But there are so many different options to choose from!

To optimize your homes lighting, first consider how youre using each room.

General or ambient lightingacts as the overall lighting of a room.

It illuminates all of the room and is considered the rooms natural light.

Task lightinglights up a work or reading area.

Desk lamps and under-cabinet kitchen lights are common task lighting options.

Accentlightinghighlights a particular area, like a work of art or a bookcase.

It usually creates shadow around the object for a dramatic effect.

Wall lights and landscape lights are common accent lights.

Then think about where that lighting will go in the room.

Focus on an object, like a piece of art or a chair.

If possible, the sink is also a good spot to add task lighting.

Bedroom: Its common to have task lighting in your bedroom on nightstands.

Real Simple also recommends pointing any light away from the bed.

They suggest angling overhead ambient light away from the bed and toward the dressing area, specifically.

Bathroom: Bathroom lighting can be tricky.

You want task lighting for the mirror, but an overhead task light can create shadows.

Consider lighting the mirror on either side.

Then, use an overhead ambient light to fully illuminate the room.

But these general guidelines can give you an idea of how to work with what youve got.

They produce a warm, glowing light.

Compact florescent bulbs (CFLs): These use75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb.

They also last longer.

LEDs: These are just as efficient as CFLs, but they can last up to three times longer.

For these reasons, they can also be more expensive, butthere are utility rebates available.

Halogen: These give off a bright, white light, similar to natural daylight.

Great for task lighting.

They alsouse 10-20 percent less energythan an incandescent bulb.

There are other types of bulbs, but these are the most common youll use in your home.

And for the purpose of this post, were only concerned with how bulbslook.

If you want to learn more about how theywork, check outthis helpful post from the American Lighting Association.

(Heresa sample label from the NRDC.)

Lumens equals brightness

The more lumens, the brighter the bulb.

A typical home bulb produces about 800 lumens, which is the equivalent of 60 watts.

So how many lumens do you need for each room?

Kitchens are typically brighter and include a mix of ambient light and task lighting, for example.

Bedrooms and living rooms are typically less bright.

If you know how to light your room in terms of watts, heres awattage-to-lumens cheat sheet.

CFLs werent great years ago, because they mostly only produced a very blue, cool light.

The higher the Kelvins, the cooler the light.

Lighting blogBatteries + Bulbs explainshow bulb boxes typically refer to different bulb temperatures.

It helps to have a basic idea of how bulbs work.

This way, it’s possible for you to pick and choose a bulb to your liking.

Also, dimmers are a great option if you want to vary the intensity of your lighting.

Weve covered how toinstall a dimmer switch yourself.

In hallways, they recommend spacing out fixtures every eight to 10 feet for adequate illumination.

Chandeliers: When used for general or ambient lighting, theyre best used in dining room or or bedrooms.

Wall-mounted fixtures: These are usually sconces.

They work best over dining room tables, countertops or other work areas.

Recessed lighting: Again, recessed lighting can be used anywhere for general, task or accent lighting.

It all depends on how bright they are and where theyre located.

Track lighting: you’re able to use track lighting for pretty much anything, too.

Table lamps: Great for accent lighting in a living room or task lighting in a bedroom.

Remember: different fixtures call for different types of bulbs.

So as youre picking a fixture, consider what throw in of bulb it requires.

Chandeliers and pendant lighting: Measure the width or diameter of your table.

Then subtract 12 from that number.

Thats the maximum limit for the width or diameter of a hanging light.

For some, home design comes naturally, and its easy enough to eyeball your lighting when decorating.

Updated March 15, 2021 to reflect current style guidelines.