Lighting 101 : Outdoor Light Design

Outdoor Lighting enhances the beauty of your property, makes your home safer and more secure, and increases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors. And it is an investment that pays off handsomely in the value it adds to your home.
A well-lighted front entrance enables you to greet guests and identify visitors. Wall lanterns on each side of the door will give your home a warm, welcoming look, while assuring the safety of those who enter. Under a porch or other overhang, you can use recessed, chain-hung, or close-to-ceiling fixtures. A separate rear or side entrance can be lighted with a single wall lantern installed on the keyhole side of the door. To conserve energy, consider post and wall lanterns that use new compact fluorescent or high-intensity discharge light sources such as mercury vapor or high pressure sodium.
For the safety and security of family members using the garage at night, you can install a wall fixture on the face of the garage. Fixtures equipped with high-pressure sodium bulbs will deliver more light per watt and last many times longer than those with incandescent bulbs. In addition, photocells are available that will turn fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn, reducing energy consumption and providing security when you're away.
For added security, illuminate any side of the house that would otherwise be in shadow. To conserve energy, install a motion- or heat-sensitive control that will switch on the light only if someone approaches that side of the house. An automatic timer can control a portion of your outdoor lights to turn off at a certain hour, while basic security lights can be left on through the night. Another proven safety measure is to use timers on interior lights to make your home look occupied when you're away.
Steps, paths, and driveways should be illuminated to make sure family members and guests are able to move about easily and safely after dark. You can install path lights or post lanterns or attach lights to the side of the house. Low-level path lights, which spread circular patterns of light, will brighten your walkway, while highlighting nearby flower beds, shrubs, and ground cover. These close-to-the-ground lights are available in fixtures using energy-saving low-voltage current. They are simple to install and can easily be moved to reflect changes in your landscaping. Low-level path lights can also be used to define the boundaries of long driveways. Bollards, which stand 30 to 36 inches off the ground, also work well. Use shielded fixtures to avoid glare.
Decks, porches, and patios can be converted into romantic evening retreats by concealing low-voltage mini-lights under steps, railing, or benches.
Another idea is to install a spotlight in the branches of a nearby tree.
Don't forget to add stronger light over the barbecue or serving area. To accomplish this, install a recessed spot-light on an adjacent roof overhang or mount spread lights on a railing behind the grill.

Lighting 101 : Other Areas Light Design

In the entrance foyer, general lighting is needed to welcome guests and assure safe passage. This can be furnished by a handsome ceiling fixture that emits a generous spread of light. If more light is needed, consider placing matching wall sconces on either side of a foyer mirror.
Hallways should be illuminated every 8 to 10 feet for safety. You can accomplish this with ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, recessed, or track lighting. Movable track fixtures will give you the general lighting you need for safety, while allowing you to accent any artwork or family photos.
Stairs should be lighted from top to bottom to prevent accidents, with switches at both ends for convenience. If hall and foyer fixtures do not illuminate the entire stairway, you can install a chain-hung or close-to-ceiling fixture above the top step.
Utility/laundry areas need plenty of well-diffused general lighting for sorting and spotting laundry, measuring detergent, and setting dials. A large ceiling fixture with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes should do the job ( see light sources ). Warm white tones will provide the best all-around color rendition.

Lighting 101 : Office Light Design

Two large ceiling fixtures, containing energy-efficient fluorescent tubes, will provide plenty of well-diffused general lighting, while eliminating shadows on the desk. Place the fixtures over head and to the right and left of the desk so the light comes over the shoulder. Lighting placed in front of a desk will cause troublesome reflections. Credenzas can be illuminated with slim undercabinet fixtures containing energy-efficient fluorescents. Mount as close to the front of the cabinet as possible to avoid glare reflecting off the work surface. Pictures, mementos, professional certificates, or an attractive plant can be highlighted with track lighting.

An adjustable table lamp will provide additional light to the desk and keyboard areas. Position the lamp so it is not reflected in the computer screen.

