The fastest way to make a room feel finished is to take lighting seriously. Not brighter — better. **Ambient, task, accent.** That's the trio. Most homes only have ambient. Add a reading lamp (task) and a small picture light or candle (accent), and the same room will feel considered rather than just lit. **The one rule.** If a room only has one switch, it's not finished yet. **A few of our favourites.** A warm 2700K bulb in a paper lantern; a floor lamp with a dimmer next to the sofa; a small sconce over the console table. None of them are loud.