Lighting
Think of family room lighting beyond mere utility. A little creative lighting use can create dramatic results that also increase family room function.
Three basic lighting categories are ambient, task, and focal.
Focal lighting accents artwork, architectural features, or safety concern areas. Task lighting illuminates specific work areas. Ambient lighting provides general area lighting and varying levels complement family room moods.
Table lamps, wall-mounted lights and track lighting can provide focal lighting. Desk lamps, recessed, pendulum or swag fixtures can provide task lighting. Floor lamps and central ceiling fixtures provide basic ambient lighting.
Evaluate your family room space for areas that serve multiple purposes. These areas may require more than one type of lighting.
Accomplish focal, task and ambient lighting by combining light from:
- Portable floor, desk, and table lamps
- Fixed wall or ceiling fixtures: track, recessed, pendulum or swag
- Existing ceiling fans often may be fitted with a light kit to increase room lighting.
Use light to create the desired family room image. Small family rooms can appear larger and brighter by using lighter, reflective wall and ceiling colors. Large and irregular shape family rooms appear more personal with darker, less reflective wall and ceiling colors.
Classic light bulbs are rated in watts; more watts, brighter lights. Watts actually equal energy used and lumens are the brightness of lights. CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) save 2/3 energy over incandescent bulbs in high use light fixtures that will be lit for more than 15 minutes at a time. A 25-watt CFL emits lumens equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb.
Dimmer switches allow you to create a variety of settings with fewer fixtures. Carefully read CFL packaging to determine if there are any restrictions for use with dimmer switches.