What is Accent Lighting?

Accent lighting is a form of lighting used most commonly for illuminating walks with subtle light. However, this form of lighting can also be used to highlight key objects and focal points in the home or surrounding landscape. For instance, many people like to display particular pieces of artwork or other collectible items in their home. Others may choose to highlight water features or plants in the garden. When adding light to a specific object, it can help create or set a particular mood to the area as well. Some of the most common accent lighting fixtures include track, recessed and wall-mounted lights. Track lighting is probably considered the most flexible. Fixtures are placed as needed and aimed in any direction along the track. They can also be used with other light sources, like sconces or lamps. Recessed lighting fixtures blend into their surroundings. These are usually installed in ceilings, under cabinets, or within bookshelves and are available in many styles. Wall- ...  more

Thus in home furnishing you can use different sorts of light fitments and placement to achieve different things. You may for instance softly light a whole room with concealed hidden lights, this provides a general mood or tone. You could then use accent or directional lighting to highlight particular objects in the room to attract attention to a them or a particular particular area of the room - e.g. an alcove full of ornaments could have a spotlight placed above it; the spotlight would be called accent lighting.  more