Lighting Strategies That Make Corners Come Alive Lighting is the most underused tool in the home decorator's kit — and it's especially transformative in corners. A dark corner communicates neglect. A well-lit corner communicates design intention. The goal is to add what designers call "layered lighting" — a combination of ambient, task, and accent light that works together to give the corner warmth and dimension. For most corners, a floor lamp with a linen or white shade provides the best ambient effect. If you want to go further, add a small uplight behind a plant to cast dramatic botanical shadows on the wall, or install a plug-in wall sconce for a look that reads as fully built-out and intentional. Picture lights above artwork, battery-operated puck lights inside open shelving, and LED strip lights behind furniture are all tools that professional designers use regularly in spaces exactly like yours.