Some places in every home or apartment can go from ordinary to extraordinary just by making a few key substitutions. Designer lights are a case in point. Check out the lighting fixtures in your home. Do they add as much to the decor as possible?

Lights are often an element that homeowners overlook. A subdued or recessed ceiling fixture in the entryway, a non-descript fixture at the top of an open staircase or centered over a dining room table: these are all areas that can be brought to life with proper light fixtures. While they are commonly referred to as designer lights, in reality they can be the cornerstones of a vibrantly stunning interior.

A striking hanging light that illuminates a foyer immediately catches the attention of your guests. The choice of an appropriate fixture depends on how large the foyer is and how high the ceilings are. The classic chandelier, that multi-light crystal centerpiece that we all remember gracing an entryway in countless movies and television shows, may be a little elaborate for a scaled-down foyer. But chandeliers come in all shapes and sizes.

A little investigation will help you zero in on the fixture that is most appropriate for your entryway. Designing your own chandelier is not out of the question if you just can’t find the fixture you have in mind. The right fixture will add drama and flare to the foyer. At the same time, it adds warmth and a sense of welcome to your guests.

Another light fixture that may do the trick is a pendant light. Pendant lights are generally smaller than chandeliers and consist of a single light source hanging from a ceiling fixture. Pendant lights are often found in kitchens, hanging over work-space islands or bar-type seating areas. They too add flare and drama to an entryway. Pendants have become very popular in the last few years, with a wide variety of materials and designs to choose from. Everything from Tiffany glass to metal sculptures can create unique and beautiful fixtures that not only highlight an area, but become the focus of the room and even the topic of conversation.

Turning your attention to that dining room fixture that is just ho-hum. Why not consider something other than a hanging light fixture? Wall sconces are a beautiful addition to the room and help to create a sense of coziness or intimacy, especially for those special dinner parties. Sconces also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Rather than having a light source that shines directly down on the dining room table, sconces provide the ability to diffuse the light throughout the room, adding warmth and elegance to the experience. Sconces are also much better at highlighting wall decorations, such as paintings and wall hangings.

Depending on the type of staircase in the home, wall sconces are another option for lighting the way upstairs. Dimmer switches can control the amount of light thrown and again highlight your wall hangings. Like pendent lights, sconces are becoming more and more popular with home designers.

Another area that should be given full and careful consideration when determining lighting fixtures is the bathroom. Attractive lighting fixtures, including pendants and sconces can help transcend the room’s purely functional use. Mirrors that incorporate lighting also improve the look and the functionality, as both elements are key to good bathroom design. This is especially true in a guest bathroom where adequate lighting is a welcome addition as your guests touch up their makeup. Don’t forget that the mirrors themselves will reflect all the light sources in a bathroom, making the choice of mirrors an important element in considering the lighting effects in the room.

Whether you are overseeing a brand new home, doing some renovation or just want to change a few things to enhance the appearance of your home, don’t overlook designer lighting. For relatively little cost, well chosen and placed designer lights can make all the difference in the world. You’ll get props for being so creative and clever.