Let there be light!

• By TALISHA DUNN-SQUARE
• Advocate marketing writer
• Published: Mar 6, 2008

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Choosing the right lighting for your home is just as important as finding the right furniture.

Gone are the days of just a simple floor lamp or ceiling fixture. Lighting has become a key part in interior design. It can evoke mood, drama and visual interest.

There are three basic types of lighting, according to the American Lighting Association:  general, task and accent.

General lighting replaces sunlight and provides an area with overall illumination. 

Task lighting helps with performance of specific tasks, such as reading, sewing, cooking or homework. It should not create glare or shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.

Accent lighting creates visual interest by spotlighting paintings, houseplants, sculptures and other prized possessions.

Carl Giese of Shelton’s Gallery said there are some general tips to follow when choosing lighting for rooms in the home:

Kitchens
“The No. 1 thing you must consider is the ceiling height,” said Giese. Room size and function of the fixture are also important.

Bedrooms
In today’s bedrooms, most fixtures are ceiling fans. The best option would be a light kit on the bottom of the fan, Giese said. Recessed fixtures can be strategically placed around the room if you don’t want to use a light kit.

Bathrooms
For bathrooms, try to achieve lighting all around the mirror, Giese said. You can supplement mirror lighting with a lamp on the vanity, recessed fixtures or lights over the tub.

Dining and living rooms
Ceiling height is critical for dining and living rooms. Newer homes are at least 10 feet high and up, and older homes may be 8 feet. Room volume must be considered when choosing lighting as well. 

“One of the rules of thumb is to have the fixture 12 inches shorter than the width of the table,” Giese said. “So if your table is 40 inches wide, then you can do a 36-inch-wide fixture. You also want it 30 inches above the table top.”

Types of indoor lighting
Indoor lighting fixtures can be found in a variety of colors, shapes and textures to suit your personal style, Giese said.

• Chandeliers: Used mainly  for dining rooms but can be placed in bedrooms, foyers or living rooms, Giese said. They add sparkle and style while giving  general lighting.
• Wall sconces: Provide shadow-free decorative lighting that transforms a functional room or hallway into a cozy retreat or dramatic passageway.
• Pendant lighting: Suspended from the ceiling over dining tables, game tables, kitchen counters or other work areas. Equipped with shades or globes, it can provide both task and general lighting, Giese said.
• Under cabinet lighting: Offers shadow-free lighting for kitchen or work areas.
• Foyer lighting: Creates a hospitable atmosphere, while providing general lighting needed to greet guests and assure safe passage into other areas of the home.
• Track lighting: Perfect for highlighting architectural details, artwork and  collections, Giese said. Track lighting can provide general or task illumination for an entire room.
• Ceiling lighting: Ideal for use in hallways, bedrooms, utility work areas, stairways, foyers and many other locations.
• Fluorescent lighting: Works to reduce energy bills and protect the environment. They can be used in chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, ceiling fixtures and more.