Home Lighting - Form + Function

Index:
• Introduction to Home Lighting
•
Lighting Your Entry or Foyer
•
Kitchen Lighting
•
Lighting Your Dining Area
•
Bathroom Lighting
•
Living with Light - Lighting your Living Room
•
Bedroom Lighting
•
Lighting Children’s Rooms
•
Lighting Your Utility Room
Introduction to Home Lighting
Good home lighting makes a tremendous impact on how we feel.
The right home lighting can make your surroundings feel spacious, clean and
welcoming.
It is instrumental in setting the mood of any room in the house.
Warm light makes people want to linger, slow down, move closer together, just
like around a camp fire. (No wonder Fast Food restaurants have bland, bright,
even illumination. They are anti-lingering!)
Low voltage spots can make the colors in a painting stand out or bring the
shapes of a sculpture to life.
With literally hundreds of home lighting options, the choice can seem daunting.
To break them down, think of lighting from two aspects: functional and aesthetic.
Home lighting needs to provide the correct type of light in sufficient quantity for
the task. Aesthetically, the right lighting can create the desired mood and make
your home look inviting and you feel good.
You finally got your dream kitchen? – Show it off!! During the daytime with the
light spilling in through the windows it might look just perfect. The right lighting
will make sure that it looks just as good – or even better – at nighttime when you
are entertaining.
It is amazing how the right lighting can bring out the beautiful colors of a
countertop in the kitchen, the dramatic textures of a natural stone fireplace in the
den or the richness a beautiful heirloom dresser in the bedroom. There is not a
place in the home that can’t benefit from a well- thought-out lighting plan.
Planning your home lighting does not mean spending more, but can actually
save you money by focusing on what’s important. (AND if you ask any of us from
Form + Function for advice it’s FREE!)
The right home lighting is not only there to illuminate specific tasks, but is also
used to bring out the beauty of your home’s décor. Illuminate what you want to be
seen.
An evenly illuminated room is boring. You need light and shadows to create
atmosphere.
Add a reading lamp next to your favorite chair, a pendant over your dining table,
a small table lamp on a console table “just to add a little something”.
It’s amazing what all these “pools of Light” do to the overall comfort of the room.
Your home lighting design gives you the opportunity to choose what to highlight –
and what to leave in the shadows.
Want to be able to choose the right socks on an early winter morning? Want to
be able to see you face, not just the top of your head in the bathroom mirror?
Want to walk to the back porch without tripping? So many apparent challenges –
so easy and often inexpensive solutions!
Light fixtures can add beauty, warmth and drama both indoors and outdoors. The
right outdoor home lighting plan can enhance the exterior of your property by
illuminating paths and making your doorways inviting as well as safe. Exterior
light fixtures can both brighten and beautify your garden, pond, deck, fountain,
trees, and driveways, adding value to your property.
Contemporary lighting, Craftsman Style, Tiffany, modern lighting, traditional,
eclectic….there is a style that fits you.
At Form + function our selection is favoring contemporary and modern designs,
but we still feel strongly that the most important thing is finding the fixtures and
lamps that work harmoniously in your home.
Lighting Your Entry or Foyer
Let the entry to your house create a warm welcome for your guests!
The foyer conveys the first impression of your home’s interior and sets the stage
of what is to come.
Whether you have a grand entry or a narrow corridor, you can use lighting to
make the entrance to your home inviting.
The right lighting can make a small space appear larger and a grand entry
breathtaking.
With the open floor plans of today the space is often not clearly defined in the
entry area.
This might at first glance make the lighting design tricky. But just keep in mind
what you want to accomplish and things will fall into place.
Safety of course needs to be addressed.
Changes in elevation need to be properly illuminated and you want to be able to
see who is entering.
Stairs should be lit from top to bottom and have switches in both locations.
Hallway light fixtures should be placed every 8 to 10 feet to ensure even
illumination. You can choose recessed lights, ceiling lights or wall sconces or a
combination of these.
.
Note: Mount wall sconces above eye level, approximately 66″ from the
center of the fixture to the floor. This ensures that you don’t see the exposed
light bulb and don’t hit the wall sconce while walking down the hallway.
When the safety issues have been addressed it’s time to be creative!
In very large entries, overhead lights, like recessed cans or foyer
chandeliers alone will have a hard time illuminating the space properly, not to
mention adding warmth and atmosphere.
General overhead lights are necessary, but what happens next is where you take
the lighting from nice to “wow”.
Just like everywhere else the keyword is: “Layers of Light”. The use of several
light sources at different levels works like a charm, adding interest to the space.
Place a small table lamp on a console next to a mirror, illuminate a niche with a
favorite piece of artwork or place a torchiere floor lamp in a dark corner.
We recently added a $12.95 can uplight behind a large carved wooden eagle in a
dark corner and transformed the entrance of a log cabin home.
A contemporary, very small entry space benefited from a sheet of opaque
plexiglass illuminated from behind with a simple fluorescent strip.
There are no rules, be creative!
You can highlight architectural features like a beautiful cathedral ceiling or
artwork on the walls and let the light bounce off the walls to act as accent
lighting.
If you have the luxury of high, open ceiling space; go for it! – find a foyer light that
can take center stage.
A lot of lighting manufacturers offer families of light fixtures. This way you can
choose wall sconces to match the ceiling lights and foyer chandeliers for a more
uniform look
(And on a practical note: think about re-lamping!!
Since you don’t want to borrow a 15 ft ladder every time a light bulb burns out,
here is where you seriously consider using long-lived, energy-saving bulbs.)
With a two-story entryway, make sure that the foyer chandelier or decorative
pendant lamp looks attractive from above as well as below.
How do I determine the proper size Chandelier for the Foyer?
Simply add the room dimensions together. For example, if your foyer is 12’ by
16’, add 12 plus 16 to get 28. The proper size chandelier would then be 28” in
diameter.
Make sure the bottom of the fixture does not hang more than 7’ from the floor. If
windows are present, center the fixture in the window, so it can be seen from the
outside.
(Courtesy of Kichler Lighting)
Kitchen Lighting
The Kitchen is today’s gathering place for friends and family.
