When it comes to designing a beautiful, functional interior, lighting is often the unsung hero. At VEVO Lighting & Acoustics, we believe that great lighting is not just about selecting a stunning fitting — it’s about layering light thoughtfully to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re designing a cosy living room, a sleek office, or a luxurious hotel lobby, mastering the art of layered lighting is essential.
Here’s how to approach it:
1. Understand the Three Core Layers of Lighting
A well-lit space uses three fundamental types of lighting, each serving a specific purpose:
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides the overall illumination of a space — the soft glow that allows you to move around safely. Think of it as the base layer of your lighting plan. Ceiling fittings, recessed lights, and large pendants typically provide ambient light.
Task Lighting
Task lighting focuses on specific areas where activities like reading, cooking, or working take place. Desk lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lights, and vanity lights are examples. Task lighting should be brighter and more concentrated than ambient lighting but without causing glare.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting adds drama and highlights architectural features, artwork, or decorative objects. This is where your space gains depth and visual interest. Spotlights, picture lights, and LED strips all work beautifully as accent lighting.
By thoughtfully combining these three layers, you ensure your space is not only functional but also dynamic and visually rich.
2. Start with a Lighting Plan
Before choosing fittings, step back and think about how the room will be used. Is it a multi-purpose family room? A formal dining space? A spa-like bathroom retreat? Each function demands a different lighting emphasis.
Sketch the layout of the room, identify key zones (reading corner, dining table, workspace, etc.), and plan where each type of lighting will go. Early planning avoids the all-too-common mistake of relying on a single ceiling light to do all the work.
3. Mix Fittings and Styles
Layering isn’t just about the types of light — it’s also about the style and placement of fittings. Combine different types of luminaires to add richness: a statement chandelier for ambient light, wall sconces for accents, and a table lamp for tasks.
At VEVO Lighting & Acoustics, we offer a curated selection of fittings that balance form and function. Whether you love minimalist modern or richly detailed traditional pieces, we’ll help you mix styles while maintaining a cohesive look.
4. Use Dimmers for Flexibility
Lighting needs change throughout the day. Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your fittings to suit your mood, the time of day, or the activity at hand. A brightly lit kitchen during breakfast can transition to a softly illuminated space for evening entertaining — all with the slide of a dimmer.
Installing dimmers on all three layers of lighting gives you maximum control and flexibility, making your space effortlessly adaptable.
5. Mind the Colour Temperature
The warmth or coolness of light — measured in Kelvins (K) — significantly affects the mood of a room.
- Warm white (2700K–3000K): Cosy, inviting, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Neutral white (3500K–4100K): Clean, balanced, excellent for kitchens and workspaces.
- Cool white (5000K+): Crisp, energising, suited for task-oriented environments.
Choosing the right colour temperature for each layer ensures that your lighting supports the purpose and mood of the space.
6. Highlight Textures and Materials
Good lighting doesn’t just brighten a room — it enhances everything within it. Use directional accent lighting to highlight stone walls, wood grain, or architectural details. Well-placed light can turn a simple texture into a standout feature.
Our acoustics products at VEVO can also work hand-in-hand with lighting to shape how a space feels and sounds. Together, they elevate the entire sensory experience of your interior.
Ready to Transform Your Space With Layer Lighting?
At VEVO Lighting & Acoustics, we specialise in helping you layer lighting the right way — beautifully, functionally, and stylishly. Whether you’re starting a new project or updating an existing one, our expert team can guide you through the options and customise a plan that fits your vision perfectly.
Contact us today to explore our collection and discover how brilliant lighting design can change everything.
