Mood lighting
We generally think of lighting as serving a highly practical function. Both general ambient and task/spot lighting are essentially utilitarian in purpose: they make it easier to see what you’re doing. But lighting can also be used decoratively – to create a specific mood, to add a sense of character to a space. And as anyone who’s ever been to a romantic restaurant or a swanky nightclub will attest, soft, dim lighting is infinitely more relaxing than bright lighting. 

So while it’s not totally practical, mood lighting is nonetheless essential in any room that’s going to be used for entertaining/fun purposes – in other words, pretty much every room except the office. A smattering of nicely-shaped small table lamps placed strategically around the room, a hanging lamp with a beautiful translucent shade (Japanese-style paper globes, available through IKEA and other furniture stores, are very cheap and look great) – anything with a low-wattage incandescent bulb will work well to add ambience to your room. Incandescents are preferable to halogens, despite the fact that they’re less energy-efficient – their yellow-red cast provides a cozier, warmer glow. Play around with colored lights as well – blue feels a bit funky, red fun and festive, and the ever popular black lighting (ultraviolet) seems always to be a big hit with guests. Task/spot lighting can also be transformed to suit your mood lighting needs: replace with a lower-wattage bulb, then aim at a wall/ceiling … the light will be reflected and cast a lovely soft, diffuse glow. Other great mood lighting ideas: string Christmas lights along a ceiling, through houseplants, along a bookcase, or make use of good, old-fashioned, candlelight.

The right lighting can truly make or break a room. It defines the usability of a space, and creates a sense of character. Best of all, it’s one of the cheapest and simplest ways you can add style to your home: just look for cool-looking lamps boasting funky shapes and interesting materials at garage sales, thrift shops, and places like Target and Ikea. Design a room to accommodate the three primary types of lighting – general, task and mood – and you’ll have a truly multi-functional space that will be as conducive to work as it will be to play.