Tips for Designing a Lighting Scheme
Remodeling can be fun or it can be downright stressful. However, proper planning and budgeting can make a remodeling less stressful. Planning should always include researching tips and tricks on certain tasks in the home, such as creating a lighting scheme using different lighting fixtures. Here are a few tips and tricks for doing exactly that.
Consider the Lighting Formula
Few people are aware that an actual “lighting formula” exists for determining exactly how much light a space really needs. This light formula multiples the square footage (length times width of the room) by 1.5 to get the necessary wattage for a space. For example, a 12 foot by 12 foot room is 144 square feet. 144 multiplied by 1.5 equals 216, which is how many watts are necessary to light the room.
This could translate into one overhead ceiling fixture at 60 watts, two lamps at 40 watts each and 3 recessed lights at 25 watts each. It could also mean four recessed lights at 25 watts each and one floor lamp at 70 watts. Though the lighting formula itself is fixed, the combination of light fixtures used to achieve the total wattage is completely versatile.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
The lighting formula works for every room in the home, including the kitchen or bathroom. However, additional thought on placement and light fixture type is necessary to ensure these particular spaces are lit properly.
Both spaces often have a number of tasks that are performed in them, from doing your hair and makeup to cooking dinner. Therefore, light placement should reflect these tasks. For example, pendant lights could hang over the stove or island for preparing dinner; and large bathroom lights could be installed over the mirror to help highlight the person using the mirror.
Spacing Light Fixtures
The spacing for different light fixtures can vary greatly depending on the space itself as well as the size and type of the light fixture. However, certain light fixtures have set spacing requirements. This particularly applies to recessed lights, which should be a minimum of four feet apart but should not be any further than five feet apart. Too close can create harsh light, whereas too far apart may result in inadequate lighting.
For other light fixtures, such as lamps, the spacing should be done based on eye. Two lamps too close together may create harsh light and you may need to play around with their placement to determine the best location for each lamp when lighting the space.
Hire a Professional
Last but not least, it is never too late to hire a professional if you are struggling with creating a lighting scheme. If you’ve already purchased the light fixtures, you will typically only being paying for their time and consultation process. This means it generally won’t cost a huge chunk out of your remodeling budget. You may even be able to work with some lighting designers and bring them a floor plan of your space and have them map out where the best locations are for lights to be placed. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Want to add even more light to your space? Then put up a beautiful wall sconce or ceiling light for more luminosity!
About Kristen Crosby
Kristen is an avid design blogger who loves DIY projects. She gets her inspiration from fashion and music. Connect with Kristen, or find more home decor inspiration from Arcadian Home on Google Plus!
Tags: Bathroom / Vanity Light, Lamps, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, Pendant Lights, recessed lighting, table lamp, table lamps, Wall Sconce
