10 Best Accent Lighting Ideas to Brighten Any Space
Updated: Nov. 24, 2023
These lights are the perfect blend of style and function.
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Incorporating accent lighting to any space, indoors or out, is the dimension-adding secret designers swear by. These secondary sources of light are some of the brightest bedroom lighting ideas and tips, and serve as genius outdoor path lighting options. They can work with your smart light switches, coordinate with seasonal holiday lighting and even sync with outdoor flood lights for fully-planned landscape illumination.
“Lighting accents are used to draw the eye to a focal point in a space, and pendants over an island are a good example of this,” explains Liz Toombs, the owner PDR Interiors. “Accent lights provide lighting in addition to the main light source in the room. This gives the space depth, but they also act as an alternative light source to the main.”
How to Choose the Best Accent Lighting
Toombs says there aren’t too many hard-and-fast rules for picking the best secondary lighting pieces, but taking careful measurements is essential to getting sizing right. “Choose show-stoppers for areas such as the dining room, kitchen island, bedroom and even bathrooms. I abide by the bigger-is-better-mantra when choosing lighting.”
While large light fixtures are better for rooms with strong focal points, smaller areas like those below kitchen cabinets tend to benefit from LED lighting tape treatment. “I regularly use LED tape light under kitchen cabinets. They aren’t bulky or expensive but output a great deal of light which is helpful for tasks like cooking and cleaning on the countertop.”
Let’s highlight different products for creating accent lighting at home. Things like rope lights behind a headboard or desk, under cabinet lighting, illuminating artwork or display shelves, etc.
Evaluation Criteria
We looked at important elements light the types of light bulbs each light fixture required, with energy efficient options taking top spots. Ease of installation, overall value and designer-approved features also earned each piece high marks. Extra points went to accent lighting with overwhelmingly positive reviews from real customers.
The best under cabinet accent lighting
Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
The ultra-affordable Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is one of the easiest accent lighting products to install. It takes just minutes for even the most novice-level DIYers. Install it below kitchen cabinets, desk storage or even the inside of closet shelving. This tape lighting system comes with over six feet of length and an impressive collection of 120 LED bulbs that promise both durability and energy efficiency.
Pros
- Easy tape-style installation works under cabinets and shelves of most styles
- Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, closets and offices
- Affordable
- Over 9,000 Amazon ratings with a nearly-perfect 4.6-star average
Cons
- Requires plug-in components
Best accent lighting for artwork
Wireless LED Picture Lamp
Highlighting prized pieces of art is easier than ever with this battery-operated, wireless LED picture lamp. It comes with a remote control that allows you to turn it on or off from afar. Three lighting modes create perfect illumination for every type of wall hanging and space, while the nearly nine-inch size offers bold, but not overwhelming, stature. Press the light’s timer button to turn it off automatically in timeframes of 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes. It also comes in three metal finishes including black, gold and silver to suit different room styles.
Pros
- Battery-operated, wireless illumination for artwork
- Neatly attaches to most types of frames
- Three lighting settings, including a timer and dimmer
- Three metal finishes including black, gold and silver
- Easy to operate and comes with a remote control
- Affordable
Cons
- Only available in an 8.8-inch width, so it’s not suitable for extremely large portraits
Best pendant accent lighting
Bay Isle Home Noonan Pendant
The Bay Isle Home Noonan Pendant hits a variety of Toombs’s essential style points including a bold size and on-trend rattan materials. “Rattan and woven material pendants are everywhere,” she says, adding that, “people love the texture it brings to their spaces.” The timeless pendant design elevates any space with airy light that transforms hallways, dining rooms and kitchen islands when grouped in sets of two or three. It also makes a lovely addition to office spaces and reading nooks.
Pros
- Bold pendant design instantly adds character and depth to interior spaces
- Hangs solo or in groupings
- 15-inch diameter
- Easily accommodates LED bulbs
- Hits modern style notes and coordinates with a variety of design types
Cons
- Requires help to put up or a skilled DIY installer
Best rope lights
UltraPro Escape LED Rope Lights
Each 50-foot coil of UltraPro Escape LED Rope Lights is enough to trim an accent wall, child’s play room, movie den or other fun-focused space. These twinkly lights come in warm or cool white, color-changing or rich green tones to suit every space. They’re encased in a thick, durable plastic that makes them ideal as both indoor and outdoor string lights, and keeps them flexible no matter what the elements have in store.
“Multiple color selections, brightness and ease of use are just three of the reasons I am happy with this purchase,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, Cory. “Because it’s weatherproof, this rope can remain affixed to my deck rail year round.”
Pros
- Flexible, plastic-encased LEDS are ideal for trimming walls, walkways and arches
- Several color tones and lengths available
- Easy to use
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Affordable price point
Cons
- No trim-to-fit option, so it’s important to measure your space carefully
Best accent lighting for patios and decks
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern
This charming Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern gives off soft light that transforms typical patio spaces into evening sanctuaries with the flick of a switch. It’s so much better than just a lantern. Hidden inserts actually work to repel mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs while the light is on. That means you can enjoy the light and ambiance of your patio, deck and other outdoor spaces without worrying about bug spray. The device is entirely smoke-free, flame-free and stink-free as well.
