A Bright Idea
Different lighting options can make or break the ambience of a room.
By Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O., M.A., with James Calderwood Jr. 

Home lighting has changed over time—from candles to gaslights to electricity. In the 1940s and 1950s, ceiling lights that brightened an entire room became popular. By the late 1960s, however, they had been replaced by scattered lamps, and during the 1970s and 1980s, track lights gained popularity. Today, recessed lights are found in ceilings of most new and renovated homes. Sconces, pendulum lights, and traditional chandeliers remain popular. Unfortunately, lighting often is an afterthought, and the lighting and electrical plans rarely receive more than a glance. Few books on home remodeling even include a chapter on the subject.

Still, lighting is a key element of a space. It should reflect the uses of a given space as well as how we want to feel there. For example, in the kitchen adequate light is needed to catch the instant when a sautéed fish goes from translucent to perfectly cooked; lighting affects whether we are relaxed or energized. Furthermore, lighting can change over the course of a day due to the sun, opening or closing blinds, turning lights on or off, or controlling fixtures with dimmer switches.

Different fixtures may seem similar yet have different purposes. Accent lights are meant to focus light on a small area, sconces are decorative, task lights direct light on a work area such as a kitchen counter, and others give general room illumination. Read the product label to determine a light’s function. Also plan fixture locations to assure adequate illumination and avoid unwanted shadows.

The location of light switches is important, too. You don’t want the switches to a beautiful array of pendulum recessed lights located in the central part of the kitchen where you can’t reach them when you enter the room.

Other lighting decisions to consider are the amount of light; the interplay of natural and artificial light; and the types, location, and number of fixtures. Some people prefer dimly lit spaces with a few task lights, while others like the entire room to be bright. If you lean toward dimly lit rooms, remember that as we age our eyes change and become less sensitive to light. More light will be needed, and your original lighting plan should be able to adapt to these changes.

The price of light fixtures varies. Though some cost difference is due to the quality and construction, style and design also influence cost. When shopping for recessed light fixtures, note that each complete fixture includes several separately purchased components that must fit together, and check part numbers carefully. Some recessed fixtures are used as spotlights, others are for general lighting. Also note that products differ for remodeling versus new construction.

Even if you have no plans for a renovation, changing your light bulbs can make a difference. For years, sockets either were incandescent (for common light bulbs) or fluorescent (long tubes). Today, special fluorescent bulbs are made for regular light sockets, and a number of halogen and other special bulbs are available. Even tube fluorescent lights range from a bright white to a calming white. Still, try not to choose fixtures requiring trendy bulbs that may not be available in the future and, for fire safety reasons, use no more than the maximum wattage recommended.

By taking the time to plan your lighting design, you can create a space that will fit your family’s changing needs (and moods) perfectly.