Also, take into account the effect of reflective surfaces. Many people think that a room with a large number of windows won't require much in the way of artificial light. But large amounts of natural light in one area of the room may cause another corner to appear darker. In some cases, natural light may even make the room less than comfortable due to excessive glare. Then, at night, large windows also become like black mirrors.
Accent lighting focuses on special features in a room, like artwork.
Finally, define the room's various uses, then light them appropriately. Task lighting, for example, is crucial in the kitchen where the work can be intricate and the tools sharp. Ambient lighting makes living and family rooms attractive places to congregate, while additional floor and table lamps can provide task lighting for reading. Ambient lighting helps you move through a space, like this stairwell, safely and easily. Waiting until the last minute to consider the proper lighting for your space is like letting a builder construct your home without plans.