Tips & Trends

Introduction
So you’re shopping for lighting . . . possibly for your new home or some renovated or redecorated areas in your current home. We know how stressful this may be for you.
There are so many questions . . . so few answers!

We would like to make it easier and less stressful for you by providing useful information that can help you make confident, anxiety-free lighting decisions.
Of course, we recognize that in all cases your choices will reflect YOUR taste, YOUR décor, YOUR budget, YOUR home. The information we provide should help steer you through the potential pitfalls that can be associated with selecting lighting.
Let’s get to it!

1. GENERAL LIGHTING
How much light do I need in an area to light it properly?
Glad you asked. There’s actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of general light (usually expressed as the number of watts) you should have in each room or area of your home . . . and it’s not difficult, just some basic arithmetic.
Multiply the length times the width of the room. Then, multiply that number times 1.5. That gives you the amount of wattage you need to light the room properly for general illumination.

Example: A room is 12 ft. x 16 ft. (12 x 16 = 192). Then multiply 192 x 1.5 = 288 watts. That means an 8-light chandelier using 40-watt bulbs would give 320 watts, which is even more light than needed.

For specific task lighting in areas where stronger light is needed, multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage. A kitchen work island or a desk area where schoolwork is done are examples of task areas in your home.
These same rules apply to every room or area in your home.

2. THE FOYER OR ENTRYWAY
How do I determine the proper chandelier width for a foyer?
This is pretty easy. Just add together the length and width dimensions of the foyer area. What you get is the proper diameter for most any chandelier you’ll need there.

Example: The area is 12 feet by 16 feet. Added together this equals 28 feet. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28” in width.

What about the height of the chandelier?
This depends on the height of your foyer ceiling. Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet from the floor. That may mean you need a flushmount (mounts directly against the ceiling), a semi-flush (also known as close-to-ceiling fixture, which hangs a few inches below the ceiling) or, if you have a tall ceiling, you may need a 2-tier or 3-tier chandelier.

If there is a window above the front doors, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces in the foyer. Install them against the wall approximately 60” from the floor, 6 – 8 feet apart.

3. HALLWAYS
What’s the best way to light a hallway?
There should be a light every 8-10 feet. Either flushmounts or semi-flush fixtures can be used depending on the ceiling height (once again, remember that the bottom of the light fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor).

If you have a long hallway, you may want to install wall sconces for added light and beauty. The rule again is that sconces are hung roughly 60 “ from the floor, spaced 6 -8 feet apart along the wall.

4. DINING ROOM
How do I determine the proper size chandelier for over a dining room table?
Here, as in the foyer, the dimensions of the room dictate the width (diameter) of the chandelier. If that doesn’t appear to fit because of the size of your table, use ½ the table width for the chandelier’s diameter.
The bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop.

When should I use a dimmer switch?
Although dimmers can be used in every room, we put this question here, because the dining room will be the location of many varying activities. Intimate dinner party? Dim the lights. Children working at the table on their homework? Bring up the wattage!

Will a chandelier be enough light?
Here again, you should make sure the chandelier has enough wattage (based on the formula in question #1). If you’re not comfortable with the amount of light, you can add sconces, portable lamps or recessed lights to add more light and ambience.

How do I highlight areas of special interest such as wall art or items inside a breakfront or China cabinet?
Recessed or track lighting can focus beams of light onto wall art objects. Inside a breakfront or China cabinet, you can use low voltage cabinet lighting to provide the proper lighting. The top and bottom of those pieces can be lit with linear lighting.

5. KITCHENS AND DINETTE AREAS
What is the best general lighting for a kitchen?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any easy answers here, since so much is determined by the size of your kitchen area. Most people start with a 2-light or 4-light decorative fluorescent in the center of the ceiling. It’s less costly, uses less energy and provides very good general light output.

Example: A kitchen of 100 square feet or less can use a 2-light fluorescent; up to 250 square feet takes a 4-light fluorescent. Larger than 250 will need the 4-light plus additional lighting.

