A very important feature of every modern home is the lighting that has been placed in each room and the way in which it is presented to the room. In some rooms it is important to use direct lighting, particularly when there are tasks that need to be performed such as in the kitchen or the bathroom. Other situations call for ambient light to be the dominant feature, such as in the lounge room or the dining room.

Ambient light is an important type of lighting method that provides a softer light to the room without the harshness that comes from the glare of direct lighting. The basic definition of ambient lighting is a light that appears to be coming from many directions.

You may provide ambient light in a number of different ways such as using under counter lighting in the kitchen or at the top of the kitchen cabinets. In the hallway you may create ambient lighting features by the clever use of wall sconces that throws light against the wall and ceiling to reflect down the hall. In the lounge room you might use strategically placed table lamps to create your lighting effects. Torchiere table lamps are a particularly effective method of creating ambient light as they throw light upwards to reflect off the ceiling. You can also create ambient lighting outdoors with large outdoor candle lanterns.

In the bedroom you can create a very simple ambient light source by choosing bedside table lamps with linen lamp shades that will diffuse the light. By using a low wattage bulb the light that is emitted will be soft and muted.

When you are trying to create a certain mood in the room rather than actually using the light to perform specific tasks by, the softness of ambient light is definitely the preferred option. There is an opportunity when redecorating the home to get a little creative when thinking up ways in which the ambient lighting might be introduced.