Lighting is something we use every day, but choosing the right lighting can quickly take up space from average to atmosphere. Whether you’re engaging with Los Angeles rentals, decorating your home in Seattle, or enhancing the atmosphere in a New York apartment, you definitely need to implement this design trick that every interior expert knows.
Recessed lighting, hanging pendants and under-cabinet lighting provide depth of lighting in this kitchen.
What is layered lighting?
“In layered lighting, three types of lighting make the room feel comfortable, look good and work well in everyday life,” explains Anaericarillo of Dkor Interiors in Miami.
Instead of relying on one overhead fixture, layered lighting blends ambient, task, and accent lighting to add depth, dimensions and flexibility to your room. Each layer serves a specific purpose, such as setting a mood, spotlighting the workspace, and highlighting architectural details.
Three types of lighting
“We always recommend layering different types of light to create both comfort and functionality,” Carrillo says. Effective layered lighting works together to illuminate and enhance the interior using three types of light.
General lighting: Ceiling fixtures or hollow lighting that brightens the entire space. Task Lighting: Lights below the desk lamp or cabinet to support focused activities. Accent Lighting: Light sources such as wall cons and LED strips that accentuate the functionality and add a decorative touch.
“Task lighting is a must. It provides light focused on activities such as reading, cooking and preparation,” expands Carrillo. “We usually recommend placing lamps and wall lights near desks, vanity, kitchen counters, or bedside.”
For the final layer, DKOR interior experts recommend decorative lighting. “It brings personality, style and visual interest to the space,” says Carrillo. “A beautiful floor lamp or unique table lamp can act as both a decorative accent and a practical light source. Even without overhead lighting, these thoughtful layers can turn a room into a cozy, intentionally designed space.
Multiple light sources bring warmth and depth to this living room.
Why you need to stack the lights
Incorporating layered lighting into your home has many advantages over just a good design. “To be honest, I don’t like overhead lighting,” admits Nohea Centenac, owner of Centenac House Interiors in Mesa, Arizona. “It’s not natural for your circadian rhythm. It’s always midday in your brain, as you make the sun feel like it’s always on top of you.”
To finish: “I always defend the layered lighting between the abdomen and just above eye level,” advises Centanack. “Mix candles, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and cordless mini lamps.”
Lighting can affect the mood of the space more than you notice. “Bright colours (warm vs cool), light textures (direction vs. diffusion), and light intensity (bright vs. dark) are three basic aspects of lighting and can have a major impact on the atmosphere of a space.”
Practice: Choose a light source with a warm color temperature between 2700k and 3000k to create an attractive and relaxing atmosphere, Lopez recommends.
Practical Design Tips for Layered Lighting
Layered lighting plays a major role in the overall appearance of the space, the mood and tone of your home, the equipment you choose, where you place them, and even the bulb itself.
“We love starting with minimalist floor lamps, especially those with curved arms. That’s why we have the ability to cast a wide, gentle glow that instantly warms every nook or quiet corner of our reading.” “From there, wall sconces and table lamps placed at various heights help to build depth and mood throughout the space.”
Lien says that he considers lighting not only as a necessary thing, but as a design statement that adds character and harmony. “The subtle variations in shape, material and arrangement can turn a dimly lit room into a calm and charming hideaway,” they say. “With the right mix, you’ll create a space that feels lively, layered and comfortable to wear.” Here are some design tips to consider when layering lights on your home.
Uses diffused light
To add depth and visual interest, Lopez says he focuses on a variety of textures and light intensity. “Soft diffused light defines the brightness of the space, while directional accent lighting creates visual interest through contrast,” she explains. “To achieve diffused light, choose equipment or shades that distribute light evenly instead of exposed bulbs.”
Nick Ciurej, who owns cozy cabin decor company The Cabin Shack, considers table lamps with soft, textured lampshades, such as linen and cotton fabrics, lightly diffuses the light throughout the room, making it perfect for reading and relaxation.
This rustic living room lampshade gives texture and diffuses the light.
