Balance these three factors when positioning fixtures throughout the home. Incandescent lighting, including halogen distinguishes colors more accurately than fluorescent bulbs. But fluorescent lighting has its place, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. If you're trying to show off your home to potential buyers, for example, the brighter the better to give these rooms the right presentation. Installing sufficient lighting can have a salutary effect on moods, particularly in the winter when natural light is diminished.
Safety is another important consideration.
Make sure to install light switches at the top and bottom of staircases. Insufficient lighting is a major cause of falls, according to the Yale School of Medicine, among people aged 72 and older. Stairwells should be lit with a nightlight and even during the daytime, a Yale study says, and switches should be easy to reach in the kitchen and bathroom. Low-level exterior lighting shows off entries, architectural features, and landscape design. Walkway lights should shine downward to illuminate the ground and improve the walker's footing.