If you have a niche, such as you might find in a bathroom or small kitchen, make sure to include enough overall illumination to cast shadows away from the countertop. When in doubt, always illuminate the corners. Portable lamps and sconces make that easy to do. Another common type of niche is within a wall with places to display pictures or other items. In that situation, puck lights work well to fully illuminate the space.

For more lighting tips, check out Lighting, the premier magazine for home lighting. Published by Better Homes & Gardens and the American Lighting Association (ALA), Lighting is the best go-to

resource for lighting and design inspiration. The magazine features before-and-after transformations that show how lighting can completely give your home a whole new look. Also included are many photos and design tips.

> Visit our showroom for your FREE Lighting Magazine

EXPERT ADVICE: Want More Ideas? Ask A Lighting Professional.

How can I eliminate distracting shadows when I’m doing tasks at my kitchen island? – Eleanor R.

If you already have plenty of light over the center of the island, it is likely that your island is longer than the span of light coming from your fixture. Consider replacing your fixture with multiple pendants or add some additional overall fixtures such as recessed cans to cast light toward the ends of the island.