Characteristics of Modern Lighting The design of modern lighting is functional, with a clean aesthetic. There is an absence of ornamentation, and transitions between varying materials and forms are smooth and thoughtful. Modern lighting can be both organic and geometric, but it always has solid finish applied.

The five main types of interior lighting are: general, ambient, mood, task and accent. Some lights can fit into a few types (depending on their placement, brightness and use) but a general understanding of each individual type of lighting can be very helpful in planning an effective scheme.