1. www.IESLightLogic.org
Light Logic aims to help
consumers learn about
residential lighting best practices,
design, energy efficiency and all
topics regarding lighting a home.
Visit Light Logic at:
www.IESLightLogic.org

2. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
What You’ll Learn Here:
•Layering light is the key to lighting
design
•Layering light in a space provides
functionality and visual interest
•Primary layers include ambient,
accent, task
•Separately controlling layers can
provide high level of flexibility
Read the full article at
IESLightLogic.org

3. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
What Is Layering With Light?
Color, texture, pattern: Interior designers layer these elements to create
interesting, dynamic rooms. The layered approach is also used in lighting
design.
However, with lighting, layering involves combining ambient, accent and
task lighting to create a balanced, visually comfortable space.

4. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
Ambient Lighting
Ambient (or general) lighting uniformly lights the space, typically avoiding
dark corners while also putting some light on walls. Typically provided by
ceiling-mounted luminaires (light fixtures), it provides light mainly for
orientation and general vision. Examples of ambient lighting include
downlights, pendants, cove lighting and wall washing.

5. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
Ambient Lighting (cont’d)
Because ambient lighting is typically diffuse and uniform, it can be bland.
Accent lighting can be used to highlight features in the space such as
artwork, floral arrangements and interesting architecture. The goal is to
draw attention through contrasts in brightness. Instances of accent lighting
include directional luminaires, track lighting, aimable downlights and wall
washing and grazing. Visual interest can also be stimulated by
incorporating sparkle elements (such as a starry sky effect using points of
light), decorative luminaires, color and silhouetting.

6. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
Task Lighting
Task lighting is then used to provide supplemental
illumination for specific activities requiring more light,
such as reading, sewing, personal grooming and
preparing meals. It may be part of the general lighting
system or additional localized lighting such as portable
desktop, table and floor luminaires, or reading lights.
As these luminaires are typically visible, their style and
finish should match the décor of the space.

7. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
Task Lighting (cont’d)
Once the layers are defined and equipment chosen
that will distribute light in the desired direction,
intensity and pattern, each should be assigned to a
control device that provides switching and also
possibly dimming. By making each layer separately
dimmable, you can establish a wide variety of visual
scenes, moods and functionality. If preset scene
controls are used, these scenes can be programmed
and recalled via single pushbutton operation.

8. Lighting Design 101: Layering With Light
Key Takeaways:
•Layering light is the key to lighting
design
•Layering light in a space provides
functionality and visual interest
•Primary layers include ambient,
accent, task
•Separately controlling layers can
provide high level of flexibility
Read the full article at
IESLightLogic.org