Don't want to decide lights yet, but need to know how many- help?

15 years ago

My mind is just way too boggled right now to make such important decisions as exactly which pendants we want over the island... but we're roughing in electrical so we need to know how many ceiling boxes to put in and what spacing!!

Can you lighing design experts please advise?

The island is ~ 4' x 5' and is to be used for food prep and seating. There is a flush-mount overhead off to one corner of the island, but no other lighting intended to light this area. The pendants will be it.

Do you recommend 2 or 3? At what spacing?

Also- the lighting store I visited recommended just THREE recessed (5") lights over the sink peninsula. Do you think that's enough? The counter is ~ 9' long, so 10' from the far right end to the face of the upper cabinet on the left end (which has UC lighting underneath it).

Thank you!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

bkinsey
15 years ago
I'm not going to be much help (forewarning!!lol) I don't know that technical answers that you need, but I found myself in the same boat 2 weeks ago (needing electrical roughed in),and the more research that I did I realized that I almost needed to have the pendants picked before I could decide. Because it really depends on the size of the pendant before you can choose between 2 and 3...just my experience...as I said not too helpful.
Good Luck!
Stacey Collins
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, you're right :(

The smallest ones I am considering are 8" glass shades that take a 75 watt bulb.... does that help?
Related Discussions
I'm getting discouraged.... but I don't want to give up yet.
Q
Comments (5)
I think maybe? you started with too small quantity of worms. You said $30 for them. So you purchesed 1 1b probably or maybe 2 1bs at the most. I think you should have bought 4 or 5 pounds for one of those big bins. They will mutliply in the right conditions but you have to only feed them as they will eat. I would add some new bedding and feed them zukinie squash and pumpkin or butternut squash and some corn meal. But only give them a 1/2 cup every three or four days for 1 1b. at first and make sure they eat it before giving more. I always start out with cardboard and compost and dried leaves crumbled up and soak the leaves and cardbaord before adding to the compost. If you can buy more worms that would be good so you can feed them more. It does take more than one try for some of us to get the hang of things. That is not too much water in the bedding and not too much food to soon. Do you have any books on worms like " Worms eat my Garbage". I bet that book would help you out alot. Check your local library, it is an old book still available though. Good luck and keep posting your questions. I wish you had more people respond to help out. Bill C
...See More
I know I need help so please don't criticize!!!
Q
Comments (8)
Dad has GOT to take a more active stance. Bio-Mom doesn't get to dictate all of the terms just because she has primary custody. The problems you describe are serious, and heading down a nasty, difficult road. If Bio-Mom doesn't change her ways, this child will be one of those 'never grow up, live at home' adults who can't hold down a job or maintain an adult relationship. I know Momma loves her 'baby', but it's going too far, waaay too far. Is there any indication that the child isn't capable of doing for himself? Any signs of a developmental disability? Since he's old enough to be in school, I'd schedule a conference with his teacher. Or rather, I'd make sure your husband does it, then show up there yourself "to be a supportive wife and stepmother." It'll be walking a tightrope, but it's necessary. See what types of difficulties he's having in school, of if he's able to cope there, but just not at home. Whether or not to include Bio-Mom is a tricky issue -- Maybe talk to the teacher first on the phone so you get an idea of whether or not she has the same concerns you do? If she does, let her be the one to take the lead with Bio-Mom on ways to encourage independence and self-reliance. If the teacher isn't concerned, it could be that stepson's behavior is specific to your household -- which would be a whole 'nother can of worms. (If you have the same last name as the child, odds are good the teacher won't even know you're the step-mom until you tell her -- Which of course, you'll do at the 'appropriate' time.) There are ways to encourage a child's independence without saying "You have to do it yourself." Try showing him once, then asking him if he can do the next one. (Make sure it's something small and simple where his chances of success are near 100%.) If he's slow to comply, be 'unavailable' to help for a few minutes -- maybe "as soon as I get back from the bathroom" or "take the clothes out of the dryer" or "stir the pot for dinner." He'll probably rather do it himself than wait. Or tell him how much the 2 year old looks up to him since he's so much bigger, and ask him if he can show the little guy how to do something. (Never mind that it could be the reverse...) Letting him know what to do, then walking away and leaving him to fend for himself can be a very effective strategy. Praising small advances, looking for good behaviors to reward, and admiring 'big boy' things may also encourage the types of behaviors you want to see. Good luck - and hang in there. Above all, try to remember that the little boy's self-crippling behaviors are a result of his mother's actions, not (yet) a character trait.
...See More
Need help on deciding how many tomato stems in small space on deck
Q
Comments (1)
To follow up on my question, If I were to allow a second or third main stem to grow (while still pruning all suckers on the secondary stems), could I tie 2 or 3 main stems to 1 stake without crowding the 2/3 stems too much?
...See More
Don't know what I don't know. Can you give me novice pool equip tips?
Q
Comments (3)
I have been a swimming pool contractor for 34 years. I am Jandy Pro Edge Dealer for about 20 years. As a Pro Edge Dealer, we can offer our clients an extended warranty on their products. Jandy equipment is not just automated systems. They have offered filters for close to 20 years now. My friend and colleague actually headed up the pump and filter division for Jandy and is is still involved with the company. I prefer their equipment as they provide great dealer support, which in turn supports my clients. I've been using salt water systems for 20 years, and quite honestly have never seen any corrosion issues at any of the pools we have built, renovated or service. Our new pools are equipped with a Jandy automated system, pump, filter, heater, Polaris cleaner and a salt water generator. Nicheless LED lighting also. Some pools we add a Del AOP system which uses ozone and UV for santizing. Testing and adjusting the water weekly, will keep things in check. Improperly balanced water will destroy anything it comes in contact with. It's paramount to maintain proper water chemistry. Hopefully the pool builder will guide you on the equipment needed. You may consider prepping for a heater as may want it down the road.
...See More
Stacey Collins
Original Author
15 years ago
Another one I'm looking at is a 16" glass shade with a 40W HALOGEN bulb.... (Ikea Stockholm fixture).

