How much light does my home need?

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This is a question frequently asked which can produce a countless number of responses, as a result of the simple universal truth that we are all different, and therefore have different lighting needs and tastes. Also there is the rather large matter of space; we all have different spaces to fill. To try and comprehend the vast array of size and shape rooms, in homes all around the world is truly mindboggling. 

If the variation of structure wasn’t enough there is also the matter of a rooms function. We all expect different things from our rooms depending on our hobbies, lifestyles to the amount of people that use the room on a regular basis and their individual needs. Taking all this into consideration when designing a lighting plan can be very taxing but if formulated correctly can be very rewarding.

Despite the widespread deviations and diversification of space lighting requirements there is a simple formula for approximating the total wattage you will need to light a space adequately. Simply measure the are you wish to light in metres squared and multiply the figure you arrive at by 25 for standard tungsten bulbs, 15 for halogen lams and 19 for compact floruescent lamps. For example: using a compact flourescent for a room that measures 30 square metres you would multiply 30 x 19 = 570 watts. Then ensure that your fittings, and thier lamps respective wattages add up to around 570 watts in total for sufficient lighting. Bear in mind that this is just a guideline and you would benefit from over estimating this formula by around 10-15% and if possible to fit dimmer switches for total control. This equation is based on using standard incandescent lamps.

Also to be taken in consideration is the issue of light reflectance. Light reflectance is measured by light reflectance value or LRV. This is a measurement that expresses the accurate percentage of light is reflected for any particular colour of kind of surface. The light reflectance value for colour can quite often be found on the back of paint sample cards that you see in all DIY shops. This comes in very handy if you are designing a new light plan at the same time as you redecorate a room from scratch. The reading from the back of these colour charts will give you a good general idea of how much light is ideal for minimal light reflectance in the room once it has been painted. In regard to surface finishes, glossy as opposed to matt is the way to go to cut down on your light reflection. This is due to the fact that under a microscopes inspection, a glossy finish is smooth and whole and therefore reflects light in one direction, whereas a matt surface on the other hand is a broken surface, which reflects light in multiple directions, giving the overall appearance of more reflected light. And of course the percentage of light reflection is greatly affected by the distance that the surface in question is away from a particular light source. 

Taking the time to equip a room with ideal lighting can give your home a much more evenly balance, less cluttered and cleaning feel. Take the time to find out what you want and match it to what you have to work with and you won’t be disappointed by the resulting atmospheric advantages.

David Cullis Is the owner of Lighting Majestic

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