A: For optimal kitchen lighting, choose a  kitchen fixture or other close-to-ceiling kitchen fixtures for general lighting. Add a flush mount kitchen fixture above the sink and pendants above your dinette or breakfast bar. Under cabinet lighting can be installed under your kitchen cabinets to create a well-lit work area or above cabinets for a soft up lighting effect.

Q: How much light is needed in a kitchen?

A: Depends on the size. If it's less than 100 square feet, a 2-light decorative  fixture is fine. Larger kitchens up to 250 feet will need a larger fixture. Over 250 square feet will need the larger fixture plus additional supplemental lighting. Undercabinet lighting is always appropriate for task lighting of work surfaces. 

Q: How can I get optimal lighting in my bathroom?

 A: To determine what size chandelier would fit best in a foyer—or any room—simply add the room dimensions together. For example, if you are planning a crystal chandelier for your foyer which is 12' by 16,' add 12 + 16 =28. The proper size chandelier for this foyer would be 28" in diameter.

Q – What about the height of the chandelier?

A – This depends on the height of your foyer ceiling.  Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet from the floor.  That may mean you need a flushmount (mounts directly against the ceiling), a semi-flush (also known as close-to-ceiling fixture, which hangs a few inches below the ceiling) or, if you have a tall ceiling, you may need a 2-tier or 3-tier chandelier.

If there is a window above the front doors, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside.  If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces in the foyer.  Install them against the wall approximately 60” from the floor, 6 – 8 feet apart.

A: To find the proper ambient lighting for the room, multiply the room dimensions to get your total square footage (12 x 16 = 192). Then multiply the total square footage by 1.5 for total illumination needed (192 x 1.5 = 288 watts). So, for a 12 x 16 room, two 150-watt table or floor lamps would give more than ample light for a room this size (2 x 150 = 300 watts), or an 8-light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs could create the same ambient lighting effect in a 12 x 16 room (8 x 40 = 320). For specific task lighting within a space, for example, the light needed on a kitchen work island, multiply the square footage of the island (8 x4 = 32 square feet) times 2.5 = 80 watts, or two 40-watt pendants 

Q: What's the proper height to install wall sconces? 

A: Sconces should be installed on the wall 60" from the floor. If you choose to utilize wall sconces to illuminate hallways, then the sconces should be placed eight to ten feet apart. 

Q: When should I use a dimmer switch?

A: To enhance your home decor a dimmer switch can be used with any decorative lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers, pendants and even bath lights, to adjust the amount of light given depending on the activity of the room. To use the dimmer switch effectively, use brighter lighting for parties or dim the lights for a quieter, more intimate setting.  

Q: Can I dim a low voltage system?

A: Most low voltage systems can be dimmed. Remember to match your low voltage dimmer to the type of transformer (i.e. magnetic or electronic).

 
Q: Is there a rule for lighting a desktop?

A: Light sources on desks should be approximately 16” above the work surface and approximately 13” from the desk front.

Q: How do I light a cove evenly?

Using a 5-10 Watt frosted lamp xenon or halogen system with lamp spacing of 4" will create an even glow throughout the cove.

Q: How much light do I need for task lighting?

A: 20-50 footcandles

Q: What spacing is recommended for wall washing with recessed fixtures?

A: Basic rule of thumb: the fixtures should be spaced equal to the distance they are spaced from the wall. See below for specifications.

SCOOP TRIMS - 20-30" from the wall and 20-30" apart.

LENSED PAR/MR16 TRIMS – 12-18" from the wall and 2' apart.

A LAMP OR CF TRIMS– 2-3' from the wall and 2-3' apart

       SPECIAL TIPS

Steel vs. Solid Brass – How do you tell the difference?
Simply place a magnet on the metal portion of a brass lighting fixture.  If it sticks, it’s steel.  If it doesn’t, it’s solid brass, which is generally more costly.

Chandelier Installation  –
If a chandelier is heavier than 50 pounds, it will have to be mounted more securely to the ceiling or wall.  Make sure there is enough support.

Casting or Stamping – How are they different?
Casting is generally heavier with more detail and durability.  Whereas stamping is lighter, less detail and durable.  Generally, cast fixtures are slightly more expensive than stamped products.