Perfect Light Fixtures

To get the most out of a light fixture, position it optimally with regard to its purpose. For instance, a pendant fixture intended to provide ambient or background illumination casts a broader path of light the closer it is to the ceiling, but if it is meant to provide task lighting, it must be set lower. Here are some lighting fixture guidelines in which you can follow:

Lamps used for reading: Both floor lamps and table lamps next to chairs have the same requirements. The bottom of the light fixture should be about 40 inches to 42 inches above the floor, which is slightly below eye level for a seated reader of average height. Lamps behind chairs should be taller; the distance from the floor to the base of the light fixture should be minimum of 47 inches. The lamp should be placed approximately 10 inches behind shoulder of the reader. Next to beds, the base of a lampshade should be 20 inches above the pillow.

Task lighting: The height of light fixtures and lamps varies by task, but rules of thumb are available. A pendant fixture should be about 30 inches above the top of a dining table, but if a room is over 8 feet tall, add 3 inches per foot above 8 feet to this figure. Light sources used for light-intensive tasks, such as working, writing, sewing, drawing or working with tools, should be 14 to 15 inches above the center of the work, which should be positioned 10 inches to 14 inches in front of the worker.

Wall-mounted light fixtures: Heights vary and depend on the way the light fixture is designed and the height and size of the wall, but, in general, they should be placed above eye level. They should also be fairly flat, not protruding more than 4 inches from a wall, unless they are placed well above the level where they can be bumped by heads (which is at least 80 inches above the floor).

Track-lighting: The beauty of this type of lighting is its flexibility; the light fixtures can be moved along the track to where they are needed and positioned at any angle to become a downlight, sportlight, or accent light for art and collectibles. To accent an item on a wall, position the fixtures at a 30-degree angle.

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