Daylight can provide substantial illumination during the day. But its tremendous intensity requires careful control from blinds, canopies, or overhangs.

Interior walls and areas of day lighted rooms often need supplemental electric illumination during the day to balance the natural light that does not reach all the way into the room. Otherwise, these areas appear dark and gloomy. This problem may not be immediately clear to you at first thought. Sky lighted rooms need electric illumination as well. And all spaces require electric lighting for use after dark.

At least one permanent light in each room (or exit from the home) should operate from a control (switch or dimmer) at the entrance to the room. If there are two or more entrances ten feet apart, provide a control at each location, using three-way or remote devices.

Where lighting serves several activities, using dimming or other controls to adjust the levels and balance for each activity. Dimming adds flexibility, convenience, and aesthetic control throughout a space.