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Several questions / need opinions

Rachel (Zone 7A + wind)

8 years ago

Hi all,

I'm just launching into the framing stage of my new build. I need to get a lighting plan together. I will work with a lighting vendor where I can select each fixture. My concerns are not with the aesthetics but with the function. I'd like to develop a list of every fixture I need before I head in to shop. I've got a good start, with about 40 fixtures necessary but in some places I need advice. Thanks in advance for taking your time to help me out.

1) With a ceiling height of 20', will can lights give enough light after the sun goes down? I will use some task lighting (floor lamps) for things like reading. I just need some light to walk around and not trip really. The space is 20' x 22'. I'd like to have 2 ceiling fans but I'd really prefer not to have lights on the fans themselves. This leaves me with cans as an option, unless you folks have some other idea.

2) My front porch is 12' deep by 7' wide. It has a vault at about 14' high. How many lights do I need here? Can I do one hanging lantern and a wall mount closer to the doorbell or do I need two lanterns? If I do two lanterns do I need the wall mount?

3) I'd like to do wall mount sconces in a small hallway. The hallway is about 7'6" long. Is this space too small for 2 sconces? Would one sconce look silly?

4) Does a shower with a 2/3 tile wall with the upper section glass need a light inside it?

5) Are cans okay in closets? I've only ever had "boob" lights in closets.

How much sqft can a single 60w bulb cover at 9' ceilings?

Phew! That's a lot of questions!

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Comments (3)

Oaktown
8 years ago
Hi Mama Rachel,

3) How wide is your hallway, how high do you plan to hang the sconces, and will there be anything (console, bookcase) underneath or beside them? We decided against hallway sconces because they would have been unprotected from the kids :-)

5) We have cans in some of the closets, so I am guessing it is fine? (The boob lights would have been cheaper but we could not use them due to fire sprinkler placement)

Have fun shopping!
debbie12153
8 years ago
I'd say yes to the shower light. A reputable lighting store can help you with light type and placement. Can lights would be good in the family, assuming that's the larger room you mentioned, but IMO would be stark for everyday use.
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neonweb US 5b
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
We have 6" cans with daylight led retrofit bulbs placed 3' from walls and then spaced 7' apart on a 17' high ceiling. The amount of light at the floor is plenty for everything- I dont even have reading lights. i highly recommend daylight color bulbs! I also have 2 ceiling fans - I dont use the light on them either. Just tell your electrician and he will handle it- no biggie. I would put a light in the shower. A dim shower is a bummer when you feel a rough patch of skin and have to leave the shower to inspect it kinda thing. That light can be on a vent fan though which should be in the shower to vent steam. Edited to add photo- its an old pic, but you can see its dark outside, and the amount of light from 17' up.

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