How to Create Ambient Lighting For Your Home

Lighting can be a challenge to get right, but it is essential for creating that perfect ambiance that we all want in our home. 

If you’re struggling on how to create ambient lighting for your home, then read on for more on how to perfect the look!

Key Summary

• Ambient lighting creates a balanced, diffused glow across a room that is ideal for general lighting. 

• Using fixtures, such as flush mount lights, can help to achieve a comfortable and inviting space. 

• Create ambient lighting by layering lights, using dimmer switches, and making the most of natural light. 

Understanding Ambient Lighting

Before we dive into how to create ambient lighting, it is important to understand what it is. 

Ambient lighting is a type of lighting that is used to create a soft, diffused glow in a room and is often referred to as general lighting. Installing lighting sources such as flush mount lights, or table lamps, will help to create ambient lighting in your space and help to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is comfortable for both relaxation and socializing.

One of the key benefits of ambient lighting is that, thanks to its even distribution of illumination, it can be used to create a balanced, yet cozy and inviting space. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy living room or a relaxing bedroom, ambient lighting is a versatile and effective tool for achieving your design goals.

How to Create Ambient Lighting | 6 Key Tips

• Choosing the Right Lights

Choosing the right lights is essential when it comes to creating ambient lighting. One of the best options for ambient lighting is flush mount lights as they are designed to be mounted flush against the ceiling, which helps to create a subtle and diffused light. Other fixtures that can work to create ambient lighting include pendant lights and chandeliers. 

• Setting the Mood with Color Temperature

Color temperature is another important factor to consider when creating ambient lighting. Measures in Kelvin (K), it refers to the color of the lights. Lights with a lower color temperature will be around 2700K and offer a warm, yellow glow, while cool toned lights will be around 5000k with a blue-white glow. For ambient lighting, you will want to choose lights with a lower color temperature, as this will help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Layering Light

Layering light is an essential technique when it comes to creating ambient lighting. Using multiple light sources in a room, such as a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps will create a more nuanced and complex lighting scheme that will help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to use different brightness levels when layering so you create varied light levels throughout the room.  

• Using Dimmers

Dimmers are another essential tool when it comes to creating ambient lighting as they allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights that can keep your lighting more subtle and balanced. Dimmers are especially useful for creating ambient lighting, as they allow you to create a soft and diffused glow that will help to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

• Adding Texture with Lampshades

Lampshades are another great way to add texture and depth to your ambient lighting scheme. Available in a variety of materials, they can be a useful tool for creating soft, diffused light that supports the warm, inviting atmosphere you wish to create. 

• Use natural light to your advantage

While artificial lighting is essential for creating ambient lighting, natural light can also be a powerful tool. Take advantage of windows and skylights in the room to create a bright and airy atmosphere that feels welcoming and comfortable. Just be sure to use window coverings or blinds to control the amount of natural light, as direct sunlight can cause glare and be too intense for ambient lighting purposes.

What should you avoid when creating ambient lighting in the home?

Creating ambient lighting in your home can transform the atmosphere of a room, but there are some things you should avoid to ensure you achieve the desired effect. These include: 

Harsh, bright lighting- super bright lighting fixtures can counteract the soft style of ambient lighting. To ensure a good level of brightness that still feels gentle, try layering your lights to maintain an inviting atmosphere. 

Cool-colored light- Cool-colored light can make a space feel sterile and uninviting, which is not the effect you want when creating ambient lighting. 

Too many lights- While it may seem like adding more lights would create a more ambient environment, too many lights can actually be overwhelming and create a cluttered feeling. 

Mismatched lighting fixtures- Using a variety of lighting fixtures can be a great way to create depth and dimension in a space, but it’s important to make sure they match in style and color to avoid an unbalanced feel.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ambient lighting and mood lighting?

Ambient lighting is the overall lighting that illuminates a room. This general lighting makes a space functional. Mood lighting, on the other hand, is a type of lighting that creates a specific atmosphere or mood in a room. It is usually dimmer and softer than ambient lighting and is used to create a more relaxing or intimate environment.

What types of lights can be used in a room to create ambient light?

Besides flush mount lights, there are many other types of ambient lights that can be used in a room, such as pendant lights, chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. The key is to choose a lighting fixture that complements your decor and provides the right amount of light for your space.

How can I make my own DIY ambient lighting?

There are many DIY projects you can do to create your own ambient lighting. Some ideas include using string lights, candles, or lanterns to add a cozy and intimate feel to your space. You can also use LED strip lights to create a subtle glow around the perimeter of a room or under shelves or cabinets.

Can ambient lighting be used in any room of the house?

Ambient lighting can be used in any room of the house, from the living room to the bedroom to the bathroom. The key is to choose lighting fixtures and bulbs that suit the purpose and mood of each room, for example, a bright overhead light might be best for a kitchen, while a soft table lamp might be more suitable for a bedroom.

Lights Out

Ambient lighting is an excellent way to enhance the ambiance of your home, and it’s a really easy look to achieve. 

Following our simple guide for how to create ambient lighting at home including choosing the right bulbs and layering your lighting will allow you to create a warm, inviting, and relaxing atmosphere in any room. With these tips, you can transform your home into a cozy and inviting space that you and your guests will love.