What size chandelier best suits a foyer? Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7-feet from the floor. If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is large, you may also want to include wall sconces for additional light. To determine the chandelier’s width, just add the dimensions together. For example, let’s say you have a 14×16-foot foyer: 14+16=30. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 30 inches wide.

Pendants can be used over end tables or night tables to free up the space occupied by table lamps. In general, pendants should be hung about 30” above the tabletop and be about 12” narrower that the table on all sides. Pendants also add flare in just about any space from kitchens to hallways to bathrooms. Understated light supplies subtle interest where as bold, colorful jolts of light can provide the perfect solution to dim, demanding spaces.

Directional or Diffused Lighting?: Directional light illuminates only a relatively small area with a distinct beam. It produces a well-defined shadow and produces fast falloff, which means that the light area changes rather abruptly into a dense shadow area. Diffused light on the other hand illuminates a relatively large area with a wide indirect beam. It produces soft, undefined shadows and causes slow falloff.

Shedding Light on Energy Efficiency: For the average American household, lighting accounts for 15 percent of the electricity bill, according to the US Department of Energy. But you can save $14 per year if you swap just one regular light bulb for a compact fluorescent light bulb. These inexpensive and easy changes are smart ways to slash your electric costs and be more energy-efficient.

Get New Bulbs: You probably know that those twisty compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient. In fact, ones that are Energy Star-qualified use about 75 percent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent. CFLs even come in a covered style that resembles a regular bulb.

Consider a dimmer: The lower the lights, the less electricity used. In cases where you use regular bulbs (many CFLs aren’t compatible with dimmer switches unless the package says so), setting your dimmer at 75 percent output saves an estimated 20 percent in energy – and it can quadruple the life of the bulbs.