Lighting 101 : Kitchen Light Design

A large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting, but it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas need supplemental task lighting. For example, two track lights over the sink will give you the illumination you need for washing dishes and scouring pots and pans.
At the sink and range, an individual recessed downlight, equipped with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent tube, will provide you with adequate task lighting when installed in the ceiling or in soffits over these two busy work areas.
Dinettes, nooks, and island counters can be lighted with decorative pendants. When used with a dimmer control, these ceiling-hung fixtures will provide you with adequate task lighting for homework, hobbies, or family business and allow you to lower the light for dining or entertaining.
Undercabinet lighting is ideal for countertops. Mount as close to the front of the cabinets as possible to avoid glare reflecting off work surfaces. Choose energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures (they generally range from 12 to 48 inches long) that cover at least two-thirds the length of the counter.
Kitchen cabinets can be accentuated by placing low-voltage mini-lights over, under, or inside cabinets. Soffits and other concealed locations can also be treated effectively with this type of lighting. These inconspicuous strips of miniature incandescent bulbs will highlight your cabinetry, while adding a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen.

Lighting 101 : Dining Room Light Design

Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or family bookkeeping. Dimming controls will enable you to vary the light for each occasion.

A chandelier is the focal point of the dining room. Suspended over the dining table, it serves as a decorative style element that enhances the beauty of your fine furnishings. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created. If equipped with a downlight, the chandelier provides task lighting for the table and accent lighting for a centerpiece.
Recessed or track lighting provides general lighting, while enabling you to highlight prized possessions throughout the room. A ring of four recessed downlights around the dining table supplements the light from the chandelier, while providing accent lighting for your tableware. The pure white light of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will make your crystal and silverware sparkle.
A buffet or sideboard can be flanked with wall sconces on either side. Choose fixtures that complement the style of your chandelier. Displayed objects can be accented with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling above.
A family portrait can be dramatically lighted with recessed adjustable accent fixtures. Ask the certified lighting consultants at your local ALA showroom to help you choose fixtures that are best suited for this purpose.
A China cabinet, breakfront, hutch, or wall niche can become a showplace for your prized collectibles by installing strips of low-voltage mini-lights under the shelves.

Lighting 101 : Bathroom Light Design

In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applying makeup. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting. A recessed infrared heat lamp will give you added warmth on chilly mornings.
For small mirrors, decorative wall brackets on each side will illuminate both sides of your face evenly. You can also mount a wall bracket across the top of the mirror. Fixtures equipped with incandescent bulbs behind glass or plastic diffusers provide the most flattering light. If you opt for more energy-efficient fluorescents, choose warm white tones. They come closest to the color of incandescents.
Theatrical lighting strips around your bathroom mirror will give you the same excellent lighting the stars enjoy in their Broadway dressing rooms.
Tub and shower enclosures can be adequately lighted by placing an enclosed damp-location recessed downlight in the ceiling. These downlights are also recommended over whirlpool baths or in saunas.

Lighting 101 : Bedroom Light Design

When lighting a bedroom, you will want to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation, while providing some bright spots for reading and other activities. A combination of general and task lighting that takes into account the age and lifestyle of the occupant(s) is needed. Remember, dimming controls give you the flexibility to vary the light to suit different moods and activities.

General lighting can be provided by ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, fan lights, recessed downlights, or wall sconces, giving you the illumination you need to dress and see into drawers and closets.
At the dressing table, an adjustable, lighted magnifying mirror will provide ideal lighting for grooming and applying makeup.
For closets, a recessed or surface-mounted closet light is suggested.
Swing-arm wall lamps on either side of the bed will provide adequate light for reading, while leaving night tables free for a clock-radio, books, or beverages.
Another idea is to hang pendants next to the bed, or install recessed downlights in the ceiling over the bed.
Children's rooms will benefit from the use of track lights, which can be swiveled, rotated, and aimed in any direction to shed light on play areas, hobbies, or homework. As the child grows older, the fixtures can be moved and redirected toward a stereo cabinet or sitting area.

