Articles and tips about lights and lighting design, of interest to homeowners.
General (or ambient) lighting provides overall illumination by way of ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, recessed lights or track lights. Task lighting is more specific, supplying direct light for reading, sewing and cooking. Accent lighting can add drama by spotlighting objects or highlighting interesting aspects of a house.
As home design becomes more sophisticated, and room usage more purposeful, professionals become more specialized. Lighting designers specify fixtures and placement of lighting, and they work with a contractor or installer to make a lighting scheme a reality.
Even when covered with insulation, standard recessed lighting fixtures still allow significant amounts of conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter between the fixture and the ceiling opening.
When deciding on a new lighting fixture for a room, be sure to consider the possibility of installing track lighting. It can create dramatic effects by spotlighting paintings or other artwork.
Since many ceiling fan motors have long warranties, be sure to check the owner's manual before proceeding with repairs. Let the manufacturer deal with a faulty motor if it's still under warranty.
Outdoor electrical systems for landscape lighting require special care, equipment and materials such as weatherproof electrical boxes, conduit for all above ground wiring and weathertight connectors.
Use linear fluorescent and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting.
People who remodel their kitchens often breeze past one of the most important concerns: the lighting. It's a common oversight because lighting technology isn't well understood. Homeowners mistakenly believe that they have to forego adequate lighting in their kitchen, in order to use it in a contemporary way. The truth is that with good design, common sense, and some of the latest lighting technology, your kitchen can remain the center of life in your house while providing plenty of light for your work.