Accent lighting focuses
light
Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), corresponding to frequencies of 750–420 t ...
on a particular area or object.
It is often used to highlight art or other artifacts.
Common types of accent lights include wall
sconces,
floodlight
A floodlight is a broad-beamed, high-intensity artificial light. They are often used to illuminate outdoor playing fields while an outdoor sports event is being held during low-light conditions. More focused kinds are often used as a stage ...
s,
recessed light
A recessed light or downlight (also pot light in Canadian English, sometimes can light (for canister light) in American English) is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shi ...
s,
torchère
A torchère ( ; french: torchère ; also variously spelled "torchèr", "torchière", "torchièr", "torchiere" and "torchier" with various interpretative pronunciations), also known as a torch lamp or floor lamp, is a lamp with a tall stand of wo ...
lamps, or
track lighting
Track lighting is a method of lighting where light fixtures are attached anywhere on a continuous track device which contains electrical conductors.https://books.google.com/books?id=bAEAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA75&dq=%22track+lighting%22&hl=en&redir_esc=y#v ...
. The brighter light from the accent lamp creates visual interest to a room. Accent lights may also be used in practical applications to shine light on a stairway, such as in movie theaters, or to light walkways.
Some accent lights aren't made to shine on a particular object, but are themselves a piece of art with a self-contained light source. Often made with
Tiffany glass
Tiffany glass refers to the many and varied types of glass developed and produced from 1878 to 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York City, by Louis Comfort Tiffany and a team of other designers, including Clara Driscoll, Agnes F. Northrop, an ...
, these serve as a piece of functional
decor
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordin ...
for a home.
Accent lights can also be used outdoors as guides for pathways or to spotlight garden art.
References
Lighting
Light fixtures
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