Ambient lighting is lighting specifically designed to create a certain mood or atmosphere in a room, rather than to illuminate a task or workspace. The goal of ambient lighting is to create a pleasant, relaxing , or cozy environment through dimmed light , soft shadows , and warm tones .
Features of mood lighting:
- Soft and diffused light : Mood lighting is often soft and diffused, creating a calm, relaxing ambiance . The light is less harsh than functional lighting and avoids harsh shadows.
- Indirect lighting : Ambient lighting is often positioned indirectly, such as behind furniture, along the edges of a room, or above the ceiling, to diffuse light without direct glare.
- Warm color temperatures : The light usually has a warm color temperature (around 2700K), which contributes to a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This can be the case with dimmable LED bulbs or incandescent bulbs , for example.
- Emphasis on aesthetics : Mood lighting is often more aesthetically oriented than practical. It creates a visual impact and can significantly influence the overall look of a room.
Examples of mood lighting:
- Lamps and lanterns : These can be strategically placed around the room to create a softer glow, such as table lamps or floor lamps.
- Light strips : LED strips placed along walls, skirting boards or furniture can create subtle and pleasant lighting.
- Candles : Real or electronic candles are often used for mood lighting, especially for their soft, flickering light.
- Fairy Lights : Small lights that are often used in winter or on special occasions (such as parties) to create a festive or intimate atmosphere.
- Table lamps with dimmer : By dimming the light, a more relaxing atmosphere can be created, ideal for lounges or dining areas.
Difference with other lighting:
- Functional Lighting : While mood lighting aims to create a certain atmosphere, functional lighting aims to provide sufficient light for specific tasks, such as reading, working or cooking.
- Accent Lighting : Ambient lighting and accent lighting can overlap, but accent lighting is intended to highlight specific objects or features in a room, such as artwork or architectural details, while ambient lighting affects the overall mood of the room.
In short, mood lighting is all about ambiance , comfort , and creating a pleasant, relaxing space , ideal for relaxation, coziness, or a special atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in the aesthetic value of an interior.