How to Use Accent and Feature Lighting to Transform Your Home

When it comes to lighting design, ambient and task lighting usually set the foundation. But if you want to elevate your space and introduce true visual interest, accent and feature lighting is your secret weapon. It highlights architectural details, creates ambience, and turns ordinary rooms into inviting living spaces. Here’s how to use different types of accent lighting to enhance the functionality and overall illumination of your home.

Use Wall Lights to Highlight Mood, Texture and Art

Create instant ambience with wall lights. These versatile lighting fixtures add texture and dimension to a room, helping you highlight specific features like artwork, textured walls or architectural elements.

Telbix wall lights come in minimalist and bold styles, making them perfect for both classic and modern interiors. Use them to create an inviting atmosphere in hallways or as soft general lighting in the living room. Pro tip: add dimmers for extra flexibility.

Wall lighting is a simple way to create mood and drama in your home

Use Floor Lamps to Uplight Features and Add Depth

Floor lamps are ideal uplights for showcasing plants, sculptures or textured walls. These compact, directional lighting fixtures add depth and shape to overlooked corners, instantly improving your home’s lighting scheme.

Place them strategically to emphasise specific features and create soft, indirect light in open-plan rooms or entryways. Uplights can also be paired with LED strips to enhance layered lighting designs.

You can never go wrong with a well-placed black floor lamp.

Add Style and Safety with Staircase Lighting

Lighting your stairs improves functionality and safety, but it also offers an opportunity for smart interior design. Telbix staircase lights are wall-mounted or recessed lights that cast direct light across each tread without glare.

Use these lights as subtle under-lighting along staircases or hallways, and pair with LED strips or dimmable fittings to maintain ambience after dark.

Small square stair lights are simple yet effective lighting solutions.

Combine Function and Style with Vanity Lighting

Vanity lighting is a must-have in any bathroom; it’s a blend of task lighting and accent lighting that improves both visibility and mood. Vanity wall lights offer direct light that’s flattering and practical, ideal for applying makeup or shaving.

For best results, place them beside your mirror rather than overhead. Choose warm LED lights with a consistent colour temperature to maintain a calm, inviting atmosphere.

The right vanity wall light can really illuminate your bathroom and create a spa-like experience. SHOP NOW.

Create a Focal Point with Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are both decorative and functional. Whether it’s over a dining table, kitchen bench or in the centre of a living room, a well-placed pendant light adds impact and ties a space together.

Use pendant lights as a focal point in rooms with high ceilings, or cluster smaller styles to define zones in open-plan layouts. Pair with other lighting types – like downlights or spotlights – to round out your lighting scheme.

A pendant light can be a piece of artwork in itself. SHOP NOW.

Illuminate Your Home with the Right Lighting

Whether you’re highlighting your staircase, warming up a hallway or spotlighting a favourite feature, Buildmat has the lighting to bring it all together. Shop the full range of indoor and outdoor lighting today.

Accent & Feature Lighting FAQs

What is accent lighting?

Accent lighting is focused lighting used to highlight specific features in a space, like artwork, textured walls, or architectural details. It adds visual interest and creates a sense of depth.

What are the different types of lighting in a home?

There are three main types: ambient lighting (general illumination), task lighting (focused light for specific tasks), and accent lighting (to enhance design and create mood).

How can I use accent lighting in my living room?

Layer wall sconces, floor lamps, spotlights or LED strips to highlight specific features, add warmth and balance out overhead lighting.

Are LED lights good for accent lighting?

Yes, LED lights are energy efficient and come in various colour temperatures and formats (like strip lights or recessed lights), making them perfect for flexible accent lighting.

What’s the best way to create ambience with lighting?

Use dimmable lighting fixtures and layer light sources. Combine general lighting with accent lights and desk lamps to create a balanced, inviting atmosphere.