Lighting Designer
Information for and about residential lighting designers.
How High to Hang a Dining Room Chandelier
Q: What is the correct mounting height for a fixture or chandelier over a dining room table?
A: First off, I’ll provide a guideline: The bottom of the fixture should be 32 to 36 inches above the…
LED Performance in Cold Temperatures
Q: I have a question about the ambient air temperature sensitivity of LED under-cabinet lighting. I recently installed a countertop and sink under an existing overhead cabinet in my garage. The…
The Most Flattering Mirror Lighting
Q: My local department store has the best lighting in its dressing rooms. The mirror lighting is very flattering and makes me want to buy everything. The lighting appears to go the length on either…
Best Mounting Height for Swing-Arm Lamps
Getting the correct height for these bedside fixtures is crucial, says our expert. See what advice Lighting Doctor Randall Whitehead has to offer curious readers in this blog.
Q.: Randall, what is…
UL Lighting Listings for Lighting Explained
Randall Whitehead, IALD, explains the omnipresent UL designation and what it means for your product offering.
Q.: Randall, what is a UL lighting listing, and why is a label from UL required on light…
How to Change the Color Temperature of LED Tape Light
Q: I have a client with 4000K LED tape light on top of his cabinets. I need to make it look like 2700K, but I have never dealt with gels or colored lenses. What would you recommend and how would I…
Why Are Halogen Lights So Hot?
Q: Since halogens give off more heat, do they present a fire hazard for lamp shades? Will the halogens make the shades deteriorate faster?
A: Halogens are twice as hot as standard incandescent lamps…
Sizing and Lighting a Mirror Around a Vanity
Q: I have two questions. First, I have a 48-inch vanity. How large of a mirror do I need? Second, I have two sconces for the sides of the mirror. Is it possible to hang sconces right on the mirror…
Lighting a Two-Story Great Room
Q: I have a two story great room with an open floor plan. Currently four recessed lights, installed by home builder, provide horrible ambient light that is dim and yellow. We are planning to upgrade…
Lights for High Ceilings
Q:What type of ceiling lights should I use for a 20-foot-high family room that has very little wall space and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace? Right now there are 6-inch recessed cans in the ceiling…