Since I will be re-doing the wiring at my house, the contractor asked me to mark out the spots where I want my lights to be. Currently, the house is using flourescent lights, and I plan to switch to downlights (those embedded into the flat plaster ceiling - i do not plan to do those L Box and stuff like that, just a plain flat plaster ceiling).

I read somewhere that the rule of thumb is to have the lights 1m apart from the wall & about 1.5m - 2m apart for each light. Is there any truth to that?

Also, any recomendation on what lights to use/not to use?

I have a high ceiling living room that goes up to the 2nd floor (those who have seen the 1.5 story USJ house would know what I mean). Instead of using chandeliers, is there an alternative to iluminate my living room? Suggestions/share of experiences are very much welcome!

Many thanks in advance!

This post has been edited by kathlynn: Jul 6 2010, 03:26 PM

hahaha....florasense light

Better for you to have a rough idea where you want lights and go through it with your contractor..

play with dialux software to do 3d simulation

@kathlynn,
You can also speak with the plaster ceiling fella and ask him for his recommendations.

if u dunwan chandelier, juz put downlight with bigger watt bulbs.

then can consider to put soft/warm light by install wall light or floor light.

btw, juz my 2 cents idea..

thank you for politely pointin out my spelling mistake!

---

Added on July 6, 2010, 3:30 pm@vinluv & tinkerbel - i would discuss with my contractor, but I was tryin to do some research myself first. especially from LYN forumers whom have plenty of constructive opinions....

---

Added on July 6, 2010, 3:31 pmdoes having higher watts affect the plaster ceiling board?

This post has been edited by kathlynn: Jul 6 2010, 03:32 PM

just remember dun install it too high. later hard to change bulb.

think energy saving and environmental friendly. Use something that gives out little heat.

LED...

@kathlynn,
You're gonna need to know roughly what you want or how you want the lightings to be.

In my last experience, I sat with the plaster ceiling fella and we both came up with the design He gave some pretty valuable information

some articles that you guys may find interesting - http://www.ehow.com/way_5316740_lighting-i...iving-room.html

---

Added on July 6, 2010, 5:03 pmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/design/lighting_types.shtml

This post has been edited by kathlynn: Jul 6 2010, 05:03 PM

if u hv budget... yes, install all LED light for common lighting.

then buy other soft tone floor light / wall light

Hi,

my best advice to you - go to any of your friend house who had just renovated their house., and see for your self.. how many lighting point they installed and what type.

I've made some silly mistake by just following the ceiling contractor advice on lighting point.

When the whole house completed and i switch on all the light.! Whoaaa!! my house like a hypermarket or hotel - very the bright!! even switch off half also still over-bright.

so.., before you spend like mad following the contractor advice.. seek for yourself.. any of your friend house. and try to reduce the lighting point.

If you see the house in english movie - their lighting is very simple., and not too bright.

Now.. everytime i'm back at my house.., i'm still looking at those extravaganza light that I've installed at my house.. .. ! silly me.

Hopefully all this light will be useful one day - when i do any event or during hari-raya open house.. hhahaha..

thanks for your advise! yes, im also worried that my hse looks like its perpectually christmas or something. but worse still if its not bright enough...

may consider gettin a few dimming controller - so that can adjust to liking.....

Downlights - 4 incher or 6 incher with or without glass
Bulb - energy saving or 'coiled' looking ones or LED

Apart from those, gotta take into consideration your ceiling height.
Say standard 2800mm, you may go for 1pc downlight for every 1 meter (4 incher).

Just a guide, there's no rule. It's a matter of preference, mixing and matching.

thanks nick!~

im lookin at "spotlights" for my house too, since the wall is too high, i need to use these at the ceilings - something like this




my mom warned me against it tho, sayin tat its too "hot"... would anyone have the alt to this?

yes this is very hot light bulb, generating alot of heat. there are similar designs with different light bulb

Yea I fully agree with morpheuzneo. except my scenario is insufficient lightings! End of the day, it depends on your personal preference..do you like your house bright or dim cosy type? Personally, I prefer bright environment as I read a lot.. At my new place which I've just renovated, my contractor recommended to have only 8 downlights in my living room which I find it insufficient (18W energy saving bulbs with frosted glass cover). So I changed the bulbs the the 24W type instead of changing the downlight to 2 bulbs housing type...

what's the built up of your living room if you dont mind sharing. im considering using the dimmin control as recommended by some website. so you can create an bright or dimmer environment as you like.

if you read alot, its best to use a lamp or a floor light. better for your eyes too!