How to Design a Lighting Plan

You are doing a remodel and know that you want to add some lighting to the room, but your stumped. Where do I start is the most common question I get asked. There are some basic guidelines and factors that can help you determine where to start and how to proceed.

First let's take the room and it's needs. Different rooms require different lighting solutions. Rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, dens and basements can be properly illuminated with a simple general lighting plan. In rooms up to about 12' x 12', one ceiling light that can hold bulbs that combined equal about 120 watts is sufficient. For a better and more evenly disbursed light, 4 recessed lights about 40" off each corner works wonderfully.

A living room or den may be a rectangle as opposed to a square. A room that is 15' x 12' would be more evenly lit with 6 recessed cans. In these rooms lighting can be supplemented with wall sconces and or table or floor lamps.

Kitchens and bathrooms require much more thought. In these rooms, where tasks are performed, it is important that the lighting level be high enough to perform these tasks safely and comfortably. In a good kitchen lighting plan all the work areas will be well lit. Placing the cans so that the centers line up directly above the outside edge of the cabinets is the best solution. This provides ample light and avoids shadows while working at the counters. Spacing in a kitchen is also very important. Keeping the recessed lights about 4 feet apart and no more than 5 feet, will assure you have even spread of light.

If you run into a wall and need to ask questions about lighting try a Lighting Forum. There are some basic lighting principles that can help you along in this process. One is understanding that light in most fixtures has some type of pattern. For example a recessed light using a reflector type bulb distributes a pattern in the shape of a cone. When this pattern reaches the floor it is in the form of a circle. By slightly overlapping this circle of light it is possible to have a very even distribution of light throughout the room.

Since most of the members of a household walk upright and the ones who don't, probably won't lodge any complaints about lighting, a general rule in lighting a room is to design the plan on a work plane. This is an imaginary plane at about 30" off the floor. This helps to provide a nice even lighting for most tasks in any room. This is where understanding the pattern of light your fixture has is important. Most manufacturers have specs to show what these patterns are. For reflective bulbs you can get this info from the bulb manufacturer.

(c) Copyright 2005 Paul Forte. All rights reserved.

Paul forte has been in the lighting industry for over 25 years. For more info and tips on lighting and other electrical needs please visit Lighting Tips For help with Laying out recessed lighting

---

The Motors Best Friend

The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting. Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More

You Say Jacuzzi and I Say Whirlpool

What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More

A Review of Popular Dehumidifier Products

There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers.... Read More

Gel Candle Safety: What You Should Know Before You Buy

A lot of attention has been focused on gel candle... Read More

Planning Your DIY Project

Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Non Slip Maintenance Of Honed Interior Marble

A honed finish is a satin surface with relatively little... Read More

Kitchen Magic

It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More

Kitchen Remodel - How to Survive

You have decided to make the plunge and begin to... Read More

Unadulterated Truth About Black Mold: What You Don?t Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your Health

With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More

Ways to Heat Your Water

Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More

Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings

More and more construction is being done with steel in... Read More

Beautiful, Elegant Bathtubs that Spruce Up any Bathroom

Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life... Read More

The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages

The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Inspiration to Make a Home Planning Journal

If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More

How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door

Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you... Read More

Lighting up Your Life

You are visiting a friend that has just had a... Read More

Replacing Your Sliding Glass Door Rollers

If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More

Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Trees and How They Can Affect Development when Applying for Planning

Like most folk, I believe that more can be achieved... Read More

Complete Home Rehab In 10 Days

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

Replacing Aluminum Frame Single Pane Windows

In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More

Home Air Filters: Knowing Which One to Choose

Since air filters are one of the bests tools for... Read More

Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More

Buying the Right Garage Door Opener

If you have recently built a new garage you might... Read More

Used But Not Used Up

Some DIY Maintence will put Used tools back in Main... Read More

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More

Planning For a New Deck

Part of the fun of a new deck is the... Read More

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More