At our house it seems always to be the place where everyone ends up while
dinner is being prepared.
No matter how many deep, cozy armchairs the living room has to offer, or how
inviting the deck is on a warm summer evening, everyone is leaning against the
kitchen counters, glass in hand, making my last minute food preparation a very
familiar (and comfortable) dance.
It’s just a fact: the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is also usually the busiest
room of the house. Today’s multi-functional kitchen spaces are not only used for
cooking, but also for visiting with friends, home work, reading the paper and just
relaxing.
The kitchen asks for efficient lighting at a fairly bright level for tasks as well as
decorative lighting to create an inviting, livable space.
Just like in any other living space is important to create multiple layers of light in
the kitchen. Task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting will together create
the inviting atmosphere you want.
Try to think about the general feel of your home and continue the color
temperature from other areas of the house into the kitchen.
Kitchen counters and other work areas need to be well lit and free of shadows.
Fluorescent or low voltage undercabinet lighting strips provide effective task
lighting.
Fluorescent lighting fixtures are well suited because they are efficient, providing
more lumens per watt. They do not put out much heat and they create an even
light, and with the newer electronic ballasts, they do not flicker or hum anymore!
Low voltage lighting illuminates decorative objects and surfaces dramatically.
Over shiny, black marble surfaces they will create drama, but be aware: they will
also give off a lot of glare. If you are lighting a kitchen island with a very reflective
surface and this is your primary work area, you might want to choose a fixture
where the low voltage bulb does not shine directly onto the work area, or even
choose a softer light source, like an incandescent or fluorescent fixture.
Please note: Pendant lights over the island should hang just above eye level
when you are standing. This allows you to see your guests comfortably. Choose
fixtures with decorative bulbs that are meant to show or with diffusers that soften
the glare of a naked bulb.
A breakfast area is also frequently used for reading, so good overhead light is a
must. Here the decor determines the style: from chandeliers to high-tech flexible
track lighting with colorful pendants the choice is yours. As with dining tables, the
light over the breakfast table should hang approximately 30″ above the table so
you can see under it when seated and it yet hangs low enough to embrace the
area with a warm, inviting glow.
In a contemporary kitchen, a low voltage monorail with a variety of track heads
and colorful glass mini-pendants can curve through the work and dining areas
without interruption of design.
The spots can highlight decorative features in the kitchen like a collection of
colorful canisters on top of the cabinets at the same time as they provide general,
ambient light.
Good general is needed for all casual activities. It permits comfortable clean-up
and easy view into drawers. Recessed downlights or fluorescent lighting are
good choices.
Find some great Kitchen Lighting solutions here.
The days of the single dim overhead kitchen lighting fixture are over!
As with all home lighting, it is important to create multiple layers of light. Task
lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting will together create an inviting,
livable space.
The ambient layer is the general overhead lighting in a room. Since it usually
doesn’t provide sufficient light for specific tasks it is supplemented with other
types of lighting, like undercabinet lighting and a pendant over the sink or
breakfast nook.
Ambient light by itself can be dull and uninteresting. It provides light, but that’s
about it.
It is amazing how the right lighting can bring out the beautiful colors of a
countertop, the textures and colors of the tiles or the richness of the wood of your
kitchen cabinets.
Recessed lights are a great way to add ambient light to a kitchen. They have a
much cleaner look than surface mounted fixtures and are also a lot less
susceptible to grease and moisture from cooking.
It is a common mistake just space them evenly throughout the space. Recessed
lights can be positioned so that they highlight beautiful wood cabinets or kitchen
countertops while providing general light.
Task lighting helps making the kitchen a functional workplace. Kitchen counters
and other work areas need to be well lit and free of shadows. Fluorescent or low
voltage undercabinet lighting strips provide effective task lighting.
Fluorescent lighting fixtures are well suited because they are efficient, providing
more lumens per watt. They do not put out much heat and they create an even
light, and with the newer electronic ballasts, they do not flicker or hum anymore!
Low voltage lighting dims more easily and lights decorative objects and surfaces
dramatically. They bring out the full spectrum of colors of your beautiful granite
counters. But be aware: over shiny, black surfaces they will create drama, but:
they can also give off a lot of glare if not positioned or shielded properly.
An important little point to pay attention to is the use of low voltage pendants in a
kitchen that is REALLY used for cooking. Cooking grease and low voltage
connections don’t mix well.
With a downdraft range without a hood I found out the hard way! But moving the
fixture just a few feet away from the cooktop took care of the problem.
In our showroom we have several LED strips on display. They all have beautifully
slim profiles and provide an amazing amount of light with very few watts.
I’m still not quite sold on the quality of the light, though. Most have a cooler color
temperature than what I find pleasant and flattering.
But then again, they do save an enormous amount of energy, so maybe I should
just get over it!
Please note that there is a huge difference between cheap LED strips or pucks
and the quality brands we carry, like Kichler and American Lighting.
A friend of mine just proudly showed off her Western style kitchen with beautiful
cabinetry, but once she turned on the in-cabinet puck lights, she had bought for
$6.95 at a local hardware store the entire place took on a sickly hue.
I’m all for saving energy, but not for the cheap shortcuts that don’t do the job they
promise to do. - Lette Birn, owner of Form + Function.
LED stands for "light-emitting diode," It is a lighting technology that is extremely
energy-efficient and long-lasting.
The initial cost is more expensive than incandescent, but the light bulbs last over
60,000 hours. That's nearly seven years of continuous, cool-burning light.
With lots of serious research going into this sector products are improving
practically on a daily basis and there are already LED lights out there with a
pretty good color quality for residential use.
Accent Lighting adds dimension and depth to the space.
A very effective way of adding accent light is installing small fixtures inside your
glass cabinets to spotlight your favorite china, bowl collection, or delicate
glassware.
You can also highlight artwork or beautiful tile work with spotlighs, like off a track
or monorail. As a bonus this will give you added accent light for the entire room.
Bendable Monorail lighting, which is a modern twist on traditional track lighting
allows you attach different individual lights to one long, curving track.
