Ceiling Fans - Style or Function?

Landan by Fanimation

Many people have lots of questions when it comes to ceiling fans. The first think most people ask themselves is, "do I want stylish or functional?" These days you don't have to ask that question anymore if you choose  a fan from a reputable fan company. We consider Fanimation, Emerson, Casablanca, Kichler, and Minka Aire reputable fan companies. These companies make fans that can coordinate with decorative light fixtures, or can serve as both your fan and the decorative light source in a room. Some fans offer a built-in up-light that can indirectly light a room and create ambiance. This would be great in a master bedroom or family room, for example. The "Landan"by Fanimation is a great example of this. Most fan controls will allow a fans up-light and down light to be controlled separately (if applicable). There are many unique and stylish fans available for use outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans have sealed motors to protect it from moisture and dirt, the blades are made of special all-weather material to prevent cracking and warping, and the fan will be labeled for “Damp Location”. If you add a light kit it must also be specifically rated for “Damp Location” use. If the fan will hang in a location where it might get wet, it must be a fan labeled “Wet Location”, and any additional components must me rated for “Wet Location” as well. Just remember, most fan components are not universal, so don't try to mix-and-match items from different companies, unless the item specifically says "universal". Some, but not many, light kits are considered universal.

Outdoor Lighting - What Size Should My Lights Be?

Forged Vertical Bars by Hubbardton Forge

South Street by Troy Lighting

 A question we are commonly asked when a homeowner comes in to the showroom is: "What size should my outdoor lights be?" A simple formula to answer this question is when placing a lantern on only one side of the door, it should measure one-third the height of the door. If you have two lanterns, they should each measure approximately one-fourth the height of the door. Note that the center of your light source (the glass or bulb) should be approximately 66" above the threshold of the door. If you choose a fixture that has a decorative arm, or a long tail, the length of the body of the fixture should be taken into consideration, as opposed to the overall height. When in doubt try to scale a template on a piece of cardboard as best you can, and hold it up in the area. Most lighting professionals will suggest going larger if your measurement falls between sizes in the style you choose. Sometimes a fixture is placed above a door, in that case you will want to make sure your fixture does not interfere with the swing of the door, or the overhang above (if applicable).

For more information, or help making your home or office a more beautiful space, contact us. The Home Lighter Inc. Family owned and operated since 1969.

Wall Sconces - Where to Use Wall Lights

Airis Sconce by Hubbardton Forge

Wall sconces are a great way to add light and ambiance to a room. There are so many areas wall sconces can be used in a home, from the foyer, to hallways, living rooms, media rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms,  and powder rooms. Adding light in strategic areas can make a room appear larger, or direct a flow of traffic throughout your home or office.

Hanna Wall Sconce and Chandeliers by Kichler

Generally, wall sconces should be hung 72 inches off of the floor. If the ceiling is very high, sconces can be hung higher for a dramatic effect, or at the tops of pillars or beams to highlight architecture. If there are people taller than six feet in the house, the sconce should be hung high enough so the tallest person cannot see into it. In a Living Room or Great Room consider areas you would like to draw visual interest. For instance a fireplace mantle. Special consideration should be taken for narrow hallways or commercial areas. In instances like those, one should consider an ADA wall sconce. ADA certification is regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA dictates that if a light fixture is mounted on the wall above 27 inches and below 80 inches from the floor, it must not protrude more than 4 inches from the wall the light fixture is mounted on. ADA enforces this code in public establishments.

Spyro Pendant and Wall Sconce by Kichler

Wall sconces can serve as a functional element in a bedroom, but can also add a romantic ambiance. Sconces can be added on either side of a headboard, flanking the entry to the master bath, on either side of a window that overlooks some outdoor scenery, or to an area where one might put a dressing table. When placing sconces on either side of a head board, a swing arm light is a type of sconce that is typically used in bedrooms or offices. Swing arm wall lights add a decorative element to the "boring" reading light, and allow one person to read without disturbing the other. To avoid glare, install them so the shades are about 22 inches off of the mattress.

Bowed Swing Arm Sconce by Hubbardton Forge. Left and Right versions available.

