Tuesday, August 14, 2007

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.

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