You can easily combine ambient, focal and decorative lights on a monorail. Direct
the beams of track heads to highlight your collection of beautiful baskets on top
of your kitchen cabinets or some colorful prints on the wall. Drop a couple of
pendant over your kitchen island and the sink to provide task lighting as well as a
cheerful splash of color.
Even though recessed lights do a nice job of illuminating a space there is
something special about mid-level task lighting. Bringing light down to your level
with a pendant or even a chandelier adds not only much-needed direct task light,
but interest and charm to the entire room.
Track lighting is often used in kitchens, but usually it is being asked to do too
many tasks at once and therefore ends up failing miserably at all of them.
The most common mistake is that the track is positioned wrong, in the center of
the space.
This way, when the track heads are aimed at the kitchen work surfaces, you
inevitably have the light in your back, creating a shadow on the kitchen counter.
If track is to be used as task lighting for a kitchen counter it should be placed
approximately 40” away from the cabinets.
How much light is needed in a kitchen?
It depends on the size. If it’s less than 100 square feet, a 2-light decorative
fluorescent fixture is fine.
Larger kitchens up to 250 feet will need a 4-light fluorescent fixture.
Over 250 square feet will need 4-light plus additional supplemental lighting.
Undercabinet lighting is always appropriate for task lighting of work surfaces.
(Courtesy of Kichler Lighting)
Lighting Your Dining Room
Good Company, Good Food - and Good Lighting: Create a dining area that
fits your lifestyle
The dining room of today is rarely used just for entertaining and formal dining.
Most often the dining table doubles as a work zone for homework or projects,
meetings and crafts, and last, but not least as a gathering place for family and
friends.
It is a place where everyone can unwind over a good meal and enjoy each
other's company.
Instead of trying to illuminate an entire dining room with a single light source, like
a chandelier or a pendant light, the best balance of illumination is achieved by
using a variety of light sources.
A single chandelier that is capable of illuminating an entire room will most likely
be too bright for comfort.
Layers of light will create the ideal illumination that is pleasing without creating
glare.
With open floor plans many formal dining rooms have been replaced by dining
areas that are the central hub of the home, close to the kitchen and other living
areas.
The right lighting will set the perfect mood for your dining experience and also
provide ample task lighting.
There are a few simple tricks that can make a huge difference:
1. hanging the chandelier or pendant light at the correct height over the table and
2. Using a dimmer.
A chandelier over your dining table can create a soft, warm atmosphere similar to
candlelight.
But have you ever noticed, how good restaurants slowly lower the light level over
a certain timeframe during the evening from the brighter light used for early
diners, who are on their way to a movie, to the more lingering, un-hurried crowd
later at night ? That is no coincidence, but clearly reflects how people behave at
different light levels.
Using dimmers allow you to use the bright task level light you need for setting the
table or for clean-up, while creating atmosphere by bringing the light level down
when your guests arrive.
For an elegant and romantic mood blend candlelight with a variety of electric light
sources throughout the room. Dim each group of fixtures separately to create a
variety of moods for your dining room.
Add a few wall sconces, a couple of buffet lamps, a torchiere in a corner and you
will immediately feel a tremendous difference in the overall atmosphere of the
room.
To highlight the crystal in your china cabinet, use halogen bulbs from within the
cabinet - the bright, white light will bring out the sparkle of your beautiful pieces.
The appropriate size chandelier depends on the size of the room and the size of
the dining table.
One guideline is: the diameter of the chandelier in inches should at least
equal the room diameter in feet, but depending on the style and design the
chandelier could be two inches in diameter for every foot of room width. A
slender, graceful chandelier obviously takes up less visual space than a very
heavy or ornate chandelier, which will appear larger.
Multi-arm chandeliers that are 24" - 36" wide generally suit standard spaces. In
rooms less than 10 feet wide, a chandelier of less than 24" looks better.
Over a dining table the chandelier should generally be 12" less than the
width or diameter of the table, so that the diners are comfortable and not
crowded.
Hang the chandelier so that the bottom of the chandelier is roughly 30 “
from the top of the table, That ensures that you can still see your dining
companions, and it gives you space to fit a tall centerpiece under the chandelier.
For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style chandelier to fill the
space from the fixture's top to the ceiling.
Each candelabra socket can generally carry a maximum of 60 watts. Smaller
rooms do fine with 6 to 8 lights, but larger rooms may require 8 or more lights,
especially if the chandelier is your only light source. No matter how many lights
your chandelier has, we recommend using a dimmer, so you can vary the
amount of light from low light for atmosphere to brighter light for tasks.
Track spots or recessed lights on either side of the chandelier can be angled
toward the chandelier to add sparkle to the chandelier and provide down
lighting.
In today's more eclectic decor, even casual homes can have elegant dining
rooms.
The finish of your dining room chandelier is an important factor. It should
compliment surrounding furnishings and accessories; not necessarily match or
contrast,
You might choose to use more brushed steel metal fixtures in your home's great
room and wrought iron with crystal drops in the dining room, creating a more
romantic setting.
Crystal chandeliers were once reserved for traditional dining rooms. But newer
designs and surprising combinations of rustic, contemporary or shabby chic
styles with crystal appeal to a wider audience. These variations might make it a
perfect choice for you to add this wonderfully ethereal, magical look to your
dining area.
Highlight Your Treasures
Want to add interest to a room, highlight your collectibles, and add ambient
lighting: try lighting your cabinets or – like here – add illuminated niches.
One way to take away from the harshness of the main light source in a dining
area is to use additional lighting around the edge of the room. This diminishes
the strong contrasts between light and shadow in the room and makes it possible
to dim the main fixture, usually the pendant light or chandelier over the dining
table to a comfortable, more intimate level.
Buffets and hutches can be illuminated from within and light up your collections
of china or treasured pieces.
Look for the color temperature of the bulbs you use for your display. In order to
get the effect shown here you need to look for bulbs (lamps) close to 3000K
(Kelvin.)
Most quality halogen and fluorescent lamps give you the color temperature as
well as the CRI (Color Rendering Index.) If there is a choice, look for a CRI as
close to 100 as you can get.
