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Interior Lighting
Interior Lighting: a buying guideIlluminate Your Home with StyleInterior lighting has a significant impact on both the aesthetic and functional elements of your living space. Lighting sets the tone of a room with an artistic, sculptural presence based on the design and finish of the fixtures you choose. Overhead LightingOverhead light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling and provide an area with overall, general illumination. They can be as basic as a simple ceiling mount fixture, or as elaborate as an ornate chandelier. Ceiling Mount FixturesCeiling mount fixtures are ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, foyers and hallways because they help diffuse light over a wide area. Styles range from flushmount fixtures affixed to ceilings, to semi-flushmount fixtures that are suspended. Look for a range of finishes such as brass, nickel, copper, chrome, as well as etched and frosted glass. Pendant FixturesPendant fixtures can be used in foyers, stairways, dining rooms, or above kitchen tables and islands to provide ambient or direct light. Pendant fixtures add a decorative touch to rooms and are ideal for bringing light closer to surfaces in areas with high ceilings. ChandeliersChandeliers provide beauty and a stylish source of light – and they’re not just for dining rooms anymore. You can accentuate your bedroom, bathroom, and foyer, even your kitchen, with a stunning chandelier that illuminates and brings a dazzling sense of light to your home. Choosing the Right Size Chandelier for your HomeIn general, the diameter of a chandelier should be selected based on your room's size. Try using the following formula: Length of Room + Width of Room (in feet), and then convert that number to inches. For Example: Consider a room that is 14 x 16 feet. Add 14 + 16 = 30, therefore the recommended diameter of a chandelier for this space is 30 inches. Chandeliers also appear smaller the higher they are hung. If you have high ceilings or a two-storey foyer, consider adding a few inches to the recommended diameter. Ceiling FansCeiling fans offer more than just an energy-efficient source for heating or cooling. In addition to helping keep your home cool, many ceiling fans serve a dual purpose by providing overhead lighting. These fans are ideal for bedrooms, hallways, or any other room that may require lighting and cooling during the summer months. In the winter, these fans can also help to push warmer air back down into a room simply by reversing the direction of the blades. Recessed LightingRecessed lighting (or pot lights) incorporates seamlessly into any décor. Recessed lighting is ideal for rooms with low ceilings or where large hanging fixtures might not be suitable, such as kitchens, living rooms, family rooms and rec rooms. When choosing pot lights, there are three typical trim styles to choose from: Fixed Down-Lights that are not adjustable; Adjustable Gimbal or Eyeball that can be rotated and pivoted to aim light; or Decorative fixed-down lights that incorporate a glass element for decorative appeal. Fixed Down-Light
Adjustable Gimbal or Eyeball
Decorative
Track LightingTrack lighting is suitable for any interior space, but the effect can be different from typical ceiling fixtures. Track lighting creates a more intimate and dramatic feel by highlighting key objects, or providing task lighting. When using track lighting, you may need to increase the overall bulb wattage or add multiple sources of light to achieve the same brightness provided by typical lighting fixtures. Table and Floor LampsTable and floor lamps are ideal for both task and accent lighting. Table lamps are ideal for desks and lighting up areas for hobbies such as reading, while floor lamps help brighten up dark corners. Both lamps can be used to provide a soft, warm atmosphere, or to accent nearby items on a wall. They are also portable. Lamp shades in a variety of colours and styles provide even more versatility. Sconces and Undercabinet LightingSconcesSconces are often used in hallways, foyers and stairways, but can be used in any area of the home to provide general or accent lighting. Sconces add an artistic and decorative look, and are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Sconces are generally mounted on walls a little higher than halfway between the floor and the ceiling, either as a single fixture, in pairs or multiples. Undercabinet LightingUndercabinet lighting is an ideal solution for illuminating dimly lit kitchen countertops, cabinets, bar areas and any other location where wall cabinets overhang counter surfaces. Undercabinet lighting eliminates dark shadows and helps brighten up surfaces where overhead lighting can’t properly reach. Undercabinet lights come in several styles, including mini recessed lights, fluorescent strip lights and small base bulbs. Bath LightingIt's important to have a clear, detailed reflection of yourself in your mirror when it comes to everyday grooming activities. In your bathroom, this is best achieved by either two wall-mounted light sources on either side of your vanity mirror, or a wall-mounted fixture above it. Look for stylish globe lighting, or upturned or down-turned shades, with chrome, nickel or bronze finishes. FeaturesDimmer switchesDimmer switches enable you to customize light levels and create different moods with a handy wall switch. Touch lightsTouch lights are functional and convenient, and can be turned on and off by touch rather than by a switch. Timers and sensorsAutomatic timers and sensors offer convenience by eliminating the need to manually adjust lighting. Timers can be set to turn lights on and off at prescribed intervals, while sensors will automatically turn lights on when motion is detected. Each can help increase safety and security while reducing your electricity bill. LED lightsLED lights and compact fluorescent light bulbs provide tremendous energy efficiency and can help save on lighting costs over time. |
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