The dreaded lighting plan.
A build or renovation is a marathon and lighting always seems to show up in the twentieth or so mile – right when we just want to get it done. All too often, it is an after thought.
The electrical plan tends to design itself – there are code considerations but beyond that, a bit of thought to space planning and it comes together simply.
Lighting is more complicated – a fine balancing act – and if you don’t want to spend the money on a plan or even if you do and want to be part of the process, here are some how tos:
The best lighting plans are layered and consider task, general and ambient light as part of the whole. Task means lighting for a specific purpose – think reading, chopping, make-up applying. General means just that – allowing you to see where you are going and what you are eating, washing. And ambient considers the naturally available light in a space or low-key, subtle lighting.
Needs change by room. Footcandles, which are a standard unit of light measurement on one square foot of space, are often used to ensure spaces are illuminated properly. Too much light feels like a tanning bed and not enough, will cast shadows. The general rule: a kitchen or office (more task oriented spaces) will require double the footcandles a bedroom does. To keep it simple, think if there are 10 lighting sources in the kitchen, there should be 5 in the bedroom.
Kitchen: consider undercounter, pendant lighting for islands and kitchen tables and general lighting (recessed, more commonly called potlights, are most discreet).
Family/Living Room: consider some general lighting and lamplight (tril-ights are magical) to fill your ambient and task quota. This is where your electrical plan has to be considered in unison with your lighting – floor-mounted outlets will eliminate long cords weaving through your room.
Dining Room: general can be accomplished using a pendant and wall mounted lighting (sconces) rounded out by minimal recessed lighting. Install dimmers for more ambient illumination.
Bedrooms: minimal recessed, wall light for ambient and lamp light or bedside wall light for reading and task.
Bathrooms: think task like wattage. And you will want to consider your vanity design and mirrors for wall light placement. Recessed lighting will cast aging shadows so keep them away from your mirrors!
Lighting Language:
Flush Mount: a lighting source that is connected to the ceiling, installed flush. Perfect for lower ceilings in hallways and basements. These are more commonly referred to as ceiling lights.
Pendant: anything suspended from the ceiling like a chandelier.
Wall Light: mounted on a wall, most commonly called sconces.
Recessed Lighting: Potlights sometimes referred to as ‘ceiling acne’.