KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LIGHTING THE HOME
The average sized room needs four or five light sources. If you have dark walls and furniture you may need more lights or higher wattage bulbs. Dark colors tend to absorb light.
The tops of all floor and table lamps should be level to achieve harmony in a room. All the shades should be of similar style and fabric. A table lamp should be no more than 11/2 times the height of the table. The diameter of the shade should be no wider than that of the tabletop.
Place a floor lamp for reading slightly behind you either to the right or left of your shoulder. The bottom of the shade should be above eye level. Left-handed folks place the light source on your right, right-handed the opposite. This prevents shadows from falling on the page from your hands and arms.
Choose lampshades according to the effect you want. Opaque shades are more decorative than practical. They cast strong light up and down, but are not good for reading and watching TV. Instead, choose a light diffusing fabric that gives you cheerful light you can read by.
Can lights in the ceiling are great for a family room. In the kitchen track lighting is popular. It is so versatile. If you put up one or two tracks on your kitchen ceiling the possibilities are endless. You can direct each individual light where you need it. Lights come in many styles from moderately priced to very expensive. Drop styles look great hanging over a kitchen island. Dimmer switches give a great range of brightness ranging from bright for cooking to dim for night time.
There are many choices for lighting around the home. If you are relatively handy it is DIY. If not, please call an electrician! Make sure you always turn off the power to any outlet you are working on.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
