Lighting is used for specific purposes other than allowing one to see. The goal of good lighting is to create a beautiful environment in which your eyes are directed towards key objects rather than simply the light itself.  To do this, different types of lighting methods is used.

The main and most notable four types are task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, and utility lighting. Each one of these serve the same general purpose but do so in different ways and on different objects. The purpose of each will now be discussed.

In cases where many activities such as reading, writing, cooking or even sewing regularly occurs, task lighting is highly recommended.  This lighting if achieved by fixtures that directly shines light upon the work surface. Many times an under cabinet light is just the thing needed for such application of light.

They are 80% energy efficient , convenient, and easily installable.  For a dining room a chandelier with an integral downlight is recommended. 

In cases such as bathrooms, a fixture mounted above the mirror. To avoid the problem of poorly lit faces, an additional recessed downlight mounted 24" to 36"  can illuminate the head.

The ambient lighting is often called “the general light in a room.”  It is used for providing light for watching television or other forms of entertainment. To get a maximum effect it is important to use multiple sources of dimmers.

This allows one to change the amount of light in the room based upon the natural light coming into the room based upon what time of day it is. 

To achieve the best results lights should be installed at regular intervals upon the wall or ceiling. With walls, it is also best to have them colored white or another light color. This prevents a glare from occurring and disrupting your viewing experience.

While similar to task lighting, accent lighting works in a similar way. However it focuses more upon directional light on art work, architectural features, collectibles or even simply for reading purposes.

The light’s source should be aimed at a 30 degree angle to the object it is wishing to highlight.

This angle prevents a glare from occurring on the work. But after all that work it would be a shame for the work’s beauty to be degraded by the site of the light source. To cover it is important to mount a sconce about eye level. This will give a maximum effect of highlighting the work of focus.

Finally comes utility lighting. The objective of this is to in simple terms, "flood an area” with light. It is meant to provide one with enough light when working outside or even around the home.

This is done by placing a high level light source in an area that geometrically can shine light upon the greatest area.

In some cases it can also be used for security. Having one placed in areas close to entrances of the house and installed with motion sensitive devices, it can flood and area with light when someone approaches at night. By doing so it alerts you the homeowner and can scare away the intruder.

Each lighting style serves different purposes in terms of what it specifically meant to do, but on a whole the lighting is meant to highlight objects or areas that need it. Specific needs need the right lighting.

That is where one has to decide. Do you want task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, or utility lighting.