Ambient lighting is lighting designed to create general and even illumination in a space. It provides a basic level of light that illuminates the space well, without highlighting specific areas or objects. The main purpose of ambient lighting is to illuminate the space comfortably, allowing you to carry out your activities without visual discomfort, such as excessive shadows or uncomfortable contrasts.
Features of ambient lighting:
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General lighting :
- It provides even illumination throughout the room, eliminating dark corners and areas. It creates safe and practical lighting without being too bright.
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Light source :
- Ambient lighting is often achieved through recessed lights , wall lights , ceiling lights, or lighting that reflects off the walls and ceiling . This can be achieved with LED panels , downlights, or ceiling spotlights .
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Soft and diffused light :
- The light should be diffused , meaning it's spread out to avoid harsh shadows. This gives the room a soft and pleasant feel , without harsh light that can be tiring on the eyes.
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Even coverage :
- The aim is to illuminate the entire space, so the lighting is not too focused or localised, but present throughout the room.
Ambient lighting applications:
- Living rooms and lounges : It creates a comfortable atmosphere without directing light to specific areas.
- Offices : It provides even lighting that makes working easier, without harsh shadows or glare from screens.
- Bedrooms : It provides subtle lighting that is not too bright, ideal for relaxing or reading.
- Kitchens : In the kitchen, ambient lighting ensures that you have a good overall light source for performing various tasks.
- Shops or commercial spaces : It creates an inviting atmosphere for customers without the focus on specific products or displays.
Examples of ambient lighting:
- Ceiling lights : Common choice for general lighting in living rooms and bedrooms.
- LED strips : Often used for indirect lighting, for example along skirting boards or in ceilings.
- Surface-mounted or recessed spotlights : To create soft lighting without bright, direct beams of light.
- Pendant lights : Sometimes also used for ambient lighting, especially in larger spaces such as dining rooms.
Difference between ambient lighting and other lighting types:
- Ambient lighting is intended for even illumination of the room.
- Accent lighting, on the other hand, focuses on specific objects or areas to highlight them, such as artwork or bookshelves.
- Task lighting is aimed at illuminating specific work areas, such as reading lamps or desk lamps.
In short, ambient lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and functional space , providing a pleasant and even distribution of light without being too bright or concentrated on a single point. It forms the foundation of a good lighting design in a space.