How to Use the Layered Lighting Technique Just Like an Interior Designer
Lighting is something we use every day, but the right lighting choices can quickly take a space from average to ambiance. Whether you’re glamming up your Los Angeles rental, decorating your home in Seattle, or elevating the vibe in a New York apartment, you should definitely implement this design trick every interior expert knows: a technique called layered lighting.
Recessed lighting, a hanging pendant, and under-cabinet lights provide lighting depth in this kitchen.
What is layered lighting?
“Layered lighting uses three types of lighting to make a room feel comfortable, look good, and function well in everyday life,” explains Anayeli Carrillo at Dkor Interiors in Miami.
Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, layered lighting blends ambient, task, and accent lighting to add depth, dimension, and flexibility to a room. Each layer serves a specific purpose—setting the mood, spotlighting a workspace, or highlighting architectural details—and together, they help create a balanced and beautifully lit environment.
The three types of lighting
“We always recommend layering different types of light to create both comfort and function,” Carrillo says. Effective layered lighting uses three types of light that work together to illuminate and enhance an interior:
- General lighting: ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting that brighten the entire space.
- Task lighting: think desk lamps or under-cabinet lights that support focused activities.
- Accent lighting: light sources like wall sconces or LED strips that highlight features and add a decorative touch.
“Task lighting is a must: it provides focused light for activities like reading, cooking, or getting ready,” Carrillo expands. “We usually suggest placing lamps or wall lights near desks, vanities, kitchen counters, or bedsides.”
For the final layer, the experts at Dkor Interiors recommend decorative lighting. “It brings personality, style, and visual interest to the space,” says Carrillo. “A beautiful floor lamp or a unique table lamp can act as both a decorative accent and a practical light source. Even without overhead lighting, these thoughtful layers can transform a room into cozy and intentionally designed space. By combining all three, we create spaces that are both practical and nice to look at, choosing the right lighting mix based on the needs of each room.”
Multiple light sources bring warmth and depth to this living room.
Why you should layer your lighting
Incorporating layered lighting into your home has more benefits than just good design. “To be honest, I don’t prefer overhead lighting,” admits Nohea Sentenac, owner of Sentenac House Interiors in Mesa, AZ. “It’s not natural to your circadian rhythm—it makes you feel like the sun is always above you, so it’s always noon in your brain.”
To help wind down: “I always advocate for layered lighting between the abdomen and just above eye level,” Sentenac advises. “Mix up table lamps, floor lamps, cordless mini lamps…even candles.”
Lighting can affect the mood of a space more than you might realize. “Light color (warm vs. cool), light texture (directional vs. diffuse), and light intensity (bright vs. dark) are three fundamental aspects of lighting that can significantly impact the mood of a space,” says Jorgelina Lopez at La Loupe Design.
Put into practice: Choose light sources with a warm color temperature, between 2700K and 3000K, to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, Lopez recommends.
Practical design tips for layered lighting
While layered lighting sets the mood and tone of your home, the fixtures you choose, where you place them, and even the bulbs themselves play a large part in the overall look of a space.
“We love starting with a minimalist floor lamp—especially one with a curved arm—for its ability to cast a wide, gentle glow that instantly warms up a reading nook or quiet corner,” says Lien at light fixture provider Lighting Homei. “From there, wall sconces and table lamps placed at different heights help build depth and mood throughout the space.”
Lien says to think of lighting not just as something necessary, but as a design statement that adds character and harmony. “Subtle variations in shape, material, and placement can transform a dim room into a calm, inviting retreat,” they say. “With the right mix, you’ll create a space that feels lived-in, layered, and effortlessly cozy.” Here’s some design tips to consider when layering lighting in your home.
Use diffused light
To add depth and visual interest, Lopez says to focus on varying textures and intensities of light. “Soft diffuse light defines the brightness of the space, and directional accent lighting creates visual interest through contrast,” she explains. “To achieve diffuse light, select fixtures or shades that distribute light evenly instead of those with exposed bulbs.”
Nick Ciurej, who owns cozy cabin decor company The Cabin Shack, says to consider table lamps with soft, textured lampshades—like a linen or cotton fabric—that can also diffuse light gently across the room, perfect for reading or relaxation.
The lamp shades in this rustic living room give texture and allow the light to diffuse.
Focus on warmth
Ambient lighting helps to set the mood of a room. “Go for warm, amber-toned bulbs to make your space feel inviting rather than daylight bulbs,” Ciurej recommends. “To add a bit of charm, string lights or fairy lights tucked into bookshelves or draped along walls can give off a warm, twinkling effect that feels both magical and cozy. For smaller spaces or rooms with limited surface area, wall sconces are an excellent solution especially with dimmable bulbs.”
