Consider the types of bulb when choosing light fixtures.
Incandescent. These produce a yellowish light that flatters skin tones and highlights warm colors. The light is easy to direct. Incandescent bulbs cost more to operate, expend more energy in heat than light, and do not last long. These bulbs are now all but extinct.
Incandescent. These produce a yellowish light that flatters skin tones and highlights warm colors. The light is easy to direct. Incandescent bulbs cost more to operate, expend more energy in heat than light, and do not last long. These bulbs are now all but extinct.
Fluorescent. Fluorescent tubes spread light, do not overheat, last a long time, and are about four times more economical to run than incandescent bulbs. They are available in many colors, from cool blues, to full-spectrum white, to warm tones. The initial cost of the fixture is reasonable.
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs).
The trend continues to find better resources and improve upon energy conservation. Enter the CFL. Over the past few years, these lights have been making waves.
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs).
The trend continues to find better resources and improve upon energy conservation. Enter the CFL. Over the past few years, these lights have been making waves.
The big difference between CFLs and regular tube fluorescents is that you just screw these units into an existing bulb outlet. With extra long life, virtually no energy used, most people have replaced traditional incandescents with CFLs.
With overall lighting goals in mind, focus now on each room of the house. Some specific ideas will get you started. They are not intended as rules or guidelines, only as suggestions for providing adequate lighting and creating special effects.
Living room. Install lighting that can be directed to reflect off walls or the ceiling. Install track lights or recessed lights pointed at particular areas. Provide light for reading or playing the piano. There are many opportunities in a living room for accent lighting. You can spotlight artwork, light a large plant from underneath, conceal lights under a bookcase or in alcoves, or showcase a special piece of furniture with a table lamp.
With overall lighting goals in mind, focus now on each room of the house. Some specific ideas will get you started. They are not intended as rules or guidelines, only as suggestions for providing adequate lighting and creating special effects.
Living room. Install lighting that can be directed to reflect off walls or the ceiling. Install track lights or recessed lights pointed at particular areas. Provide light for reading or playing the piano. There are many opportunities in a living room for accent lighting. You can spotlight artwork, light a large plant from underneath, conceal lights under a bookcase or in alcoves, or showcase a special piece of furniture with a table lamp.
Dining room. Illuminate the dining room table directly with a pendant fixture on a dimmer, or indirectly with recessed lighting reflected off the walls and ceiling. Accent china and glass with hidden spotlights. Use low-voltage mini-lamps, like candles, to create sparkle.
Kitchen. Light all work surfaces well. Do this with LED lights under the cabinets, low hanging fixtures, or a luminous ceiling. Use track lights or recessed fixtures to highlight particular areas. Bounce indirect light from the ceiling for general lighting, or conceal lighting in a skylight well or other alcove.
Bedroom. Provide soft light with indirect fixtures behind valances or coves. Use wall-mounted spotlights or bedside lamps for reading lights, and place lights on each side of the mirror in dressing areas.
Kitchen. Light all work surfaces well. Do this with LED lights under the cabinets, low hanging fixtures, or a luminous ceiling. Use track lights or recessed fixtures to highlight particular areas. Bounce indirect light from the ceiling for general lighting, or conceal lighting in a skylight well or other alcove.
Bedroom. Provide soft light with indirect fixtures behind valances or coves. Use wall-mounted spotlights or bedside lamps for reading lights, and place lights on each side of the mirror in dressing areas.
Bathroom. Place lights beside the mirror rather than above it. Use a recessed fixture
to spotlight the tub or shower. For general illumination, consider a luminescent panel in a soffit above the counters.
to spotlight the tub or shower. For general illumination, consider a luminescent panel in a soffit above the counters.
A Lighting Tour
In A Hour.com
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