• There are certain by-laws you need to follow while putting up light fixtures. You need to have a light of 1.5 to 2 watts for every square foot.
  
  
• Make sure the light doesn't throw off a glare from any angle. Avoid using high wattage bulbs in small spaces.
  
  
• Use CFLs or PLs to save on electricity bills in the long run. An 18-watt CFL is as bright as a 75-watt incandescent bulb. These lights start at about Rs.40 each.
  
  
• If you are willing to spend a few extra thousands, go with remote control lighting.
  
  
• Unless you live in a bungalow where the height of the room is 18ft., large chandeliers are out. You can still opt for suspended glass fixtures. Plate lights are also a good option, as they don't require a high ceiling.
  
  
• LEDs are just the thing for you party animals. These tiny lights are fitted in clusters and create a great party mood. However, they run into thousands of rupees.

Room-wise

• Always use white light in the kitchen so that you work well.
  
  
• In the bathroom you could have up to three lights depending on size of the bathroom. i.e.: above the mirror, in the shower area and general lighting. The light above the mirror can be either white or yellow.
  
  
• Never fit light fixtures directly over the bed. Fit them on the wall behind the headboard instead. You could also include table lamps.
  
  
• Study rooms, unlike the bedroom, require bright light overhead. An additional table lamp is also necessary.
  
  
• Highlight a painting or a niche in the living room with halogen spotlights. Just make sure to add a dimmer, as they tend to heat up the place.

(With inputs from Mamta Naik, Interior Designer, Mint Leaf Design and Rhea Lalwani, Architect, Etude Architects, Mumbai)