Used to define shape, color and texture, lighting can effect how the room looks as well as how it functions. It can enhance the décor and be adaptable as the mood and activities change. So when you are choosing lighting, there are three general considerations that need to be borne in mind:

1. The light source: the amount and type of light that the bulb emits.
2. The light fitting: its aesthetic appearance and how it controls and distributes the light.
3. The position of the light fitting

You also need to keep in mind purpose of your lighting as this will affect the type of light that you buy. The four types are:

• General or background: to replace or boost natural light and give a general level of visibility.
• Task or localized: for specific areas and tasks.
• Accent: to highlight objects to emphasize their color, texture and shape. This can be a narrow beam or broad spot.
• Information or utility: to improve safety; lighting like this is often found in areas of total blackness.

Always consider first what effect you want to achieve and what purpose the lighting has to offer. Then match it to your décor and activity that take place in that room.

How light is shed into a room depends on the light fitting.

• It can be omni directional, in that light is given out in all directions, such as with pendant lights, for example.
• Semi directional, where most of the light goes in one direction but a small quantity diffuses in other directions, such as the light from standard lamps.
• Or directional. Here the light travels in one direction like the beam of a spotlight or flood light.

Lampshades are available for pendants, either throwing light up to the ceiling or down to the ground and standard lamps. They are made from many materials ranging from paper and fabric to glass and beads. These last are now very fashionable once more. Many novelty designs are also available especially for children’s rooms.

Once you have discovered what function your lighting needs, then it should be easy to find the suitable type of light for your room. Make sure that you pick the right light source since a wrong one will ruin the mood and appearance of the room. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you are not sure about it.