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Home Improvement InformationBeautiful Lighting Tips 101 - A Crash Course in Lighting Design
by:
Brian Starr
Galore folk cannot instantly identify why they may like or dislike a particular room or interior. Proper lighting and illumination is the single most critical factor in designing a pleasing interior environment. A booming lighting design is pleasing to the eye, focuses attention on key room features and eliminates shadows and "hot spots". There are several lighting applications that can be used to meet specific lighting inevitably or to accomplish a desired special effect.
GENERAL or Close
LIGHTING refers to an even as overall level of light provided to do a room or space comfortable and safe for its intended use. Recessed lighting is really popular as a general lighting source. Recessed lighting may be in the form of 3" to 8" diameter "can" type fixtures consisting of a "trim" and a "housing.” Recessed "trims" are the visible portion of the recessed light fixture and are accessible in hundreds of styles and colors to control the spread of light, reflect the light and/or match a particular interior decoration or theme. The "housing" is the actual enclosure that is installed into the attic and connected to the power system. Some housings are accessible for new construction and remodel construction wherever
attic access is difficult. Wherever
recessed lighting may be in contact with building insulation, an "IC" rated housing is required to prevent a potential fire hazard. In may office environments, general lighting is provided in the form of aglow fluorescent ceiling panels.
TASK LIGHTING typically refers to the higher level of light provided on activity areas such as room
islands, countertops and desks. Additional light is directed to these areas exploitation recessed, track or pendant fixtures. Concealed under-cabinet lighting is besides often used by lighting designers to provide task illumination without seeing the source (fixture). Fixtures with either low or line-voltage group or xe bulbs provide a whiter, heater light than fluorescent under-cabinet lighting. 5 watt xe or group lamps spaced 6 inches apart are suitable for most task lighting purposes wherever
the fixture is inside
24" of the activity surface. Whether recessed, track or under-cabinet style, low voltage group or xe lighting fixtures are smaller than line voltage lighting but require a electrical device
to change the voltage from 120 v to 12 volt. The electrical device
is enclosed
inside galore low voltage fixtures but is besides sometimes separate depending on the particular fixture and style.
ACCENT LIGHTING. To be effective, accent lighting should be about four times the level of close
(background) light in an area. Focusing light on an "accented object" or "area" draws attention to a picture, jar
or another focal point. Here again. Group lighting type fixtures provide a whiter, brighter appearance than standard incandescent or fluorescent type fixtures. The chosen fixture should be directional, either a swivel or gimbal type fixture to aim the light exactly wherever
it is needed. Adjustable surface mount fixtures, track fixtures and even as recessed style fixtures are accessible with "aimability" in mind. For a dramatic museum-type effect, several fixtures can include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy. The "Lighting Illumination" PDF attached to this file is a nice manual for estimating the illumination or brightness of various bulb types and wattages.
WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or artwork. Wall Washing reduces the texture of the wall surface. Often the echoic light can create close
light in the remainder of the room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed closer to the wall than Wall Washing in order to highlight the three-dimensional effect.
DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, tableware
etc. Galore under-cabinet fixtures (as delineated above) are suitable for display lighting. Small space xe fixtures used on a "Mini" or "Linear" track have alone design flexibility. Bantam fixtures may be spaced anyplace
on
the track devising it possible to create an even as distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brightly lit area. A "Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for the track and as a visual shield, concealment the group or xe bulbs. An innovative use of the baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning the edge.
COVE LIGHTING gives a room a much open appearance by illuminating the perimeter of the room wherever
the walls meet the ceiling. A large crown mold or side
is built about the perimeter of the room providing a concealed space for a around-the-clock group or xe track lighting. Cove lighting looks better with a smooth, even as wash of light. Fixtures should be placed at least 4" from the wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above the lamps should be not much than doubly the distance from the wall. The lamp spacing and electrical power wish depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a medium light level, a nice starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from the wall and 10" from the ceiling. From this reference point you can design the light level up or down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may need a higher light level.
Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can do a earth of difference and wish be an improvement that lasts for galore years. Galore house improvement stores include sample displays of the various lighting systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and electronics, there is a wide variety in the quality of lighting fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from esteemed well acknowledged institution with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are many
online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at really competitive prices.
Just about the author:
Brian Drummer is the owner of IPN Lighting.com ( http://www.ipnlighting.com).
His institution is an authorized retail merchant of WAC Lighting products, including
transformers, dimmers, low voltage pendant glass, linear systems, surface mounts, and lights.
Circulated by Article Emporium
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