Types of home lighting.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

The brightest prospects, as recommended by Linda Jacobson and Margaret McNeely at Muska Lighting Center and Cathy Mogelson and Darren Strafelda at Creative Lighting:

_Rope lighting. Tiny lights imbedded in a long plastic tube that can be bent. For use where dusting is difficult and only a small amount of light is required, such as the tops of cabinets.

_Cupboard lights. Halogen puck-shaped lights or tiny track lights, which illuminate what's in open or glass-front cabinets.

_Under-cabinet lights. To add brightness to kitchen work areas.

_Metals. Softer, more complex looks that either are metal or are painted to look like metal. In particular, pewter, rusted-looking iron, wrought iron, brushed nickel, bronze; not shiny brass. Stainless steel, especially in kitchens.

_Dimmer switches. These allow the brightness to be turned down to create a softer mood, act as nightlights and save electricity.

_Bendable rail lights. A contemporary look with small lights along the rail.

_Cable lights. The cable is strung across the space, and lights are hung from it. A contemporary style.

_Glass beaded shades. Each bead catches a little light and glows.

_Pendant lights. They dangle from the ceiling on cords or chains. Especially popular over kitchen islands.

_Candelabras. With lots of little fabric shades and an old-world look.

_Reproduction fixtures. To match an Arts and Crafts home or blend with Mission-style furniture.

_European styles. Especially French countryside (toile patterns, yellows and blues) and Tuscan (warm oranges, apricots and greens).

_Wall sconces. Half-moons to light hallways and stairways.

_Recessed lights. Useful in kitchen remodeling when the ceiling height is 8 feet and you don't want fixtures hanging down.

_Monkeys, palm trees, camels. A whimsical change of pace.

_Torchieres. Floor lamps that point upward, thereby providing a lot of light without harshness.

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(c) 2002, Chicago Tribune.

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Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.