How do I Calculate the Light needed for each room?
The formula for calculating the proper amount of light you should have in each room of your home:
- Multiply the length times the width of the room (in feet). Then, multiply that number times 1.5. This number gives you the amount of wattage (based on incandescent standard bulbs) needed to light the room properly for general illumination.
- For task lighting in areas where stronger light is needed (such as kitchen island), multiply the area's square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage (based on incandescent standard bulbs)>
How do I Light a Foyer?
To determine the proper fixture width:
- Add the length and width dimensions (in feet) of the foyer are togther. The number is the proper width (in inches) for the fixture you will need there.
To determine the proper fixture height:
- The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor. Depending on ceiling height, you would use a flush ount, a semi-flush mount, or if you have a tall ceiling, you may use a 2.3 tier chandelier.
- ***If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer area is large, you may also want to include wall sconces. Install them approximately 60 inches from the floor, 6-8 feet apart.
How do I Light a Hallway?
- There should be a fixture every 8-10 feet. Either flush mounts, semi-flush fixtures or chandeliers can be used depending on the ceiling height. The bototm of the light fixture should be at least 7 feet from the flor.
- If you have a long hallway, you may want to install wall sconces for added light. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor, spread 6-8 feet apart along the wall.
How do I Light a Living Room?
- Your main light in the living room can be a chandelier, a flush mount, or semi-flush fixture. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.
- You may add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.
How do I Light a Dining Room?
- Your dining room chandelier should be no wider than 12 inches less than the width of the table. The bottom of th chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop. This height is for an 8 foot ceiling. Raise the fixture 3 inches higher for each additional foot of ceiling height.
- You can add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.
How do I Light a Kitchen?
- You can use a chandelier, a flush mount, semi flush fixture as the main light in your kitchen, the bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.
- To light areas such as kitchen islands, use a decorative island light with 2 or 3 shades, or multiple pendants can be install above the island for sufficient light and to add a designer element to that area. The bottom of the fixture should be no lower than 30 inches above the counter top.
- To light a dinette area, use a decorative pendant (single light- since this is generally a small eating area) or a mini- chandelier. The bottom of the fixture should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop.
How do I Light a Bedroom?
- You can use a mini-chandelier, a flush mount or a semi-flush fixture as the main light in your bedroom. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.
- You may add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.
How do I Light a Bathroom?
- To light a bathroom with the desirable amount of light for the vanity/mirror, to avoid shadows, install a bath bar at least 24 inches wide over the mirror, plus 2 wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28 inches apart and 60 inches above the floor.
- If you have a double sink vanity, use a bath bar that is almost as wide as the mirror, or 2 fixtures (one mounted over each sink). The bath bars should be mounted 78 inches from the floor, centered over the mirror.
How do I Light my Outdoor?
- You can add wall lanterns on both sides of your front door approximately 66 inches above the bottom of the door, slightly above eye level. The height of the wall lanterns should be from 1/5 to 1/6 of the entrance height.li>
- Use a single wall lantern on other entrances to be house mounted on the keyhole side of the door.
- You may use a chain hung lantern mounted over the front door beneath an overhang for added light.
- Keep your pathways well lit with lanterns mounted every 8-10 feet for safety.
- You can add a post light near driveways and walkways for added illumination and security.
How do I clean my Fixtures?
- Be certain the electric current is turned off before cleaning.
- Clean metal components with a soft cloth, moistened with a mild liquid soap solution.
- Wipe clean and buff with a very soft dry cloth. Under no circumstances should any metal polish be used, as its abrasive nature could damage the protective finish placed on the metal parts.
- Never wash glass shades in an automatic dishwasher. Line a sink with a towel and fill with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Wash glass with a soft cloth, rinse and wipe dry.
