Did you know that the home décor you choose can actually reflect a lot about your personality? You can tell your story through the decor—the places you’ve visited, the things you’ve done and the hobbies you have nurtured. Thoughtfully curated accessories, artwork and artefacts can be an expression of your lifestyle, and to showcase these in the best possible light, you need well-planned accent lighting.
The Need for Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to draw special attention to anything, or to add drama and character to space. If you have any items that you wish to stand out, such as artwork, statues or portraits, accent lighting is a great way to spotlight these treasured objects and give them the attention they deserve. If you have a feature wall that needs to be highlighted, a garden area, for example, accent lighting in the form of uplights, track lights or ground lights can transform the space and create special interest.
What are the different kinds of accent lights, and how can you use them in your home?
Types of Accent Lights
Picture Lights
Would you like to draw attention to a gorgeous picture on the wall? Use picture lights to create arresting vignettes.
Landscape Accent Lighting
Fairy lights twisted around a tree trunk, a strategically placed uplight near a statue, or pathway lights are some examples of landscape lighting that can be used to show off your interior or exterior landscaping.
Wall Washing Accent Lighting
Feature walls can be lit up by wall washing, a lighting technique that covers an entire wall with light from top to bottom. Recessed eyeball lights or Track light can be fixed near the ceiling and directed at the wall, throwing overlapping arcs of light for a lovely effect. 
Track Lights
A series of lights on a track can be directed on a feature wall, a bookcase or any specific object that you wish to focus attention on. Track lighting offers the ability to change the direction and focus of the light, so if there are several objects close by that you would like to showcase this is a good way to do it.
Display Lights
Recessed lighting on the top surface of any display units highlights the objects placed inside, which could be books, artefacts, indoor plants, sculptures, tableware or any other display items. LED strip lighting, recessed tube lights or recessed spotlights are most commonly used for this.
Spotlights
A spotlight can be used to create drama around a particular feature in your room, such as a statue or a piece of art. Spotlights can also be used in the ceiling to create a special ambience.
Under Cabinet Lights
Under-cabinet lights work well in the kitchen and can create drama in your entertainment unit, study table and other places where overhead cabinetry is being used.
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are magical and can be used anywhere and anytime! String them around trees, or hang them on your wall, window or balcony for a touch of whimsy.
Uplights Accent Lights
Uplights direct light from the ground or a pedestal upwards. These lights can be used to dramatic effect in gardens and as exterior lighting, on the compound wall or to highlight a façade wall of a building. Wall lights or sconces can also be turned upward to throw light on the ceiling.
Staircase Lights
Hidden lights at the side of the staircase cast a soft glow on the treads, preventing any missteps at night.
Candles
Candles create soft, flickering lights and cast dancing shadows….the ultimate in romantic, dreamy atmospheres!
Mirror Backlighting
By placing a light behind a freestanding wall, around a mirror or any other object, you can capture attention by creating a lovely halo of light.
Tips and Tricks for Accent Lights
The right lighting can make all the difference to your home décor! When working with accent lighting, here are some things you must keep in mind:
- Accent lights should draw attention only to features or items that you want to be noticed.
- The direction of the light is very important. Uplighting heightens the drama, while downlights create lovely pools of light on the ground.
- Pay attention to the shadows created by the lighting. Shadows play a large part in the atmosphere created in a room.
- Hidden sources of light, such as backlights or under-cabinet lights create a glow of light that is very appealing.
- Use LED lights to save on power bills.
- Accent lights on dimmers can create different moods.
- Red, blue, and green are common colours that are also often used in accent lighting.
- Yellow lights are warm and inviting, while white lights are cool and functional.
- Waterproof lights are available to create special effects around water bodies.
Accent lights can be used to advantage in your décor, creating a magical ambience and showcasing the best features of your home. If you’d like help with your lighting design strategy, the experts at HomeLane are always available!
