Better Lighting for Better Living

First of all, I hope you're not using a single light fixture mounted to the ceiling in the center of the room. Not only does it create a stark, unwelcoming, tense visual environment, it makes everyone look older and harsh...not something you should do to someone you love unless you live in an interrogation room.

There is nothing worse for a room or for a gathering than bad lighting. Nothing. Get yourself a couple of table lamps and maybe a floor lamp. You should have at least three areas of light spread out so you can create pools of light that create interest with light and shadow...this softens the look of the room and gives people a more flattering appearance. You may need more lamps, but start with three and experiment.

My best lighting secret is to use a dimmer on every lamp with an incandescent bulb. A dimmer can dramatically change the look and feel of a room just by adjusting the intensity of light. Turn it down very low and you have the effect of soft candlelight and you even save energy in the process. Crank it up and you can do surgery if need be. Ikea has an inexpensive dimmer (called "dimma"....those crazy Swedes) that I use on all of my lamps. Only $7.99.

Take my advice and get a dimmer for each of your lamps. Now. Seriously.