Ambient lighting is the primary layer of light in an interior space. It's designed to fill a space with a soft level of overall light that makes navigating the space visually comfortable while providing other basic visual recognition. Although ambient lighting is often referred to as general lighting, they're not interchangeable when lighting is composed in layers—different types of lighting are incorporated into a specific space to satisfy multiple illumination requirements. This layered approach to lighting design allows to create a fully usable, adaptive space, while providing variety and visual interest. Strictly speaking, ambient lighting is used to provide light that fills a space, reduces shadows and creates a sense of comfort. It does not illuminate specific tasks, whereas general lighting often serves as the primary source for task lighting. Ambient lighting can be accomplished with various techniques, including direct lighting, indirect lighting, and direct/indirect lighting.
