Most lighting fixtures fall into three categories, general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting:

General lighting is usually the most prominent lighting source in the room and helps the room occupants move around safely. General lighting fixtures can run the gamut from simple ceiling fixtures all the way to chandeliers.

Task lighting is usually specific to certain activities that are done in a room. For instance, in a kitchen, strip lighting is commonly used underneath the kitchen cabinets to provide illumination for the countertops below. It helps provide localized illumination for the kitchen tasks that will be performed there. Another use of task lighting is a lamp placed next to a reading chair for better visibility for reading. Good choices for task lighting include recessed or track lights, lamps, and strip lighting.

And finally, accent lighting. This is meant to bring attention to a particular place or feature of the room. The general lighting fixture in the room will no doubt provide enough illumination to see everything in the room, but the accent lighting fixture provides stronger lighting on the feature that you want to draw attention to. Good fixtures for accent lighting are recessed, track, and wall-mounted lighting. A general rule of thumb is to provide three times the illumination of the general lighting by the accent lighting in the room.

The choice of lighting fixture styles is almost endless, and they are readily available both online and off-line as well. So plan out the lighting in each room in advance, keeping in mind the function of each light fixture that you use, and your home's lighting will be both inviting and functional.