Things to Remember for Lighting: Room by Room (A basic list of lighting considerations)

Things to Remember for lighting: Room by Room

A basic list of lighting considerations

Foyer and other Major Spaces

Ambient and focal lighting are important in these spaces, no task lighting may be required at all. Some form of decorative lighting is good in order to set the tone.

• A chandelier or sconce(s) is expected.
• Warm the floor with down-lighting
• Accent light art walls

Living Room

It is important to highlight the fireplace if there is one. This could be to draw your attention to a piece of art above the mantel or to accent the stone surround.

• Good overall lighting is required.
• Lighting should be dimmable to achieve different ambiance for this space according to the current use.
  • For example, you may need more light if you are reading or playing a board game, and less if you are entertaining.

Dining Room

The dining room is often an area that is not thought of as requiring much of a lighting plan, but it is important to think both in terms of usage and aesthetics.

• Task oriented lighting may be required for the table area.
• Decorative lighting is a must.
• Focal lighting is often required for decorative objects.
• Dimmable lighting is also necessary to create the appropriate moods in this space.

• • You may want higher light levels for a family dinner and lower light levels for a more intimate occasion.

Kitchens

Kitchens are much more task oriented than most other spaces in a home, therefore, they require enough lighting for the task at hand, whatever that may be.

• Under-cabinet lights for all countertops.

• Down-lights for islands and peninsulas.
• Down-light for the sink.
• High light levels otherwise.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are the one place that lower light levels are acceptable, especially if task lamps are provided in appropriate areas, such as a reading chair and bedside tables.

• Bedrooms should be a relaxing space; therefore high light levels are not needed.
• Conducive to sleep
• Create a refuge from more active and social spaces

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are also very task oriented and should have the proper amount of lighting in the right areas, like the vanity, shower or bathtub.

• Light the vanity
• Light the Face
• Light the tub and shower

Other Things to Remember

• Don’t over do the controls, keep it simple.
• Look for opportunities for task lighting; ask how the space is to be used if it is not apparent.
• LED’s are perfect for night lights or stairways.
• Don’t over do day lighting or energy savings will be lost in heating and cooling costs.
• Focal lighting needs to be properly installed and adjusted to draw attention to the artwork or display.
• Don’t forget exterior spaces! These areas can utilize the same lighting techniques.

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