Use of lighting

By Kathy Flaxman

"We all respond psychologically to light," states architect Barry Goldman. When he designs a project, lighting is uppermost in his mind. "Light affects how you see objects," he says. "In a residential application, the ideal house would have abundant natural light with windows on all four sides. That's rarely possible, but other lighting can achieve excellent results."

How does one choose lighting for a home? Goldman points out that it depends on what is being done in each area to be lit. Rooms and tasks have special lighting needs. "Lighting a home is somewhat like lighting a stage for a performance," Goldman says. "I tell people if they want to be depressed, put an overhead fluorescent in the bathroom. It will give off a blue-green light and cast harsh shadows on your face. Perfect for a scary part in a play!"

A better alternative is some form of sconce on either side of the mirror, either with halogen or incandescent bulbs. "The sconces should be at eye level," he suggests. "The light from halogen bulbs is the closest to sunlight, while incandescent bulbs give off a yellow light that is flattering too."

In the kitchen, lighting really comes into its own. There is work taking place and since sharp objects are involved, seeing well is a must. "Overhead lighting such as pot lights or track lighting provide what I like to call fill light," Goldman says. "This ambient lighting isn't enough to work by, but it does fill down. Then there is actual task lighting. Under-cabinet lights help perform that function. They dispel shadows created by the other lighting. In a properly lit kitchen, you won't go blind or take off a thumb trying to chop the celery."

Claudio Rossit, branch manager and head of purchasing for Sescolite Lighting in north Toronto sees 4,000 to 5,000 customers come through each week. He has an excellent grasp of what is new and what consumers are looking for when it comes to lighting. "Fixtures and bulbs have become smaller and more compact," Rossit points out. "Pot lights that use bulbs that can be swiveled and focused are very popular. There is a greater use of halogen today. The prices have come down a lot and the bulbs tend to be energy efficient, too. The new compact fluorescent bulbs have likewise become affordable and popular. As energy prices rise, customers are demanding this type of alternative."

Up and coming

The new kid on the lighting block is Zenon. A gas-like halogen, its bulbs provide excellent light with the added benefit of being cooler, which makes them a good option for under-cabinet lighting. "Halogen lighting has the potential to damage cabinets because of the heat it throws off," Rossit notes.

Mood lighting

Use of dimmers is an excellent means of creating the mood for dining or entertaining. Lighting can be bright for setting the table or arranging seating and drinks. Later, to create an intimate mood, dim the lights. Dimmed, they use less energy. And not all lighting has to be high tech. "Candles will always provide a flattering and beautiful light. When the lights are low, we can fill in the gaps using our imagination," Goldman says.

Lighting facts and tips

The light from halogen bulbs is the closest to sunlight. Halogen is less expensive today and bulbs are energy efficient and last for years.

The new compact fluorescent bulbs have likewise become affordable and popular. As energy prices rise, the fact that these use one-quarter the amount of electricity of an equivalent incandescent is appealing. These compact fluorescents take a minute or so to become bright and some do give off a white light rather than a blue/green fluorescent hue.

Got a decade's supply of incandescent bulbs in the storage cupboard? Don't despair, think dimmer switch. When the lights are dimmed they use less power, making your incandescent bulbs eco-friendly. Besides, the light they give off is a pleasing and flattering yellow.

Sconces, ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, pot lights, and track lighting all refer to types of fixtures that take bulbs. Fixtures will accommodate one type of bulb only, for example either halogen or incandescent.

General household lights and bulbs in fixtures provide a sort of general overall light called ambient or fill light. Take care: a track light fixture may take small bulbs, but they could be incandescent spot light bulbs, not halogen. In pot light or track light fixtures, use a spot or floodlight to focus the beam. Great as illumination for artwork or tasks. In a home office, focus one on the desk, one on the files, and one on the computer screen. Supplement with high-intensity lamps if needed. You can rarely have too much light.