FAQ

Lighting Tip Questions and Answers

Q: How do I determine the proper size chandelier for my dining table?

A: The rule is to choose a chandelier with a diameter equal to ½ the width of your table. For example: if your table is 62” in diameter then choose a chandelier that is no more than 31” in diameter.

Q: How high above the table should I hang the chandelier?

A: The chandelier should be hung so that the bottom of the fixture is approximately 30” to 32” above the tabletop.

Q: How do I determine the proper size chandelier for a Foyer or another "empty" room?

A: To determine what size of a chandelier would fit best in a Foyer-or any room- simply add the room dimensions together. For example: if your foyer is 12’ by 16’, add 12 + 16 = 28. The proper size chandelier for this foyer would be 28” in diameter. If your room is 8’ by 10’ your maximum diameter would be 18”.

Q: How do I determine the correct amount of wattage to properly illuminate a 12’ by 16’ room?

A: To find the proper ambient lighting for the room, multiply the room dimensions to get your square footage (12 x 15 = 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).

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 an item is marked with maximum wattage, is this per socket or in total?

A: Wattage is per socket. The maximum wattage is listed; lower wattage bulbs can also be used.

Q: What is an Edison base bulb?

A: An Edison base bulb is a “standard” Medium (M) bulb.

Q: What is a 6-way Floor Lamp?

A: A 6-way floor lamp takes 4 separate bulbs- a 3-way bulb, and three single bulbs. This allows the lamp to be lit at six different light levels.



Lighting 101

Lighting Categories

Chandeliers- are installed electric fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Also known as hard wire products that are wired directly into an electrical source.

Wall Lamps- may either be of the “pin-up” variety or they may be permanently mounted on the wall. Wall sconces, wall brackets and swing arms are all types of wall lamps.

Table Lamps- This is the most common lamp type. Are also known as portables.

Accent Lamps- These are generally smaller than table lamps and can sometimes have a more decorative look than table lamps.

Buffet Lamps- As their name implies these lamps are generally used on either side of a buffet table. They are usually sold in sets of two.

Desk Lamps- These are functional lamps; they must give off excellent light for reading.

Floor Lamps- These lamps sit on the floor. They originated from an “overgrown” candle idea. A 3-way lamp gives off three levels of light, a 6-way lamp gives off six levels of light.

Bridge Lamps- This is another floor standing lamp category. In some styles the bulb hangs down. The “bridge” portion of the lamp hangs over to offer more direct light on a person seated nearby for reading of close work.

Swing-Arm Lamps- The swing-arm can be used on a table, floor or wall lamp. It offers the flexibility of having the light source pivot while the lamp remains stationary.

Boudoir Lamps- These are small versions of table lamps that are used on bedside tables and vanities. They are generally more feminine in character. The vanity pieces are tanner than the nightstand pieces.

Torchiere- A floor standing piece topped with a glass bowl. The bowl sits facing the ceiling as to reflect light up onto the ceiling.

Types of Lighting

Ambient Lighting- Illuminates the entire room. It should be moderate in level to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. High levels of lighting in a home environment should be avoided. Too much light can cause a dreary effect. The overall illumination of a room should be done with layers and various types of lighting options. A combination, of chandeliers, track or recessed lighting, wall, table and floor lamps should be used to create the desired ambient effect.

Focal or Task Lighting- This type of lighting provides functional lighting for areas where it is needed for reading, sewing, cooking, computer work, etc. this type of lighting should be cool in tone allowing the function to take place while safeguarding the eyes. Good placement of task lighting will also limit or avoid shadows or glare to further minimize eyestrain.

Accent Lighting- Illuminates and highlights interesting architectural features or objects in a room. Such items can include plants, decorative accessories, artwork, alcoves, molding, beams, etc.

Decorative Lighting- Fixtures and lamps in this category attract attention to themselves as objects. The classic dining room chandelier or oversize two-story entryway pieces are both examples of this. Extremely decorative shades and other accents can make a lamp a decorative piece as well. A piece used for ambient, task or accent can also be decorative.

Led Lighting - LED fixtures, which consume less energy and last longer than incandescent and fluorescent lights, are seen as promising next-generation lights as costs for power generation and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions rise. Lights are now being made for residential usage such as: Landscape Lighting, Recessed Lighting, Undercabinet Lighting, Pendant Lighting and more. Lamps are also available now such as: Candelabra Bulbs, Flood Bulbs, A19 bulbs, MR16 Bulbs.

Manufacture and Materials

In today’s world many materials are used in the manufacturing of lighting products. In years past materials were much more limited. Now all types of materials including, resin, metals, wood, marble, leather, glass, ceramic, and crystal are used to make both hardwire and portable lighting. One of the most interesting things in today’s development is the use of two or more of these mediums on the same piece.

Today the vast majority of lighting is produced in the Far East where skilled laborers in modern factories can mass manufacture well made pieces at reasonable prices. Even in these modern facilities the final steps of production are still done by hand. Artisans still hand paint and hand finish most pieces.