February 2024

Get the right light

Hinkley

If you find yourself saying “watts up?” when weighing your bulb options, familiarize yourself with these lighting terms before deciding which bulb is right for you.

Kelvin – a measure of color temperature which describes the color quality of light and the warmth or coolness of light; the higher the temperature the whiter the light

Color rendering index (CRI) – a measure of the ability of a light source to reveal color; a CRI of 100 shows the true color; a light source with a CRI of 90+ is excellent; a CRI of 80-90 is considered good

Lumen – a measure of brightness; the higher the lumen, the brighter the light

Watt – a measure of energy use; a 60-watt incandescent bulb is equivalent to a 7-watt LED

LED – light-emitting diode; LED lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent lamps

Learn how to choose the right bulb in this video from ALA featuring Cathy Choi, president of Bulbrite Industries. For more lightbulb tips, go online to PickABulb.com or stop by an ALA-member lighting store to see all the options for putting your home in the best light.

Progress Lighting

Complete your look with layers of light

Once you find the perfect fixture for your room, consider the other types of lighting needed to complete the look. For optimal enjoyment and functionality, it’s best to light in layers: ambient, accent and task.

Savoy House

Ambient lighting is the main or general lighting, often generated overhead from a chandelier, pendant(s), or ceiling fan with a light. Ambient light can also be provided by less obvious fixtures like a floor lamp or recessed cans, for example.

Accent lighting gives a space its aesthetic appeal by highlighting specific areas or design elements, such as a fireplace, architectural feature, special décor, or artwork. This type of lighting may come from spotlights, small lamps, sconces, any light that can be aimed to draw attention to a certain spot.

Task lighting is necessary to pour needed light onto surfaces for a particular task or activity, such as preparing food, doing laundry, studying, or grooming. Examples of task lighting include mini pendants over a kitchen island or desk, sconces flanking a bathroom mirror, and a portable lamp or directional sconce for reading in bed.

Fixtures of one type or style are not all relegated to one specific layer. Depending on how they are sized and positioned, different types of fixtures can satisfy any light layer in the right space. A pair of sconces may provide ambient light in one room, while similar sconces in another space may be used as accent lighting.

Kichler

To get the perfect mix of light, ask questions and peruse the latest styles at a nearby ALA-member lighting store. There you will find trained lighting experts as well as pick up a free copy of Lighting magazine. You can also find tips and view lighting design videos at ALALighting.com.