Lighting can not only make people feel better in a room, but also alter the look of a space in a very dramatic way. This is why lighting is an essential element of interior design. For residential lighting, you can choose to use either natural light or artificial light. Natural light during the day is widely accepted as the best form of lighting as its free, energy efficient and creates no emissions. During the night, artificial light can be used to bring out the best in a space. This could include overhead lighting, wall lighting or the use of uplighters or wall floodlights. Its important to have the right combination of type, colour and brightness of the light so you can create the desired atmosphere. For commercial lighting, the most efficient and cost effective way is to introduce energy saving alternatives. LED bulbs have a long life and are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs; and lighting controls can be used to reduce both energy consumption and cost. There are several methods of lighting control ranging from basic wall switch dimmers to automated control systems. These can be used to pre-set lighting levels throughout a space, or set ambient lighting levels according to time of day. In conclusion, lighting plays an important role in any space, residential or commercial. It can create the desired atmosphere and define the look and feel of the space, while also delivering energy efficiency and cost savings with the use of energy-saving alternatives.