LIGHTING

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DESIGN 101

Lighting and Light Fixtures: How to Properly Light a Room

Here's how we go about lighting a room: first question... Ask yourself how the room is being used and at what time of day: work --- this dictates a brighter, cooler temperature light in order to keep you alert and active. Also consider this type of light in an office, bathroom, or kitchen relaxing --- this dictates a dimmer, warmer temperature light in order to help you relax. This light is best used in rooms used in the evening such as a family room or bedroom.

TYPES OF BULBS

INCANDESCENT - Last 100 years

DISCHARGE LIGHTS - Last 20 years

LED - Latest

HOW TO CALCULATE LIGHT WATTAGE NEEDED IN A SPACE

The amount of light output is calculated in lumens…

  • Higher lumens ---- brighter light

  • Cooler colours make us more active and increase our alertness

  • Colour temperatures range from 1800-6000 kelvin 3000 - most common is 3000-4000 for warm and 4500-5000 for cool light

  • The Colour Rendering Index is how the quality of light allows us to see colour

In my studio, I have 95 CRI in order to see the true colours of fabrics. For areas in your home, you may want to use this where you do your make-up or for an art studio space.

TYPES OF OVERHEAD LIGHTING

An example of a diffused or ambient light which creates soft shadows and a glow is a bedside table or dining table chandelier.

Examples of a harsh light which creates hard shadows are narrow, spot or flood lights. These are best used when highlighting sculpture or architectural details

TYPE OF LIGHT NEEDED FOR FUNCTION OF ROOM

  • COOKING: TASK & OVERHEAD

  • READING: TASK

  • RELAXING: ACCENT

  • WORKING: TASK & OVERHEAD

  • EXERCISING: OVERHEAD

  • TV WATCHING: AMBIENT & ACCENT

REMEMBER TO LIGHT WITH A MINIMUM OF 3 LAYERS

  1. Ambient

  2. Task

  3. Accent

TYPES OF OVERHEAD LIGHTING

  • Spot

  • Floodlight

  • Ambient light

HOW TO CALCULATE THE SIZE OF A CHANDELIER

  • Room Size 10’ wide x 12’ long

    add your dimensions in inches (width plus length) 10 + 12 = 22” optimal size

  • Table size 48” round

    take your overall size in inches, subtract 6” to 8” for each side (two sides) 48” - (6“ x 2) = 36” or 48” - (8” x 2) = 32” which gives optimal size of 32” to 36”

  • Table size 48” wide x 84” length

    use the width of table (using same formula for a round table) to determine size if using a round or square fixture

HOW TO CALCULATE THE HANG HEIGHT BASED ON A 8’ CEILING

  • Measurement of fixture above a dining table: 34” to 36” from top of table to bottom of chandelier, add 4” to 6“ for every 1’ of additional ceiling height

  • Measurement of fixture above an island: 39” to 42” from top of island to bottom of chandelier or pendant, add 4” to 6” for every 1’ of additional ceiling height

  • Measurement of fixture at ceiling height: minimum 84” from floor to bottom of fixture

  • Measurement of vanity sconce: ideally fixture should be 84” above finished floor for typical sconce centred above vanity sink

  • Measurement of sconces used for accent lighting: ideally sconces should be at approx. 69” above finished floor regardless of ceiling height

Check out our YouTube video for more visual aids when deciding which types of lighting to use.