Monday, August 4, 2008

Recently Asked Lighting Questions

How do I determine the right size 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 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.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello, I purchased an American Standard retrospect indoor ceiling 3 light fixture and mounted it just as instructed. I then turned on the circuit breaker but the breaker tripped. I then decided to run wire directly to the fixture, thinking that the circuit was overloaded, but the same thing happened. When I use a small one light fixture to test, it works fine. It is on a three way switch. What may be the problem?

AC said...

Good afternoon EK,

I'm not familiar with American Standard lighting fixtures but I do recognize the association with Checkolite Manufacturing.

Here's a link to Checkolite's Customer Service and Technical departments. They should be able to help troubleshoot the installation. http://www.checkolite.com/support/help.aspx

Thanks again and best of luck to you!

AC

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I wanted to ask a question about pendant lighting. I purchased a light that has 5 bulbs, strung by thin wire that criss-crosses and is connected to a monorail (in case that doesn't make sense the image can be seen at: http://www.lightingonthenet.com/TP4425-Ice-5-Lites-Pendant-by-Trend-Lighting-P470995C1582.aspx ) Anyhow, the wires were wrapped up when shipped and I can't seem to get them straight since the bulbs are too light to straighten them out with their weight. The way that the light is put together, it's also not an option to put on a cord straightener or anything. So, any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. RIght now my light looks ridiculous because the bulbs aren't hanging straight and the wire has kinks in it...
Thanks so much for any advice you may offer!!
~ Sylvia

AC said...

Hi Sylvia,

I spoke with the technical department of another lighting distributor who makes nearly identical contemporary lighting fixtures to the model you brought to my attention. He was of the opinion that these cables will remain kinked due to the light weight of the glass and lack of tension. Unfortunately, he was not able to offer any techniques for straightening the cables.

Solid pendant shades (such as Italian blown shades) carry enough weight and will correct any kink in coaxial cables.

Thank you for your question.

AC