The Basics of Disk Lighting

Thinking of adding a new layer of lighting to your kitchen
and don't know where to start? Here are a few FAQ's that I address on a daily basis with homeowners across the country:

First off, how many disks will I need for my under cabinet lighting?

The average distance from the bottom of kitchen cabinets to the kitchen counter top is 18”.
At this distance I would recommend a task type throw which at this mounting height will produce a 12” cone of light on your kitchen counter. I recommend spacing the disks 12-16 inches apart.

How many transformers will I need?

In general, you will need one transformer per wall switch/dimmer.
Let’s say you’ve penciled in 10 disk lights. If you have a large kitchen and want to independently switch five disks on one switch and the other five on another switch then you will need two transformers.

Tip: most people I help with disk lighting systems prefer to switch the entire system with one wall switch or better yet a dimmer which means you can usually get by with only one transformer.

What are my options on transformers?

We offer both electronic and magnetic transformers and both work well depending on your total load and placement of transformer.

Electronic transformers will handle a range load of 15-60 watts but must be placed within ten feet from the last disk in the run. I recommend placing the transformer in the middle of the run to assure compliance with the 10 foot rule. We do offer a dual output 60 watt electronic transformer that will allow 60 watts per output max. The dual 60 watt electronic transformers are perfect for smaller jobs, but remember, the ten foot rule is still in effect.
For a smaller system I recommend using a 15-60 watt electronic transformer or the dual 60W output.

Magnetic transformers will handle loads ranging from 75-500 watts. Magnetic transformers are more tolerant of distances allowing them to be placed in attics, utility closets or any reasonable out of site location. Toss the ten foot rule out the window!
Magnetic transformers are great for any sized disk lighting job and are what I recommend for maintenance friendly operations.

Which light bulbs do you recommend?

I always recommend an 18 watt xenon light bulb as they produce a crisp clean halogen like appearance while lasting 2-3 times that of halogen. Xenon also burns a bit cooler than halogen.
Incandescent light bulbs are also offered in lower wattages. These typically cast a yellow white light that is associated with incandescent and have a much shorter life than the xenon version.

Porcelina Lighting Fixtures

Porcelina™ Collection was crafted to offer large-scale lighting fixtures that coordinate with our extensive Limoges Collection™ of translucent porcelain. The sculptured surfaces of these faux porcelain fixtures capture the classic, yet contemporary, designs of the delicate Impressions patterns of the limoges Collection™.

Available as large pendant lights and semi-flush lighting fixtures.

Outdoor Lighting Around Your Home

Outdoor lighting has become hugely popular in recent years and for good reason: We’re gardening more than ever but we also travel and enjoy activities that bring us home after dark. Why not be able to enjoy a beautiful landscape even after the sun goes down?

Outdoor lighting has functions other than beauty. Security lighting deters prowlers, and safety lighting prevents tripping and other hazards after dark. Fortunately, the three functions often work in harmony. A pair of sconces that illuminate each side of a set of exterior French doors can also provide security, lend lighting to a step, and supply ambient lighting for a seating area nearby.

Low voltage lighting that runs along a home’s front or back pathways can make clear the change in grade but also illuminate the roses planted in a bed that runs along the walk.

No matter what sort of outdoor lighting you select, design it to work in harmony with the architecture of your home and your landscaping.
Exterior lighting can show off a home and make clear the pride you take in the landscape around it.

Bathroom Lighting

Whether your bath is a large, sprawling retreat or a tiny, more utilitarian space, the lighting needs for bathrooms are fairly universal.

The first consideration is the intensity of light. It’s tempting to blast a bathroom with high wattage. It’s where you shave, where you hunt through drawers and where you attempt to read tiny print on pill bottles.

But it’s also the place where you have to walk in and look directly at your face first thing in the morning. It’s a place for putting on makeup and styling hair. It’s also a place to unwind with a long hot bath and a great book. So good lighting in the bathroom has to be serviceable but flattering, bright but adjustable.

It’s a big order but surprisingly easy to achieve with some simple lighting tricks. Start with a bright light in the middle of the room so that when you hit the switch in the day and at night, the entire room lights up as needed.

You’ll also want a light over the shower or tub where seeing your footing is essential, especially with older users. The more fixtures you have, the greater the need to test the overall wattage in order to not under whelm a space.

