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Everything You Need to Know About Lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in how we live and how we feel. Lighting can bring a space together and is a topic we get a lot of questions about. What size chandelier do I need over my table? How high should I hang my light? Warm or Cool lights? In this blog post, we are sharing everything you need to know about lighting.
HOW LIGHTING AFFECTS US
When the lighting does not support the function of the room, it can be difficult to complete tasks. If the lights are too dim or bright, it can cause strain on our eyes and create headaches.
Alternatively, the wrong color light can affect our circadian rhythm which interferes with how we sleep and feel in a room. The circadian rhythm is our internal clock. It influences melatonin secretion, cortisol activity, and alertness.
Designed by AMA Designs & Interiors. Photography by Mariah Texidor Photography
The three types of Lighting Colors
There are three primary types of color temperature for light bulbs which are: Soft White, Cool White, and Daylight. Although the whiter lights will appear brighter than those of a lower Kelvin reading, the brightness does not change at all between Kelvins as seen through the number of Lumens. Kelvin is a measurement used to describe the color temperature of the light bulb. This is the specification that gives a description of the warmth or coolness of a light source. Understanding Kelvin temperature makes it easier to choose lighting that gives you the look and feel you want. From brisk and refreshing to warm and cozy, finding the correct color temperature for your place will greatly influence the look and feel of any room.
HOW TO SET THE MOOD WITH LIGHTING
While color temperature preferences are personal, we do have some recommendations to get you started.
Soft White: Soft or warm lights create a comfortable cozy feeling. This works best in bedrooms, dens, and family rooms – places where you need to feel calm. Soft or warm lights are at the lower end of the scale, from 2000K to 3000K, and ranges from orange to yellow-white in appearance.
Cool White: Bright or cool white bulbs make your body feel energized and awake. Use these bulbs in areas where you need bright light like the kitchen, home offices, or powder room - anywhere where you need to see details and get work done. Bright or cool white is in the middle of the scale, ranging from 3100K to 4500K. This light bulb emits a more neutral white light and may even have a slightly blue tint.
Daylight: Daylight bulbs are typically reserved for areas or workspaces where extra bright light is helpful, like garages, basements, or vanities. Any light bulb above 4500K is referred to as “daylight”. Light bulbs with this color temperature will give off a blue-white light that mimics daylight.
How to Determine What Size Chandelier to Buy
Scale is very important when selecting hanging light fixtures for your room. Too small of a light will look skimpy and too large of a light fixture can overwhelm the room. As one of the focal points in the room, it is crucial to determine what size chandelier to buy. There is a simple formula to achieve the perfect size every time!
Finding the Right Size Chandelier for your Dining Table
Your chandelier should be between one-half and three-quarters the width of your table. For example, if your dining table is 48” wide x 60” long. The correct chandelier size for that table is between 24” to 36” in diameter.
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To determine the diameter, use the formula below:
Measure the length and width of the room in feet.
Example: 10 feet by 12 feetAdd the two lengths together.
Example: 10 + 12 = 22 feetSwap that value in feet for inches (so 20 feet becomes 20 inches)
Example: 22 feet > 22 inches
This is the ideal diameter for a light fixture in this room.
Example: 22 inches wide
To determine the height, use the formula below:
Start with the height of the room (floor to ceiling) in feet.
Example: 10 feet highMultiply the height by 2.5" to 3" per foot.
Example: 10 x 2.5" to 3" = 25-30 feetSwap that value to inches (so 20 feet becomes 20 inches).
Example: 25-30 feet > 25-30 inchesThis is the ideal height for a light fixture in this room.
So for this room, you’ll want to look for a light fixture around 22 inches wide and 25-30 inches tall.
PRO TIP: When selecting your light fixture, take the table shape into consideration. For oval or rectangle tables, select a linear light configuration. For round tables, consider the look of a round drum pendant or geometric sphere fixture.
How High to Hang Your Chandelier
As a general rule of thumb, you should hang your chandelier approximately 30 to 36 inches over a table or 72” from the floor with an 8-foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of the ceiling
Selecting lighting can really make or break a room. When done well, it lends the perfect atmosphere to help your design shine. If you’re ready to take your lighting to the next level, you’re in the right place.
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We would be thrilled to help you avoid mistakes and bring your design visions to life.