Good lighting does more than define spaces. It affects the ambiance and mood of a room — when done right, the entire look and feel of a home’s interior will improve. It can promote productivity, make people feel relaxed and comfortable, and draw them together.

Key factors to consider to improve home lighting include:

• How people feel in a home is mainly due to the lighting.
• More isn’t always better, go for quality over quantity.
• Match light levels to the tasks performed in specific locations.
• Use task light where needed and use ambient light elsewhere
• Design for a combination of natural and artificial light in a space.

Lighting affects how textures and colors are perceived and how you feel in your home. The following tips can improve the lighting in a home in amazing ways.

Choose the Right Lighting Fixture as a Focal Point

When choosing a light fixture that brings the wow factor, remember that there can be only one focal point. Too many confuse the eye and give it nowhere to rest. The room’s design may end up feeling disorganized and unbalanced. That doesn’t mean there can’t be additional fixtures in a room, if needed, as long as they support the design rather than detract from it. Ceiling lighting such as flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, chandeliers, and pendants can make a statement and give your room a focal point.

Zanadoo 12 Light Semi Flush Mount by Arteriors Home

The starburst shape of the Zanadoo 12 Light Semi Flush Mount by Arteriors Home is an instant attention-getter in this dining groom. It draws all eyes up while highlighting the fun artwork and sending rays of light around the room. It adds a glamorous ambiance to the dining area.

AERIN Jacqueline 32 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection

It’s all about the drama in this stunning dining room. The high-contrast black and white chairs paired with the hand-rubbed antique finish and white acrylic glass beads of the AERIN Jacqueline 32 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection create a dynamic focal point. The lighting’s graduated shape is mirrored in the table base below.

How to Layer Your Lighting for Proper Balance

The best way to determine what type of light fixture to use in any room is to take into consideration how you plan to use it. And then to think in layers: ambient, task, and accent.

Ambient – soft lighting that fills the entire space

Task – focused lighting that lights a specific area

Accent – decorative lighting that adds drama

Begin by determining where task and accent lighting is needed based on how the space will be used. Map out the task lighting and accent lighting for the area. For example, where will you need a reading lamp? Where will you need accent lighting? Then determine where your ambient lighting will go, such as a chandelier over the table. To achieve a good balance and gorgeous ambient lighting, each room should have a minimum of 2-3 light sources.

Viper 41 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Regina Andrew

The combination of natural lighting, art lighting, and the Viper 41 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Regina Andrew exudes sleek, contemporary cool in this home office. With arms that can be positioned horizontally, vertically, or configured into several different patterns, this chandelier offers plenty of accent and ambient lighting.

Installing Dimmer Switches Whenever Possible

Smart light switches and dimmers are a great way to bring functionality and lighting control to a home. Smart switches include motion-sensing technology that automatically turns the lights on or off when someone enters or leaves a room. Dimmer switches provide better control over the amount of lighting in a room, making it comfortably low or bright as needed during a party, gathering, or game night.

Asime 21 Inch Wall Sconce by Mitzi

A lovely mix of classic and contemporary elements, the Asime 21 Inch Wall Sconces by Mitzi put the finishing touches on this bathroom. Putting these lights on a dimmer means they can be lowered to make the transition from sleep to awake easier. They can be set on low to serve as a nightlight and customized for many different tasks.

Cecilia 24 Inch Large Pendant by Capital Lighting Fixture Company

Framed beautifully by the open interior barn door, the Cecilia 24 Inch Large Pendant by Capital Lighting Fixture Company looks just as gorgeous, surrounded by natural light as it does when lit. The light’s hourglass silhouette, accentuated by a honey-toned brass band, brings an Old Hollywood vibe to the room’s minimalist design. As the natural light fades, a dimmer switch allows you to set your desired brightness level.

Adding Outdoor Lighting for Safety and Convenience

Outdoor lighting adds safety and aesthetic appeal to your home. No one likes approaching a house, and when stairs and walkways are not adequately lit, it’s hard for family and guests to see where they are going. Outdoor lights will make the home look inviting and welcoming in daylight. It also makes your outdoor entertaining spaces more usable.

Bingham 21 Inch Tall 3 Light Outdoor Wall Light by Hinkley Lighting

Whether in bright sunlight or evening shadows, the Bingham 21 Inch Tall 3 Light Outdoor Wall Light by Hinkley Lighting adds a vintage, nautical style to your home. The light’s traditional details, including clear seedy glass panels, are reminiscent of early gas lighting, giving it a traditional look and feel.

Carson 18 Inch Tall 3 Light Outdoor Hanging Lantern by Hinkley Lighting

Imagine summer nights on your patio under the warm glowing light of the Carson 18 Inch Tall 3 Light Outdoor Hanging Lantern by Hinkley Lighting. The overlapping metal ribbons with a vintage iron finish give the pendant a hint of industrial sophistication and an air of artisan craftsmanship. It makes every outdoor meal a special occasion.