MAINTAINING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM

The term lighting refers to the useful energy output of a system consisting of light sources , fixtures to support them in appropriate locations , wiring channels to activate the light sources and the convenient electrical controls. Here are the tips on how to maintain the lighting system in different rooms according to the ambience .

LIVING ROOM lighting : The living room is the core of domestic life. People decorate them according to their interest , but the one element that is common to all is the intangible style , which is not dictated by prevailing trends or large amounts of money. Here are some basics how to illuminate it properly.

- Establish an adequate general illumination level to reduce the accent light , brightness , contrast.
- Illuminate an entire wall with overhead fixtures to provide background for room furnishings.
- Feature window areas with the cosmic lighting.
- Indirect light like that under a pelment or above a cabinet will supply soft uniform illumination.
- Use dimmers to program lighting moods.
- Play up with the architectural features like aala , niches , mantles etc.
- Highlight artwork and plants with individual lighting arrangements.
- Be sure that the floor , table and hanging fixtures have adequate shades to prevent glare.
- Plan adequate lighting to handle a variety of family activities like rack for display.
- Bar area could use incandescent light to play up sparkling glassware. Lighted shelves or fluorescent fixtures under the front edge of bar are effective.

DINING ROOM lighting : The decor of dining room depends upon the culture of the family. A dining room can change the style of eating. So one should be careful while playing with the lights to make the environment relax and easy.

- One must keep the visual emphasis off the ceiling and walls and on the décor of food and guests.
- Ceiling down lights should fall and focus primarily on dining room table surface.
- Candles and fuel lamps in decorative holders can add special touch to any meal.
- Buffey or service areas and chinaware/silverware/crockery displays deserve special lighting emphasis.

KITCHEN lighting : Kitchen is a place where a lady spends her maximum time so it should have comfortable and fresh feeling. Today’s kitchens are far removed from the dark dingy spaces one saw earlier.

- General lighting for a kitchen should be well distributed , uniform and as shadow less as possible.
- Fluorescent fixtures reduce the energy demands without sacrificing illumination.
- Even if there is window in the kitchen , install down lighting over a sink for cloudy days or nights.
- Special lighting for key work areas can be installed in the ceiling or in the upper cabinets.
- Provide light for storage areas in pantry or wall cabinets overhead or shelf mounted brackets will do the job.