There’s lighting… and then there’s lighting.
You know the difference. One is just there to help you find your keys. The other? It changes everything. It softens a space. It anchors a room. It makes your evening glass of wine feel like a ritual.
At Lumiere Shades, we like to think of lighting as the quiet hero of a well-designed home. And no, we’re not talking about retina-burning LEDs or sterile ceiling cans. We’re talking about natural light — linen-filtered, softly sculpted, beautifully layered. Here’s how to master the art of ambient, task, and accent lighting — without losing your mind (or your mood board).
Ambient Lighting: The Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ambient light is the base layer. It’s the gentle glow that fills a room—setting the tone without stealing the show. Think of it as the lighting equivalent of linen sheets: effortless, breathable, and very good at making things feel better.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, anywhere you want people to linger.
Bonus points: Add a dimmer. Always a dimmer.
Task Lighting: Beautifully Functional (Emphasis on Beautiful)
This is the light that does the heavy lifting—your reading corner, kitchen bench, or side table with that pile of half-read books. But just because it’s functional doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
Try this: Wall light with a plug-in cord = instant reading nook. Add it beside your bed, sofa or a built-in bench seat and voilà—you’ve made a little moment.
Best for: Bedside lighting, kitchen prep zones, entry console styling, and Zoom-friendly desk corners.
Design note: Warm white bulbs only. We’re creating mood here, not a dentist’s office.
Accent Lighting: A Little Drama Never Hurt Anyone
Accent lighting is all about the details. It’s not the loudest in the room, but it always makes you look twice. A corner pendant. A floor lamp by the armchair. That soft pool of light that turns an ordinary wall into something a little magical.
Best for: Corners, hallways, stairwells, plant moments, and that awkward spot you’ve never quite known what to do with.
The Secret? It’s All in the Layering The truth is, no single light can do it all. The magic happens when you layer. Start with ambient, add task lighting where you need it, and finish with a little accent for atmosphere.
At Lumiere, every shade is handmade in Bali from natural fibres—linen, rattan, cotton. They’re crafted slowly, intentionally, so they don’t just light up a room… they live in it. And isn’t that the point?
Want help finding the right light for your space? Slide into our inbox or explore the collection. We're here for the slow decisions, the small details, and the soft, glowing corners.
With love & light,
Lumiere Shades team