Jun 23 2008 7:49AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
Blog This! using: Blogger.com | LiveJournal |

1. Not enough light. Most people put up one central light in a room and then expect it to fulfill every need. In order to make a space flexible enough for every situation, you will need to create a few different light sources between recessed, portable, and hanging fixtures.

2. Underestimating the style impact of a fixture. Sometimes subtle design cues are enough. A lamp with heavy thematic detail can overwhelm a room by pulling attention away from everything else.

3. Not taking the maximum bulb brightness into account when purchasing a fixture. If the goal is to light a whole room or to provide light for reading, then a fixture with a maximum output of 60 watts can not solve the problem. The maximum wattage varies quite a bit between light fixtures so you should consider if the fixture can safely meet your needs. The maximum wattage is determined by the amount of heat a fixture can withstand so it is unsafe to use an incandescent bulb with a higher wattage than specified. If your current fixture isn't bright enough, try a fluorescent bulb since these give off less heat.

4. Diffusing a bulb twice. If a lamp shade is placed over a bulb then you don't need to use a diffused bulb. A regular, clear bulb will do the trick. The shade should prevent any glare.

5. Not installing enough switches. Having versatility built in is the biggest advantage to a well planned lighting scheme. Dimmers and individual switches allow you to tailor the light levels to your specific activity.