No Place Like Home -- Karen Wight

Lighting is fundamental. I look at lighting as a two-step process;

first take care of the basics, then have fun with the rest of it. The

rest of “it” includes chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps and sconces.

Here’s what I consider the basics. Every room should have adequate

overhead lighting. Smaller rooms usually need four symmetrically spaced

recessed lights. Large or dark rooms may need six or more overhead can

lights to be lit effectively. If you have walls that display art, or have

a long hallway with a gallery collection of photographs, thoughtfully

place art lights to spotlight focal points. Walls “washed” with light

show important pieces to their best advantage.

If you are planning built-in shelves and bookcases, be sure to add an

overhead spotlight in the unit itself. If you want the light to filter

down, use glass shelves, or if you want a traditional look, use shelving

with glass inserted into wood frames. If you have a special sculpture

that requires side lighting, tiny spots are available that help display

your special collections. Under-counter lights in a kitchen, laundry

room, butler’s pantry or office will add a nice glow to counters and

desktops.

Now for the fun stuff.

Sconces are small lamps that attach to the wall. They are a great way

to add lighting to a long wall, frame a mantle, add light to a bedside or

just dress up a lonely corner. Sconces can provide additional light for a

picture or a mirror or give a room a dressier look.

Decorative sconces don’t necessarily have to be wired to give off

light. Using the candle-style version adds theatrical punch.

If you have a special spot for reading, a floor lamp is a great way to

provide focused light for a specific purpose. It’s nice to have a “low,”

“medium” and “high” setting for a floor lamp so you can select your light

level.

Chandeliers are an exclamation point in any room. These light fixtures

meet us at eye level and provide a big serving of style. Chandeliers come

in every style, shape and size. A small chandelier hung in the corner of

a powder room instantly makes the room important. A whimsical chandelier

hung in a child’s room makes a playful addition and increases light,

color and character.

Table lamps can add extra focused lighting. A small lamp on a bedside

table is perfect for nighttime reading. A lamp on a table between two

chairs in a living room instantly lights up a corner and helps give a

room character.

Don’t forget to check your outdoor lighting. Highlighted large trees

or unusual plant material become very “important” when they are

illuminated. If you have a fountain or pond in your yard, spotlight them

at night and appreciate the added dimension to your landscape.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Sundays.