How much light should I have in a room?

To determine wattage needed in a room; multiply the rooms square footage by 1.5.  The result is the recommended wattage.

How much light do I need for my work area?

For task lighting, such as a desk or kitchen island, multiply the square footage of the area by 2.5 for the wattage needed.

Are dimmer switches necessary?

The use of dimmers is always recommended, even outside, to create various moods and to extend the life of your bulbs.  Dimming a bulb 10% will double its life.  Dimming a bulb 50% gives you 20 times the bulbs life.

What are the types of bulbs available & their usages?

Incandescent bulbs are standard and fit most fixtures.  This lighting gives an even, bright light.  Recommended usage: ceiling, dining & bath fixtures and Outside Coach lighting.

Halogen bulbs give a bright, white light and last longer than incandescent bulbs.  Recommended usage: outside floods, bathrooms and accent lighting, such as track & recessed.

Fluorescent bulbs are energy saving, long lasting and are now available in a full color spectrum from warm white to daylight.  Recommended usage:  offices, kitchens, exercise rooms, laundry & utility rooms and craft rooms.

LED bulbs are more energy efficient than fluorescents and some can be dimmed.  The initial cost of LEDs is much higher, but their life expectancy exceeds any other type of bulb on the market.

Is there a ban on incandescent bulbs?

The new lighting standards established by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) do not ban incandescent or any specific light bulb.  These standards only require that bulbs use about 25% less energy.  Many of the bulbs available for purchase today already meet these standards.  For more information visit EnergySavers.gov.

What size chandelier should I buy?

There are a number of ways to figure chandelier size.  Due to the variables involved, and the uniqueness of individuals’ rooms & furniture, we recommend you consult with one of our lighting specialists.

How high above my dining room table should my fixture hang?

In a room with an 8 foot ceiling, the bottom of the fixture should be approximately 30 inches above the table top.  For each additional foot of ceiling height, add an additional 3 inches above the table top.  Therefore, with a 9 foot ceiling the bottom of the fixture would hang about 33 inches above the table.

How long should my bathroom vanity light be?

Your vanity light should not exceed the size of the mirror, should be proportionate to the vanity, and centered above the sink(s).

What about outside house lights?

Be sure to determine which direction, up or down, the outdoor lights will hang before the electrical box is mounted.  Cast aluminum outdoor lighting is best for withstanding the elements.

What about landscape lighting?

Landscape lighting is a beautiful addition for your home and yard.  A wide selection of size, color &  type of lighting is available for a  variety  of uses. 

Visit our store to view our Landscape Lighting Room.  We have lots of creative ways to bring your lighting ideas outside. Arrangements for an at home demo can be made with one of our landscape lighting consultants.

Back to top