Many people cannot immediately identify why they may like or dislike a
particular room or interior. Proper lighting and illumination is the
single most critical factor in designing a pleasing interior
environment. A successful lighting design is pleasing to the eye,
focuses attention on key room features and eliminates shadows and "hot
spots". There are several lighting applications that can be used to
meet specific lighting needs or to achieve a desired special effect.
GENERAL or AMBIENT LIGHTING refers to an even overall level of light
provided to make a room or space comfortable and safe for its intended
use. Recessed lighting is very popular as a general lighting source.
Recessed lighting may be in the form of 3" to 8" diameter "can" type
fixtures consisting of a "trim" and a "housing." Recessed "trims" are
the visible portion of the recessed light fixture and are available in
hundreds of styles and colors to control the spread of light, reflect
the light and/or match a particular decor or theme. The "housing" is
the actual enclosure that is installed into the attic and connected to
the power system. Different housings are available for new construction
and remodel construction where attic access is difficult. Where
recessed lighting may be in contact with building insulation, an "IC"
rated housing is required to prevent a potential fire hazard. In may
office environments, general lighting is provided in the form of
luminous fluorescent ceiling panels.
TASK LIGHTING typically refers to the higher level of light provided on
work areas such as kitchen islands, countertops and desks. Additional
light is directed to these areas using recessed, track or pendant
fixtures. Concealed under-cabinet lighting is also frequently used by
lighting designers to provide task illumination without seeing the
source (fixture). Fixtures with either low or line-voltage halogen or
xenon bulbs provide a whiter, warmer light than fluorescent
under-cabinet lighting. 5 watt xenon or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches
apart are suitable for most task lighting purposes where the fixture is
within 24" of the work surface. Whether recessed, track or
under-cabinet style, low voltage halogen or xenon lighting fixtures are
smaller than line voltage lighting but require a transformer to change
the voltage from 120 volt to 12 volt. The transformer is included
inside many low voltage fixtures but is also sometimes separate
depending on the particular fixture and style.
ACCENT LIGHTING. To be effective, accent lighting should be
approximately four times the level of ambient (background) light in an
area. Focusing light on an "accented object" or "area" draws attention
to a picture, vase or other focal point. Here again. Halogen lighting
type fixtures provide a whiter, brighter appearance than standard
incandescent or fluorescent type fixtures. The selected fixture should
be directional, either a swivel or gimbal type fixture to aim the light
exactly where it is needed. Adjustable surface mount fixtures, track
fixtures and even recessed style fixtures are available with
"aimability" in mind. For a dramatic museum-type effect, some fixtures
can include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy. The "Lighting
Illumination" PDF attached to this file is a good guide for estimating
the illumination or brightness of various bulb types and wattages.
WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of
uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or
artwork. Wall Washing reduces the texture of the wall surface. Often
the reflected light can create ambient light in the remainder of the
room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall
Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on
surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for
Wall Grazing are placed closer to the wall than Wall Washing in order
to highlight the three-dimensional effect.
DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to
illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware etc.
Many under-cabinet fixtures (as described above) are suitable for
display lighting. Small space xenon fixtures used on a "Mini" or
"Linear" track have unparalleled design flexibility. Tiny fixtures may
be spaced anywhere along the track making it possible to create an even
distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow
illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brilliantly lit area. A
"Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for the track and as a visual
shield, concealing the halogen or xenon bulbs. An innovative use of the
baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning the edge.
COVE LIGHTING gives a room a more open appearance by illuminating the
perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling. A large crown
mold or soffit is built around the perimeter of the room providing a
concealed space for a continuous halogen or xenon track lighting. Cove
lighting looks best with a smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures should
be placed at least 4" from the wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to
minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above the lamps should be not
more than twice the distance from the wall. The lamp spacing and
wattage will depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a
medium light level, a good starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced
6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from the wall and 10" from the
ceiling. From this reference point you can design the light level up or
down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may
need a higher light level.
Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can make a world of difference
and will be an improvement that lasts for many years. Many home
improvement stores include sample displays of the various lighting
systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and
electronics, there is a wide variety in the quality of lighting
fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from reputable well known
company with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are
numerous online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to
your door at very competitive prices.
Brian Starr is the owner of IPN Lighting.com (
http://www.ipnlighting.com ). His company is an authorized
retailer of WAC Lighting products, including transformers, dimmers, low
voltage pendant glass, linear systems, surface mounts, and lights.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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