Bathrooms are a popular area for sconces, and can make a Master Bath appear more formal than other bathrooms in the house. For shaving and putting on make-up, the best light should be even and shadow-free. To achieve this, light should come from above and both sides. Wall sconces should be at least 28 inches apart and centered 60 inches off of the floor. Of course, taller or shorter people can adjust this guideline.  Aside from adequate light at the vanities, don’t overlook lighting the tub area and any architectural features. Sconces used in conjunction with a recessed light over each sink will give adequate light in a vanity area. If a recessed light is not an option, but you would still like to use sconces, make sure the sconce is rated for at least 100 watts or equivalent. Also, put lights that are compatible with a dimmer on a dimmer switch for a spa-like affect when soaking in the tub. Your Half Bath, or Powder Room is a room your guests will frequently use. Higher quality sconces, when applicable, should be considered for this area. The Powder Room offers an opportunity to get creative with your lighting. Since this area is not generally used for grooming, the lighting can be very dramatic. Remember that dark colors absorb light, so plan for more than you think you need and use a dimmer.

Roxbury French Iron Sconce by Troy Lighting

 

Contact us for help making your home or office a more beautiful space. The Home lighter Inc. Family owned and operated since 1969.

 

Lighting a Foyer - A Welcoming Entry Light

Hubbardton Forge Sconce - Forged Vertical Bar

Justice Design Group - Pendant Bowl

The Foyer is your homes way of saying “welcome”, and sets a tone for the rest of your house. It should not be overlooked when updating or deciding on new lighting. If it is a small area, a semi-flush fixture, pendant, chandelier, or wall sconces can provide enough light to make the transition from the outdoors into the home. If it is a larger area, you can also incorporate recessed or track fixtures, for instant drama. In a larger foyer you can create visual interest by adding tables that can hold table lamps, or you may have columns that can be flanked by torchieres. Art on the walls can and should be lit, and plants can be highlighted with portable up lights. There are many ways to invite your guests in with light. If there is a closet in your foyer, be sure there is enough light to see into it. Many people like to use chandeliers in a foyer. The bottom of the chandelier should be at least 8 feet above the floor. If the ceiling is very high the chandelier may be hung higher than 8 feet. If there is a window above the door through which the chandelier will be seen from the outside, the chandelier should be hung centered in relation to the window. A chandelier should be chosen based on the width of the foyer, the ceiling height and any architectural details, such as double doors, or a window above the door.

Troy Lighting Pendant - Mill Valley

A general rule is the chandelier width should be at least the same size in inches as the diagonal measurement of the room in feet. However, there are more ways to calculate the appropriate size of an entry fixture if you have an open floor plan. If your ceiling height is 8 to 9 feet and wont accommodate a chandelier, you may consider a semi-flush fixture. Just measure the distance from your ceiling to the top of your door to make sure the door will clear the fixture. 

Tech Lighting - Crescendo Chandelier

Contact us for help making your home or office a more beautiful space. The Home lighter Inc. Family owned and operated since 1969.

Interior Lighting - Light your Dining Room

Effective lighting in a Dining Room should have the capability of setting a relaxing, romantic mood, as well as a festive, holiday mood. The tabletop should be highlighted and dimmers should be incorporated into your lighting plan.

Hubbarton Forge- Vortis Pendant

Small low voltage recessed lights around the perimeter of the room, lighting art work, collectibles, and niches create ambiance in the room by adding layers of light. This effect can also be done with wall sconces, torchieres, and buffet lamps. For a real design statement, install a decorative ceiling medallion with your chandelier. To determine the right  size fixture, you can start by deducting six inches to one foot from the width of a rectangular or square dining table. That dimension will give you an approximate size to start looking for your chandelier or pendant. Rooms with a high ceiling, or that have a large round dining table can accommodate a larger light fixture to call attention to the setting.

Hubbardton Forge - Exos Pasadena, Pendant

 Generally, hang chandeliers high enough so that you can see each other across the table. For higher ceilings, raise the pendant or chandelier so that the fixture, and not the chain, is the focal point. If your ceiling is 8 feet high the bottom of the pendant or chandelier should be between 30 to 36 inches above the table. For a higher ceiling the chandelier may be raised 1 inches for every foot of ceiling height above 8 feet. For example for a 10 foot ceiling the proper height would be 32 to 38 inches. And remember a dimmer allows for soft light for dining and bright light for reading or cleaning. Dimming a light only slightly will save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs.

Hubbardton Forge - Berceau Chandeliers