lighting illuminated: 5 key considerations
January 20, 2017
Aesthetically, lighting fixtures can be like
jewelry for an interior, adding a bit of sparkle and just the right finishing
touch to a space. Functionally, there is a lot more to selecting a fixture than
just its dashing good looks. The right (or wrong) lighting selection will make
or break a design, regardless of how well the rest of the space has been
crafted. Below are five key concepts to understand when selecting the right
fixture.
UL listing
The UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, is an
independent US company that tests and verifies consumer products to ensure
their safety for the public. It is important to select a fixture that has been
tested and approved by the UL, especially if it is going in a bathroom it will need to be UL listed for use in damp locations.
Lamping
Lamping refers to the type of bulb (or lamp)
used in a fixture. Different types of bulbs have different light outputs,
require different amounts of electricity, and have varying lifespans. For example,
LED lights have a much longer lifespan (as much as 10-15 years which is great
for fixtures in locations that are difficult to service) and they are also a
great option for saving on energy costs. Some fixtures can accommodate
different types of bulbs, but others cannot. Be sure to check the
specifications to see whether the fixture uses a bulb that is readily available
in your local store, or whether it is something you will need to special order,
as this will impact the ease of maintenance over time.
Lumens
Lumens are the measurement of light output from
the lamp, or bulb, as mentioned above. We are accustomed to understanding light
output in relation to the watts of an incandescent bulb, but with so many other
options (LED, halogen, fluorescent) a little math is needed to determine light
output: The total output (lumens) you will get from a fixture is equal to the
wattage of the bulb, times the lumens per watt for the bulb type. Therefore, a
60w incandescent that produces about 15 lumens per watt will give off only 900
lumens, whereas a 60w LED that produces 30 lumens per watt will give off 1800
lumens. (Hence the energy savings of switching to LED lights.)
Color Temperature
Color Temperature refers to how visually “warm”
the light output appears. It is measured on the Kelvin scale of 1,000K
(warmest) up to 10,000K (coolest). This influences the “mood” you want to set.
Psychologically, a room filled with “warm” light (2,000K-3,000K) gives a sense
of cozy intimacy and is desirable in restaurants or living rooms. A “cool”
white light (3,000K-4,500K) tends to make a space feel vibrant and bright,
which works well in offices or bathrooms. Daylight falls around 4,600K-6,500K,
which feels energizing and crisp and is great for task lighting.
CRI
Finally, the CRI is the Color Rendering Index,
measured on a scale of 0-100. Different light bulbs (and hence the fixtures
that require them) will vary when it comes to how accurately colors appear
under the light. This is separate from Color Temperature, and gets very
scientific very fast. To simplify the concept, what is important to note when
selecting lighting for spaces where color accuracy is crucial (like a design
studio, salon, or your dressing area at home) is that the higher the CRI
number, the more accurately you will see color. Daylight has a CRI of about 75
and typically in a living space you will want a CRI of 70 or higher.
As you can tell, the art and science of lighting can be very complex,
and we haven’t even touched issues like beam spread or control systems. For
large projects or public buildings where lighting plays a critical role it is
often desirable to engage a lighting consultant. However, understanding these
five key concepts is a great starting point for discussing the basics with your
architect or designer, or shopping for fixtures on your own.
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