Shedding light on how to illuminate the home

Lighting often plays a critical role in enhancing spaces and molding moods, whether the environment is one for relaxation, sleep or work.

From decorative to ambient and task lighting, many homeowners might ask: Does my home have enough light?

A general rule of thumb is to try to use as much natural light as you can, whether it means adding windows or doors to a room, or making solid surfaces more transparent.

Here are other nuances and lighting rules to follow to keep your space properly illuminated.

• Decide what mood you wish to create and illuminate a room accordingly. In spaces such as bedrooms, a table lamp or a simple reading lamp may suffice.

• Create multiple light sources in larger spaces. A large space might require a From decorative to ambient and task lighting, many homeowners might ask: Does my home have enough light?

table lamp, floor lamp and a ceiling pendant.

• Use task lighting, especially in areas such as kitchens.

• Consider placing some of your light fixtures on dimmers. This will allow you to moderate light levels depending on the time of day.

• Purchase fixtures that require multiple bulbs. Choosing a fixture that requires two, three or perhaps more bulbs will automatically increase the output.

• Purchase high-wattage bulbs. Not all fixtures will allow it, but when possible choose bulbs in which the output is 75 or 100 wattage.

• Don't overdo it. Avoid a space cluttered with too many floor or table lamps.

• When possible, add recessed lighting. This is always easier when building or renovating a home, but it can go a long way in creating a space that is evenly lit.

• Opt for energy-efficient bulbs.

• Try to illuminate hallways, pathways and stairwells with sufficient light for safety.