Lighting Do's and Don'ts

Lighting can add a kind of magic to a room. Whether the effect is soft and subtle or all-out glimmering, illumination is as crucial as the décor. Getting the lighting right is essential for any space in the home. It can help set the mood or define the function of a room. The secret lies in using multiple sources of light.

with Lisa Davenport of Lisa Davenport Designs

Lighting Do’s

1. Do layer lighting.

This is the most important “do” in lighting and guarantees success. A successful space has three levels of light, so mix sources and levels. Examples for a kitchen would be overhead recessed fixtures, pendants or a chandelier, and undercabinet lighting.

2. Do add dimmers.

Add dimmers wherever possible, including bathrooms. This gives you the ability to control the mood of a space.

3. Do break rules on occasion.

When selecting chandeliers and pendants, formulas for calculating the “correct” size to use can be found on the Internet. Although pushing the envelope a bit can almost always yield dramatic results. So, if the correct size for your chandelier is 28-32 inches wide, consider 36 inches. But be sure to calculate the height as well. 4. Do tuck lighting into unexpected areas. Consider a sconce at the end of a dark hall, a small lamp on a bookcase or, one of my favorites, a pendant in a pantry or laundry room. 5. Do mix finishes, and modern with traditional. Nothing is more exciting than an antique lighting fixture in a modern home, or a sleek, polished piece in a farmhouse. Refer to Rule #3 above: Break the rules!

Lighting Don’ts

1. Don’t mix temperatures in bulbs.

If you have 2700K LED warm white bulbs, do not mix with 4000K LED daylight bulbs. This will result in a warm white light contrasting with a blue light.

2. Don’t create Swiss cheese ceilings with recessed lights.

A 300-square-foot room, for example, can be amply lit with six recessed fixtures. Less, if you follow “Do” Rule #1 and layer the lighting, which is highly recommended.

3. Don’t place LED tape lights too close to the edge of toe kicks or in/under cabinets.

It will cast a pin dot pattern. The light source should never be seen.

4. Don’t forget to change the height of chandeliers and pendants over counters and tables for higher ceilings.

With an 8-foot ceiling, the bottom of the fixture should be 30-32 inches above the table or counter. However, as the ceiling height increases, the distance between the fixture and table or countertop should increase as well. For every additional foot of ceiling height, the distance from the surface should widen by 3-5 inches.

5. Don’t use only recessed lighting in bathrooms.

Wall sconces are desirable because they limit dark circles and shadows created by overhead lighting. Sconces mixed with recessed lighting or a decorative ceiling fixture achieves a stunning layered effect see ”Do” Rule #1.

To find the best lighting for your home, follow these tips from design pro Lisa Davenport of Lisa Davenport Designs. lisadavenportdesigns.com