 Dining
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| 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. TIP: Small low voltage lights on either
side of the dining chandelier, lighting art work, collectibles, and niches,
using wall sconces, torchieres, and buffet lamps to add layers of light, all
add up to a spectacular dining experience. For a real design statement, install
a decorative ceiling medallion with your chandelier. |
| 1. What size chandelier
do I need for my dining room? |
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| Deduct one foot from the width of a rectangular
or square dining table and that would be an appropriate sized chandelier. Rooms
with a high ceiling or that have a large round dining table can accommodate a
larger chandelier to call attention to the setting.
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| 2. How high do I hang the
chandelier in my dining room? |
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| Generally, hang chandeliers high enough so that
diners can see each other across the table. For higher ceilings, raise the
chandelier so that the chandelier, and not the chain, is the focal point. If
your ceiling is 8 feet high the bottom of the chandelier should be 30 inches
above the table. For a higher ceiling the chandelier may be raised 3 inches for
every foot of ceiling height above 8 feet. For example for a 10 foot ceiling
the proper height would be 36 inches (30+6).
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| 3. What is the
recommended wattage for my dining room chandelier?
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For an arm chandelier, where the bulbs will be visible, 25 watts per socket
would be adequate dining light and not too glaring. Shades can also be used to
hide the bulbs, but you should not use over 40 watts per socket or the shades
may burn. If you have a chandelier where the bulb is not visible, you can use
the recommended maximum wattage for the fixture. Always install a dimmer switch
in order to lower the lights for dining. Other ideas to bring elegance to your
room is to add another layer of light by installing low voltage lights on
either side of the chandelier, use wall sconces, buffet lamps, or torchieres.
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| Dimmer
Switch
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| 1. Can I use a dimmer
switch on low voltage lights?
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Yes, you can use a dimmer switch on low voltage lights if you use an
appropriate low voltage dimmer. Magnetic low voltage lights require a magnetic
dimmer, and electronic low voltage lights require an electronic dimmer. Line
voltage lights may also be dimmed with the low voltage lights if they are on
the same switch. For instance, if you have a dining table chandelier and low
voltage recessed on either side of it, they may all be dimmed with the low
voltage dimmer. Low voltage lighting may be damaged if the dimmer used is not a
low voltage dimmer.
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| 2. When can I use a
dimmer switch?
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Most rooms benefit from dimmer switches. Dimming provides flexibility for
different activities, enhances highlights in the room, and saves energy. For
example, in the dining room, 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.
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| Foyer
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| The Foyer says “welcome” and sets a tone for the
rest of your home. It should not be overlooked when deciding on new lighting.
If it is a small area, a chandelier or wall sconces can provide enough light to
make the transition from the outdoors into the home. If it is a larger area,
the lighting can incorporate recessed or track fixtures, for instant drama.
Tables can hold table lamps, columns can be flanked by torchieres, art on the
walls can be lit, and plants can be highlighted with portable up lights. If
there is a closet in your foyer, be sure there is enough light to see into it.
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| 1. How high do I hang the
chandelier in my foyer?
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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.
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| 2. What size chandelier do
I hang in the foyer?
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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. 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.
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| Chandelier
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| 1. If my
chandelier is labeled for 5-40 watt bulbs can I use 60 watt bulbs in it?
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If the manufacturer has labeled the chandelier at 40 watts, that is the maximum
wattage to use. Any more wattage may cause a fire.
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| 2. When
installing my chandelier, do I need extra support at the junction box?
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A chandelier weighing 50 lbs or more can not be safely hung from just the
junction box. It should also be attached to a joist or beam.
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| 3. What do I do
if I need more chain? |
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In some cases we have listed the chain as an accessory item on the chandelier
page. If you want to order any items not visible on our website please call our
customer service department to order.
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| Wall
Sconce
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| 1. At what height
are wall sconces installed? |
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| 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 can not see into it.
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| 2. What does ADA
certified mean?
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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 regulation in
public facilities. |
| Bathroom
and Powder room
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Bathroom
Bathrooms today have become versatile multi-use rooms where lighting can be
critical to enhance its use. Aside from adequate light at the vanities, don’t
overlook lighting the tub area and any architectural features. Instead of the
usual light over the bathtub water, (always have a licensed electrician do any
electrical work in a bathroom. Electrical codes vary by location and safety
should be the utmost concern in a bathroom) light the corners of the tub where
you would place your objects d’art. Halogen lights will make your surfaces and
objects sparkle, especially if they are marble or glass block. You can also
light the toe kick areas of the vanity or the bath tub, to have a soft
night-light type effect. Put the ligh |