Lighting has evolved immensely since the time Edison created the first incandescent bulb. Back then lighting was a means to illuminate the room and eradicate darkness. Gradually the lighting industry has grown to create artworks that not only provide light but also add beauty to your home. It is surprising to see the mindboggling array of lighting accessories and modern light fixtures available today. It is also important that the customers are educated about the wide variety of lighting available and how they can be used to their benefit. Modern or contemporary lighting is no longer meant only for the professional interior designer or the wealthy businessman. It is affordable and functional and open for all. The quantity and variety of these fittings can broadly be clubbed under the following: Downlighters – these lights direct a beam downwards. It may be mounted on the ceiling or on the wall or a track, but the beam is always directed downwards. The width of the beam of the light can be controlled according to the bulb and reflector used. Downlighters may also be used as recessed lights or semi-recessed lights. Uplighters – these lights as the name suggests direct their beam upwards. They come in a variety of models which can be placed on the floor or on the table. They can also be in the form of pendants or wall-fixed versions. They are very useful in lighting up pictures or a painted wall. Wall Washers – these are another variety of downlighters. They also point a beam of light downwards, but instead of a focused beam, wall washers cast a wider beam that falls on the entire wall. It is helpful in illuminating a huge picture or a wall. These modern lighting have to be suitably co-ordinated with the theme of your home and it must be ensured that they create the right effect. Some lighting options come in a combination where the floor, table and wall lights complement each other and create a complete effect. They are also highly functional and can provide the right amount of light required to make the room look bright, with spotlights, or cozy, by using dimmers. Modern lighting also considers the concerns of energy consumption and has thus come up with Light Emitting Diodes(LED) and Organic Light Emitting Diodes(OLED) lamps that last longer and do not heat up the room as much as incandescent lamps. While choosing modern light fixtures for your home, simply make sure that you purchase something that reflects your personal style.