When designing or renovating a home, one feature that is often overlooked is lighting. This essential component can make a room feel bright and warm, or harsh and cold. It is always best to work with a lighting professional, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
- To estimate the amount of light needed, multiply the room's length by its width, in feet, then multiply that number by 1.5. This gives the number of watts required to provide adequate ambient lighting. To estimate task lighting, multiply the square footage by 2.5 to illuminate work spaces.
- Brighten dark hallways by placing wall fixtures every 8-10 feet. Sconces should be spaced 6-8 feet apart, 60 inches above the floor.
- Consider the color scheme of the room, its exposure, how you use the room and amount of natural and artificial light it will get. Incandescent bulbs give off a yellowish tint, while standard flourescents give a slightly greenish cast, which can be cold and harsh. There are, however, "daylight" bulbs that give off a cleaner, clearer light. Darker rooms may need brighter lighting, especially natural light, so spare the heavy window treatments.
Again, a lighting professional should be consulted for best results. With thousands of choices available, be sure to select lighting that will compliment your decor and make your room come to life!
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