Accent lighting: accentuation and modelling via light

Accent lighting is a method of lighting used, for example, to highlight artworks, architectural elements or special areas of a space with light. The accentuation is achieved by a higher luminance, meaning greater brightness, or by changing the light color. For this purpose, luminaires with directional light such as spotlights for track, recessed spotlights or projectors are usually used – these are predestined to direct the focus onto specific objects or areas in the space.

Accent lighting highlights objects or architectural elements with narrow beams of light. It takes advantage of the fact that we judge the brightest area in the room or space to be the most important. Thus, accent lighting specifically directs our attention. It separates the important from the unimportant and visually brings objects to the foreground. Visually, a hierarchy of perception can therefore be established. For example, exhibits in exhibition spaces, reception areas in a foyer or special architectural elements are highlighted.

Accent lighting leads to good perception of shapes and surface structures. The directional light creates hard shadows and thus good modelling and brilliance. A brightness contrast of 1:10 is perceived as a strong contrast between the surroundings and the object.

A single accent light creates strong shadows on the object. The combination of different light directions balances out strong light-dark contrasts. Strong accent light from one side gives the object a high three-dimensional effect. If the directional light from the front is supplemented by directional light from diagonally behind, the outlines of the object are emphasized and its structures highlighted. Diffuse light from above makes the object appear less three-dimensional than with directional accent light.

Accent light makes objects look very three-dimensional. The use of several spotlights reduces the contrasts between light and dark on the object. Structures become more legible as a result. Equally strong illumination from different sides creates a low three-dimensional effect. Differentiating the illuminance into an intense main light, a lower fill-in light and a certain amount of back light achieves a balanced effect. This lighting concept makes objects appear three-dimensional and ensures good legibility of the shadowed areas. The main light can be used to highlight an important area. If objects are viewed from all sides, the backlight helps to better recognize structures on the rear of the object. Diffuse light, from a luminous ceiling for example, can also balance strong light-dark contrasts from accent light and make objects appear softer. Illumination only with undirected, diffuse light creates hardly any shadow and leads to a low three-dimensional effect.

Luminaires for accent lighting should be able to emit directional, narrowly focused light. Downlights can be used for the static illumination of horizontal lighting tasks, whilst directional downlight spotlights are more variable in terms of alignment. Generally though, movable spotlights on track or supporting structures are used, as well as projectors in outdoor spaces, to best meet the needs of alignability and variability.