What do I do about task areas such as islands, areas over the sink and counter tops?
Besides the general lighting guidelines in the above answer, these areas call for more concentrated lighting since they are normally work areas. Again, you should refer to the formula for task areas in question 1. Cabinet Lighting or Linear Lighting systems can provide solid, brighter light on work surfaces, soffets above cabinets and other concealed locations to add a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen. A decorative pendant with 2 or 3 shades (depending on the size of the island) can be installed over your island for sufficient light and to add a decorative element to that area.

How do I light a Dinette area?
Normally, a decorative pendant (single light – since this is generally a smaller eating area) or a three light downfacing chandelier will do the job while providing plenty of light on the table surface. Use a dimmer to soften the light for mood dining when entertaining and to turn up higher for homework, hobbies, etc. when needed. Again, the bottom of the pendant or chandelier should be 30” above the table. Normally, 100-180 watts is sufficient for this area.

6.Bathroom Lighting
What’s the best way to light a bath or powder room?
Most of us want to see a clear reflection in our bathroom or powder room mirrors so we can apply makeup properly or shave without cutting ourselves or simply brush our teeth correctly.

To avoid shadows, and to fully surround your face with flattering light, install a fixture at least 24” wide over the mirror, plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28” apart and 60” above the floor.

If you have a double sink vanity, use a light that is almost as wide as the mirror. The light should be mounted 78” from the floor, centered over the mirror.

What if I have a truly large bathroom?
Besides the vanity/mirror lighting, you will probably need an additional flushmount or semi flush fixture with possible recess lighting in shower areas. A small chandelier could provide more light while adding a touch of décor to the room.

7. Outdoor Lighting
How high should I mount the wall lanterns around my front door?
Approximately 66 inches above the bottom of the door, slightly above eye level.

What about the height of the wall lanterns?
No fast and hard rules on this. Basically, it depends on the height of your house’s front entrance. Normal range for the lanterns would be from 1/5 to 1/6 of the entrance height.

8. Portable Lamps
When would I need portables?
Desk lamps, Table lamps, Floor lamps, Torchieres. These are known as Portables because they can be picked up and plugged in wherever there is an electrical outlet. All other lighting is direct-wired into your home. Many rooms will need more light in certain areas than a chandelier or other light fixture can provide. That’s where portables are important.

What do portables do besides look pretty?
Think of the rooms and areas in your home where you need more light for tasks such as homework, reading in a chair or reading in bed. Portables can provide the needed light for those activities.

How far off the floor should a floor lamp or table lamp be?
The bottom of the lampshade should be approximately 42 inches from the floor’s surface. Desk lamps should be 16 inches above the work surface and 13 inches from the front of a desk. Torchieres, used to light dark corners, can be from 66 to 72 inches from the floor. “Corners", plug in wall torchieres can provide similar light but won’t take up any floor space.

SPECIAL TIPS
Steel vs. Solid Brass – How do you tell the difference?
Simply place a magnet on the metal portion of a brass lighting fixture. If it sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, it’s solid brass, which is generally more costly.

Chandelier Installation – If a chandelier is heavier than 50 pounds, it will have to be mounted more securely to the ceiling or wall. Make sure there is enough support.

Casting or Stamping – How are they different?
Casting is generally heavier with more detail and durability. Whereas stamping is lighter, less detail and durable. Generally, cast fixtures are slightly more expensive than stamped products.

Bulb Color – Wherever possible, use the same color bulbs in all lights in a room so the tone of the floors, surfaces, walls, etc. will be the same intensity.
Doing Your Homework – How should I prepare when shopping for lighting?
First, know your budget. Second, if possible, look for pictures from magazines that reflect your taste. Third, bring in fabric swatches or color chips for any area you are re-decorating.

Natural Light – Is this a factor in the amount of light you'll need in a room?
Think daytime vs. nighttime light.

SUMMARY
Hopefully we have helped clear up some of the confusion and eliminate the fear of making a bad decision.
Selecting lighting should be fun, an adventure into an exciting new world for most of us. We realize that very few people are lighting experts. Yet most will be selecting lights for their house, apartment, condominium, etc. at some time in our lives.
When all lights have been installed, you should be proud of the job you did. Enjoy the experience.