“I turned it on 30 minutes before going outside and no mosquitoes!” shares James, a verified Amazon purchaser. “I enjoyed the front porch for the first time this summer!”
Pros
- Adds warm, glowing light to outdoor spaces
- Creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes
- Modest price point
- Over 13,000 Amazon ratings with an impressive 4.3-star average
Cons
- Requires specific refills that must be ordered ahead, though they’re affordable and easy to install
Best shelf accent lighting
Tap Light Push Lights
With over 23,000 ratings, these Tap Light Push Lights are an Amazon best seller that reviewers can’t stop raving about. Their easy installation and use has made them a major hit with shoppers, especially because add instant light to shelves of all types in under a minute. With the included ultra-strong adhesive tape, all it takes is a simple stick-and-go application. Three AAA batteries keep the long-lasting LED mini bulbs lit for 50 hours.
Pros
- Simple tap/push operation
- Long-lasting LED mini bulbs
- Strong adhesive tape allows for easy peel-and-stick application
- Extremely budget-friendly
Cons
- More functional than aesthetic; best used in easily-concealed places like shelves, corners and closets
- Each piece requires three AAA batteries which aren’t included in the package
Best LED Flood Accent Lights
ChangeM Color Changing Flood Lights
Backyard parties and evenings by the pool are bound to be better than ever with few ChangeM Color Changing Flood Lights. These Bluetooth and app-connected LED flood lights offer energy efficient, outdoor smart light ambiance and color thanks to 20 RGB color changing modes. Choose from pulsating RGB, strobe-style lights, rainbow jumping and other multicolored effects at the speed of your choice. They work in harsh weather conditions like rain, sleet and snow and even have a timer function so you can enjoy your social events without worrying about turning them off at the right time.
“I love these lights,” writes Jason, a verified Amazon purchaser. “I used them as a light to flood the exterior of our home with color for our holiday display. Now I’m using them as plain landscape lighting until the next holiday when we will change the colors again for the season. They’re bright, waterproof and offer good construction.”
Pros
- Long-lasting LED flood lights with multicolor options
- Affordable price point
- Easy installation
- Works in all sorts of weather
- Bluetooth and app pairing for seamless control
Cons
- Reviewers note that these lights offer thousands of light patterns, though you can’t customize your own
Best seeded glass accent lighting
Beachcrest Home Shameka Light Pendant
The Shameka Light Pendant from Beachcrest Home offers one of Toombs’s favorite accent lighting trends—seeded glass. “Seeded glass is very popular because it helps diffuse the light and doesn’t require cleaning as often as clear glass globes,” she says, emphasizing that these speckled-looking glass pieces are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. “Choose these pieces with bright gold, dark iron or black finishes for a modern look.”
These offer adjustable height and length, dimmable lights and metal hardware that comes in four popular finishes. They’re also LED-compatible for energy efficient use.
Pros
- Pendant style with a seeded glass bulb cover that diffuses light and requires less frequent cleaning
- Several metallic hardware finishes
- Display solo in small spaces or as a collection over areas like kitchen counters
- Over 2,000 enthusiastic Wayfair reviews
- Modest price point
Cons
- Only suitable for indoor use
Best reading accent light
LED Clip-On Light
Save power and energy with this clever little LED clip-on light that neatly attaches to any headboard or desk. It comes in versatile black, white and silver finishes and is hailed as a quirky gifts for gadget lovers. It has two lighting warmth options, a dimmer, a completely adjustable arm and a two-prong USB adapter.
“This light is perfect,” says Sharon, a verified Amazon purchaser. “I needed a reading light that didn’t take up much space. Most importantly, the clamp had to be wide enough to grip my thick wood bed frame. I was relieved when it came and I found the clamp easily fit. I should also add the metal neck that bends is sturdy and firm yet flexible. Better quality than I expected.”
Pros
- Ideal for clipping onto headboards, nightstands and desks
- Easy arm adjustment and swiveling
- Dimming function plus two light warmth options
- Affordable price point
- Amazon’s most popular reading lamp with over 20,000 ratings and a 4.6-star average
Cons
- Small size means this product is best for a single reader
Best solar accent lighting
Rayolon Solar Ground Lights
Line your walkway and outdoor paths with these effortless Rayon Solar Ground Lights. These shallow, round lights offer handsome, fuss-free appeal to outdoor spaces. Installation is as easy as pushing the built-in spikes into the ground. Choose from warm or cool light options. Available in packs as small as four or as large as 16, this accent lighting pick illuminates planters, lines driveways and adds safety to dimly-lit patios. These solar ground lights feature eight LED bulbs, which means they generate more light for your path than average solar path lights—fully charged batteries give light for six to 10 hours.
Pros
- Relies entirely on solar charging—no plugs or outlets necessary
- Full charge lasts six to 10 hours
- Easy installation
- Good fit for walkways, driveways, patios and yard paths
Cons
- Small circumference gives off a mild amount of light, so plan to add lanterns or torch lights if you need more robust lighting