My comments to this beautiful dining area: I love how the illuminated niches
stand out and add architectural interest to the space. They fill the room with
warmth and make the art pieces “pop”.
That said, I find that the pendant light / chandelier looks kind of lost way above
the table. Is it even centered? – It looks like some kind of afterthought. Lowering
it would do a world of difference. – Lette Birn, Owner, Form + Function
The American Lighting Association offers the following tips for lighting a delightful
dining room.
Top Tips for Lighting Dining Rooms
FIRST STEP: A chandelier in the middle of the room defines the space. Choose
that fixture first, then work out with accent lights.
HANGING AROUND: Choose a chandelier with a diameter 12" less than width of
table. The bottom of chandelier should be 30" above table.
TALL ORDERS: For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style
chandelier to fill the space from the fixture's top to the ceiling.
DIMMER SHIMMER: Always use a dimmer on dining room lights. "Light becomes
warmer as it is dimmed," says Dan Blitzer, American Lighting Association
Continuing Educator.
HOME WORK: For those who use the dining room as a study area, consider
bringing in a portable study lamp to brighten up the workspace. "Overhead
lighting may work well for general studies, but in depth or close work demands
more light," says Blitzer.
GET SMART: So-called "smart" dimmers, driven by microprocessors offer
convenience. "When you have several layers of light, smart dimmers can be set
to various ambiences. Press one button for dining, another for lighting up
homework, another for party-time.
THE LAYERED LOOK: Use multiple layers of light in the dining room.
Chandeliers provide the central focus. Accent lights on either side of the
chandelier and at the room's perimeter brighten things up. Accessory lights on
and/or over other furniture pieces fill in the background.
TABLE THIS: Table lamps add a soft, humanizing touch to a dining room. Display
them on a buffet or breakfront.
Please visit their very useful web site:
http://www.americanlightingassoc.com
Bathroom Lighting
Make your bathroom into a sanctuary of relaxation by adding the right bathroom
Lighting
Bathrooms are no longer just functional rooms with harsh light and cold tile, but
have become warm, stylish, inviting retreats.
The introduction of warmer materials and colors invite a softer, more
sophisticated bathroom lighting plan. With a lot of effort and money being spent
on beautiful materials and wonderful luxuries, you of course want to be able to
see the beauty of your bathroom not only during the daytime. Keep in mind, that
only the right lighting will be able to fully show the colors and textures of the
beautiful stone, glass and wood that make your bathroom special.
Sadly enough bathroom lighting is probably given the least consideration of all
the rooms in the house. You unfortunately see a lot of baths with inadequate
lighting at the mirror. Often there’s just a single ceiling fixture that is struggling to
do it all.
A good lighting plan asks for layers of light: placing ample direct light where it is
needed for showers, shaving, or putting on makeup, while other light sources
enhance the overall mood of the room.
Task lighting around the vanity must be bright enough to do its job, but the
addition of indirect accent pieces provides a glow that softens the more direct
task lighting.
Good, functional bathroom lighting is needed for the area around the vanity
mirror and sink. These light fixtures need to be gently flattering, yet bright enough
so you can see to shave or apply makeup.
Wall sconces mounted on either side of the mirror or vertical strip lighting fixtures
or are best for casting an even light across the face. In addition to adding a
decorative touch to the bathroom and vanity area, wall sconces help evening out
the light by eliminating shadows.
The most common mistake people make is putting recessed ceiling fixtures
directly over the mirror. These cast shadows on the face, making daily grooming
rituals more difficult.
With the size and positioning of some vanity mirrors, sidelights can,
however, sometimes be a challenge.
This is where a fixture for over the mirror might be the only solution unless you
opt for the elegant, but costly solution of mounting the wall sconces directly onto
the mirror.
A vanity light fixture above the mirror should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the
floor and ideally hold at least 150 watts, spread over a fixture that's at least 24
inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the person in front of the
mirror.
The shower lighting is another area that often gets neglected.
In smaller bathrooms a fixture may not be necessary in the shower stall itself, if it
has a clear glass door. Otherwise a recessed downright with a glass lens is a
great addition to the shower. Recessed fixtures also work well over a
freestanding tub.
In most bathrooms a surface-mounted ceiling light provides ambient light.
Be creative: A pendant lamp or a charming mini-chandelier can take the place of
the more inconspicuous recessed down light and add sparkle or character to the
bathroom. Another interesting option is cove lighting or other indirect concealed
light sources, which can add a soft glow around the perimeter of the room.
A small recessed spotlight can be directed at a beautiful powder room basin or
highlight the tile work and at the same time create another layer of light in the
bathroom.
Think about using dimmers in your bathroom. They can make you control the
light level in your bathroom from a gentle night light to bright task lighting when
needed.
A bathroom makeover doesn't have to break the bank.
So, you are stuck with a single fixture over the mirror and one utilitarian ceiling
light. Make the best of it!
You can use lighting to make your bathroom look larger and elegant, serene, or
comfortable and cozy. Add a small table lamp on a counter, an inexpensive
portable up light on the floor behind a plant or a Soji screen and voila! Instant
added atmosphere.
A linear fixture above the mirror or a fixture with several shielded bulbs will give
sufficient light for grooming. Granted, it's best with the light coming from the
sides, but if you use a mirror that's as large as possible over the vanity area, a
long light strip will give a good amount of light and make the room appear larger.
Depending on your personal style the ceiling light can be replaced with anything
from a contemporary spotlight cluster to an ornate mini-chandelier for added
pizzazz.
Below you will find the Recommendations for Bathroom Lighting by
American Lighting Association.
Form + Function has been members of ALA for many years and all our sales
associates take advantage of their very helpful courses.
Designing with Light in the Bathroom
In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving,
grooming, and applying makeup. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate
the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for
general lighting. A recessed infrared heat lamp will give you added warmth on
chilly mornings.
Good lighting for daily grooming tasks is a bathroom must.
Decorative wall fixtures placed on each side of a small mirror will provide the
even, shadow-free facial illumination necessary. For best results, mount fixtures
at least 28" apart and 60" off the floor.