Focus on warmth
Ambient lighting helps you set the mood of your room. “Look for warm, amber bulbs so you can feel an attractive space rather than a daylight bulb,” Ciurej recommends. “A bit of charm, pushing string lights, or fairy lights into the bookcase or drape along the wall gives you a warm, sparkling effect that feels both magical and cozy. For spaces and rooms with limited surface area, wall sashes are a great solution, especially with dim light bulbs.”
Strip lights are great alternatives to hardwired solutions, such as under cabinets or above soffit, says Centenac. “In the outdoors, string lights and solar lights are great non-permanent solutions,” she recommends.
Don’t forget the corner of the room
Strategic layout of lights using corners of the room will create harmony with everyday pieces and provide an easy balance, especially when sharing light design company Simplini. “It’s also a smart, practical move. The corners often have nearby outlets so you can skip messy code and keep it clean and modern,” the team says.
“When the base glow is set, layer the atmosphere with a piece of work with a truly loveable accent. The sculpture and iconic design add character and become the emotional focus of the room.”
Other lighting design solutions
There are a lot to think about when using layered lighting in your home, but our experts have quickly pointed out some tips for balancing the space.
“Floor and table lamps can hold spaces with soft ambient light, while wall sconces add vertical interest and balance,” the team at Goldman Lumen Lighting Solutions shares. “Using dim lights will help you feel calm and relax from the energy. Place your room at different heights using warm tone bulbs and lighting to make your room more attractive and lively.”
Tips for floor lighting for each room
Now that we’ve covered the basics of layered lighting design, it’s time to put it all together in each room. This is what our experts recommend.
This coloured living room is complemented by warm bulbs and sparkle from the off-room bar.
Bedroom lighting
“Creating a cozy, warm room is choosing equipment that layer light sources to enhance the atmosphere. In bedrooms, wall-mounting is a great choice. Combining tables and floor lamps together creates depth and ensures rich lighting throughout the room” – Jonathan Schmidt, lead product designer at Lusa Lighting
Children’s room lighting
“For children’s rooms, lighting is fun and practical. Try a playful hanging lampshade shaped like a sea animal with adjustable sparkle to create a calming atmosphere when sleeping. Decorative and whimsical lamps will make your room cheerful. – Vasili Lights specialized in light in children’s rooms
Living room lighting
“For living rooms, multiple light sources are strategically placed and combined at various heights throughout the room to establish a balanced and welcoming atmosphere while adding versatility. Include wall lamps with extended arms for medium-level lighting. – Jorgelina Lopez, La Rope Design
Dining room lighting
“In the dining room, wall-mounted uprights add volume and contribute to all the comprehensive sparkle that expands the space. Meanwhile, decorative pendant lamps on the dining table enhance the mood and atmosphere, secure the space, and if overhead lighting is not an option, plug-in pendant lights provide a convenient solution to withstand clean without supplementing the electricity wall.” – Jorgelina Lopez, La Rope Design
Kitchen lighting
“For kitchens, countertop pendant lights offer both functionality and style and cast light focused wherever you need them most. Under cabinet lighting is another essential in the kitchen. They illuminate the countertop in ways that you can’t achieve on your own. They are always warm and welcome.” – Jonathan Schmidt, lead product designer at Lusa Lighting
So how can you bring layered lighting into your home? Sierra Walters, a graphic designer at home decor and staging company The Cozy Home, explains her styling home experience and how to creatively illuminate a room.
The warm lamps at the corner focus on this biggest apartment.
“Torquière-style floor lamps with light reflected upwards and tints off the walls make the room feel bigger and the ceiling can be raised,” reveals Walters. “Task lighting in the seating area will be a great reading corner or functional lighting. You can fill the space with warmer, higher wattage bulbs and brighter shades of table lamps.
“It can also be useful in the kitchen to brighten up the entire room space on a bookshelves, end tables, or sofa tables. Try it out for a high-end look under deep kitchen corners or cabinet lighting. The limitation of your lighting is that there are always many solutions to try.”