Lighting 101 : Living Room Light Design

When designing a lighting plan for a living room or family room, you need to consider the variety of activities that occur there. You'll want to include general lighting for entertaining and watching television, task lighting for reading or sewing, and accent lighting for artwork, plants, and interesting architectural features. Dimming controls are ideal for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit each mood and activity.

Fireplaces made of brick or stone can be emphasized with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over the mantle to create an intriguing grazing effect across the surface. Wall sconces on each side of the fireplace are an attractive addition that draws attention to the fireplace area, while providing general lighting for the living room.
Reading requires task lighting that comes from behind the reader's shoulder. This can be accomplished by placing a floor lamp either at the right or the left of the reading chair. The bottom of the shade should be located at eye level to avoid glare.
Paintings can be highlighted with low-voltage, tungsten-halogen picture lights. These frame-mounted lights spread a beam of bright, white light across the face of the painting. House plants can be accented by aiming an uplight can at the wall behind the plant, creating a dramatic silhouette of the plant against the wall. .
Bars can be lighted from above with recessed or track fixtures, or with miniature, low-voltage pendants that hover intimately over the bar. Glass shelves and glassware can be accented by two recessed adjustable fixtures. The use of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will emit a bright white light that will make glassware sparkle, while providing added illumination for serving and cleanup.
TV, video games, and computers require low-level general lighting that does not wash out the screen's image nor reflect into the viewer's eyes. Miniature track lighting can be installed under shelves to provide both general and accent lighting. Choose from accent spots, mini-lights, and compact or linear fluorescent light sources.
Game tables require bright, even overhead lighting. Shaded pendants equipped with either incandescent bulbs or energy-efficient compact fluorescent tubes are one solution. Or, install two recessed downlights over each half of the table.

Lighting 101 : Recessed Lighting

General Lighting
General service "A" bulbs (in recessed fixtures) provide wide light distribution. "R" and "PAR" bulbs concentrate light. Coverage per fixture is based on providing 15 to 25 footcandles of light. In rooms with darker color use higher wattages.
Number of fixtures needed in a given area: consult ALA showroom experts for manufacturer's literature. The "spacing ratio" number must be multiplied by the fixture's mounting height above the lighted area (tabletop, floor, counter, etc.) to give the maximum spacing for even illuminations.

Fixture Trim	"A" Bulb			"R" Bulb
	75W	100W	150W	50W	75W	150W
Cone	25	40	50	15	30	65
Baffle	20	30	50	10	25	60
Lens	25	35	55	--	--	--
Diffuser	20	30	45	--	--	--

Wall Washing
Use the chart to choose the desired light level. Find the spacing (S) for the fixtures. For the required number of fixtures, divide the length of wall by spacing (S). Place the fixtures the same distance from the wall as (S). Example: For Medium Light Level with wall washers with 100W "A" bulbs, five fixtures are needed to wash a 10-foot wall.

	Lamp & Wattage	Spacing(s) for Medium Level (15-20 foorcandles)	Spacing(s) for High Level (30-45 footcandles)
	100W "A"	2 ft	--
	150W "A"	4 ft	2 ft
	150W "R"	3 ft	2 ft

Accent Lighting
Use the chart to select a bulb for the size of beam desired to accent the subject. Light levels range from 20 to 60 foot-candles at the center of the beam. Example: A 2-foot. mounting distance, a 50W "MR-16FL" bulb will cast an 8 x 3-foot beam.
Lamps aimed 30 degrees from vertical.
(L) & (W) indicate where candlepower drops 50% of maximum.