For small mirrors, decorative wall brackets on each side will illuminate both sides
of your face evenly. You can also mount a wall bracket across the top of the
mirror. Fixtures equipped with incandescent bulbs behind glass or plastic
diffusers provide the most flattering light. If you opt for more energy-efficient
fluorescents, choose warm white tones. They come closest to the color of
incandescents.
Theatrical lighting strips around your bathroom mirror will give
you the same excellent lighting the stars enjoy in their Broadway dressing rooms.
These softly glowing strips of globe-shaped incandescent bulbs provide plenty of
light for close work like shaving or applying makeup. A dimmer control allows you
to adjust the lighting to a desired level.
Tub and shower enclosures can be adequately lighted by placing an enclosed
damp-location recessed downlight in the ceiling. These downlights are also
recommended over whirlpool baths or in saunas.
Lighting in the shower stall or over the tub should be bright enough for cleaning,
shaving and reading shampoo labels. Choose recessed down lights designed for
use in wet areas. Shielded fixtures will protect reclining bathers' eyes from glare.
An adjustable
Mirror lighting needs to be bright but not glaring, accurate yet flattering, and for
public/commercial spaces low maintenance and low power. There are three
considerations for mirror lighting; fixture placement, lamp (or bulb) type, and
fixture style.
Placement. The best mirror lighting surrounds the face with light. This provides
light from all sides that minimizes shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and
forehead. This does not mean that you have to use 'Hollywood' style lights (strips
that use the round light bulbs). A wall sconce on either side of the mirror can work
nicely. Normally you want the center of the fixture at about 66" above the finished
floor and at least 30" apart (these specs will vary according to the particulars of
the room and fixture). If the mirror is a whole wall mirror you can mount the
fixtures right on the mirror. Avoid using ceiling mounted fixtures as the sole
source unless the room is very small with light colored walls. Large bathrooms
often need additional lighting besides the mirror lighting. Definitely don't rely on
recessed cans for mirror lighting, the shadows can be horrendous! If a recessed
type must be used, consider constructing a luminous soffit with two 4' fluorescent
tubes. The most common placement for mirror lighting is on the wall above the
mirror. Though this is not ideal it avoids most conflicts with mirror size, medicine
cabinet doors, and room dimensions. However the fixture needs to be long
enough to light the sides of the face.
Lamp type. Color qualities, light distribution, and maintenance costs are all
heavily dependent on the type of lamp the fixture uses. It is very important to
choose the lamp you want to use first and then find a fixture that will hold it
properly.
The two main color properties the specifier should know about are color
temperature and color rendering.
Color temperature refers to whether the light source appears cool (bluish) or
warm (yellowish) or neutral and is expressed in degrees Kelvin or K.
Most light sources used for mirror lighting range from 2700K (incandescent) to
4200K (cool white). Daylight is considered to be 6500K and sunlight 5000K
(these values change depending on season, latitude and time of day).
Skin tones look most flattering in medium to warm color temperatures (<3500K)
though some people prefer the cooler colors.
Color rendering (expressed as CRI) is another key color quality.
CRI is a scale from 0 to 100, the higher the CRI the better. Incandescent and
Daylight are 100, cool white and warm white are around 60, T-8 and compact
fluorescents are about 80.
Light distribution is another key element in effective mirror lighting.
Even, shadowless light is easiest on the eyes, and fluorescent sources
(particularly the large tubes) are well suited to this task. Spot lights, clear bulbs or
small halogens require lots of shielding or diffusion from the fixture for glare
control. This will tend to reduce the light level necessitating the use of higher
wattages.
Maintenance costs include power consumption, lamp cost, and frequency of
lamp replacement. Many public/commercial lavatories are illuminated 12 - 24
hours a day and over time these costs far exceed the cost of the fixture itself. In a
private residence the maintenance costs may not build as rapidly but they can be
significant if the bathroom gets more than 3 hours of use per day. For example,
at $.05kwh @12hr/day, 2- 100W incandescent fixtures cost $53 per year to
operate but 2 - 32watt fluorescents cost $15 per year.
Fixture Style. When selecting a fixture style choose one that has a translucent
lens. If the lens is clear the fixture may be glaring. If it is opaque (metal, ceramic,
etc.) it will not pass enough light directly to your face. Be sure that the lens will
not change the color of the light (some glass is rather green). Check that the
fixture meets your maintenance requirements for relamping, cleaning, and spare
parts. Most 'vanity' fixtures are linear and many of them can be mounted
horizontally above or vertically on the sides of the mirror. If you choose to use
wall sconces in small rooms select ones that are narrow as these will fit best.
by Eric Strandberg, The Lighting Design Lab
Can I have a Chandelier over the Tub?
We have all seen the photos of the sparkly crystal chandelier over the romantic
claw-foot tub and for that reason we actually have quite a few clients who want
this glamorous look.
I fully understand. It just looks so-o-o wonderfully decadent. BUT – here comes
what I always tell my clients:
Electricity and water do not mix. Period!
Someone might just one day reach up and touch the chandelier. You can’t tell
from looking at it if it is properly grounded or not or if it has a short that’s
otherwise not obvious.
Standing well-grounded in a bathtub full of water, THAT’s a recipe for disaster!
Ok,ok, YOU of course won’t EVER think of doing that, but what about your house
guests?
Another point to think of: Working day-to-day in a lighting showroom and seeing
first-hand what a mess it is when a light bulb breaks, I for sure don’t want to
share my bath water with those little sharp pieces! A single drop of water hitting a
lit bulb can easily cause a light to burst .
So, where can you hang that romantic chandelier in your bathroom? Here are
the NEC guidelines:
The National Elecric Code states:
410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected luminaires
(fixtures), hanging luminaires (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceilingsuspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft)
horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower
stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over
the tub or shower stall.
My tip: Use candles around the tub for romance and hang the chandelier at a
safe distance from any running water.
Living with Light - Lighting your Living Room
Nowadays living rooms are not reserved just for special occacions. The living
space is frequently the social center of the home.
It is the place to curl up with a good book, watch tv, visit with friends or entertain
formally.
