8 Lighting Tips
3/22/2008 at 6:53:18 PM
Many renovators don't spend enough time on lighting. Her are some tips:
1. Use two layers of room lighting: One should be overhead or sconces to warmly light the room and the second level should be work-oriented and near the task areas.
2. Avoid Windows: Don't light the areas around windows and skylights because there might be an annoying glare and, more important, a waste of energy. Light the other walls with sconces or recessed lights.
3. Use under- cabinet lights: When over counters use small fluorescent lights or low-voltage fixtures there is a rule-of-thumb here: 8 watts for every foot of counter length.
4. Light up sink and range: 2 compact fluorescent lights.
5. Brighten work areas: Track lights with 3 or 4 pots should do the trick with compact fluorescent lights.
6. Light up the dining area: Chandelier-type overheads are a great choice, especially the new ones with the LED lights.
7. Accent lighting: Small, tracked lights can be used to highlight pictures, china cabinets or other art. Most experts agree on a 30 degree angle from the vertical to avoid the glare and reflections.
8. Paint walls in light colors: This will help decrease lighting costs.
4/10/2008 at 2:13:04 PM
Great tips there, Kim! I've done #1 with the layers of lighting but it feels kind of wasteful to me so I usually just use one layer or the other but not both at the same time.
Under cabinet lighting is great... and I'd love to try one of those new Chandelier lights!
4/11/2008 at 5:48:14 PM
Those are some great tips! My general rule of thumb is to not keep the lights too harsh and vary them. Different types of lighting in different areas of the room looks much better than just one bright overhead light.
In a living room, I like to keep the lights more warm. This area is supposed to be cozy and comfortable.
In a kitchen, using lights that are a little brighter is probably the way to go because anyone who cooks wants to have a clear workspace.
In the bathroom, I also like to keep the lights warmer and less bright. If someone who puts on makeup uses the bathroom, a harsh light makes it a little more difficult to apply it.
Any rooms that require reading or working should have brighter, clearer lighting.
4/15/2008 at 1:58:00 PM
I like these tips.
I have found that I cannot stand alot of overhead lighting. I prefer lamps or task lights in work areas, using accent lighting with very low watt bulbs, or tinted bulbs, to create interest.
4/25/2008 at 1:34:13 PM
lol indeed, sufficient light is needed for good efficiency of work, but overload cause some problem.
add in this tip:
- clean the lamps/ lights (if capable) to avoid darker situation as well as lamp overheat (those dust can accumulate heat).
4/26/2008 at 12:02:41 PM
thank you for those wonderful tips Kim! I am pretty sure that there are those who will take these into account. Proper lighting can indeed help beautify even the simplest homes.
4/26/2008 at 3:50:09 PM
Something else to consider is the type of light.
Halogens tend to be more intense and burn hotter when on. LED's are bright but aren't as intense, using less energy and lasting longer.
I prefer LED's in high places where accent lighting is usually used, highlighting artwork or features fireplaces with stone hearths.
6/23/2008 at 4:28:09 PM
These are some great tips, Kim. I've always thought if the same style of lighting took place throughout the house, it was boring. I especially like the layering effect as mentioned in tip number 1. That's something that I've done in our living room.
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