Accent lamps can turn any part of a room or its decor into a highlight. Discover the secret your designer may not want you to know about: art looks better with an accent lamp focused on it. With the correct kind of lamp, what used to be an overlooked piece in your living area can be transformed to the central point. The subtle light that such lamps emit is perfect in highlighting key objects or focal areas in the room.

Besides just providing a beam of focal light, accent lamps can also look pretty as decorative pieces. Most of them serve dual purpose as table lamps, with decorative details so they also serve as a piece of decor to add beauty to your space in addition to lighting. You just have to pick the right accent lamp for your specific need and purpose.

3 Main Considerations when Shopping for Accent Lamps

Aside from emphasizing a certain object or area in your space, accent lamps themselves can also help set the mood of the room. This will depend on the design as well as the kind of light that it emits. Here are three tips to help you narrow down your choices when shopping for accent lamps.

Style
Just like all the other lamps, accent lamps come in a wide array of colors and styles, one of the most popular being the mini accent lamp. There’s no need to match the style of everything else perfectly, however- you can mix and match the style of your lamps and decor to create something that is uniquely your own. Tip: if applicable, don’t forget to purchase an appropriate lamp shade as well!
Power Efficiency
You might think that any amount of light will do since you will only be using it as a decoration rather than a functional piece. However, you also need to ensure that the lamp emits an adequate amount of light, particularly if you are planning to highlight a particular object.
Dimension
This aspect is especially important if you will use the lamp as a piece of décor. Choosing something that is too large might overpower all the other elements in the room. On the other hand, purchasing a small table lamp that doesn’t light the entire object you’re attempting to highlight might defeat the purpose of having an accent lamp in the first place.

3 Most Common Accent Lighting Fixtures

If you’re not looking for a small accent lamp that sits on a table or dresser, there are many other kinds of accent lighting on the market today. Three types of accent lighting have stood out from among the growing pack.

Accent Track Lighting
This is considered to be the most flexible type of accent lighting. These lights can be positioned practically anywhere and manipulated so that the light is aimed in the desired direction. This can used along with other light sources such as lamps and sconces.
Accent Recessed Lighting
Such lighting fixture blends into its surroundings. They are mostly installed in areas where they can be hidden under cabinets, within bookshelves, or in ceilings.
Wall-mounted Accent Lighting
These accent lights are directly attached to a wall or other similar surface nearest the object being lit. They can also be positioned above or below the frame of a hanging, such as a painting or photograph.

Outside Uses for Accent Lamps

Accent lighting is not only something that can be used inside the confines of your home. There are outdoor light fixtures that can be used outdoors and help accent plants and statues or even just set the mood of the environment. Here are some forms:

Halogen Outdoor Accent Lights

These emit a strong and while light, making it a good fixture to highlight or spotlight objects.

Accent Fiber Optics

These lights are perfect for illuminating paths and stairs as well as water features like pools and ponds.

Accent Metal Halides

These let out a soft glow of light which makes them sufficient to light small areas in a subtle manner.

Accent LED Lights

These are energy-sufficient and longer-lasting, two of the top reasons they have grown to be favored above all the others. They are also flexible in various lighting situations and fixtures.

5 Accent Lighting Trends

Trends of all kinds come and go. Accent lighting trends are no exception. This year, the in vogue lighting fixtures are those that meet today’s consumer demands of functionality and aesthetics.

Simplicity Accent Lighting

With the current economy, homeowners are choosing quality above quantity. As a result, lighting designs take on a much simplified style with gentle curving frames, handcrafted accents, and etched glass shades.
Metal Finishes Accent Lighting

The calm and cool look of metals is very popular in today’s interior designs. The most popular are nickel and bronze.
Transitional Accent Lighting

This year’s lights are both pleasing and flexible. One of the innovations geared for this trend is the wall or ceiling mount options.
Energy-Efficient Accent Lighting

Lighting makes up 11 percent of an average American family’s energy consumption, making it an ideal candidate for upgrading to energy-efficient fixtures.
Layered Accent Lighting

The use of layers gives the space a warm and inviting feel. Dimmers are becoming more and more popular as homeowners enjoy the benefits of being able to control light levels.

Accent lighting is more than just a piece of décor; it has numerous other benefits. It can highlight your favorite piece without the need to spend too much for fancy lighting; it can allow you to showcase your individuality by choosing looks and designs that reflect you and your style, and finally, sets the mood of any room in the way that you exactly want to.

Whether you are looking for mini table lamps to use as accent lamps, or want to go all-out with mounted accent lighting and light fixtures, Lamps USA is your source. Explore our blog and buyer’s guides for everything lamp- from full spectrum lamps to kitchen lighting.