What are the different types of lighting?
Good lighting is important. During the day, but especially in the evening, you need the right light in your home. How? By combining five different types of light, you create the right foundation. Discover which types of lighting create the right atmosphere in your home. We distinguish the following types of lighting: general lighting, functional lighting, decorative lighting, accent lighting, and smart lighting.
Read here how to create a lighting plan. This way, you create the right lighting for every spot.
1. General lighting
General lighting, also known as ambient lighting, is the primary light source in a room. This type of lighting ensures that the entire space is evenly illuminated so you can see everything clearly. General lighting is often controlled by a light switch, allowing you to turn the light on or off when entering or leaving the room. Ceiling lights, recessed lights, or wall lights are examples of general lighting.
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2. Functional lighting
Functional lighting, also known as task lighting, provides extra light for specific areas or tasks. This targeted light is used when reading, studying, or cooking. Use spotlights, LED strips, desk lamps, table lamps, wall lights, or floor lamps for this purpose. There are many places in your home where you can apply task lighting, making everyday activities much more comfortable.
3. Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is the finishing touch and serves a decorative purpose. It sets the tone in a room and creates a cosy and warm atmosphere. Examples of ambient lighting include dimmable lamps, table lamps, string lights, candles, lanterns, or LED strips.
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4. Accent lighting
Anyone who wants to light their space aesthetically and decoratively should definitely consider accent lighting. This allows you to highlight a specific object in the room and make the space more visually appealing. For example, illuminate art on the wall or clothes in your closet. Examples of accent lighting are wall lamps, spotlights, or recessed lights.
5. Smart lighting
Determine the light intensity or colour of your lighting from an app on your phone. It may sound like something from the future, but it's happening now! With our various smart lighting solutions, you always have the right light at hand. Whether it's in the kitchen or in your wardrobe. With the TRÅDFRI set, you can also link multiple lamps together. Easily control them with a remote control or the IKEA Home smart app on your phone. This way, you'll never have a disagreement about who should turn off the light again!
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Ideas to save on energy costs in your home
Easier than you think: saving on energy. If you pay attention at home, you’ll discover how many devices you have that use electricity. There are probably more than you think. We have some ideas for you to save energy. And that means a lower energy bill right away.
Save energy = save money
Save costs with LED bulbs! What did you lead? LED lamps are 85% more economical compared to halogen and last 7.5 times as long. Reduce your energy consumption by replacing 10 halogen lamps with LED lamps and save up to 30.- per year.
Source: Milieu Centraal
Choose more sustainable LED lighting
Since 2016, all the lighting we sell is LED lighting. An LED lamp is better in every way than an incandescent or CFL bulb: in terms of production, consumption, and waste processing. When purchasing a new LED lamp, it is good to check which fitting you need.
Our LED lamps can be divided into three categories based on the fitting: screw fitting, bayonet fitting, and pin fitting.
- E27 and E14 fittings: These are the most common fittings for LED lamps. E27 has a larger screw thread (27 mm) and E14 has a smaller one (14 mm).
- GU10 fittings: These fittings are often used for spot lighting.
- G4 and G9 fittings: Small pin fittings that are often used in decorative lighting and under-cabinet lighting.
