What lighting term refers to fixtures that primarily light an area directly above a visual task?

Task lighting specifically refers to fixtures designed to illuminate specific areas where visual tasks are performed. This type of lighting is focused and direct, providing the necessary brightness to assist with activities that require attention to detail, such as reading, writing, or cooking. By concentrating the light above the task, it reduces shadows and enhances visibility, which is essential for the comfort and effectiveness of the task being performed.

This type of lighting contrasts with general ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination for a space without emphasizing any particular area. Accent lighting is used to highlight specific objects or features in a room, such as artwork or architectural details, rather than to assist with a task. Indirect lighting, on the other hand, involves fixtures that direct light towards a surface to create a soft, diffused glow, which does not directly illuminate a task but is more suited for broader lighting needs.