At the vanity, install lighting that bathes faces with warm, flattering light from both sides – not just from above, which is an unflattering angle. Consider different switches – a dimmer over the general light, another for wall sconces – to provide grater control in your lighting scheme. If there’s a tub, you will also want the option to lower the lights with a dimmer switch to create soft, relaxing glow to unwind with a soak after a long, hard day.

The first step in layering bathroom lighting is overall light: ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting works brilliantly.
Task lighting is the second layer of lighting. Consider sconces, shaded vanity lights, and strip lights.
Finally, the third layer is accent lighting. Portable lamps, toe space lighting and strip lighting.

Lighting for Utility Areas

Banish the blues from your home’s mudroom or laundry room with lighting that makes dull household tasks a little more pleasant.

Provide task lighting at all work areas in your home, such as a long countertop, laundry room, drafting table, or any other place you’re likely to be doing reading and close work. Hard working task light under cabinets can provide all the down and dirty illumination you need in a laundry room.

Utility spaces don’t have to be lit with ordinary, run-of-the-mill fixtures. Choose an ambient fixture that blends with the rest of your spaces décor in style and design. If you have a bookcase, provide a spotlight or another lighting fixture nearby so you can easily browse.

A return to traditional roots seems to be quite popular in today’s utility areas.
Don’t rule out energy efficient lighting as these fixtures provide excellent illumination and introduce less heat which makes chores more enjoyable.

More Frequently Asked Lighting Questions

What is the best general illumination for a Kitchen?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any easy answers here, since so much is determined by the size of your kitchen area. Most people start with a 2 light or 4 light decorative fluorescent in the center of the ceiling. It’s less costly, uses less energy and provides very good general illumination.

What do I do about task areas such as islands, areas over the sink and counter tops?
Besides the general lighting guidelines in the above answer, these areas call for more concentrated lighting since they are normally work areas. Under cabinet lighting and or linear lighting will provide brilliant light on work surfaces, soffits above cabinets and other concealed locations.
A decorative pendant with 2 or 3 shades can be installed over your island for sufficient light and add a decorative element to that area.

How do I light a dinette area?
Normally, a decorative pendant(s) or a mini chandelier with a down light will do the job while providing plenty of light on the tables surface. Use a dimmer to soften the light for mood dining when entertaining or to increase illumination when doing homework, hobbies, when needed. Again, the bottom of the pendant or mini chandelier should be about 30” above the table.

What’s the best way to illuminate a bath or powder room?
Most of us want to see a flattering reflection in our bathroom or powder room mirrors so we can apply makeup, shave or brush our teeth correctly.
To avoid shadows, and to fully surround your face with flattering light, install a vanity fixture 24” wide over the mirror, plus two sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28” apart and 60” above the floor.
If you have a double sink vanity, use a light that is almost as wide as the mirror. The light should be mounted 78” from the floor, centered over the mirror.

How high should I mount the wall lanterns around my front door?
No fast and hard rules on this. It depends on the height of your house’s front entrance. Typically are nice height is approximately 66” above the bottom of the door, slightly above eye level.

Frequently Asked Lighting Questions

How do I determine the right size for my chandelier?
A chandelier should be approx. half the width of your dining table and approx. 30" above the tabletop. Ceilings higher than 8', raise the height of the fixture about 3" for every additional foot in height.

What size chandelier should I get for my foyer?
For an approx. diameter, add the length and width of the room. Example: for a 10' x 12' room, you would add 10 + 12 = 22 for a diameter of 22".

Will a chandelier alone be enough light?
If you’re not comfortable with the amount of light based on the formula above, you can add sconces, portable lamps or recessed lights to add more light and ambience.

What spacing should I use for wall sconces?
Install sconces approx. 60" from the floor and 8' to 10' apart.

How do I determine the amount of light I need for a certain size room?
Multiply the square footage of the room by 1.5 to determine the approx. wattage necessary. Example: for a 10' x 12' room, you would multiply 10' x 12' = 120 sq. ft. x 1.5 = 180 watts approx.

How much light do I need for my kitchen island work area?
Multiply the square footage of the island by 2.5 to determine the approx. wattage necessary. Example: for a 4' x 6' island, you would multiply 4' x 6' = 24 sq. ft. x 2.5 = 60 watts approx.

How do I make a room look bigger than it really is?
Using mirrors to bounce light from fixtures and windows will give the room an appearance of being bigger than it really is.

Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting fixtures are suspended from the ceiling and get their name from the jewelry accessory of the same name. Pendant lighting has a distinctive appeal and is considered perfect for places like kitchen islands, desks, breakfast nooks and the like. Pendant lighting can be either a single pendant lighting fixture or two or three different ones teamed up to provide a dramatic effect. Generally when two or three pendant lighting fixtures are teamed up, mini pendant lighting fixtures are used. The area of pendant lighting provides a lot of scope for the use of creative designs and ideas.

It is advisable to mount pendant lighting fixtures at least 24" to 30" above the area to be lit. When mini pendants are used, the ideal height would be 18" to 24" above the surface area to be lighted. When two or three pendants are used, an adjustable pendant bar can be used to fix them at different heights. This makes it possible to adjust heights from time to time, varying the overall lighting effect in the process.

Pendant lighting fixtures are available in various styles. Some of the commonly seen styles are sleek clean designs, reflective stained glass and crinkle glass designs. Pendant lighting fixtures are task oriented and provide necessary lighting for specific areas. The intensity of light needed can be dictated by the choice of bulb used inside the pendant lighting fixture.
Most pendant lighting fixtures are available with chains and rods that enable adaptation for different heights. Multiple pendant lights in a single fixture at staggered heights create a dramatic effect and are ideal for use little corners of large rooms. This kind of lighting creates an interesting area in an otherwise ordinary room.

The Basics of Dining Room Lighting

A dining area has to provide a soothing spot for large gatherings and more intimate dinners. Set up yours for flexibility and enjoyment.

Whether your dining area is merely small space attached to an open kitchen or a gracious formal area reserved for company only, its lighting needs change drastically.

A dining space has to be able to host a nice evening dinner for grown ups, or a smaller intimate get-together, be a good place to relax with the paper in the morning.

The heart of dining lighting is the light directly over the table. In a formal, traditional setting, a chandelier might preside. Chandeliers can be classic or contemporary and are great options, but there are a host of interesting options on the market sure to match any décor and mood.

Around the perimeter, there are other opportunities to design and set the moos with light. If there is a buffet or side table, lighting specific to that spot can make it seem special and show off deserts or drinks while providing task lighting to make serving from the area a lot easier. China cabinets or shelves can also be highlighted with special disk/puck lighting to show off collections and add warmth and character to an often minimally furnished space.

In existing dining rooms, if you have lighting only from above, balance it by adding light from the side and below, such as a table lamp. You’ll not only have a well functioning space, but you’ll also design a warm, welcoming dining space that creates memories for years to come.

Again, addressing the layering of lighting, start with:

A) Overall ambient light such as a chandelier, pendants, recessed cans or track lighting.
B) Task lighting with recessed cans or portables.
C) Accent lighting for china cabinets or uplights behind potted plants.

Lighting with Layers

A well lighted room has a more complex lighting structure than just a single overhead fixture or table lamp. Rooms should be designed with layers of light, creating a warm and welcoming space.

Start by picking what’s important in a space, work from that one layer, and build on it. For example, in a living room or den, light pictures on the wall creating the accent layer. Create general or ambient lighting with a chandelier, pendants or even recessed can lighting. Table and floor lamps are great layers of task lighting for enjoying a great book or crossword puzzle.

Whenever possible, I highly advise using lighting controls such as dimmers that will allow for fine tuning the layers of lighting in your home.

A Few Pointers on Lighting Your Interior

Up lighting (light focused upward) can make low ceilings seem a bit taller.
Down lighting (light focused downward) can help keep attention away from unflattering ceilings.

You can make a small room seem larger by washing its walls with even lighting. An evenly lighted space will also eliminate the cave effect. In a large room, lighting up a few areas with pools of light can make the room feel smaller and cozier.

When buying a fixture, consider the beam pattern you're getting: focused, diffused or somewhere in between.

Fixtures may look smaller in a store than at home. Measure a fixture you're interested in. Find a box or other object of the same size and tack it to the wall or ceiling to see how it will fit the space before you buy.

It's wise to select furnishings and other décor materials in the same kind of light you live with. Borrow samples, if possible, to see how things look in your home lighting.

Reflectance has a lot to do with how we perceive light in a room. Matte finishes absorb light more than reflective surfaces. A room with wall-papered walls will need more light to look as bright as the same room with walls painted in a glossier finish. Glossy surfaces such as granite/marble countertops also affect reflectance levels.