Distance from Wall (D)	Lamp Selection	Beam Length (L)	Beam Width (W)
	5DW PAR-36 WFL (12V)	5 ft	2.5 ft
	5DW MR-16 FL (12V)	8 ft	3 ft
	75W R-30 SP	4.5 ft	2 ft
	75W R-30 FL	Wall Bottom	7 ft
	75W PAR-38 FL	5.5 ft	2 ft
	25W PAR-36 NSP (12V)	2 ft	1 ft
	5DW MR-16 NSP (12V)	2 ft	1.5 ft
	5DW MR-16 NFL (12V)	5.5 ft	3 ft
	75W PAR-38 SP	3 ft	1.5 ft

** 2 ft from wall (8 ft ceiling)
** 3 ft from wall (10 ft ceiling)

Lighting 101 : Track Lighting

Accent Lighting
For lighting objects on a wall, the wall itself, or any vertical surface, position the track and the fixtures as shown at right.
1. Generally, fixtures should be aimed at a 30 degree angle from the vertical to prevent light from shining in anyone's eyes and to avoid disturbing reflections on the surface of the object. Usually, one fixture is required for each object being accented.
2. Measure the distance ("B" to "C") from wall, on ceiling as shown in the table below.
3. Mount track at "Location" ("A" to "B") from wall, on ceiling, as shown in the table

A to B Location in inches	B to C Distance in feet
13"	2 feet
20"	3 feet
27"	4 feet
34"	5 feet
41"	6 feet

Wall Washing For non-textured surfaces, mount the track 2 to 3 feet from the wall, on ceilings up to 9 feet high. Mount between 3 and 4 feet on ceilings between 9 feet and 11 feet high. Space the fixtures the same distance apart as the track is from the wall.
Wall Grazing For dramatic shadows on textured surfaces (such as draperies, stone, or brick) mount the tract 6 to 12 inches from the wall, with the fixtures the same distance apart and aimed downward for a grazing effect.

General Lighting
General lighting can be provided by track fixtures aimed at the wall or by spill light from fixtures used for accent lighting or wall washing.

Lighting 101 : Energy Savings and Efficiency

Lighting uses 12 to 15 percent of the electricity consumed in a home. Suggested ways to economize on electricity bills with lighting are:

1. Turn lights off when you don't need them.

2. Use dimmers to save energy.

3. Use photoelectric cells or timers to turn outdoor lighting on and off automatically.

4. Use the more efficient reflector bulbs, especially for task and accent lighting. (Example: a 50W "R" bulb can put as much light on an object as a 100W "A" bulb.)

5. Use energy-saving fluorescents wherever possible. They give more lumens-per-watt (more light from the electricity consumed) than incandescents. New compact fluorescents produce light that is similar in color to that of incandescents, making them an excellent choice for residential use. They are now available in styles that can accommodate a wide variety of decorative and functional fixtures.

Here are some energy-saving examples:

Incandescent Wattage	Fluorescent Replacement (1)	Rated Fluorescent Life	Yearly Savings(2)
2-60W	1-20W Straight Tubes	9,000 Hours	$21.17
1-100W	2-20W Straight Tubes	9,000 Hours	$11.96
2-75W	1-40W Straight Tubes	20,000 Hours	$23.21
2-60W	1-32W Circle Tube	12,000 Hours	$18.57
3-60W	1-32W+1-40W Circle Tubes	12,000 Hours	$22.08
2-100W	2-40W U-Tubes	12,000 Hours	$24.53
1-60W	1-13W Compact Twins	10,000 Hours	$10.01
1-100W	2-13W Compact Twins	10,000 Hours	$15.34
1-75W	1-18W Compact Quad	10,000 Hours	$12.09
1-60W	1-15W Compact Screw-In	9,000 Hours	$9.53

(1) Includes allowance for ballast wattage.
(2) Calculated @ .10 per KWH based on use of 6 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Lighting 101 : Lighting Controls

Lighting controls give you the flexibility to design a lighting plan with multiple uses and decorative effects. With the touch of a button, today's sophisticated dimming systems enable you to:

Lower light level to conserve energy and increase bulb life.

