Decorating expert Michele Thompson points out easy and functional ways to light the home.
- Following are the three basic types of lighting:
- Ambient lighting means to have light placed throughout the room. The goal is to simulate natural daylight. Examples for ambient lighting include ceiling fixtures such as pendants or chandeliers and wall-mounted fixtures or floor lamps. All provide enough room for general use.
- Task lighting is meant for specific tasks or jobs. Table lamps or pendant lighting are great for preventing eye strain. Use a lower wattage bulb such as 40 for a reading area.
- Accent lighting is used to enhance the decor of a room. The main function is to create interesting visual effects. The key to accent lighting is to use at least three times the amount of light than that of the ambient-lighted room. Accent lights are used to frame and show off artwork or a nice paint job.
- Lamp placement on a workbench should be approximately 15 inches above the work area.
- Extra-tall lamps should be placed at least two feet behind any chair or sofa in a room.
- Avoid using both fluorescent light and natural light in the same room.
- For effective mood lighting, choose lower-wattage light bulbs as accent lighting. Task lighting requires a stronger wattage such as 60 or 75, depending on the area to be lit.
