Beautiful Lighting Tips 101
 Many
people cannot immediately identify
why they may like or dislike a
particular room or interior. Proper
lighting and illumination is the
single most critical factor in
designing a pleasing interior
environment. A successful lighting
design is pleasing to the eye,
focuses attention on key room
features and eliminates shadows and
"hot spots". There are several
lighting applications that can be
used to meet specific lighting needs
or to achieve a desired special
effect.
GENERAL or
AMBIENT LIGHTING refers
to an even overall level of light
provided to make a room or space
comfortable and safe for its
intended use. Recessed lighting is
very popular as a general lighting
source. Recessed lighting may be in
the form of 3" to 8" diameter "can"
type fixtures consisting of a "trim"
and a "housing.” Recessed "trims"
are the visible portion of the
recessed light fixture and are
available in hundreds of styles and
colors to control the spread of
light, reflect the light and/or
match a particular decor or theme.
The "housing" is the actual
enclosure that is installed into the
attic and connected to the power
system. Different housings are
available for new construction and
remodel construction where attic
access is difficult. Where recessed
lighting may be in contact with
building insulation, an "IC" rated
housing is required to prevent a
potential fire hazard. In may office
environments, general lighting is
provided in the form of luminous
fluorescent ceiling panels.
TASK
LIGHTING typically refers
to the higher level of light
provided on work areas such as
kitchen islands, countertops and
desks. Additional light is directed
to these areas using recessed, track
or pendant fixtures. Concealed
under-cabinet lighting is also
frequently used by lighting
designers to provide task
illumination without seeing the
source (fixture). Fixtures with
either low or line-voltage halogen
or xenon bulbs provide a whiter,
warmer light than fluorescent
under-cabinet lighting. 5 watt xenon
or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches
apart are suitable for most task
lighting purposes where the fixture
is within 24" of the work surface.
Whether recessed, track or
under-cabinet style, low voltage
halogen or xenon lighting fixtures
are smaller than line voltage
lighting but require a transformer
to change the voltage from 120 volt
to 12 volt. The transformer is
included inside many low voltage
fixtures but is also sometimes
separate depending on the particular
fixture and style.
ACCENT
LIGHTING. To be
effective, accent lighting should be
approximately four times the level
of ambient (background) light in an
area. Focusing light on an "accented
object" or "area" draws attention to
a picture, vase or other focal
point. Here again. Halogen lighting
type fixtures provide a whiter,
brighter appearance than standard
incandescent or fluorescent type
fixtures. The selected fixture
should be directional, either a
swivel or gimbal type fixture to aim
the light exactly where it is
needed. Adjustable surface mount
fixtures, track fixtures and even
recessed style fixtures are
available with "aimability" in mind.
For a dramatic museum-type effect,
some fixtures can include a focusing
lens for pinpoint accuracy. The
"Lighting Illumination" PDF attached
to this file is a good guide for
estimating the illumination or
brightness of various bulb types and
wattages.
WALL
WASHING is a type of
Accent Lighting that creates an area
of uniform illumination that may
desirable for a series of photos or
artwork. Wall Washing reduces the
texture of the wall surface. Often
the reflected light can create
ambient light in the remainder of
the room that is pleasing and
restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite
from Wall Washing in that it creates
a dramatic highlight and shadow
effect on surfaces such as
draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling
light fixtures for Wall Grazing are
placed closer to the wall than Wall
Washing in order to highlight the
three-dimensional effect.
DISPLAY
LIGHTING consists of
small low voltage lighting fixtures
to illuminate cabinets displaying
keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware
etc. Many under-cabinet fixtures (as
described above) are suitable for
display lighting. Small space xenon
fixtures used on a "Mini" or
"Linear" track have unparalleled
design flexibility. Tiny fixtures
may be spaced anywhere along the
track making it possible to create
an even distribution or highlight
task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to
20W allow illumination levels from a
subtle glow to a brilliantly lit
area. A "Light Baffle" often serves
as a holder for the track and as a
visual shield, concealing the
halogen or xenon bulbs. An
innovative use of the baffle is as a
rigid support, such as spanning the
edge.
COVE
LIGHTING gives a room a
more open appearance by illuminating
the perimeter of the room where the
walls meet the ceiling. A large
crown mold or soffit is built around
the perimeter of the room providing
a concealed space for a continuous
halogen or xenon track lighting.
Cove lighting looks best with a
smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures
should be placed at least 4" from
the wall with 6" to 9" being ideal
to minimize scalloping. The ceiling
height above the lamps should be not
more than twice the distance from
the wall. The lamp spacing and
wattage will depend on distance and
brightness level desired. For a
medium light level, a good starting
point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6"
on center, with a track spaced 6"
from the wall and 10" from the
ceiling. From this reference point
you can design the light level up or
down as desired. A room with a dark
ceiling, or a brightly lit room may
need a higher light level.
Lighting that is thoughtfully
considered can make a world of
difference and will be an
improvement that lasts for many
years. Many home improvement stores
include sample displays of the
various lighting systems and
fixtures mentioned above. As with
most appliances and electronics,
there is a wide variety in the
quality of lighting fixtures
available. Be sure your purchase is
from reputable well known company
with fixtures that are either UL or
ETC listed. There are numerous
online retailers that offer name
brand fixtures delivered to your
door at very competitive prices.
About the Author:
Brian Starr is the owner of IPN
Lighting.com (
http://www.ipnlighting.com/ ).
His company is an authorized
retailer of WAC Lighting products,
including transformers, dimmers, low
voltage pendant glass, linear
systems, surface mounts, and lights.
If you are looking for a electrician
or need electrical services, please
call us today at 708.361.1555 or
click on the link below:
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“Charles
explained what was causing my kitchen light to go on and off in
language I could understand. He did a wonderful job of keeping me
informed through the whole process. He went out of his way to keep
my home clean by using shoe covers and a drop cloth in his work
area. I was extremely happy with the service provided. I have found
an electrician for life!.” Michelle O Palos
Heights Il
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