Our most frequently asked questions
How much light do I need in an area to light it properly?
How do I determine the proper chandelier width for a foyer?
What is the best general lighting for a kitchen?
What do I do about task areas such as islands, areas over
the sink and countertops?
What’s the best way to light a bath or powder room?
How high should I mount the wall lanterns around my front door?
When do I need portables?
How much light do I need in an area to light it properly? | back to top
There’s a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of general light (usually expressed as the number of watts) you should have in each room or area of your home … it’s not difficult, just some basic arithmetic. Multiply the length times the width of the room. Then, multiply that number times 1.5. That will give you the amount of wattage needed to light the room properly for general illumination.
Example: A room is 12ft X 16 ft. (12 X16 = 192) Then multiply 192 X 1.5 = 288 watts. That means an 8-light chandelier using 40 watt bulbs would give 320 watts, which is more light than is needed.
For specific task lighting in areas where stronger is needed, multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage. A kitchen work island or desk area where schoolwork is done are examples of task areas within the home.
How do I determine the proper chandelier width for a foyer? | back to top
Add together the length and width by foot dimensions of the foyer area. This total will be diameter in inches for most any chandelier you will need there.
Example: The area is 12 feet X 16 feet. Added together this equals 28 feet. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28” in width.
As far as height keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet from the floor. That may mean you need a flushmount (mounts directly against the ceiling), a semi-flush (also known as close to ceiling fixture, which hangs a few inches below the ceiling) or, you may need a 2-tier or 3-tier chandelier.
If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces in the foyer. Install them against the wall approximately 60” form the floor, 6-8 feet apart.
What is the best general lighting for a kitchen? | back to top
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers here, since so much is determined by the size of your kitchen area. Most people start with a 2-light or 4-light decorative fluorescent in the center of the ceiling. It’s less costly, uses less energy and provides very good general light output.
What do I do about task areas such as islands, areas over the sink and countertops? | back to top
Besides the general lighting guidelines for a kitchen, these areas call for more
concentrated lighting since they are normally work areas. Under cabinet lighting or linear lighting systems can provide solid brighter light on work surfaces, soffits above cabinets, and other concealed locations to add a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen. A decorative pendant with 2 or 3 shades (depending on the size of the island) can be installed over your island for sufficient light and to add a decorative element to that area.
What’s the best way to light a bath or powder room? | back to top
To avoid shadows, and to fully surround your face with flattering light, install a fixture at least 24” wide over the mirror plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28” apart and 60” above the floor. If you have a double sink vanity, use a light that is almost as wide as the mirror. The light should be mounted 78” from the floor, centered over the mirror. In a large bathroom you will probably need an additional
flushmount or semi-flush fixture with possible recess lighting in the shower areas.
How high should I mount the wall lanterns around my front door?
| back to top
They should be mounted approximately 66 inches above the bottom of the door, slightly above eye level. The height of the lanterns themselves depend upon the height of your front entrance. Normal range for the lanterns would be from 1/5 to 1/6 of the entrance height.
When do I need portables? | back to top
Desk lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, are known as portables because they can be picked up and plugged in wherever there is an electrical outlet. Different rooms may need more light for task activities than can be provided with hard wired fixtures. Portables can provide needed light for those activities.