Light is an important part of our daily lives. It helps us
function, can help determine our mood and effects the way we view different
things. It is also an important aspect of decorating the rooms in our homes. We
use it to set the mood of a room, to accent a certain part of a room, and to
help us relax.
Below is a list and description of the top light bulbs that
are highly recommended by interior designers.
Silver Bowl: It
has the name Silver Bowl because the top half of the bulb is covered by a
metallic finish. This helps to soften the light. We recommend it for overhead
lights that have exposed bulbs. It is especially handy when the light doesn’t
have a dimmer.
Soft Pink: This
bulb is perfect for relaxation! It lets off a rosy glow. We recommend it in the
living room, dining room and bedroom.
Round Candelabra:
These are great to use in a modern chandelier. For a fun twist replace the
typical flame-shaped bulbs in a traditional chandelier with these bulbs. It
will bring a modern twist to a classic piece!
Edison: This bulb
was inspired by Edison’s original design. The filament is visible and it gives
off a rustic glow. While it is a really neat looking bulb it is a bit
expensive. We only recommend it be placed in lamps where the bulb is exposed.
Please keep in mind that CFLs (compact fluorescent light
bulbs) are going to be your best bet! They last about six times longer than
incandescent bulbs, and use 75% less energy. What does this mean? Well
basically it will save you about $40 over the course of a light bulbs life.
Height and Size of
Lights
Bedroom: Relaxing
in bed is probably the best time to read a book! When you are reading you want
the light to be perfect, enough to read by, but not jarring. The bottom of the
lamp shade should be a bit below your line of sight (16 – 18 inches from the
top of the mattress). We usually recommend a table lamp that is about 26 to 28
inches high.
Kitchen Pendants: It
is important that the pendants be about 36 – 48 inches from the top of the
counter. You want to be sure they lights are not in your line of view while
cooking and preparing food. We recommend kitchen pendants be placed above a
table or island. The row of lights should begin approximately 12 – 15 inches
from either end of the island or table. IMPORTANT: The lights should still be
higher than the tallest person living in the house. We don’t want anyone to
become injured! ;)
Dining Room
Chandelier: The chandelier in your dining room should be approximately ½ to
¾ the width of the dining room table. We suggest hanging the light about 30 to
48 inches above the table. If you want a more intimate setting hang the
chandelier a bit lower, and if you want someone is going to be giving a toast
during the meal hang it a bit higher.
Bathroom Sconces: When getting ready for a busy day at the
office or for an evening out on the town the lighting is extremely important.
Especially when fixing your hair or putting on make-up! We recommend placing
the sconces about 36 – 40 inches apart from each other, on either side of the
mirror. It is ideal that the bottom edges of the shades are a bit below eye
level (60 – 65 inches from the floor).
Lighting can very easily be manipulated and changed
throughout all of the rooms in your home. If you have questions or need any
other light friendly tips give us a call, or visit us on Facebook!
Hamburger, S. (lighting designer) & Johnson, G.M.
(author and lighting designer), (2011). The Guide: Home. Real Simple Magazine.
-final.jpg)
