Guiding Light

How you light your interior spaces can make or break your log home’s overall feel. But with so many options to choose from, finding the right light can be an overwhelming task, leaving home owners in the dark when it comes to choosing the right fixture, selecting the level of illumination and knowing how to install it.
    Don’t worry—we’re here to shed some light on the subject. Check out our five easy tips for finding the perfect lighting.

1 Achieving “just right” illumination in a room doesn’t need to be a guessing game. There’s actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of light you’ll need:
    Room Length x Room Width x 1.5 = Amount of Watts Needed to Light a Room
    (But remember, dark logs tend to absorb light, so you’ll probably want to amp up this number by a few watts.)
    For more concentrated lighting over a task or work area (think kitchen island or an office desk), simply multiply the dimensions of the work space by 2.5.

2 The best way to light a hallway is to include a fixture every 8 to 10 feet. Either flush mounts of semi-flush fixtures can be used depending on ceiling height. Recessed light will let you brighten a hall without worrying about fixtures.

3 Chandelier size is dependent on where you’ll hang it. If it’s for a foyer or entryway, make sure the bottom of the chandelier is at least 7 feet from the floor. To determine the size: Simply add the dimensions of the room together. For example, if you have a 10-by-12 foot foyer, the diameter of the chandelier should be approximately 22 inches in width.
    If your chandelier is hanging over a table, make sure the diameter is equal to one-half the width of the table. And remember: The bottom of the chandelier should be at least 2 1/2 feet above the table to provide perfect illumination and avoid bumped heads!

4 Bathroom lighting can be tricky since bathrooms typically have only one fixture above the mirror. Unfortunately, top-mounted lighting casts dark shadows down on the face. If you want to see your true self, install fixtures on both sides of the mirror. Our favorite options: wall sconces or hanging pendants.

5 Portable lighting highlights a focal point in a room and provides extra light for tasks, such as reading and cooking. If you’re using a floor lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should be about 42 inches from the floor. Desk lamps should be 16 inches above the work surface.

This article is featured in the October 2006 issue of Log Home Design.