Kitchen

For many people the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. Cooking, cleaning and socializing each require different types of light.

The general lighting in the kitchen should be bright compared to other rooms. Many people lower the light level for socializing either with a dimmer switch or by having some of the lights on a separate switch. General lighting in kitchens often consists of pot lights or flush mounted fixtures. Pot lights should be spaced no more than 3 feet apart and positioned 3 feet from the cabinets. Flush mounted fixtures should be centered or spaced evenly depending on the light output of the fixture.

Pendants and spots are good choices for over islands and over the sink. They are attractive and provide good task lighting and some additional general lighting. Counters in a kitchen should have additional lighting, or when you are working you will be standing in the way of the light overhead. Halogen under cabinet lighting and puck lights give excellent light for counters.

Many new homes are built with only a plain fluorescent box in an otherwise beautiful and functional kitchen. Plan ahead with your lighting - removing a fluorescent box and patching your ceiling is a lot of work.

Bathroom

In large bathrooms you will need to think about lighting the sink, bath, shower and common area. Small bathrooms may have enough light at the sink to light the whole room. Avoid directional task lights in the bathroom. It might seem like a good idea to use spots over a mirror, but directional lights will create deep shadows and shine in your eyes.

The best lighting for the sink or vanity area is to have wall sconces on either side of the mirror, approximately 6 feet from the floor. This arrangement gives even light on both sides of your face. Halogen sconces will provide light closest to natural daylight. Incandescent lights will give a warmer look and some can be directed either up or down. If you only have a place for a fixture above the mirror, use one that shines light towards the ceiling so that there is more even light in the room and less shadows on your face.

If you are replacing one of the common "strip light" fixtures, make sure there is an electrical box behind the fixture or you will need to have one installed. If you cannot replace a strip light, we sell decorative light bulbs that can greatly improve its appearance and light quality.

Dining Room

There is more to lighting a dining room than choosing the right chandelier. General lighting a dining room with only a chandelier will leave the corners of the room dark. Wall sconces, torches, table lamps and accent lights are good ways to fill in dark spaces. The chandelier shouldn't be so bright that it can't be comfortably observed. Use a dimmer switch to give yourself more flexibility.

There are many different styles of chandeliers to choose from: Traditional bronze chandeliers, classic contemporary chandeliers and modern chandeliers. Check the dimensions of the chandelier to make sure it doesn't overwhelm the table or look too small. A chandelier should be 12 to 16 inches narrower than the table it is hanging over. To choose a chandelier based on the size of your dining room add the length and width measurements of the room and divide by 12. This calculation gives a rough estimate for the diameter of the chandelier. Make sure your chandelier has enough chain to hang it 30 to 36 inches above the table top. Some modern chandeliers are height-adjustable even after installation.

A dark finish will go well in a setting with iron or dark wood colours. A nickel finish will modernize your look and take on colours from around the room. A polished brass finish may be used to draw attention and tie in with other fixtures or accents in the room.

Hall / Vestibule

Lanterns, wall sconces and flush mounted fixtures work very well in a hallway. Check that the fixture you are installing won't hang too low and obstruct doors. Many lanterns may be modified to attach directly to the ceiling without any chain.

Living Room / Den

Living rooms need a comfortable general light level and task lighting in places where you will be reading or working. Lights in a living room should be decorative as well as functional. General light is best from a flush mounted fixture, but if one is not installed you can use wall sconces, table lamps or a torch instead. Some torches are available with an accessory arm for reading. Reading lights are available in standing or table models. Some reading lights have dimmers to accommodate varying light levels throughout the day.

A traditional way to light a mantle is to have wall sconces installed on either side. You may also use pot lights or spots focused on the mantle for a more dramatic look.

To light a painting it is best to have an electrical box installed behind the painting so that a picture light may be attached without any visible wiring. Spots on the ceiling may also be used to light a painting from a distance.

Bedroom

Flush mounted fixtures are the best option for general lighting in a bedroom. Large bedrooms will need additional light from table lamps or wall sconces.

For reading in bed consider having electrical boxes installed for swing arm lamps. Swing arm lamps can't be knocked over and don't take up any table space. The electrical boxes should be installed at about your shoulder height when sitting on the bed. Table lamps can work for reading but make sure they will stand tall enough to cast a good light.