Vary the mood of a room.

Alter the intensity of the light to suit the activity.

Create and save a number of different lighting scenes in each room.
Lighting controls should be an integral part of the lighting design of each room.

Types of Controls:

1. Integrated dimming systems allow you to create multiple preset lighting scenes within a room. Scenes can be recalled with the touch of a button from a single wall box or with hand held wireless remote controls.

2. Touch dimmers allow you to vary the intensity of the lighting while depressing a button. These systems permit one-touch recall of the previous lighting level. Some are equipped with indicator lights that provide a continual readout of the lighting intensity.

3. Slide dimmers provide full-range, manual dimming control. Some are equipped with a touch-button that allows you to return to the previous lighting level. Others have an indicator light that glows in the dark for easy location.

4. Rotary dimmers provide full-range, manual dimming control. Some are equipped with a push-button operation that allows you to turn the light on and off and return to the previous lighting level.

Lighting 101 : Shapes and Forms of Lighting

Once you've selected what you want to light, you'll have to decide how you're going to light it.

Hall/Foyer Fixtures can create a congenial atmosphere, while providing you with the general lighting you need to greet guests and assure safe passage into other areas of your home. Use ceiling, chain-hung, or close-to-ceiling fixtures in hallways, stairways, and entranceways.

Chandeliers can add sparkle and style to your dining room while giving you the general lighting you need for dining and entertaining. They are also used in bedrooms, foyers, or over a living room grouping or a grand piano. Some are designed with downlights to provide task lighting for homework or table games, or to accent table settings. Chandeliers are available in both incandescent and tungsten-halogen. The addition of a dimmer control lets you alter the intensity of light to suit the mood and activity (see lighting controls).

Pendants can provide both task and general lighting. Equipped with shades or globes to avoid glare, they are suspended from the ceiling over dinette tables, game tables, kitchen counters, or other work areas. When used over end or night tables, they free up the space occupied by table lamps. The use of a dimmer control gives you the flexibility to vary the light to suit the occasion (see lighting controls).

Ceiling Fixtures usually provide general lighting. They are practical in busy areas such as foyers, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, playrooms, and dens. They are available with incandescent, fluorescent, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures can furnish general, task, and accent lighting. Many are designed to match and supplement dining room chandeliers, or to provide hallway, bedroom, or living room lighting. Wall brackets are often used for task lighting at the bathroom mirror. They are available with a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Bath/Vanity Lighting Strips supply task lighting, while supplementing the general lighting provided by ceiling fixtures. Similar to the lighting in theater dressing rooms, these softly glowing strips of globe-shaped incandescent bulbs provide excellent lighting for applying makeup, shaving, and grooming.

Portable Lamps can deliver general, task, and accent lighting, while giving you the flexibility to move the light whenever you want. Table lamps, floor lamps, and torchiers are available in a variety of styles to complement your decor. Small specialty lamps, such as clip-on lights, uplight cans, adjustable task lights, mini-reflector spotlights, desk and piano lamps fill a variety of task and accent light needs. These lamps are available with incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Track Lighting can provide general, task, or accent lighting all at once in one flexible lighting system. You can move, swivel, rotate, and aim the individual fixtures in any direction along the track, giving you the versatility to change your lighting scheme when the need arises. You can also hang chandeliers and pendants from the track. Track fixtures are available in standard or low-voltage current, and a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent light sources.

Recessed Lighting can provide general, task, or accent lighting inconspicuously. Installed in the ceiling with only the trim showing, recessed fixtures can be used anywhere in the home, including outdoors under eaves. They are ideal for low-ceiling areas, and with a special adapter they can also be used in cathedral ceilings. They are available as downlights, adjustable accent lights, and wall washers in both standard and low-voltage current and a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Undercabinet/ Undershelf Fixtures offer both task and accent lighting. Under kitchen cabinets they light a countertop. In a display cabinet they show off prized possessions. They're used in a workshop or anywhere you need lighting right at hand. They include slim, energy-efficient fluorescents, miniature track lighting, and strips of low-voltage mini-lights.

