Ambient+Lighting

Definition

 * Ambient lighting** is a form of lighting used to fill out the shadows in a room. It is "a general illumination that comes from all directions in a room that has no visible source." (Harris). The key purpose of ambient lighting is to make rooms feel more comfortable and hospitable.

(For more on lighting effects, see accent lighting and directional lighting.)

Characteristics
Ambient lighting is a secondary light source. It is used to complement other light sources. It should be used to "fill in" rather than provide the entirety of a room's light. Like accent lighting, it is more decorative than functional.

A key feature of ambient lighting is that the intensity of the light source is broken up, obstructed, and diffused. This can be done by reflecting light off the surfaces in the room (e.g.: the walls, ceiling, etc). It can also be achieved by hiding or obstructing the primary light source (e.g.: with a shade or a dimmer switch).

Uses
Because it reduces harsh glare and strong shadows, rooms with ambient lighting feel more comfortable.
 * Ambient lighting can be used to extend the functionality of a room.
 * It should be combined with task and work lighting to make a room that requires such lighting (e.g. offices, kitchens) more hospitable.
 * It also makes rooms transition better from day to night.
 * Ambient lighting is used to balance color provided by other light sources.
 * Strong light sources often lack certain parts of the color spectrum.
 * Fluorescent lighting (CFL and otherwise) is often too cold when there is an absence of natural light.
 * Ambient light can be used to supplement daylight in places with inadequate lighting.
 * Ambient light mitigates harsh shadows
 * Harsh shadows make a room uninviting.
 * Harsh shadows affect our psychological perception of space.

Tips, Tricks, & Precautions

 * Use dimmer switches to make ambient lighting more multifunctional. (A word of caution: fluorescent lighting and low voltage transformers may be damaged by dimmers).
 * Use ambient or more diffused task lighting when you want to avoid glare on screens in work spaces.

Examples
[|Jonisk Floor/Table Lamp by Ikea] [|Faroles Fog Lamp by cb2] [|Tress Table Lamp by Foscarini] [|Bubble Lamp by Modernica]
 * dim-able
 * multiple positions (floor, table, etc)
 * plastic diffuser
 * diffusing shade
 * reflects of the floor and the ceiling
 * can incorperate a CFL and still give a soft glow
 * patterned shade breaks up light pattern
 * open top reflects light off ceiling
 * shade diffuses all exiting light