How to determine the size of a lighting fixture for your room
Have you ever thought "Why is this room so bright?" "Why is this room so dull?" This is more common than you think, this phenomena can often occur in any room in your house.
Why does this occour?
There are many reasons why this phenomena occurs throughout your household, it ranges from the power and intensity of the bulb that is fitted to where you have placed the fixture in the room, although the main characteristic that directly influences the light in the room is the size of the lighting fixture.
It is crucial to choose the correct size of fixture when you are thinking about the amount of light that you want to spread throughout the room.
What should i do?
There are numerous points that need considered before shopping for the right lighting fixture. These attributes, when decided, will most definitely help you figure out the proper size of light for your space.
The Purpose of the Room.
One thing you should do is think about is whats the purpose of this room?
You will find that some rooms need light to be concentrated at one point in the room with a dimmer to create a level of comfort and ambiance, whilst other rooms may need a strong light that is spread equally across the room, such as a living room, Having a core understanding of what the space is going to be used for is crutial when trying to pick the right size of fitting.
Rooms Dimensions
Knowing the dimensions of your room is the most important part of this whole process, you need these dimensions in order to pick the right size of light fitting.
For example, if your room is small then you will need to get a small light fitting, for the best results, you should measure the length, width and height of the room, you will then use these measurements to decide the right size of fitting.
Number of Fixtures.
You will need to know how many fittings your going to install in the room
Depending on what you want to do with the room, you could either have one light fitting in the middle of the room with the light spread across the whole space, or you could have a fitting in each corner of the room to focus the light at key points in the room, depending on the number of lighting fixtures you choose, the size of the fitting with vary
Ok lets do some maths!
Now that we have determined what to do based on the previous points and we have the exact measurements for the room, we need to calculate the perfect size of light fittings to give the perfect amount of lighting.
Theres two important things to think about in regards to the dimensions for each fitting, these are the diameter and the ceiling height. The ceiling height is used for light fittings such as pendants and chandeliers that hang down from the ceiling.
The steps to follow when calculating the perfect diameter for your light fittings
- 1. Measure the the width and length in feet
- 2. Add the values together
- 3. The outcome is the diameter value in inches
Example: 10 feet by 5 feet
- 10 + 5 = 15 feet
- 15 feet = 15 inches
The steps to follow when calculating the perfect height for your light fittings
- 1. Measure the the width and length in feet
- 2. Multiply the outcome with 2.5 and 3 to create different heights
- 3. The outcome is the height value in inches
Example: 15 feet
- 15 * 2.5 = 37.5 feet
- 15 * 3 = 45 feet
- 37.5 - 45 feet = 37.5 - 45 inches
Wallah! There you have it! Congratulations you have just calculated the perfect height and diameter for your lighting fixture. Now rince and repeat these steps in every room in your house.
But Wait! It doesnt end here!
Remember earlier when we talked about the fact that having many fittings in the room will have an affect on your choice in the size of each fitting? Another thing we need to think about is the bulb intensity, When choosing a light bulb you will want to pick a product with high power outputs for stong lighting, or a low cost bulb for the dimmer
Lastly, The fact is, price DOES matter. As the size of the fitting increases, so will the price of each unit.