Let there be (the right) light: One single overhead light screams, "Hi! Welcome to my hospital room!" You should have three points of light, maybe light on either side of the sofa and one across the room. Ambient light gives nuance and depth. Nobody likes to walk into a bathroom on an airplane. It's super bright. Bad lighting can make people and furniture look bad. Dimmers are great. If you entertain at all and your house isn't that nice, it's the easiest makeover! For $15, dimmers aren't hard to install. There is no reason to have bright, harsh light.
-Elizabeth Mayhew, author of Flip! For Decorating