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What to Look for in Light Fixtures
The right light
fixture sets a room off and gives it a finished
look. The wrong light fixture looks awkward and
out of place.
It may also not provide adequate lighting for
the space. When shopping for light fixtures,
what should you look for before making a
purchase?
First decide on the function you want the light
fixture to serve in your lighting scheme. The
three basic types of lighting are ambient, task,
and accent. Do you want it to provide light for
the entire room, for a specific area only, or
for highlighting a decorative feature? Once you
determine the function you want the fixture to
serve, you’ll be ready to go shopping.
Ambient lighting refers to general lighting that
illuminates the entire room. The ceiling light
found in most rooms is an excellent example of a
fixture that provides ambient lighting. Such a
fixture is typically able to handle light bulbs
with higher wattages than task or accent
lighting fixtures.
Good examples of task lighting are a desk lamp,
vanity lights on both sides of the bathroom
mirror, a reading light on a bedside table, and
a light over the stove or kitchen sink. Task
lighting provides illumination within a limited
area for performing specific tasks such as
reading the newspaper, doing homework, putting
on makeup, cooking, and washing the dishes.
Since task lighting is focused on a small area,
it does not provide much ambient lighting.
Accent lighting highlights a specific feature or
object, such as an artwork. It is used to bring
attention to something and set it off. Such a
light fixture provides little ambient or task
lighting; rather, it is used to enhance
atmosphere.
A complete lighting scheme will ideally include
at least one lighting fixture from each of these
three categories. The idea is to balance the
lighting within your home, avoiding dark and
bright spots. As an example of a balanced
lighting scheme, you might have a ceiling light
for ambient lighting, table lamps for task
lighting, and wall sconces to set off your
fireplace.
Do you need a light fixture for ambient, task,
or accent lighting? Once you have clarified the
function, you can move on to selecting the
style. The style you choose should coordinate
with the room’s décor. For a natural, complete
look, it should fit in as well as perform its
function. You’ll want to take your time in
making a selection.
Of course, before you start looking, you’ll want
to know your budget. You don’t want to fall in
love with a light fixture then discover you
can’t afford it. Also, take energy efficiency
into account. A light fixture that may cost more
initially might be more economical in the long
run than a cheaper alternative.
You’ll want to consider all the factors before
buying a light fixture. The basic considerations
are function, style, quality, price, and energy
efficiency.
Home improvement guides:
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Interior home projects
Minor interior home projects
Residential furniture
Interior window coverings
©, Bathroom Lighting Showroom.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always consult a
professional before installing any new lighting. The content on
this site is the authors opinion only and should
not be considered professional advice. |
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