There are three basic types of lighting for your home and a good lighting plan combines all three to light an area according to function and style. Ambient lighting provides an overall illumination to an area. It radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and walk about safely and in some spaces, such as laundry rooms, it also serves as the primary source of task lighting. This can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights and with lanterns mounted on the outside of the home. Having a central source of ambient light in all rooms is very necessary in a good lighting plan. Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks, such as reading, grooming, preparing and cooking food, etc. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and under cabinet lighting, as well as by portable floor and desk lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eye strain. Accent lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of an interior design scheme, it is used to draw the eye to houseplants, paintings, sculptures and other prized possessions. It can also be used to highlight the texture of a brick or stone wall, window treatments or outdoor landscaping. To be effective, accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. Accent lighting is usually provided by recessed and track lighting or wall-mounted picture lights.

Blog inspired by article featured on americanlightingassoc.com and can be seen here:  http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Lighting-Fundamentals/3-Types-of-Lighting.aspx