Lighting has been a part of human life since the dawn of time. Its importance and use in everyday life has evolved alongside the development of civilization. Its most basic function is to provide light to us for our activities, but over the centuries, it has become a tool for both function and decor. Today, lighting has become a major aspect of interior design and can be found in all kinds of homes and businesses. It has its own language, principles and applications that guide its use. The most basic function of lighting remains the same - to create visibility - but now, instead of just providing illumination, it is used to create mood, ambience, and aesthetic beauty. For a successful lighting plan, one must consider the style, location and intensity of the light fixture. For instance, when designing interior lighting, a designer usually works within the principles of contrast, unity, rhythm, proportion and scale. Contrast can allow one to draw attention to certain elements of a space by using light and shadows; unity brings the entire space together; rhythm is created by repeating patterns; proportion is the ratio between two elements; and scale is the size of the room compared to the size of the light fixtures. Once the principles are laid out, one can then select the type of lighting to be used. The two main types - natural and artificial - can be further divided into various categories. Natural lighting predominantly comes from the sun and can be enhanced by artificial elements such as skylights and windows. Artificial lighting, on the other hand, includes lamps, LEDs, and other fixtures. No matter the type, proper lighting is essential to human life. In both private and public spaces, it can foster the wellbeing of its inhabitants by creating a comfortable, safe, and attractive environment. It allows us to perform tasks, express ourselves, and interact with the world around us. Lighting continues to be a major part of everyday life; therefore, understanding its principles and applications can go a long way in creating the perfect balance of lighting for any space.