Lighting or illumination is the deliberate application of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and natural sunlight. Proper lighting can enhance task performance, improve the appearance of an area, and have positive psychological effects on occupants.
Indoor lighting is a key part of interior design. It can be functional, decorative, accent, or general purpose. There are many different types of fixtures available for indoor use including ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, track lighting, and wall-mounted sconces. The type of fixture selected should be based on the intended purpose of the room as well as the specific needs of the occupants. For example, task lighting may be necessary in a home office to help reduce eye strain when working at a computer screen for long periods of time.
Outdoor lighting can also serve multiple purposes including security, safety, accentuation, decoration, and landscape illumination. Common outdoor fixtures include streetlights , wall-mounted lanterns , floodlights , downlights , and solar lights . Careful selection of light sources and placement can result in significant energy savings while still providing adequate illumination levels.