walls.
- LED strips: Placed under shelves or cabinets for a stylish effect.
- Track lighting: Adjustable fixtures that highlight key areas.
- Sign lights: A sign light illuminates your sign so that anyone, from passersby to potential clients, knows what your business or brand is about.
Task lighting
Another one where the clue is in the name. Task lighting is for specific tasks, like reading, cooking, or working at a desk. They are meant to reduce eye strain and enhance productivity by providing adequate brightness in areas where precision is required. Almost like a surgeon’s light, or a watchmakers, but perhaps not as expensive! Examples of task lighting include desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, vanity lights, and pendant lights.
Emergency and safety lighting
Emergency lighting needs to provide enough illumination for a safe evacuation if necessary. This is particularly important in commercial buildings and public spaces. Types of emergency lighting include exit signs, battery-powered emergency lights that automatically switch on in a power cut, and motion activated safety lights in stairwells and hallways.
Security lighting
Security lighting is used to deter trespassers and improve visibility around a property. It enhances safety by illuminating potential hiding spots around homes and commercial buildings.
Common security lighting solutions include:
- Motion sensor floodlights: LED floodlights with sensors will automatically switch on when movement is detected, and switch off to save energy otherwise.
- Timer controlled lights: These can give passersby the impression that someone is occupying the property even when you are away.
- Wall lights: Not only do wall lights these provide visibility around your property for added safety, but they can also illuminate driveways and footpaths too.
- Perimeter lighting: These can be installed around fences or gates for added security.
Construction site lighting
Construction sites that operate in low natural light conditions need proper artificial lighting for safety and efficiency. Construction lighting ensures that workers can perform tasks safely and that machinery and materials are visible.
Types of construction site lighting include:
- Portable floodlights
- High powered LED work lights
- Tower mounted spotlights
Lighting for circadian rhythms
Circadian lighting is a relatively new phenomenon. It is often used by people to combat insomnia or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These lights are designed to mimic natural light cycles, using light intensity and colour to support the body's natural sleep wake cycle and improve overall wellbeing.
Bright, blue-toned light is provided in the morning to suppress the hormones that make you sleepy and promote alertness. During the day a balanced tone that mimics natural light is emitted for steady production. Then warm, red-toned light is emitted around the evening time to help encourage melatonin production, allowing the body to prepare for sleep. Many modern offices and homes incorporate circadian lighting to promote wellbeing and improve sleep quality.
For another interesting read on the topic of light and sleep, check out our other blog – Can You Sleep with LED Lights On?
Street lighting
Alas, the final inclusion on our list of the different types of lighting. Street lighting ensures visibility and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at night. If it is properly planned out, street lighting reduces accidents and enhances security in public spaces.
Types of street lighting include:
- LED streetlights: Energy efficient and long lasting.
- Solar powered streetlights: Renewable energy source to illuminate roads and pathways.
- Smart streetlights: Equipped with motion sensors and dimming capabilities.
Contact Vision Lighting for all of your different types of lighting!
We have lots of types of lighting here for you to browse through at Vision Lighting. If you would like some more information on one of our products, some advice on your latest lighting project, or have a question for one of our staff members – then please do get in touch! We are more than happy to help with your enquiry.
You can call us on +44 (0) 1132 799745 or email us at info@vision-lighting.co.uk.