Lighting 101 : Shapes and Forms of Lighting

Once you've selected what you want to light, you'll have to decide how you're going to light it. The Alexander Lighting Showroom is the best place to view the many different styles, sizes and shapes of lighting fixtures that are available to deliver the general, task, and accent light you need.

Hall/Foyer Fixtures can create a congenial atmosphere, while providing you with the general lighting you need to greet guests and assure safe passage into other areas of your home. Use ceiling, chain-hung, or close-to-ceiling fixtures in hallways, stairways, and entranceways.

Chandeliers can add sparkle and style to your dining room while giving you the general lighting you need for dining and entertaining. They are also used in bedrooms, foyers, or over a living room grouping or a grand piano. Some are designed with downlights to provide task lighting for homework or table games, or to accent table settings. Chandeliers are available in both incandescent and tungsten-halogen. The addition of a dimmer control lets you alter the intensity of light to suit the mood and activity (see lighting controls).

Pendants can provide both task and general lighting. Equipped with shades or globes to avoid glare, they are suspended from the ceiling over dinette tables, game tables, kitchen counters, or other work areas. When used over end or night tables, they free up the space occupied by table lamps. The use of a dimmer control gives you the flexibility to vary the light to suit the occasion (see lighting controls).

Ceiling Fixtures usually provide general lighting. They are practical in busy areas such as foyers, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, playrooms, and dens. They are available with incandescent, fluorescent, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures can furnish general, task, and accent lighting. Many are designed to match and supplement dining room chandeliers, or to provide hallway, bedroom, or living room lighting. Wall brackets are often used for task lighting at the bathroom mirror. They are available with a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Bath/Vanity Lighting Strips supply task lighting, while supplementing the general lighting provided by ceiling fixtures. Similar to the lighting in theater dressing rooms, these softly glowing strips of globe-shaped incandescent bulbs provide excellent lighting for applying makeup, shaving, and grooming.

Portable Lamps can deliver general, task, and accent lighting, while giving you the flexibility to move the light whenever you want. Table lamps, floor lamps, and torchiers are available in a variety of styles to complement your decor. Small specialty lamps, such as clip-on lights, uplight cans, adjustable task lights, mini-reflector spotlights, desk and piano lamps fill a variety of task and accent light needs. These lamps are available with incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Track Lighting can provide general, task, or accent lighting all at once in one flexible lighting system. You can move, swivel, rotate, and aim the individual fixtures in any direction along the track, giving you the versatility to change your lighting scheme when the need arises. You can also hang chandeliers and pendants from the track. Track fixtures are available in standard or low-voltage current, and a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescent light sources.

Recessed Lighting can provide general, task, or accent lighting inconspicuously. Installed in the ceiling with only the trim showing, recessed fixtures can be used anywhere in the home, including outdoors under eaves. They are ideal for low-ceiling areas, and with a special adapter they can also be used in cathedral ceilings. They are available as downlights, adjustable accent lights, and wall washers in both standard and low-voltage current and a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen, and energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Undercabinet/ Undershelf Fixtures offer both task and accent lighting. Under kitchen cabinets they light a countertop. In a display cabinet they show off prized possessions. They're used in a workshop or anywhere you need lighting right at hand. They include slim, energy-efficient fluorescents, miniature track lighting, and strips of low-voltage mini-lights.

Lighting 101 : Basic Types of Lighting

https://www.alexanderlightingcatalog.com/ General Lighting provides an area with overall illumination. Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights, and with lanterns outside your home. A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight, general lighting is fundamental to a lighting plan.
Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, hobbies, games, or balancing your checkbook. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting, and portable lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.
Accent Lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculpture, and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. This usually is provided by track, recessed, or wall-mounted fixtures.