As I have gotten older, I recognize how important choosing the right lighting is. Read on for some information that may help to enlighten your mind and brighten your home.
    How long does it take to choose a light bulb? Thirty seconds? Three hours? This may seem like a silly question, but the amount of time it takes you to choose may reveal how much you know about artificial light. What’s the difference between ambient and task lighting? Is there a bulb that best mimics natural light? Which type of bulb sheds the most psychologically appealing light?
    
  AMBIENT LIGHTING   
Creating little shadow as it bathes the room in light, ambient lighting is common in many homes with overhead fixtures mounted in the center of the ceiling. Full-spectrum incandescent bulbs are ideal for this lighting since they impart a warm , flattering, psychologically appealing glow.
     The amount and quality of light can determine the mood of an area; it can make the space feel warm and inviting or cold and bleak.
 
TASK LIGHTING
     Task lighting should be glare-free in order to reduce eyestrain. This type of light is ideal to ensure safety in the kitchen and bathroom. It also makes reading in the bedroom or living room easier. Hide banks of fluorescent lights under or above cabinets and install spotlights over specific task areas in your kitchen for maximum illumination without shadows.
     To evenly light the entire surface of your bathroom vanity mirror, you can place fluorescent bulbs on either side. Halogen bulbs are ideal for task lighting as they emit the closest approximation of natural daylight, also known as white light. Halogen bulbs can be dimmed and are energy efficient but will cost a bit more than fluorescent bulbs.
ACCENT LIGHTING
     For a dramatic touch, add a directional shade to a spotlight in order to highlight a piece of artwork or an especially interesting corner of the room. Accent lights should be used in tandem with ambient and task lighting to create areas of visual interest around the room.