Before you dive into the fixtures you want, it pays to understand what type of lighting will best achieve the look you want for your space. The good news is that the basics are simple.

There are three main types of lighting you’ll want to consider when developing your lighting ideas:

First up is ambient or regular lights. They’re designed to ensure you enjoy even lighting without glare, so you can work easily. Generally, they can be any fixture that can illuminate an entire room.

Then, you have accent lighting, which is great for highlighting a specific focal point in a room. They’re also known as “yellow lights” because they’re often installed with warm, dimmable lighting that can add drama to any space.

Finally, task lights can be used to help you achieve a specific goal, like illuminating a restaurant menu or a reading table. It creates a smaller, more functional focal point that’s not affected by the ambient lighting in the room.

To really take your space from ordinary to extraordinary, it’s recommended to strategically layer lights. This will add depth to your space and leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.