lighting to live with

Where and how
to light a room

 

Lighting is about so much more than just illuminating a dark room. As any photographer or lighting director will tell you, lighting creates a mood. Think of the difference between a bright, shadowless home office and a candlelit dining room where you enjoy a romantic dinner.

Before you renovate your living room, discuss with your builder the wiring and number and placement of outlets (all regulated by code), so you can plan the best locations for your furniture, lamps and light fixtures. Spotlights, track lights, and wall sconces are installed directly into the electrical connection in the wall or ceiling. You can replace the connection fixtures themselves if need be, but if the electrical wiring and connection aren't there, you'll have to open up the walls to add them later. And although you can use extension cords to plug floor and table lamps into wall outlets, you’ll probably appreciate having outlets installed near your lamps.

Artificial lighting falls into three categories:

Ambient light provides the primary lighting for your room. The usual source is an overhead fixture. Put it on a dimmer switch to adjust it according to the mood or activity.

Task lighting is used for a particular task. A desk lamp or a track light over a piano are typical examples.

Accent lighting draws attention to an element you wish to highlight, such as artwork.

Lighting fixtures and lamps may replicate antique styles or be strikingly innovative and modern. Formal chandeliers, tall Victorian floor lamps, resplendent Tiffany table lamps, and Modern paper lamps—you're sure to find something that suits your style.

The appearance of the beam of light is determined by the type of bulb you use. Bulbs also affect your electric bills, since some are more energy efficient than others (see page 109).

 

 

 

 

THE RIGHT BULB FOR THE JOB

Your lighting needs can most likely be served by either incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen bulbs. Here's how they compare:

Incandescent bulbs emit a light that’s even warmer in tone than sunlight and thus flattering to most skin shades. They are a good choice for bedrooms and areas where you entertain, such as the living room. The downside: They are the least energy efficient bulbs.

Halogen bulbs produce a brighter and hotter light that’s whiter in tone. They’re about twice as energy efficient as incandescents, but more expensive. Because the light they emit is more focused, they are best for task or accent lighting, rather than general lighting.

Fluorescent bulbs are the most energy efficient type available. Newer versions have done away with the unflattering glare and are quieter and much warmer in tone. There are two types of fluorescent bulbs, tubular and compact. Tubular bulbs, as the name implies, are tube-shaped. Compact fluoroescents come in standard bulb sizes and can be used in most lamps and fixtures.

 

FIRST PERSON DISASTER STORY

In the dark

I carefully planned my living room renovation to the last detail, but didn't really think much about lighting beyond including one overhead light and outlets for floor and table lamps. I wish I'd paid more attention to lighting design and had worked track lighting and wall sconces into the plan. They would have dispersed the light better, freed up floor and table space, and done away with all those wires running behind tables and sofas.

 

Kyoshi H., Milpitas, California

 

• Architects and designers • Evaluate your home's condition • The design process • Evaluating contractors •

• Renovation professionals • Kitchen improvements • Sinks and faucets • Master baths • Family baths • Lighting to live with •

• Wiring for home theater and more • Dining rooms vs. great rooms • Master bedrooms • Children's bedrooms •

• The attic test • Insulation and ventilation • Basement possibilities • Laundry rooms • Storage possibilities • Built-ins •