Lighting is one of the key elements to make your house a cozy place to spend time with your family. 

The right kind of lighting for each room makes a world of difference in the enjoyment of your home. Each room has its own special needs, and there are so many wonderful choices when it comes to lighting. 

Overhead lighting, lamps, recessed lighting, spot lighting, and more can have a place in your home. Here are some tips for creating the right mood in each room of your home with lighting.

Foyer

The foyer or entryway design is the first glimpse of your home guests will see. There should be plenty of light for people to remove their coats and find the umbrella stand. If you have a foyer that's open-to-above, sconces and ceiling lights should be added overhead. A narrow side table with a decorative lamp or a conversation piece standing lamp are both interesting choices.

Mudroom/Laundry Room

Don't overlook the back or side entryway of your home. Mudrooms especially need bright lighting since your family is bound to trek in mud and snow during the winter. 

In the laundry room, you'll want a bright overhead light for folding and hanging clothing. Also, make sure you have lighting positioned so you can see inside the laundry room cupboards and into your washer and dryer. A wall sconce or side-mounted light is a useful addition to any laundry room.

Living Room

Your living room design should include a variety of lighting since it's used for so many different things. You'll definitely want a bright overhead light for finding lost items and cleaning. 

Otherwise, the lighting should be warmer, and a variety of lamps will set the tone and make it a welcoming part of the house. You can choose which lamps to turn on to make it cozy or bright. And don't forget to install good reading lamps by Dad's recliner and on one of the sofa end tables.

Dining Room

In the dining room, a chandelier is the go-to lighting for most people. The dining area is one part of the house that demands a dimmer switch. You can set the light low and light candles for an elegant and intimate dinner, or set it higher for family meals. 

If your table is long, you may need two chandeliers. Track lighting will provide light for the entire table, and recessed ceiling lighting on the side of the room makes it easier to see a side buffet.

Bedrooms

Like the living room, the bedrooms should all have bright overhead lighting for when it's needed. Bedrooms also need lamps that are not only lovely but provide good light for reading in bed at night. There are many styles of bedside table lamps, from modern to traditional. Bedside lamps with multiple bulbs are handy as you can switch from soothing low light to just the right amount of light to finish your novel.

Another idea you could incorporate into your master bedroom design is track lighting above the headboard. With adjustable track lighting, you can aim the spotlights right where you want them with the switch at your fingertips. As a matter of fact, a bedroom remote is a useful accessory. It's relaxing to be able to lay in bed and adjust the lighting, fan, and TV if you have one in your bedroom.

Bathrooms

Bathroom lighting is an art. You don't want to just be able to see your surroundings, you need ample lighting to shave, apply makeup, and fix your hair with efficacy. It's best to have bathroom lighting on either side and above the mirror, to prevent shadowing of your face. 

Naturally, you'll want a bright overhead light for when it's needed, and don't forget the shower and bath. After all, you'll need to be able to see to bathe, and you won't want to be in a dark cocoon of shower curtain. Many people opt for skylights in their bathroom design because they bring in so much natural light. 

Specialty Lighting

Highlighting artwork, architecture, or other points of interest in your home makes an impression on visitors. Frame lighting atop a painting marks it as special and allows anyone to see the artwork in its best light. 

Track lighting is very ideal for highlighting the best features of your home. In the kitchen, upward-aiming lighting above cupboards gives the illusion of a higher ceiling. You can also spotlight a group of indoor plants to give a room an outdoor feel.

Mix in Mirrors

Mirrors are actually another lighting accessory. Placing a mirror directly opposite a large window will make a room even brighter. Bathroom counter side mirrors will not only give you a good view of yourself, but they also reflect the light, making your bathroom brighter. Placing a mirror at a juncture between two rooms makes them both seem brighter and more spacious.

As you can see, there are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to choosing the perfect lighting for your home. Whether you choose overhead lights, lamps, spot or track lighting, there's a style for every taste. 

Your lighting should reflect your decorative flair and make your life easier. Once you've chosen the right additions, your home will be brighter and more inviting.