Changing Your Fixture?

1. Changing Your Fixture? What to consider….

2. What to consider…… • There are lighting types and options to suit just about everyone’s tastes and every location that you can imagine. When determining lights/fixtures consider: where the fixture will be located the type of lighting you want/need in the room the décor or style of the room your budget or price range Where the fixture is located will play a role in determining the type of light or fixture you choose. If it is in the center of the dining room, you’ll probably want a chandelier or other larger decorative lighting piece. You might want the option of having a range of bright light to a softer, mellow light. Dimmer switches are perfect for giving you both ends of the spectrum, especially in rooms with main overhead lighting and come in a variety of styles. • After determining the locations, consider how much light is needed. What will you be doing in that room? What are the possibilities? The different types of lighting are typically divided into the categories of: • general lighting or ambient, • task lighting, • decorative lighting, and • safety and protective lighting.

3. What to consider…… • Layering is usually the key to successful room lighting – having different types of light fixtures and levels that work together to make the room comfortable and useful. • General or overall illumination (ambient) is provided by table, floor and ceiling or hanging fixtures. Ambient lighting is a basic form of light that replaces sunlight and is used to set the mood. Sconces give a decorative presence and can bring style to the room while providing overall or indirect ambient light, too. • Task lightingmakes work areas bright and functional. It’s best if it shines directly on the work surface such as the kitchen counter or island, desk, computer, reading or sewing area.

4. What to consider…… • Decorative or accent lighting can add depth, create an atmosphere and highlight particular items. It adds drama and interest and can spotlight prized paintings are pieces. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. • Safety and protective lighting is used to light the way and prevent stumbling, tripping or falling and also to deter thieves. lighting can be both decorative and practical. Next you need to determine what look or mood you are trying to achieve in the room. Lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes including: • Ceiling or wall-mounted • Pendants • Spot and track lights • Cabinet and under cabinet fluorescents • Portable (lamps) • Ceiling Fan Lights

5. What to consider…… • Ceiling Lights are mounted to the ceiling and are the most commonly found general lighting in most rooms. In new homes, the wiring is typically there if a ceiling fixture is not included. There are a variety of styles, shapes and types of shade that provide varying looks and amount of light. • Pendants -- Pendant lighting offers new styles and looks, working well for areas such as kitchen islands. • Spot , recessed and track lights – are popular options for indirect and overall lighting. • Cabinet and under cabinet fluorescents – these are helpful to highlight cabinets and counter tops as well as provide task lighting for food preparation.

6. What to consider….. • Portable – Portable lighting includes desk lamps, floor lamps, swag lamps, torchieres and now all fixtures with the Safety Quick Light device. • Ceiling Fan Lights -- Not only are ceiling fans extremely useful year-round but adding a light kit makes it more functional for daily use by providing general lighting for the room. • Chandeliers -- In addition to being a decorative piece for your dining room or entryway, chandeliers can provide a transition from the outdoors to the indoors and set the tone for your home. For a chandelier to do its job and look good it needs to be positioned correctly. Be sure to position it in the center of the dining table and the room proportions. Sleeves or “valances” for the chains are very chic to dress up or hide the chain of the fixtures. It’s also a great holiday decoration. • How each fixture functions and the styles and materials it is available in will play a role in which you choose to complement the décor of your room. The cost of lighting fixtures and lamps has become much more affordable, giving homeowners a wide array of choices with many more options available in each price range and making it feasible to change the fixtures to change the look or style of a room.