Lighting Do’s and Don’ts

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At Lighting One, we know that everyone has their preferences when it comes to lighting their home. Some people like to have a floor lamp in the corner of the living room, while others would rather have a table lamp on an end table. There are always new options when it comes to lighting, but there are also some do’s and don’ts that are important to follow, especially when you’re installing new fixtures.

When you visit one of our 300 affiliated showrooms across North America, you’ll be able to work with an expert staff who can help you avoid common lighting mistakes. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the do’s and don’ts for your dining room, bathroom, and kitchen.

The Dining Room

You may not use your dining room on a regular basis, at least not formally, but it’s important to make sure that the room’s lighting design doesn’t fall into the “don’t” category.

Do: Measure the space. If you’re going to be installing a new chandelier above the dining room table, then it’s important to measure the room before you visit your local lighting showroom. Once you know the length and width of the room, you can find a chandelier with the appropriate diameter, helping you avoid a hanging fixture that’s too large or too small for the space.

Don’t: Hang the chandelier too low. The last thing you want is for people to bump their head on the chandelier as they’re trying to sit down, or for them not to be able to see the person sitting across from them. If the bottom of the chandelier is less than 30 inches above the tabletop, then it’s time to raise it!

The Bathroom

The bathroom is where you get ready for work in the morning and ready for bed in the evening, as well as where you enjoy a nice hot shower or long soak in the tub when you really need it. As for bathroom lighting, it’s important to adhere to these important do’s and don’ts.

Do: Install wall sconces. Instead of the traditional vanity light, go with wall sconces on either side of the bathroom mirror. These can provide better light for shaving, putting on makeup, and other daily hygiene tasks.

Don’t: Skimp on lighting. If you need two recessed lights above the shower, then install two! The bathroom is meant to be bright and functional, so don’t settle for one light where two are needed. You can always add new lighting controls to control the brightness of each fixture.

The Kitchen

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, which means you’re going to notice if the lighting isn’t right. When it comes to your kitchen island, there is definitely a list of do’s and don’ts.

Do: Pick an odd number of pendants. It’s often best to go with three to five hanging pendants lights, depending on the length of your kitchen island. You’ll want the space between each pendant to be the same, and it’s best to start at the center of the island and work outwards. If you have a 12-inch pendant, for example, then there should be 12 inches between each fixture!

Don’t: Choose small pendant lights. Traditional pendants tend to be 6 inches wide. While this is fine for smaller islands, larger islands call for larger lighting options. If your island is wider than 24 inches (as most islands are these days), then consider bigger pendants so that your light fixtures don’t get lost.

At Lighting One, we’re always excited when people discover new lighting solutions for their homes. By visiting one of our affiliated showrooms, you can find new ways to improve your home and create the perfect lighting design for any space.

Get started today!

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