How do I figure this out?
holligator
15 years ago
Unless you're considering tiny pendants, I don't think your island could handle more than two. I would suggest spacing them approximately 15" in from each end of the island and approximately 30" apart.

Also, if the recessed cans will be your main light for your long counter, I would suggest moving them closer to the back of the counter for two reasons. First, you don't want to be working in the shadow of your own head. Second, if I remember correctly, your living room is lower and you'll have a beam separating the kitchen and living room. If you move the lights closer to the beam, the beam can serve as a shield so that the glare of the kitchen lights doesn't shine in the eyes of someone sitting on your sofa.
Stacey Collins
Original Author
15 years ago
Great advice, holligator! Thanks...

So, on the sink peninsula cans, should I perhaps center them in the countertop (ie ~13" in from the front edge)? And you think that 3 will be enough? Like 36" apart?

And, OK, two pendants over the island. So you think 2x 75 watts, or 2x 40watt halogen, will be enough good bright task lighing there? Or should I keep looking for fixtures that take more wattage?

This is so difficult! What do people usually do, hire a lighting designer?
THANK YOU,
Stacey
alku05
15 years ago
What holligater said. Also I think you'll need a recessed light along your fridge/range wall, otherwise that area will be dark at night when you lose the solar tube lighting.
chachashea
15 years ago
I think you have enough can lights over your sink area. You might want to consider some on your fridge/range wall like alku05 suggested. Even if your hood has lights, I think you'll want a little more than the UC lights.
rjr220
15 years ago
stacy; I'm confused by the light planning as well. This thread has helped me, as well as previous threads on simular topics. You asked whether people got "lighting consultants". Well, after my electrician came to give me a quote and suggested dropping the height of the cabinets to install flourescent lights above, and not using can lights because they can throw a shadow, I knew I needed help. I called one of the local lighting stores and asked if they would provide guidance. They were very happy to tell me that if I brought in my plans -- even rough plans, with pictures of my current lighting, they would help me figure out what I needed. So yes, contact a local lighting store and they will likely help you out!
Stacey Collins
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks folks!

The SolarTube has a light kit, so at night it is a normal flush-mount ceiling light.... will that be enough?

Don't want to decide lights yet, but need to know how many- help?

Comments (9)

bkinsey

Stacey Collins
Original Author

Related Discussions

Stacey Collins
Original Author

holligator

Stacey Collins
Original Author

alku05

chachashea

rjr220

Stacey Collins
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Don't want to decide lights yet, but need to know how many- help?

Comments (9)

bkinsey

Stacey CollinsOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Stacey CollinsOriginal Author

holligator

Stacey CollinsOriginal Author

alku05

chachashea

rjr220

Stacey CollinsOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Stacey Collins
Original Author

Stacey Collins
Original Author

Stacey Collins
Original Author

Stacey Collins
Original Author