Your Home Improvement Guide To Residential Lighting
We will describe some general kinds of lighting
, the importance of lighting controls and some essential room lighting tips. After reading this primer, you will have the basic knowledge and vocabulary to start formulating your own residential lighting plan.
Types of Lighting
When thinking of lighting, it is helpful to break it down into three categories: general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. General lighting is also called ambient lighting. It is the typical level of brightness needed to get around the house without bumping into things. General lighting is used to substitute for daylight. The overhead lighting in the living room, the chandelier in a dining room, basic garage lighting, and the porch light are all examples of general lighting.
Accent is quite the opposite of general lighting. It is illumination that acts as an element of decoration and interior design. Accent lighting is directed toward a very particular element in a room, like a tapestry or a uniquely textured wall. Another example is spotlights on wall art or sculptures. Any illumination that highlights points of interest, like family photos, houseplants, or even outdoor landscaping, falls in the accent lighting category. Like the name suggests, accent lighting needs to be at least twice as bright as the surrounding light. Track lights and some wall mounted fixtures are common examples of accent lighting.
Task lighting is for specific jobs performed in the home. Task lighting must bright enough to avoid eye strain and be free of shadows and glare. Task lighting is the illumination over a workbench in the shed or it can be a reading lamp in the den. Other common instances of task lighting are under-cabinet lights in the kitchen workspace and portable lamps that facilitate hobbies, games, and office work. It can also be achieved through recessed lights and judiciously arranged track lights with the proper lighting controls installed.
Lighting Controls
Lighting controls are an essential part of any residential lighting plan. Over the years, technological advances have made impressive improvements to the scope and flexibility of lighting controls. Whereas lighting controls used to simply be an on/off switch, these days there are numerous forms of dimmers, from manual slide dimmers to fully computerized touch dimmers. Not only does lighting control offer an unprecedented amount of control over the illumination in the home, it also serves to increase bulb life and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the right state-of-the-art lighting controls allow you to alter lighting to match the current activity in a room, whether playing a game with the kids or watching a movie. With today's computerized dimming systems, it is even possible to create and save preset lighting templates. This way, with the touch of a button on a remote control, a room can be lit for a holiday party, a modest family visit, or some quiet reading time alone.
Lighting for Different Rooms
The various rooms of a home have specialized purposes. The lighting you install in each room should complement the purpose and uses of the room. Living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens all need their own personalized lighting treatment.
Living room lighting needs the most versatility of all the rooms. Living rooms are host to a wide variety of activities, from entertaining guests to family meetings, recreation and play time. A well lit living room will incorporate all three forms of lighting - general, accent, and task. This way, you can show off some art, do a little reading, and enjoy quality time with your friends and family. Dimming controls are a must for the living room.
Dining rooms require functionality on par with living rooms, but beauty is essential, to complement the ancient ritual of dining together. Typical dining room lighting is achieved by a centerpiece chandelier with a dimmer control. Chandeliers provide a great opportunity to beautify a dining room. When dimmed, chandeliers can closely approximate candlelight. Additionally, when a chandelier is turned up, it is an excellent source of task lighting, for tasks such as homework and sorting bills.
Kitchens are the most intensive workspace in the home. Prevalent general lighting and task lighting are the rule of thumb for any kitchen. At the same time, kitchens inadvertently become one of the busiest gathering spots for family and friends. No matter how appealing the living room is, parties frequently move to the kitchen. For this reason, lighting in kitchens needs to be imaginative. Recessed overhead lights are great, but do not neglect the beauty and functionality of under-cabinet lighting for a functional accent.
This has been a brief primer to residential lighting. As you do more research, make a list of the rooms in your home that need lighting changes. Do you need less shadow in your bathroom? Have you considered the task lighting needs of your home office? With this information, you are equipped to do research and find lighting professionals that will help you implement the best possible lighting plan for your home.
by: Matt Millsap
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