There are many kinds of light fixtures available to decorate a home. Choosing the right type of light that will compliment your room is necessary to address the lighting needs of each room. Cost, wattage, functionality, bulb types and styles are the main points to consider when choosing the proper light fixture for your needs.

There are four major lighting types—general lighting, also called ambient lighting, mood and accent lighting. Use general lighting to brighten up the room or provide the standard or average lighting for the room. General lighting can be in the form of recessed lights such as—ceiling lights, chandeliers or lamp fixture. Lamps can be used in rooms where you do not have ceiling lights, such as bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms. Task lighting focuses light where the individual will work or see better when completing the tasks especially in kitchen or garage—it provides direct and brighter lights. Track lighting is a kind of task lighting wherein you can adjust the position of the heads to point in the direction you need. It is best used above kitchen islands and workbenches. Track lighting is easy enough to install, but for safety reasons, always use the proper bulb for the fixture as recommended by the manufacturer. Another type of lighting are accent lights, used to enhance an object in a room like wall art, plants, photographs and sculptures. Hang picture lamps above each artwork a few inches above each piece. Use colorful bulbs with the light pointing downward to cast a shadow and for more impact. If you want to change the ambiance of a room installing mood lighting might be what you need. Wall sconces, chandeliers and ceiling lights with dimmers can provide mood lighting to dining rooms, family rooms, living rooms and bedrooms for a cozier or more romantic atmosphere.

Light fixtures vary in style—Tiffany-style fixtures work well in a traditional or Victorian home. Rustic-style light fixtures will work with Old World design as well as Craftsman or Mission styles. Nickel-plated fixtures, colorful glasses and crystals work in a contemporary design. When it comes to cost and bulb wattage, use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of regular incandescent bulbs when lighting up a room. CFLs are more energy-efficient and cost-effective.