Ceiling Lighting

1. A mini chandelier centered over an informal dining table will illuminate the entire table with as little as 200 watts. A chandelier should be installed 30 inches above the table to allow adequate headroom, and should measure a foot less than the width of the table.

2. A flush-mounted ceiling light is all that a small room needs. Recessed ceiling fixtures should be installed near countertops, worktables, or desks to make studying or intricate work easier and alleviate eyestrain.

3. As the costs of energy rise, the type of ceiling fixtures you select for your home involves more than personal choice, or even the initial cost of the bulb. Although a 13-watt compact fluorescent bulb is more expensive than a 60-watt incandescent bulb, it uses only one fourth as much energy and lasts up to 10 times longer.

4. When purchasing ceiling fixtures for the kitchen, consider basic style, the amount of light the fixture provides, and the cost and labor involved in installation. Downlights require adequate clearance space above the ceiling and are best installed below an unfinished crawlspace or attic.

5. Stairways should be lit from top to bottom, using ceiling fixtures or recessed ceiling fixtures and switches at both the top and bottom of the staircase. A well-lit hallway has fixtures placed 8 to 10 feet apart.

6. Rooms with dark walls and floors require more lighting than rooms with bright or neutral-colored walls and carpeting. More is required in rooms with vaulted ceilings or ceilings over 8 feet high.

7. Size is relative to space when selecting a decorative fixture: a fixture that is over- or under-proportioned to the dimensions of the room or foyer will look awkward, and not all rooms and foyers are compatible with chandeliers. When placement of a chandelier allows for it to be seen from both below and above, make sure it is equally attractive from both levels.

8. Pendant fixtures, use singles or multiples, and have shades or globes that eliminate glare and provide general illumination above tables, counters, and work areas. This kind of fixture is easy on the eyes. Pendants can also be used as task lighting, and is the perfect solution when a workspace is too confined for desk or table lamps.

9. Flush mount ceiling fixtures attach directly to the ceiling with no space between the ceiling and the fixture. Semi-flush fixtures attach to the ceiling with a short extension that drops the fixture below ceiling level. Both are suitable for any room in the house.

10. Whether you select traditional or contemporary fixtures, the emphasis is on accenting decor or creating functional areas for work and recreation. The aesthetics of recessed ceiling fixtures can provide accents to architectural attributes as well.