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There are many different aspects to consider when tackling the job of
lighting the inside of your home. The following features will help you in
making your lighting decision. Don't forget to keep this article for
reference using our convenient printer-friendly version!
Dining room Achieve overall illumination using chandeliers or pendants with 200-400 wattage. Install them 30 above the table to allow for head room when standing. The diameter of fixture should be 12 less than width of table. Then add matching wall mounts or recessed downlights to add accent sparkle. Dont forget to light up the shelves of a hutch or cabinet!
Kitchen From a functional standpoint, kitchens need both ambient (overall) and task lighting. For more detailed information, see "how to choose kitchen lighting."
Bath, spa & vanity Considering bathrooms are used for so many functions, it is no wonder many considerations need to be addressed. For more detailed information, see "how to choose bathroom lighting."
Entrance foyer / hallway Use a ceiling mount or pendant for general lighting to welcome guest in the foyer. For safety in hallways use lighting fixtures every 8 to 10 feet. These can be wall sconces, surface mounted or recessed ceiling fixtures. Chandeliers should hang approximately 30 inches above your tabletop and be 6 inches narrower than your table on each side. Choose a chandelier that fits the
proportions of your dining room.
Light for reading should be equal to 100 w to 150 w incandescent and come from behind the readers shoulder to reduce shadows. Bottom edge of the shade should be at eye level when seated or approximately 40 to 42 above the floor. For reading in bed use two matching wall mounted or pendant fixtures installed 30 above the top of the mattress. For reading, place lamp alongside your shoulder, with the bottom of the shade even with your head. Extra tall lamps should be moved back 2 feet if possible.
Task Lighting
Designed to help you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, typing, hobbies, or paperwork. Lamps are commonly used for task lighting, because they are portable and flexible. Many "task" lamps contain halogen bulbs, which provide intense, focused light without glare or shadows. For reading, place lamp alongside your shoulder, with the bottom of the shade even with your head. Extra tall lamps should be moved back 2 feet if possible. Desk lamps should focus light on the work surface and be adjustable. The light should be about 15 inches from your desktop.
Accent Lighting
Designed to add drama and focus attention within a room. By spot lighting items such as paintings, houseplants, furniture, sculptures, dark corners, fireplaces, etc., you can highlight your room's best features. Accent lighting is most effective when you focus three times as much light on your focal point as the general lighting around it. Track lights, recessed lighting, or wall sconces are often used to provide accent lighting. Portable lamps such as torchieres and small accent lamps can also be used to feature certain areas of your room. Use several lamps in a room to avoid shadows and dark areas. (One standard lamp will illuminate 4050 square feet.) You generally want to position the lamp 36 inches or less from the item to be lit.
Ambient Lighting
Provides a room with overall illumination. Ambient lighting serves the same function as sunlight, allowing you to see and walk about safely. Table and Floor lamps can be strategically placed throughout your home to provide great ambient lighting.
Utility Lighting
When you need a lot of light, such as outdoors or when doing work around the home. This lighting type is used mainly to "flood an area."
Light Levels
Light bulbs emit billions of little light particles from their surface. The amount of light particles emitted is called Lumens. If you look on a light bulb or on its package you will see how many Lumens the bulb emits; the higher the Lumens the more color we see.
Depending on what type of activity you would like to perform there is recommended lighting levels. Because light levels change with the distance from its source, and items like shades and covers cut light, one can measure the light level using a light meter (costing approx. $30) which will read the light in terms of footcandles (i.e. the light that a candle produces 1 foot away unobstructed). Use the table below as your guide.
Bulbs
Once youve chosen the right lamp, you should consider the best bulb to get the job done. The most commonly used bulb types are:
Incandescent Incandescent bulbs are the most commonly used in lamps because they are inexpensive and widely available. Most incandescent bulbs vary from 15 to 150 watts and produce a soft yellow-white light, emitted in all directions. They are generally available in clear, frosted, or colored. Incandescent bulbs are great for standard ambient lighting. Those with higher wattages are good for task lighting. (Remember: Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your lamp!)
Halogen Halogen bulbs produce a bright, white light. They most closely replicate the color spectrum of the sun. Halogen bulbs have a longer life and provide more light (lumens) per watt than regular incandescent bulbs. Their small size and intensity make halogens great for task lighting. Note: Since halogen bulbs burn hotter than other types, they require more caution. All halogen lamps sold today in the USA have approved safety shields to reduce fire risk. When changing a halogen bulb, be sure to wait until the bulb cools to touch it. Always use a clean rag to handle a halogen bulb, as oils from your hand will cause the bulb to burn hotter and can greatly reduce the life of your bulb.
Fluorescent Fluorescent bulbs are very energy efficient and use much less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. They also can last up to 20 times longer! Their new compact styles make fluorescent bulbs practical for task lighting. Screw-in types can be used in place of incandescent bulbs in standard lamp sockets.
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