Lighting Can Set The Mood And Tone Of A Room

I recommend if possible to set the tone of softer lighting early in the evening, brighter lights during prime time. Children doing homework, working on the computer, reading the newspaper, etc... A great end to a day is creating an atmosphere of soft lighting which can result in some downtime and relaxation. Different soft accent lights can accomplish this. This is also true in the morning hours. Don't get your day started by turning on a bright light. Start off with softer tones to allow everyone to wake up on the right side of the bed!

The next step is to find the focal point of your room. If you are decorating a bedroom, living room, kitchen, you will want to have the brightest amount of light on the area where you will use the room the most. I love using different accent lamps and lights throughout a house, apartment, condo, beach cottage, or camp. One way to think about this particular accent, is to see if you have developed a theme to a specific room. Blending in accent lights doesn't have to be expensive and mind boggling. Take a look at some different styles of lamps and other lights that can be used to put around a specific room. If you are in a room where reading is done, I like the idea of a three way bulb. The brightest cycle can be put on when you are reading, or working, and a dim light creates a relaxing mood to unwind. Another idea is inexpensive night lights throughout your living space. They don't have to be bright, just enough light to see if need be, and also a tone setting throughout the night.

The two pictures above are a formal light and an informal light used a lot in dining rooms. Many of these lights have different settings to them. If your dining room is used for work or homework in the evenings, the brighter setting will work great. Create a relaxing mood at dinner with a softer setting.



A small strand of decorative lights are great as an accent in a room. Bring out the time of year with a strand or two of pumpkin lights. This strand is put up along a fireplace and creates a great atmosphere around Halloween and also evening hours. I will be doing a section in the future on holiday and festive lights and how to utilize them not only for mood setting, but economically.


An indoor fountain can be easily transformed into not only a theme base, but also a mood setter. This fountain has four different color lights, and can be used to create a different feel at a variety of times of the year. The water is soothing and the great aspect is the fountain can also be used outdoors as accent lighting in your landscape, gardens, patio, porch, or deck. You have the option of having it indoors year around, or use it seasonably as weather permits. A great accent to your inside and out!



Ah, the old lava lamp that keeps coming back in decorating trends. If you have one and it is put away, go dig it out and use it. The lava lamp creates a great accent to any room, and also a wonderful mood setting item. Lava lamps are popular in stores today and an inexpensive way to decorate a room or two.

A light by the phone is wonderful for the evening hours. You can also save on that electricity bill by using a smaller size bulb in the evenings. You won't be flipping the light on and off every time the phone rings or you are making a call. If you don't have your phone programmed with numbers, have a few important numbers right by the phone, and with the accent light, you will have everything you need.