Unlike the kitchen and bathroom, where the position of the light fixtures is pretty
much determined by the built-in furniture and appliances, the living room needs a
more flexible lighting plan.
Lifestyles change over time, and furniture gets moved around. That’s the reason
portable lamps work so well in a living area.
It’s amazing how good lighting can change a space. And it doesn’t even have to
be expensive.
A few tricks make a huge difference in making the living room feel comfortable
and inviting.
I do so many home consultations where all I do is to haul a few floor and table
lamps out from various nooks and crannies throughout the house and
demonstrate how creating “pools of Light” creates atmosphere.
Lighting a living room is a unique challenge, since most living rooms serve
multiple functions from relaxing in front of the tv to formal entertaining.
Unlike most other rooms, where their use dictate the position of the lighting
fixtures, the living room will benefit from a flexible lighting plan.
Lifestyles change over time, and so does the choice and arrangement of the
furniture.
Table lamps and floor lamps offer flexibility for your living room lighting plan. They
are practical solutions as task lighting as well as for spreading ambient light and
warmth.
Start by illuminating points of interest in the room: architectural details like a
natural stone fireplace, artwork on the walls, an antique armoire. These areas are
usually at the perimeter of the room and will once they are illuminated add a
considerate amount of accent light to the room.
This type of lighting is best accomplished with track lighting, individual spot lights
or recessed lights with adjustable trims.
Entire bookshelves, quilts or large pieces of artwork can be lit with wall washers.
Once you have lit your focal points, look for your task areas: Your favorite reading
chair, a game table, a wet bar. You want “pools of light” in these areas. They
create atmosphere and a feeling of comfort and closeness.
In a smaller living area these types of lighting might be sufficient. In larger spaces
wall sconces or ceiling lights might help add ambient light. You can also add a
portable fixture or light the ceiling to help expand the space visually and can add
interest to the room itself.
Remember to layer the light and control the layers independently so the room
can adapt to different functions as needed.
Dimmers are a good way to help the change the mood of the room.
As an added benefit, dimmers extend the life of incandescent bulbs considerably.
How do I determine the correct amount of wattage to properly illuminate a
12’ x 16’ room?
Multiply the room dimensions to get your total square footage (12 x 16 = 192).
Then multiply the square footage by 1.5 for total illuminations needed (192 X 1.5
288 watts). So, for a 12 x 16 room, two 150-watt table or floor lamps would give
more than ample light, as would an 8-light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs. For
specific task lighting within a space – for instance, the light needed on an island
in your kitchen – multiply the square footage of the island (8 x 4 = 32sq. ft) times
2.5 = 80 watts. Two 40-watt pendants would do the job.
Bedroom Lighting
There are many factors to consider when choosing the lighting for this very
personal space.
This is the area of our home where we are our true selves, where we savor our
private time alone or with a loved one.
Not only intended for sleeping, the bedroom is usually the space you get
dressed, choose your outfits, curl up with a good book and relax.
Choosing the right bedroom lighting plays a major role in how comfortable you
feel, not to mention your ability to choose matching socks!
Shown here are two Berenice desk lamp by Luceplan.
With their slender, contemporary profile they don't draw too much attention to
themselves, but provide great light for reading in bed as well as a lot of flexibility
for positioning your light so you don't disturb your partner.
The Berenice is also available with a bracket for wall mounting.
The following article by the American Lighting Association offers helpful tips
and a checklist for lighting your bedroom:
Lighting Experts Offer Lighting Tips for the Bedroom
Whether you retire to a small alcove or grand master suite you probably use your
bedroom for more than simply slumber. Dark bedrooms are great for sleeping,
but too little light hinders other activities taking place there.
"The bedroom has become a sanctuary, a haven," says Kathy Knapp, lighting
consultant and designer for Wabash Electric's Showroom Division in Indiana.
"People are watching TV, reading, relaxing and spending time alone in their
bedroom."
Dan Blitzer agrees. "Bedrooms are getting larger," says the American Lighting
Association's continuing education instructor. "And while the bed remains the
focal point, it might be sharing its space with a television, workout equipment, a
computer, or a sitting area," adds Blitzer.
To illuminate its many sides, bedrooms need layers of diffused light. "You must
have enough light to focus on particular areas, as well as permeate the corners
and edges," says Blitzer. "This means both overhead and portable lights
throughout the room."
Types and styles of lighting depend on bedroom occupants. Couples need
individually controlled reading lights on each side of the bed. Children demand
extra light for homework areas, The baby's nursery requires an installed dimmer
or subdued lamp that allows parents to check on their cherub with waking him or
her up.
A senior citizen's bedroom has special lighting needs as well. "Those over fifty
need more light to see well," says Blitzer. "Their eyes are more sensitive to
glare." For maximum comfort, seniors should make sure bedroom bulbs are
bright enough and covered by shades or bowl-type fixtures.
Lighting showrooms offer something for every taste and pocketbook. Lamps
range in style from neo-classic to contemporary. Rope lighting in cove molding
lifts the eye. Recessed cans direct light to specific areas. "We are beginning to
see the use of chandeliers in bedrooms, as well as semi flush fixtures and ceiling
fans, depending on ceiling height," says Knapp.
Even in homes with contemporary bath and kitchens, bedroom trends tend
toward traditional. For warmth, look for bronze, brass and antique brass fixtures.
Darker finishes and colors also predominate. Cream, textured white and brushed
nickel offer a lighter bedside option.
"Bedroom lighting purchases are usually driven by existing furniture decor," says
Howard Bernstein, vice-president of ARTCRAFT, a Canadian-based lighting
manufacturer. "Bedroom furniture is a major purchase and lighting choices
should coordinate with that style."
To update an existing bedroom, replace a flush-mount ceiling fixture with a newer
design or a ceiling fan. Change or add portable table lamps for a quick,
inexpensive facelift. Uplighting from the floor to highlight a plant or potted tree
adds interest, as does directional lighting.
When building a new home, consider a pre-construction bedroom lighting plan.
"At that point, you can install lighting exactly where it needs to be," says
Bernstein. "You can pre-program the outlets so you have them-and enough of
them-where you want them."
