The Designer's Guide to Light Fixtures: Task Lighting

In our first installment, we explored Ambient Lighting—the foundational layer that sets the mood for a home. But once the atmosphere is established, we need to turn our attention to the "focus" of the room- Task Lighting.

I like to think of this layer as the "intentional focus" of a room. It’s the difference between an aesthetic house and a functional home. Whether you’re trying to read in bed without straining your eyes or preparing supper without working in the shadows; getting the task lighting right is what makes a space feel polished and curated.

Here is how to choose the right light for the job:

The Sconce Edit

I usually go for sconces when surface space is at a premium or when I want to create a permanent, architectural feel.

For a look that feels incredibly polished, use the Signature Hardware Baker Sconce to flank a mirror or line a hallway. Its slim, torch-like silhouette adds the finishing touch to any space.

If you want a clean, modern glow that doesn't compete with your decor, the Kohler Hint One-Light Sconce is a thoughtful pick that provides a soft, etched-glass diffusion for a calming atmosphere.

To add some warmth and texture to a reading nook, the Pottery Barn Andre Rattan Sconce is a great way to bring in a personalized, element that makes the space feel relaxed.

The Floor Lamp Edit

Use these when you want to turn a lonely armchair into a cozy reading nook. They provide height and character without needing any installation.

For those spaces where you need a clean, subtle glow, the Joss & Main Brightech Montage Modern Floor Lamp is a great way to anchor a sofa or chair with its timeless drum shade and slim silhouette.

If you want your lighting to double as a conversation piece, the West Elm Staggered Glass Floor Lamp is a perfect pick; its five glass orbs and brass finish give any room an architectural feel.

When you need something more focused and sturdy, the Article Aino Floor Lamp in Cinder offers an adjustable cone shade that’s ideal for directing light exactly where you’re working or reading

The Table Lamp Edit

I choose these for desks, consoles, or side tables where you need a pool of light right at hand level.

You can't go wrong with the Pottery Barn Ellis Metal Table Lamp when you're looking for something classic. It has a sturdy, high-quality feel that provides an anchor for a traditional living room.

For a desk or a bedside where you need a focused beam, the Article Markham Small Table Lamp in brass is a beautiful, low-profile option.

If you want to add a bit of an edge to a console or end table, the West Elm Zig Zag Table Lamp is a fun, architectural piece.

A well-lit home is about more than just seeing where you’re going—it’s about how you feel in the space. When you take the time to layer in thoughtful task lighting, you’re moving away from a generic "showroom" look and toward a home that is truly curated for your life.

It’s these small, intentional decisions—the right sconce by the bed or a sturdy lamp on the desk—that make a room work. By choosing pieces that offer both value and vision, you’re creating a space that feels polished, high-end, and uniquely yours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ahuva Schmerhold is an Interior Designer and graduate of the New York Institute of Art and Design. Ahuva focuses on blending practical organized solutions with contemporary design, to ensure homes are both beautiful and functional. She currently serves clients in person in the Tri-State area and nationwide through virtual consultations. Ahuva can be reached at interiorsbyahuva@gmail.com.