The right lighting makes the difference between a hospital room and a therapist’s office, so being armed with lots of good home decorating ideas is of no use if you haven’t considered the most important aspect of lighting. Of course, there are many ways to accent a room and it all comes down to personal taste, but there are certain combinations that can create a variety of different moods. Having a great understanding of lighting can allow even a novice designer full control over the atmosphere and mood.

High ceilings

A room with high ceilings would benefit more from large windows, but sometimes that’s not an option or enough. It can be difficult to match the high and low planes of a room without proper lighting, because there isn’t much else that actually hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier. Stunning pendant accessories, perhaps light and airy textured spheres that seem to be all the rage, can create multiple layers of depth and really help top meet bottom areas. Check interior design magazines for some great home decorating ideas.

High ceilings are also the best candidates for chandeliers, which can make a small room look cramped and overly ornate. In a living room, a chandelier should be very basic and modern, but on a dining table a hanging fixture should be allowed to take on character. Fire resistant canvas can also be used to create DIY pendant lamps that can be decorated for children’s rooms, where the ceiling may be high for them but not for you.

Work spaces

Obviously, workspaces need to be well lit and often look and function better without being obtrusive. For this reason, pendant lights can be used with light-focusing covers that make the most of an open area. Desk lamps are available in so many different styles that they can really bring out personality and add functionality to a smaller, more intimate workspace. Table or floor lamps for reading should be soft but bright enough to comfortably illuminate quiet pages or activities. Plan ahead for the actual use behind the lighting, as it is far more important than the aesthetic qualities. Contemporary is synonymous with functionality, so don’t get hung up on looks.

Lighting tips and tricks

Minimalist home decor can benefit from creative lighting. Colored bulbs can give a new tint to otherwise neutral furniture, instantly changing the mood of a room. Spot lighting can draw attention to neglected artwork or sculptural pieces that make the most of what you already own. Lighting decorative niches is a great way to add depth to a small room, installing recessed fixtures does the same for a slightly higher budget.

Why not make the best of your existing home decorating ideas and add a lighting touch? The home doesn’t necessarily need to be planned around lighting, but the lighting should definitely accentuate your home. Complementing modern design with contemporary lighting solutions is necessary to create a cohesive environment. It’s amazing how many design problems can arise from the wrong lighting, but how many correct options actually exist.