---
title: "Which Lighting Where? 9 Pro Tips for Improved Illumination"
date: "2013-11-15"
modified: "2015-08-18"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/which-lighting-where-9-pro-tips-for-improved-illumination-46491/"
categories:
  - "Interior"
  - "Lighting & Electrical"
tags:
  - "lighting"
---

# Which Lighting Where? 9 Pro Tips for Improved Illumination

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/which-lighting-where_bellacor.jpg>)

### Lighting Basics

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/living-room-lighting-georgicaPond.jpg>)
*goergicapond.com.au*

When you're planning a room's lighting, you need to take into account how the space will be used and the types of tasks that will be performed there. Once you've established your lighting needs, think in layers, devising a mix of ambient, task, focal, and decorative fixtures that will meet your requirements. Here are some pro lighting tips from the experts at [Bellacor](<https://www.bellacor.com>).

 *This slide show is sponsored by Bellacor.com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.*

### Recessed Lighting

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide1-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

Recessed overhead lighting fixtures are an excellent way to provide [ambient, or general, illumination](<https://www.bellacor.com/recessed-lighting.htm>) in any space. While recessed lighting is most often found in kitchens, great rooms, and hallways, it is an effective solution throughout the house.

### Wall Fixtures

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide6-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

[Bathrooms](<https://www.bellacor.com/bath-lighting.htm>), like kitchens, require both overall and task-specific lighting to function well. A wall-mounted fixture above a vanity mirror provides just the right light to accomplish the daily—and nightly—rituals.

### Decorative Sconces

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide3-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

Wall sconces serve double-duty by providing both light and decoration. Fixtures that offer [uplighting](<https://www.bellacor.com/wall-sconces.htm>), like the sconces shown here, not only beautify the space, but also create overall ambiance by reflecting light off the ceiling.

### Pendant Lighting

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide4-8.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

Pendant lighting directs light downward, making these decorative fixtures effective task lights as well. In the kitchen, consider placing pendants above a countertop or island to bring [light where you need it](<https://www.bellacor.com/pendant-lighting.htm>) the most.

### Undercabinet Lighting

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide5-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

Because wall-hung cabinets can prevent overhead lighting from adequately [illuminating countertops](<https://www.bellacor.com/under-cabinet-lighting.htm>), consider installing undercabinet lighting. This will not only provide ample light for everyday tasks, but also highlight a beautiful backsplash and add overall drama to the kitchen lighting scheme.

### Chandeliers

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide2-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

A chandelier is often one of the most striking features in a space. While a chandelier, whether large or small, classic or funky, can enhance a room's decor, don't count on it for task lighting unless it's [directional](<https://www.bellacor.com/chandeliers.htm>). Think of chandeliers like jewelry for a room.

### Table Lamps

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide9-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

The [bedroom](<https://www.bellacor.com/table-lamps.htm>) is a refuge from other, more social, rooms in the home, so its lighting should reflect this subdued mood. Less lighting is required, especially if task-specific light sources—like table lamps at bedside or a floor lamp near a chaise or chair—are put into play.

### Track Lighting

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide7-7.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

While track lighting contributes to overall illumination, it is most often used for directional and [focal lighting](<https://www.bellacor.com/track-lighting.htm>) (think museums and art galleries). A track supporting pendants, like the one shown here, will add sleek, purposeful lighting over a dining room table or kitchen island.

### Desk Lamps

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slide10-5.jpg>)
*Bellacor*

Nowhere is task lighting more important than in your workspace. Luckily, there are a variety of desk lamp styles and sizes to meet any [home office](<https://www.bellacor.com/desk-lamps.htm>) requirement. In evaluating a desk lamp, make sure you consider light quality and directional flexibility as well, if your space demands it.

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)