Lighting is a powerful tool in highlighting a room. It can be brazen and in your face or as demure as a blushing bride. Lighting is tricky. Keep in mind the magic of the theater, which is nothing but smoke and mirrors. It is no secret that stars of a certain age are made to appear young, and young actors can be made to appear mature with the correct lighting. Likewise, most savvy hosts know what kind and how much light makes their friends look their best. I know at least two or three ladies who never use a bulb over 40 watts.

Most businesses know a thing or two about lighting. For example, a jewelry store takes great effort to light their display cases in such a way as to make their diamonds sparkle and polished gold bands shine. Restaurants are experienced at controlling their lighting, which, under the guise of creating a memorable experience, can make food look more appetizing. Interior designers know the trick to a lighting scheme that makes their furniture look its best.

Lighting also can change moods. Psychologists have determined that inhabiting spaces that are underlit has a tendency to make one depressed and feel sluggish. On the other end, rooms that are too bright can make one alert and attentive, with the downside of producing anxiety. Every six months in the U.S., we change our clocks to daylight saving time, and many report physiological changes such as restlessness, insomnia and difficulty waking up on time.

Creating a balanced composition of light in every room is an attainable goal. The key is to try to get a bit of light throughout an entire room, whether through natural sources or lamps. Of course, indirect sunlight is the best, but there are locations where you may need to employ a combination of light sources: ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting is generally overhead lighting. This type of light can be accomplished through a variety of sources: surface-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, pendants and sconces, track lighting and recessed lighting. This is the lighting that will fill a room all over.

Task lighting is a light source designed specifically for making a task such as reading, sewing or writing easier. Table lamps, desk lamps and floor lamps fall in this category. These light sources are preferred because they are mobile. Moving these lamps around a room can help you achieve the best light.

Accent lighting is a more decorative type of light. It can be used to accent the surface of a wall, add sheen to drapes or even focus your attention on a hanging work of art. Track lighting (wall washing or directional recessed fixtures) is the best suited for accent lighting.

You can always tell a room that is well lit: You never have to squint to see anything in the space or wear sunglasses to avoid glaring light. This is successful lighting. Plan your lighting, and let your rooms shine.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.