Strip lights for places like under cabinets or above soffits are a great alternative to a hardwired solution, Sentenac says. “For the outdoors, string lights and solar lights are great non-permanent solutions,” she recommends.
Don’t forget room corners
Using the corners of a room to strategically place lights help create harmony with everyday pieces and bring effortless balance, especially when placed on side tables or low furniture, shares light design company Simplini. “It’s also a smart, practical move: corners often have nearby outlets, so you can skip messy cords and keep a clean, modern look,” the team says.
“Once the base glow is set, layer the atmosphere with one accent piece you truly love. A sculptural or iconic design adds character and becomes an emotional focal point of the room.”
Other lighting design solutions
There can be so much to think about when using layered lighting in your home, but our experts were quick to point out tips to help balance the space—no interior designer required.
“Floor and table lamps can anchor a space with soft ambient light, while wall sconces add vertical interest and balance,” shares the team at Goldman Lumen Lighting Solutions. “Dimmable lights allow you to shift the mood from bright and energizing to calm and relaxing. To make a room feel more inviting and lived-in, use warm-toned bulbs and place lights at different heights.”
Tips for layered lighting by room
Now that we’ve covered the basics of layered lighting design, it’s time to put it all together—room by room. Here’s what our experts recommend.
This color-drenched living room is complimented by warm bulbs and the glow from the off-room bar.
Bedroom lighting
“Creating a cozy, warm room is all about layering light sources and choosing fixtures that enhance the ambiance. In bedrooms, wall sconces are an excellent choice. They can be set up to provide soft, diffused light while also adding a touch of elegance to your space. Pairing them with table or floor lamps can create depth and ensure ample illumination throughout the room.” – Jonathan Schmidt, Lead Product Designer at Lusa Lighting
Children’s room lighting
“For children’s rooms, lighting can be both fun and practical. Try playful hanging lampshades shaped like sea animals with adjustable brightness to create a calming atmosphere at bedtime. Decorative, whimsical lamps can add fun during playtime and make the room cheerful. Cordless lamps or rechargeable nightlights placed safely within reach help kids feel secure and independent at night, reducing worries about darkness while being safe and easy to use.” – Vasili Lights, specializing in lights for children’s rooms
Living room lighting
“For the living room, strategically positioning and combining multiple light sources at varying heights throughout the room will establish balanced and welcoming ambient light while adding versatility. Include a wall lamp with an extended arm for medium-level lighting. A tall floor lamp with a diffused shade in the room’s corners will soften its edges, and multiple table lamps can ensure an even distribution of ambient light.” – Jorgelina Lopez, La Loupe Design
Dining room lighting
“In the dining room, wall-mounted uplights add volume and contribute to an all-encompassing glow that expands the space, while a decorative pendant lamp over the dining table enhances the mood and atmosphere, serving to anchor the space. If overhead lighting isn’t an option, plug-in pendant lights provide a convenient solution without needing electrical wiring. They can be hung with decorative hooks and cord stay accessories for a clean cord running along the wall.” – Jorgelina Lopez, La Loupe Design
Kitchen lighting
“For kitchens, pendant lights over countertops offer both functionality and style, casting focused light where you need it most. Undercabinet lighting is another must-have in the kitchen—it illuminates countertops in a way downlights or pendants just can’t achieve on their own. It can also provide more than enough indirect light to be used on its own later in the day as you begin to wind down. By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can achieve a beautifully lit space that feels warm and welcoming at any time of day.” – Jonathan Schmidt, Lead Product Designer at Lusa Lighting
So how can you bring layered lighting into your home? Sierra Walters, graphic designer at the home decor and staging company The Cozy Home, describes her experience with styling homes and how to creatively light any room.
The warm lamp in the corner creates a focul point in this maximalist apartment.
“Torchiere style floor lamps with shades shaped to reflect the light upwards and off the walls can make the room feel larger and ceilings higher,” Walters reveals. “Task lighting for seating areas makes for a good reading nook or functional lighting. Table lamps with warm, higher wattage bulbs and light-colored shades can be used to fill the space.
“Add table or task lamps to bookshelves, end tables, and sofa tables to lighten spaces throughout the room. They can even help in the kitchen. Try a small stylish task lamp in a deep kitchen corner or under cabinet lighting for a high-end look. Accent lighting brings design to the room in addition to light. This may include a spot light on wall art as a focal point or even a whimsical lighted art piece as décor to add mood and ambiance. Whatever your lighting limitations are, there are always many solutions to try.”
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