Bedroom lighting ranges from basic to bold, dimmed to dramatic. To help you
properly light your bedroom, the American Lighting Association offers the
following tips:
BE SIZE WISE: Before buying bedroom lighting, first determine the size of room,
says ARTCRAFT vice president Howard Bernstein. Take your room
measurements, along with outlet locations and furniture placement to a lighting
showroom. The experts there can help you fill in with just the right light.
HEIGHT RIGHT: Consider scale. Bedrooms typically have lower 8 or 9 ft. tall
ceilings. Avoid fixtures with longer bodies in favor of shorter or flush-mounted
fixtures. "You want a certain level for reading and enough lighting for dressing,"
says Bernstein. "You also need light to be high enough to reach all the areas."
ROOM TO GLOW: Decide what you want to do in the room, then choose
appropriate lighting. Home computers, sewing machines and exercise equipment
in the bedroom need directed lighting. Sitting areas beg for softer, shaded
fixtures. Makeup tables demand brighter light.
THE LIGHTER SIDE: Avoid shades on lamps or lights that are too opaque,
otherwise your bedroom will be too dark, say the ALA experts. The fixtures may
look nice, but the light will not be as functional. "When bying a table lamp opt for
one with a softly diffused shade," says Dan Blitzer, ALA continuing education
instructor. "Spend a moment to see how you turn it on and off to make sure it is
not going to be too difficult to manage when you are in bed."
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Don't install lights directly over the bed.
You will tend to look up at them while you are lying in bed. Direct light from
overhead is less comfortable than soft light at face level.
MORE IS MORE: No single source of light is as visually comfortable as a
combination of portable lamps and installed lighting. "Too much light in one place
is unpleasant and glaring," says Blitzer. "It's better to see more light sources of
lower wattage."
IN THE MOOD: "A strong dose of ambience is also important in the bedroom,"
says Blitzer, who suggests installing dimmers on lights for altering effect. Softer
or colored light bulbs can also change a room's mood.
CLOSET CONDITIONS: Few things are more frustrating than dark closets.
"Closets need good light," says Blitzer. "But be careful not to put a hot light bulb
too near combustible clothes." Attach a closet light 12 inches from the edge of
the rod or upper shelf. Lighting experts favor fluorescent lights because they
provide lots of light, are cooler, save energy and can be concealed behind the
header of the door. If you use a good color tube, you will be better able to tell the
color of your clothing.
BEDSIDE READING: Books and bed seems synonymous. Portable reading
lights set on nightstands offer book lovers flexibility. "The guiding principle in
buying reading lamps should be the ability to adjust the light to your taste, either
by swiveling or moving its arm," says Blitzer. "They should also be well-shielded
so you don't see the bulb and you are able to read without bothering your
sleeping partner." Lighting controls located at the middle of the headboard allow
you to turn off a snoozing partner's reading light without disturbing them.
CONTROL POWER: Imagine pushing a bedside button and turning the lights off
or on. No problem, with high tech lighting controls. "There are gadgets to turn off
lights with an infrared remote like you use for your TV," says Blitzer. "Lighting
professionals can help y0u install these."
BEDROOM LIGHTING CHECKLIST: To make sure you have proper lighting in
your bedroom or master suite, the American Lighting Association suggests
asking the following questions. (Tips: You want to be able to answer "yes" to all!)
1. Can I see well enough to get dressed?
2. Is there a light in the closet? For closets, a recessed or surface-mounted
closet light is suggested.
3. Are there individual reading lights on each side of the bed?
Swing-arm wall lamps on either side of the bed will provide adequate light for
reading, while leaving night tables free for a clock-radio, books, or beverages.
4. Is there an overhead light source?
5. Do I have enough light to determine the colors of clothing in my drawers?
6.Do I have a light source near the door?
7. Have I installed outlets in convenient locations while building/renovating my
bedroom?
8. Can I fill dark corners with portable lighting sources?
9. Do I have a dimmer installed on the overhead light source?
10. Are there lights at the dressing table to help with makeup?
At the dressing table, an adjustable, lighted magnifying mirror will
provide ideal lighting for grooming and applying makeup.
Lighting Children’s Rooms
A lot of fun is to be had when decorating a child’s room. All kinds of themes and
colors are available to tailor the room to a tot’s tastes. When it comes to lighting,
practicality and atmosphere are important.
The first factor to consider is the age of the child. Babies need central lighting
during the day, and something soft to let them sleep at night. An effective choice
would be a ceiling light, centered in the room with an up-lighting shade and a
dimmer switch. A small table lamp and/or a plug-in night light can finish the job.
The main concern for toddlers is safety. Low-energy lamps and wall lighting that
do not become hot will help. The maximum temperatures should not exceed 60
degrees Celsius for metal parts and 70 degrees Celsius for all other parts during
use. Where lamps are located in the room is a major concern when it comes to
avoiding damage.
Being scared of the dark can be alleviated with an easy to operate light source
within reach of the bed.
As the child grows up, the focus turns to task lighting. Lights for reading, writing,
and of course, computer use should be considered for their abilities to reduce
fatigue and eye strain.
Photo shown: OnOff by Luceplan:
Designed by Denis Santachiara, Franco Raggi and Alberto Meda for Luceplan in
1988.
This unique lamp lends itself perfectly as a night light in a child’s room.
ON/OFF is not operated by the usual switch on the electric wire, but by a
movement of the hand which moves it into its two positions of balance. It can be
placed on a table, bedside-table or floor.
If dropped or knocked it does not break, because it is made of soft thermoplastic.
It is advised for the children’s bedroom because when turned off, its green light is
easy to find in the dark. Since 1994 ON/OFF has been part of the Design
Collection in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Lighting your Utility Room
I want that laundry room!!!
Inviting, organized, filled with natural light.
Now let s face reality:
In the majority of our homes the utility and laundry room is a neglected stepchild.
No wonder that the laundry basket has turned into a trip hazard and the ironing
board is rarely used for ironing.
Lighting your utility or laundry room right can have a huge impact on how you feel
spending any amount of time there.
