The Three-Layer Lighting Rule, Applied Room by Room

Ambient: the light you see by

A cove, recessed downlights on a dimmer, or a diffuse pendant. It should be even and never the only layer switched on in the evening.

Task: the light you work by

Under-cabinet in the kitchen, a reading light at the bed, a desk lamp at the study. Task light must be positioned so your own body does not shadow the work.

Accent: the light that gives the room depth

A spot on artwork, a strip in a display niche, an uplight grazing a textured wall. This is the layer that makes a room photograph well and feel considered.

Put the layers on separate circuits

The whole point is being able to run accent and task without ambient at night. Wiring all three to one switch defeats the design.

Hold one colour temperature

2700K–3000K throughout the living areas. Cool white in one fitting and warm in the next is instantly visible and very hard to unsee.