There is lighting that creates a mood and then there’s lighting that’s more functional and serves a specific purpose. Today we’re focusing on the latter, also known as task lighting and why you need it in your life.

If you’re squinting or otherwise struggling to see when doing things around the house, your rooms probably need more task lighting. When used with ambient and accent lighting, task lighting creates an inviting combination in the home, creating an environment that’s comfortable and conducive to a number of activities.

We’re sharing a few ways to layer task lighting throughout your home, below.

What Is Task Lighting?

Task lighting is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a specific kind of lighting that casts a directed illumination to a certain area. Usually stronger in intensity, task lighting makes activities like reading, getting dressed, and cooking easier.

If you struggle to see when doing various activities in your home, you probably need to add more sources of task lighting. A focused source of light will help prevent general discomfort and eye strain.When task lighting is layered with general or ambient light and accent lighting, the room is brighter from above and the side for a more natural feel that minimizes glare and shadow.

 

To make a room feel the most comfortable it can be, you’ll need multiple sources of light. Here, we’re breaking down examples of task lighting ideas room by room.

How To Layer Task Lighting In Your Home

A popular question asked in the showrooms is, “How much lighting do I need, and where do I put it?” Seeing the different kinds of task lighting fixtures in person is a great way to understand how they can enhance your space. A professional lighting specialist at a dedicated showroom is a helpful resource who is knowledgeable about timeless and on-trend fixtures that complement your preferences and home’s interior design.

 

Kitchen Task Lighting

Your kitchen’s main task areas generally include:

Above the kitchen island: Pendants are timeless and on trend, and illuminate the countertop.

Sink light: The area around the sink often needs some extra light to wash and dry dishes.

Hood lighting: Ambient lighting is usually not enough when cooking, so you’ll need a downlight to brighten up the stovetop area.

Undercabinet lighting: Don’t neglect the precious real estate beneath your upper cabinets. They’re the perfect spot for LED strip lighting or similar that functions as both a task and accent light.

Pantry lighting: The pantry light is often an afterthought, but you need a good source of light so you reach for the pasta and not the cereal box.

 

 

 

 

 

Living Room Task Lighting

A common design mistake in a living room is insufficient lighting. At first glance, lighting a living room may feel challenging because of the wide variety of activities that take place there.

Families use the living room for reading, watching television, working, doing homework, and socializing, all at different times of the day when the amount of natural light coming in from windows varies.

Sometimes these activities even occur simultaneously!

Fortunately lighting a living room isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Once you’ve selected your source of ambient light, layering task lighting is pretty simple. When lighting your living room, take its layout and furnishings into consideration, making a note of all available surfaces, dark corners, and where each activity takes place. A few examples of living room tasking lighting include:

• • Floor lamps
  • Adjustable floor lamps that move light in different directions
  • Table lamps
  • Pendant lights

Bathroom Task Lighting

People are often surprised by how much task lighting a bathroom requires for comfort and safety. Seeing yourself in the best light as you get ready for the day is essential. Task lighting in the bathroom makes makeup application and personal grooming easier, plus it prevents mismatched socks and other wardrobe mishaps!

In a bathroom, a single light above the vanity is usually not enough (it also creates facial shadows and makes it more difficult to shave, style hair, and put on makeup). Here are a few things to consider when lighting up a bathroom:

Vanity lighting: A source of ambient and task lighting, a vanity fixture is essential to every bathroom. Instead of placing the fixture above the mirror, place a smaller one on each side for horizontal and more natural illumination.

Lighted mirrors: A backlit LED mirror provides an even wash of light, reduces shadow, and evens out skin tones. It also works as a lovely accent light.

Bathtub lighting: Over the tub is a great opportunity to add some style and personality to your bathroom. A fancy chandelier to scale, modern pendant, or chic semi flush mount are great options for this area of the bathroom.

Shower lighting: If you’re remodeling your bathroom, don’t forget about lighting in the stall. Recessed lighting is the most common type of shower lighting, but with whatever you choose, be sure it’s wet rated to withstand its high-moisture environment.

Downlights: Downlights are a way to increase the brightness of certain areas. If your bathroom has a large vanity or long countertops, installing downlights with dimmer switches adds more focused and controlled lighting.

 

Bedroom Task Lighting

The bedroom is your sanctuary space and the place where you can retreat and unwind. And while lighting’s main role there is to set a calming and peaceful ambiance, you’ll still need some focused lighting for various tasks.

A source of light on each side of the bed acts as both a task and accent light — it makes a nice reading light and can also illuminate artwork or wall decor hanging above it. A floor lamp can brighten up a dark corner and create a reading nook when placed next to a chair. A table lamp atop a dresser helps you see inside drawers as you get ready for the day. And in the closet, downlights and LED light strips are wonderful ways to brighten up your cabinets and open shelves.

Style Takeaways

Task lighting improves how your home functions and feels. Discover your task lighting options and get personalized recommendations by visiting your local member showroom. Shop Artcraft® Lighting at these Lighting One showrooms.