Ch. 22 Lighting 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