Green Home Lighting Guide - Idaho Power

lighting choicesroom by roomOnce the fixture and lamps have been chosen, the next step is to select the best locationso the subject is illuminated in an optimal way. A professional lighting designer can bea great resource for this task. For example, if you are lighting a vanity, you would notwant to put the lamp behind where a person would stand; you would place the lamp onthe wall by the mirror so that it shines evenly on the person’s face. Lighting both sidesof the face provides the best light. For lighting above or below kitchen cabinets, a longdiffuse source such as linear fluorescent is the best choice.If you are lighting a workshop, the lamps are often placed directly over theworkbenches. Linear fluorescents are good choices. In all of these examples, we areaddressing the location and direction of the light from a normal viewing perspective.This is often done unconsciously, but it helps to know the process.The following is a room-by-room guide to help you place your lighting fixtures.KitchenThe kitchen is primarily a work area, but it is also a gathering place for family andfriends. The variety of functions requires lighting solutions that are both functionaland comfortable.Good kitchen lighting incorporates both ambient and task. A large ceiling fixtureequipped with linear fluorescent lamps with high CRI and 3000 – 3500K will supplywell-diffused ambient lighting. As the only source, however, it will create shadowswhen you are working at the counters. You will need supplemental task lighting whereyou will be chopping vegetables and washing dishes. Under-counter linear fluorescentlighting with high CRI is an excellent choice. Not only is linear fluorescent lightingextremely efficient and long lasting, it provides soft, comfortable and even light.You can also use it above your cabinets for ambient lighting. It lights the ceiling andbounces the light around the room making everything seem brighter. With today’s color13 green home | lightingPhoto left bottom: Seagull Lighting