One of the most common questions I’m asked when redesigning a room is how to select the proper lights. Often a client’s lighting will be inadequate or not properly sized. In light of this topic, I want to go over some details to assist you.
There are three basic types of lighting:Â ambient, task, and accent. The issue with lighting is that it can be expensive, and the inexpensive options generally max out at 60 watts which are not enough to light a living room. I like a 3-way lamp as it offers the most versatility. You can keep it low for ambient lighting when relaxing, watching TV, having friends over or turn it up for task lighting when reading. For inexpensive light sources consider these options:
You can always transform an existing lamp if you are simply tired of it and need a change. Have you visited the spray paint selections in your local home store? Rustoleum has every texture, color, finish and metallic look you could imagine! These paints can adhere to anything if properly applied, check out the instructions on the back of paint can, or visit the website the amount of information available is incredible. Note, you can unify the look of multiple lamp bases by selecting matching lamp shades.
I found this formula on the Ballard Design website to calculate how much lighting you need in a room:
Room length X Room width x 1.5 = Amount of wattage to light a room
Here is an example, if a living room is 18’ long and 14’ wide the calculation would be 18 x 14 x 1.5 = 378. Therefore, to adequately light a room of this size would require 378 watts. The total wattage would then be broken down over multiple lamps and lighting options.
Shades
Have you ever gone to the store and picked up a shade for a lamp and had it not fit, aggravating, isn’t it? For step-by-step instructions on how to pick the proper shade click here to read an article from Apartment Therapy.
10 Shade Shopping Shortcuts as detailed by Ballard Designs:
- Round lamp base – Choose a round or hexagonal shade.
- Square or angular base – Opt for a square shade.
- Can’t decide on a shape? When in doubt, go with an empire style.
- Shade height – Your shade should be 2/3 the height of your base.
- Shade width – Your shade should be twice the width of the base.
- Pleats say traditional.
- Smooth leans contemporary.
- Your lamp neck, harp, and all hardware should be hidden underneath the shade.
- If you can, take your lamp with you shopping.
- Mix opposites to make a contemporary statement
If you need help selecting the right style, size, or color for your lights give Debbie a call 610.955.8202 or email for all your redesign needs!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz and Google+.