Let There Be The Right Light

The days are getting shorter, so it's a good time to get your indoor lighting in order.

And on The Early Show Friday, design expert Susanna Salk showed how to bring the right light to the right space, so lighting isn't just stylish, but also functional.

Salk offered her suggestions to co-anchor Julie Chen in a Manhattan Pottery Barn store.

Bedroom

1. Your bedside lamp should not be a decorative item. This is a great source of light for you to read or just to get you ready for a sound night of sleep. Don't use a dinky little lamp or a giant, clunky lamp that you should probably use for an end table in the living room.

2. Remember this: Pick taller lamps for shorter bedside tables; pick shorter lamps for taller bedside tables.

3. Your bedside lamp though should be at least 24 inches high.

4. A wall-mounted lamp is a good idea for a bedroom if you don't have room for a bedside table.

Living room

1. The best source of light in the living room is a floor lamp. It is a great way to make a design statement and add good light, as well.

2. You should choose one that is at least 64 inches high.

3. Use a mix of table lamps in the room, if possible. The more varied, the better — not just for style, but to enable you to control the amount of light you want.

Office space

1. Combine your overhead lighting with a task light or desk lamp.

2. The desk lamp doesn't have to be just functional. Many desk lamps can reflect your personal style.

General light tips

1. Try to use one switch for all the room's lamps, for ease.

2. Dimmers are great for setting moods.

3. The more elaborate your lamp, the simpler your shade should be.

4. Instead of using one big fixture, try using two, smaller fixtures in a room.

5. Remember that a huge fixture can overwhelm the room.

6. Don't be afraid to mix modern and vintage styles.

7. Scones are more for mood lighting or a style concept than anything else, because they don't add that much light.