Bright Thoughts on Lighting

Understanding the fundamentals of lighting is important in selecting home lighting fixtures. A good home lighting plan should consist of task, general, and accent lights to provide lighting that is not only effective but also attractive and stylish. Decorative lighting successfully combines style with function, accomplishing the all-important task of illumination, while at the same time, complementing a room's décor.

Carefully selected and properly installed light fixtures can add beauty and drama both indoors and outdoors. Similarly, the right type of lighting can improve safety and comfort in and around your home. It is key to remember when choosing decorative home lighting that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting fixtures. Today it is perfectly okay to prefer opposing styles that create a distinctive and unexpectedly complimentary look.

Lighting Styles

Traditional: These fixtures consist of fundamentals and details reminiscent of both European and American antiques and furniture. They can also include fixtures that are specific to a time period such as Victorian, Colonial and Arts and Crafts.

Contemporary: Literally means, "of our day." Denotes conservative modern or simplified traditional. These fixtures have cleaner geometric lines. This style has transitioned into darker, warmer finishes.

Transitional: These fixtures have simple, clean lines and have a tendency to be less intricate in their details. Inspired by traditional fixtures, they can be more open and uncomplicated in construction.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting can achieve dramatic effects when used in the right application. You can decorate a room by simply highlighting art objects, architectural features and furniture groupings. A more concentrated light is required on the area or subject to be illuminated, a general guide to use would be at least three times more light than the general lighting in the area.

Recessed and adjustable track lighting, can highlight anything from a fireplace to a winding staircase to a fine floral arrangement. You decide the level of intensity.

By situating a mini-pendant over a kitchen island, a good level of light will be provided on the island surface. Depending on the size of the island, mini-pendants should be hung 30"- 40" above surface.

Accent lighting adds an extra dimension to an area of a room that could otherwise be left in the dark. It tends to make a room appear much larger than it actually is.

Knowing the size of your room matters

The first step to achieving the ideal lighting for your home is to measure the size of your room (if you are remodeling) or check your blue prints (a new home), next establish what lighting effects you want to achieve. Ask yourself these questions...

• Should the style of lighting complement or bring in a new decorative element?
  
• Do you want the lighting to dictate the feel of the room or merely create a good mix to the other furnishings in the room?
  
• Is your furniture heavy or delicate, traditional or contemporary?
  
• Are you trying to achieve a warm environment or a cool look?

These key considerations will put you on the right track to creating your perfect lighting environment.

Lamp Wattage

When purchasing a new lighting fixture, it is important to check the maximum wattage it will take. Too much wattage produces excess heat and creates a fire hazard or damages the fixture. It is imperative, for safety reasons never use a bulb larger than the maximum specified.

Wattage is the indication of how much power a bulb consumes, not the amount of light it generates. (Lumen is the amount of light a bulb produces). To get the brightest light possible for your fixtures, look for the highest lumen rating for the wattage that your fixture is rated for.

It is, however, advisable to use the maximum size, as this is generally more efficient. It produces more light per watt. By using a dimmer, you can control the amount of light.

Choosing the right light bulb

• Incandescent
  Because they are inexpensive and widely available, they are the most common bulbs used in lamps today. Common 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. These bulbs are great for standard ambient lighting and higher wattages are good for task lighting. (Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your lamp!)
• Halogen
  Many of today's lamps use halogen bulbs, which produce a bright, white light. They closely duplicate natural sun. Halogen bulbs have a longer life and offer more light (lumens) per watt than regular incandescent bulbs. Their small size and intensity make halogens are a great choice for task lighting. Since halogen bulbs burn hotter than other types, they need more caution. 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 significantly reduce the life of your bulb.
• Fluorescent
  Many new compact styles make fluorescent bulbs practical for task lighting. These bulbs are very energy efficient bulb, using 20-40% less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs, and can last up to 20 times longer. Screw-in types may be used in place of incandescent bulbs in standard lamp sockets.