General tips on lighting your home

Many people spend a great deal of money decorating and furnishing their homes to create an atmosphere only to find that something is missing. Good lighting will complement and complete the effect you are seeking but remember that bright lighting is not always good lighting.

A light source creates a pool of light but there is a second effect produced when this light is reflected by surfaces. It is this secondary effect which cannot be reproduced in the shop where you buy your lights. Consider where you are to put the light and the surfaces under and around it. What effect will the reflected light have?

Avoid hard contrasts which can be tiring to the eyes and, where possible, try to combine different types of lighting in the same room. Direct lighting for reading or working, pools of light to highlight features such as paintings or objects and washes of light on walls all help to add atmosphere to a room whilst remaining functional. If a room has to perform several functions, consider installing a dimmer. This will allow a higher light level for working or reading and a lower light level for relaxation. This can prove useful too for older eyes which need more light.

Colour is most important, incandescent bulbs help create a cosy atmosphere in living areas while fluorescent lamps give a cooler, more efficient light for utility rooms. A room painted in a dark colour will need more light as much of it will be absorbed, whilst lighter colours reflect light. You can add colour to a room by illuminating a coloured surface.

Avoid glare by placing the lights at a height which prevents the eye from seeing the bulb directly. Pendants should not be hung so high that the bulb is clearly visible underneath. Take care that lights placed over reflective surfaces such as glass tables have a diffuser in them.

How much light?

Determining the correct light levels for a home environment is a very complicated subject and depends on a degree on the individuals perception and requirements. The formula below, however, can be used as a rule of thumb. Measure the room size in square metres and multiply this by 25 (for incandescent lamps) 15 (for halogen lamps) or 19 (if using compact fluorescent lamps). This will give you the total watts required to light the room.

Example 1:
a room 5m x 5m has an area of 25sq metres. If we are to use conventional incandescent lamps we multiply this by 25 giving a total wattage of 625 watts. This can be made up as required, for example as follows:

2x 75W table lamps =150W
2x 3 light ceiling lights each with 40W bulbs =240W
2x double wall lights each with 40W bulbs=160W
2x single wall lights each with 40W bulbs =80W

Total = 630W

Example 2:
a kitchen 3m x 6m = 18 square metres. If we intend to use low voltage halogen dichroic lamps then we multiply this by 15 to arrive at 270watts required in total. This can be made up as follows:

1x 3 light halogen bar fitting with adjustable heads each with 50W lamps = 150W
6x downlighters mounted in the ceiling each with 20 W dichroic lamps = 120W

Total = 270W

Please note that this formula is a guide only and some people prefer more light, others less. A useful measure is to over estimate by 10 - 15% and install a dimmer to give you more control. If in doubt seek professional advice.

Room by room:

Different rooms have different functions, accordingly each room will have a different lighting requirement. The following guide will help you decide which light sources you need for each room in your house...Bedroom