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Interior Design vocabulary · Lighting

Accent lighting

Meaning in interior design, with examples

/ˈæksənt ˌlaɪtɪŋ/nounCore term

In interior design, accent lighting means: Directed light used to highlight a particular object or feature, such as artwork, shelves, a textured wall or a plant, so that it stands out.

In Turkish: vurgu aydınlatması, dekoratif aydınlatma

How it is used

Adds depth and drama to a room and is the third classic lighting layer. Typical tools are adjustable spotlights, picture lights, track lights and LED strips in shelves. To work, accent light has to be noticeably brighter than the light around it.

Example sentences

  1. A little accent lighting on the stone wall would make it the focal point at night.

  2. The boutique uses accent lighting to pick out the new collection.

Common collocations

  • accent lighting on artwork
  • subtle accent lighting
  • add accent lighting
  • ambient lightingThe general, even light that fills a room and lets people move around safely, usually from ceiling lights, downlights or daylight.
  • task lightingBrighter, focused light for a specific activity such as cooking, reading, working at a desk or putting on make-up.
  • focal pointThe feature in a room that draws the eye first, such as a fireplace, a large window, a piece of art or a striking light fitting.
  • downlightA small light fitted into the ceiling so that it is almost flush with the surface and shines downwards; often used in rows for ambient lighting.

More terms: Lighting

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