How to Light Your Home

Purchase a ceiling light for a kitchen or workroom. Use fluorescent tube lighting or tracking lighting. Add under-counter accent lights or small table lamps to supplement the harsh effect of fluorescent light.

Install accent lights to separate areas of a room. Use wall-mounted sconces or floor lamps to cheer dark corners, accentuate furniture clusters and create conversation areas. Buy compact fluorescent bulbs for table lamps to save energy.

Use halogen spotlights to accent a feature of the room, such as artwork. Track lighting will also accomplish the same effect.

Place desk lamps for specific project areas such as the home office desk, crafting table or homework workspace. Halogen lights produce clean, even light and are easy on the eyes for focusing on tasks.

Clear windows of dark drapes and heavy blinds to let as much natural sunlight into each room as possible. Paint rooms white to heighten the natural light effect. Skylights are an excellent source of natural light and help to even its effects. Mitigate any overly bright sun with thin blinds, light draperies or retractable shades.