Lighting Guidelines - MCI Carpet One

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Lighting Guidelines

Lighting Guidelines From the American Lighting Association

There are three types of lighting to include in a good lighting plan for your home.

General lighting – ambient light, replaces daylight
Task lighting - for work areas
Accent lighting – to highlight and add drama

Other considerations should include:

Function – activities that will be performed in this area.
Mood – to create an appropriate atmosphere.
Style – contemporary, traditional, etc.
Tasks – consideration to the tasks to be performed.
Special Objects – items to accent such as painting, sculptures, and architectural details.
Seating Areas – consider results based on where people will sit.

There is no set rule as to what fixtures you should use or where to place them. However, here are some basic guidelines to provide a starting point for appropriate size and placement of your lighting fixtures.

Dining Table Chandelier

Most people feel comfortable with the chandelier being hung so that the bottom of it is approximately 30” above the table top. Both the size of the room and the size of the table need to be taken into consideration when selecting the size of the fixture. The diameter of the chandelier should be 12” less than the width of the table. (Example: If your table is 42”x60”, then your chandelier should be no wider than 30”.) To determine height of the fixture, divide the height of the ceiling by 4. (Example: If the ceiling is 10’ or 120”, the fixture should be approximately 30” tall – not counting the chain.) Chandeliers with 200-400 watts provide plenty of general illumination for the entire room.

Common paths/ Hallways

For safety in hallways, install lighting fixtures approximately every 8 to 10 feet. Small to medium sized flush mounted ceiling fixtures are the most popular choice. But, mini tracks and semi-flush fixtures can add a nice decorative accent along with great light.

Kitchen

Ideally, your kitchen should have an assortment of lighting to cover several needs.

Recessed downlights have become very popular and are a great source of light for a kitchen. The downlights should be place 27”-30” from the wall to illuminate the counters and cabinets when they are opened.
Mini Pendants are a wonderful option for task lighting over a sink or an island. Hang so that the bottom of the fixture is just above eye level.
Undercabinet lighting is a must-have for both task lighting and accent lighting. There are many options other than the fluorescent boxes. Xenon and LED are gaining in popularity over fluorescent options.
The lighting and cabinet hardware are the “jewelry” of the kitchen. Their finishes should compliment or match each other.

Wall-Mounted Lighting

Wall fixtures are used to provide illumination for a specific area such as a hallway. Although traditional wall fixtures with arms remain the most popular form of wall lighting, more contemporary wall sconces are gaining popularity, especially for hallway or accent lighting.

Wall lighting can offer needed illumination levels to prevent accidents on stairs, especially when an overhead ceiling fixture is not feasible. Wall lighting can also be used for reading in bed. Use two matching wall mounted or pendant fixtures installed 30" above the top of the mattress for best results.

Bathrooms

In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applying makeup. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting. A recessed infrared heat lamp will give you added warmth on chilly mornings.

The most popular placement for vanity lighting is above the mirror. Fixtures are typically available in 1,2,3, and 4 light options. For optimum illumination in front of the mirror, place a single sconce or pendant on each side of the mirror.
Decorative bath fans with lights are now available to coordinate with other fixtures.
The lighting and cabinet hardware are the “jewelry” of the bathroom. Their finishes should compliment or match each other.

Tub and shower enclosures can be adequately lit by placing an enclosed damp-location recessed downlight in the ceiling. These downlights are also recommended over whirlpool baths or in saunas.

Lamps

Accent lamps can be used in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, entrances or any spot in your home that may require extra lighting. Because accent lamps are typically under 20" in height, they provide just the right amount of accent lighting for most any home.

Table lamps typically range anywhere from 25" to 32" in height and are used for general purpose lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and family rooms. Floor lamps are also an excellent source of illumination, and are especially useful in dark corners of a room or any other areas that regular lighting may not reach.

Desk lamps are typically 12" to 20" high and are used to light a specific work area such as a desk or small work table. When table space is limited, wall lamps are a good alternative, and are quite common in bedrooms.

Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting not only adds beauty to your home, but also a safety feature. Lanterns on the front of the garage and at doorways offer a well lit path to and from the home.
Motion detectors and photo cells can increase the security of the home, especially when you are away.

Landscape lighting is more diverse than ever. This lighting is not just suited for pathways. It can be placed on trees, in ponds, on posts, and on decks. Whether for security or drama, it is a wonderful addition to any yard.

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