Ch. 22Lighting and Accessories

Lighten Up!

Lighting can set a mood in a room and work as a positive element

It can also work in negative way if misused Overlit room Room too dark Lighting can effect the way a room is used It’s important to consider the natural light that

enters the room

The Purposes of Lighting

General A.k.a. background Provides enough lighting to see everything in a room

Task Focuses light in an area where it is most needed (reading,

writing, etc.) Accent

Light aimed on a specific object to create a dramatic effect (should be 3 times brighter than general lighting)

What is in a Bulb? Categorized by their type and wattage The higher the wattage = greater intensity of light Different bulbs produce different effects Three-way bulbs – 3 levels of lighting Dimmer switch – lower lighting level to vary the

mood of a room Sources of artificial light:

Fluorescent Halogen Fiber optics Light emitting diode

Incandescent Light

Produced by electricity passing through a filament in a glass bulb

Tends to be warm and flattering Bulbs available in a variety of shapes and

either clear or frosted Frosted = reduces glare, softer light Clear = produces sparkling effect, often used

in chandeliers

Fluorescent Lighting

Produced when chemicals inside a sealed glass tube transform ultraviolet rays

Gives off the true color of natural sunlight Usually long straight tubes, may be circular,

u-shaped, or regular

Halogen Bulbs

Contains pressurized halogen gas, makes it more efficient than incandescent

Usually smaller bulbs Produce a whiter more intense light More expensive bulb = lasts longer Become very hot when in use and can cause

serious burns

Fiber Optics

Hair fine strands of glass Developed for high speed communication,

now being used for lighting Used primarily in museums and for displays

b/c it does not emit heat or ultraviolet rays

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS) Next major evolution in lighting Each LED is a silicon chip about the size of a

grain of salt, made of crystals Small electric current passes through the chip

and generates light Can last 100,000 hours or more (10x longer

than fluorescent bulbs and 133x longer than incandescent bulbs

Types of Lighting Fixtures

Structural Built-in, wiring hidden from view

Non-Structural Fixtures that can be moved or replaced Various ceiling fixtures and portable lamps

When Choosing Lighting…

Use general lighting in most every room (most suitable type of fixture)

Consider track lighting for focused lighting on specific areas

Portable canister lighting on the floor for uplighting to accent a specific object

Lamps for direct and indirect portable lighting (floor lamps, clip on lights, desk lamps, etc.)

Decorating with Light

How much is enough? Depends on purpose of room Good lighting = a number of effects that create a

balance Over lighting a room = big mistake Combinations of structural and non-structural

lighting is best Downlighting, uplighting, & accent lighting should be

considered when decorating a room

Entryways, Hallways, Stairways Entryway = first introduction to your guests Lighting there should be inviting and

engaging Pendant lighting is a good choice Hang high enough to be out of everyone’s

way Accent lighting to illuminate artwork or family

photos in a hallway or staircase is functional and aesthetic

Lighting is a Safety Factor

Entry ways Hallways Stair ways Switches should be placed every 8-10 feet

Specific Room Lighting Living/Family Room

Combination of lighting Dimmer controls Upright lighting Task lighting Floor lamps Dark shades to reduce overall light, light for opp. effect

Dining Room Lighting should be functional and attractive Pendant or chandelier lighting most common Dimmer switch for mood setting

Kitchen Fluorescent is best with task lighting over work centers

Bedroom Overhead lighting, bedside light

Bathroom Ceiling fixture, lights around mirror for task lighting

Save Energy with Lighting

Lighting accounts for 10-15% of electricity bill Much of that is unnecessary consumption

due to lights being left on and unused Occupancy sensors are a new advancement

to consider Motion lights for exterior spaces are energy

efficient Incandescent are the most power hungry

lights

Accessories

Adds the personal touches to a furnished room

Tells your guest something about YOU Gives a room personality Sophisticated, simple, rustic, elegant

Wall Decorations

Paintings, posters, tapestries, prints, sculptures, stenciling, faux painting

Wall mirrors and clocks Shelf displays Wallpaper Hang items eye level Consider the proportion between the wall space,

furniture nearby, and size of wall accessory Rule of thumb = art should not be wider than the

piece of furniture and no smaller than half the pieces length

Wall Decorations Cont.’

Use simple wall décor on a highly patterned wall Pick frames for art that complements the room and

the art Position a mirrror so it reflects space and something

pleasing Use lighting to enhance the color and texture of wall

decorations Choose hanging hardware that is appropriate for the

weight of each piece

Wall Groupings

Several related prints or collection of pieces Use an uneven number of pieces for more

pleasing arrangment Add height to a room with vertical

arrangement of artwork Add width with horizontal placement Space between the items is important as

well…too wide group does not appear cohesive

Additional Accessories

Family photos, souveniers Candlesticks Bowls Baskets Vases Sculptures Stack of books Candles plants

Eclecticism

Put different kinds of items and styles of accessories/furniture together to create a more interesting effect

Organize by patter, color, or theme Use color as a guide if you are unsure if

something goes together or not Vary heights Place taller objects in back of shorter ones

Sprucing UP

Pillows as accents on furniture Plants (real or artificial) Bright throw Candles Books