In the following article, the American Lighting Association provides helpful
guidelines when choosing the best lighting for your utility room:
Laundry and workshop areas require a sufficient level of diffuse lighting for safe
and accurate use of t0ols in the workshop and for examining laundry. Provide
20-50 footcandles for ordinary work and 50-100 footcandles for more difficult
workbench tasks.
Fluorescent is the preferred source. Allow a total of 1-2 watts per square foot for
fluorescent task and general lighting combined. Locate the fixtures so they direct
light into washers, dryers, and storage areas. Critical tasks with small, hard-tosee materials require separate high-intensity task lighting.
In workshops, provide a ceiling or wall mounted fixture over each task location,
as well as general lighting.
In laundry rooms, provide ceiling-mounted fixtures so you can work throughout
the space and look into the cabinet about 18″ above the appliances work well
when combined with general lighting.
Artemide Tolomeo Wall Light
For ironing, directional lighting angled from ahead of the ironing board helps to
reveal wrinkles. Place a reflectorized incandescent 24″ in front of the board. A
ceiling or wall monted directional fixture will also work, but combine it with
general lighting.
Here the Tolomeo wall light from Artemide is offering task lighting without taking
up valuable counter space.
Rules of Thumb for Track Lighting
This is one of the most frequent questions we encounter when we do lighting
consultations: How far away from the wall do I position my track?
Here are a few guidelines:
For lighting objects on a wall, the wall itself, or any vertical surface, position the track
and the fixtures as shown above
1. Generally, fixtures should be aimed at a 30 degree angle from the vertical to
prevent light from shining in anyone's eyes and to avoid disturbing reflections on
the surface of the object. Usually, one fixture is required for each object being
accented.
2. Measure the distance ("B" to "C") from wall, on ceiling as shown in the table
below.
3. Mount track at "Location" ("A" to "B") from wall, on ceiling, as shown in the
table
A to B
B to C
Location Distance
in inches in feet
13"
2 feet
20"
3 feet
27"
4 feet
34"
5 feet
41"
6 feet
Attractive Lighting Solutions for Dark Sky Ordinances
On my recent trip I looked out of the window of the plane at night and was blown
away by the contrast of coming from Northern New Mexico and Southern
Colorado with its practically solid black nighttime landscape and then flying over
Denver, a big city bursting with light. It was breathtaking and I spontaneously fell
in love with this vibrant display of lights. Twinkling lights for most of us evoke
feelings of festivity, charm and warmth. We are drawn to light. It makes us feel
good and safe.
Then I couldn’t help myself, but started to wonder about all that light. As stunning
as the sight was from above, I had to confess that this was indeed what we call
light pollution.
How much of this beautiful display was actually necessary and how much was a
total waste of resources?
What would this landscape look like if everybody would only use exactly the
amount of light needed for a task, for safety and feeling good?
It would probably have a lot less of a Wow effect, but be just as beautiful.
Recent scientific studies show that light pollution among many things obscures
the stars for city dwellers, disrupts the migration pattern of birds, has adverse
effects on our health and is a huge waste of energy. I could go on and on with
sound and compelling reasons to make some serious changes to our city light
exuberance.
A growing number of cities and towns across the United States are drafting
ordinances as we speak that require new light fixtures– both commercial and
residential – not to shine any light above a horizontal line, not up into the
atmosphere. Instead, everything must be directed downwards unto what needs
to be illuminated.
As more and more homeowners are starting to look for ways to reduce their
energy usage, the Dark Sky Movement is gaining ground even though
most consumers might never have heard about “Light Pollution” or, as a matter of
fact, “The Dark Sky Movement”. Awareness has luckily been growing among
local government leaders, who have been drafting ordinances to bring the night
sky back. More and more pressure is therefore put on manufacturers to come out
with more Dark Sky-Friendly outdoor light fixtures and of course they are not only
listening but reacting to these new demands.
We still have a long way to go before the last neighbor with the horrible 150W
spotlight will understand that a little light goes a long way outdoors and that lots
of light does not translate to safety. Great contrasts between bright lights and
darkness are actually much more of a safety issue.
With an outdoor wall sconce shielded on top instead of spreading light into the
night sky, less wattage is needed to achieve the same amount of light. Where a
100W bulb was needed to illuminate the steps a 40W bulb will provide just as
much direct light.
Hubbardton Forge offers several sconces that have received the Dark Sky
Fixture Seal of Approval. One, the Nightfall features a beautiful ceramic shield
with natural stone motifs that only allows the light to shine downwards.
Justice Design also features a large selection of outdoor wall sconces that are
closed on top and the Minka Group has several outdoor lanterns with metal tops
that block the upward light.
Dark Sky, green lighting, Outdoor Lighting
Is Cable Lighting Safe
When you look at cable lighting with its exposed wires it’s natural to be
somewhat leery and question the safety of this kind of a system.
Looks really great, but can you really LEAVE it up there like that? What happens
if the parakeet lands on it? Or how do I exchange the bulb without getting
electrocuted?
Having encountered questions like this for many years and relied on what I read
in the helpful manuals by Tech Lighting (AND my own hands-on-experience: No,
it doesn’t even hurt if you touch the wires while the lights are on; I tried it.) I
wanted to have a more precise response.
I therefore went to the website of US patents and found this: “Track lighting using
line voltage must have guards to prevent the user from touching the conductors,
whereas in low voltage track lighting the track is often open and unprotected
because there is no danger of electric shock. A variety of low voltage track
lighting, termed cable lighting, comprises two, parallel conductors in the shape of
metal wires or cables which are mounted several inches apart strung out
between anchor points in walls or ceilings and at one end connected to a low
voltage transformer. In most cable systems the cables support light fixtures via
contact organs which rest upon the cables or are attached to them by means of
some kind of clamping device.” (http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5340322/
description.html)
“There is no danger of electric shock”. That’s it. Of course you have to be careful
like around anything with electricity, but since the 110V household current is
stepped down to 12V through the transformer there is actually not enough
current running through the wires to cause any harm to you – or your parakeet (if
he stays on one wire and doesn’t get cocky and tries to straddle both wires. That
might wake him up!)