...After accessing the types of lighting to use, you will have to think about the shapes and forms of lighting to use. There are
chandeliers,
foyer light fixtures,
mini pendant lights,
wall mounted light fixtures,
bath / vanity lights, portable lamps, track lighting, recessed lighting and cabinet lighting to think about. Then you will want to think about what types of light sources to use in different areas around the home to create specific moods.
Energy Star rated light fixtures and energy efficient light is becoming a more popular concern as well. Last but not least you will want to think about light dimming to help create moods and save on energy costs.
These are the Basic Types of Lighting
The combination of these four types of lighting in a general lighting plan is a great start.
- Ambient Lighting - This lighting is also known as general lighting. This type of light should be carried out in general areas allowing you to see and move about safely. Be careful not to make this type of light too bright and glary. Ambient light is usually produced with a combination of chandeliers, recessed lighting, track lighting and wall mount or sconce lights.
- Task Lighting - This type of lighting is used to assist in cooking, reading, grooming and to assist in specific tasks. Task lighting can be produced by specific types of recessed lighting trims, track lighting spots, under cabinet lighting, portable lamps, mini pendant lights. Task lighting should be used in combination with ambient light to reduce shadowing.
- Accent Lighting - This type of light is used to add drama to selected items. Many people accent things by grazing architectural structures with wall washer trims, use spot lights to accent figurines or artwork, or use inground uplights to accent the under carriages of trees and bushes. Accent lighting must be at a higher intensity than regular ambient light to produce the desired effect.
What Light Fixtures, Chandeliers or Forms of Lighting Should You Use?
After you have a lighting plan of what you want to light you want to choose what type of
light fixtures you are going to use to light the desired spaces. Make sure when shopping online or in your local showroom you are noting the specified fixture height and width. This will ensure that it is not too big or too small for your space, the below size recommendations will help with your decision.
- Chandeliers - Chandelier lighting is used to add style as well as light although, your chandelier should not be your only source of light in a room. This would make the chandelier appear glary when the needed light is reached unless it is only used only in intimate settings. When using a chandelier over a table the chandelier should be around 30 inches above the table and be about 12 inches with in the outer edges of the sides of the most narrow width of the table. The styles vary from traditional chandeliers to contemporary chandeliers. Many contemporary chandeliers are made by Tech Lighting and traditional chandeliers are made by Minka-Lavery Lighting.
- Foyer Fixtures - Foyer lighting is mainly used for style and entrance lighting. The recommended height above the floor for a foyer fixture is at least 7 feet from the floor. Minka-Lavery lighting usually has lighting families like the Belcaro series that have chandeliers, wall mounts, pendants and foyer fixtures that compliment each other.
- Other Light Fixtures - Mini pendant lights are great for use over a bar area and should be about 30 inches above the bar top. Tech Lighting pendants are available in Mirano hand blown glass pendants in a variety of colors and finishes. Wall mounted fixtures or wall sconces are a great combination when used with chandeliers and recessed lights to create a complete balance of light in a space. Bathroom lighting fixtures are needed for grooming so they should be of a higher wattage light source. Portable lamps are great for reading bedside and can be used to add style and general lighting to living rooms and great rooms. Contemporary Track lighting is a great architectural lighting addition to condo spaces that have limited electrical access. Recessed lighting is best when planned from the beginning of a housing project so they can be added before the drywall ceiling is finished. Recessed lighting is an excellent source of controllable light. Cabinet lighting is used mainly to off set shadowing in kitchen task areas from the general light above.
Energy Star and Energy Efficient Lighting are becoming a Necessity
As the Earths energy sources continue to pollute our environment energy efficient lighting sources are becoming more and more important in a lighting plan.
Energy Star rated lighting products use fluorescent bulbs that are five times more efficient in light output and have a lamp life of 10 times to 20 times that of incandescent light sources. With lighting using 7 to 10 percent of the total energy consumed in a home an
Energy conscious lighting plan can both save future moneys and help conserve our quality of life. The best areas for Energy Star rated products are the utility room lighting, bathroom lighting, kitchen lighting and closet lighting.
Light dimming can also assist in increasing energy efficiency in selected areas. Any of our ALA certified sales associates would be happy to assist in any of your Energy Star needs. Just Call 1(800)724-5501
