Lighting makes a big difference in how you feel about your home. Lighting helps you perform tasks more easily, makes you feel safer and more comfortable. By using different lighting techniques, you can create a dramatic look, a soft cozy feeling, highlight artwork, or provide lighting for a work area. When planning the lighting for a room in your home, begin by considering the activities taking place and the look you are trying to achieve.   Chandeliers Chandeliers provide a key element in the décor of your dining area, and are functional as well. The minimum diameter of the chandelier should be about half the width of your table. Rooms with an 2.5m ceiling, hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 80cm above the tabletop. The style of fixture is important to take into consideration as well as the specific activities that may take place at you table other than dining. top Track Lighting Track lighting is primarily used for accent or task lighting, and is meant to illuminate a specific area or object with a pool of light. To illuminate a specific object, place the track head at a 60 degree angle from the horizontal surface of the object. Track lighting should be placed approximately 60cm to 90cm from the wall. Placement of track lighting in the center of a room will cause glare and shadows on the task area. top Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans can offer dramatic energy savings. By using a fan with your air conditioning during the summer, you can save approximately 4 to 8% on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise your thermostat. By reversing the direction of your fan in the winter, you can save approximately 1 to 2% on your heating bill for each degree you lower your thermostat. top Bathroom Lighting Lighting above the mirror should be centered over the sink to prevent shadowing on your face. If you have two sinks, center one light over each sink. When mounting fixtures on either side of the mirror or sink, mount them no further than 80cm apart to avoid shadows and approximately 160cm to 190cm above the floor. top Recessed Lighting Recessed fixtures are an excellent source for general lighting as well as task and accent lights. For general lighting, use downlights spaced evenly in groups of four or more 2m to 2.5m apart. Using recessed lighting to accent artwork and architectural features will create dramatic effects. Placing wall washers 15cm to 20cm from a wall and 30cm to 90cm apart will emphasize a brick or stone wall. In the kitchen or other work areas, placing downlights above the front edge of your countertop will effectively illuminate the workspace. top   Exterior Lighting Exterior lighting should not only enhance the beauty of your home, but add safety and security. Exterior lighting can make a dramatic first impression. Choose the correct size fixture for the scale of your home by visualizing how the fixture will appear from the street. Selecting a small fixture for a larger home will reduce from the presence of your home. top