Open Parlor Floor Lighting
We are renovating a 17′ wide, 40 ft long townhouse. We are moving the kitchen to the back of the parlor and the front will be an open dining room/living room. If you’ve done this, or seen it done well, how did you resolve the issue of placement/amount/type of overhead lighting in the front area…
We are renovating a 17′ wide, 40 ft long townhouse. We are moving the kitchen to the back of the parlor and the front will be an open dining room/living room. If you’ve done this, or seen it done well, how did you resolve the issue of placement/amount/type of overhead lighting in the front area (the kitchen is taken care of)? The ceiling medallions were gone when we bought, but we’ve kept a decorative fireplace. Current plan is for 1 large pendant (chandelier-style) centered above the dining area and 1 large pendant centered in front of the fireplace. But we think we need more light — what could we place (and where) that won’t look cluttered, cheesy or assymetrical?
If you already have your furniture layout, its a good idea to provide specific lighting where you do tasks like reading (bright), cutting vegetables (bright), eating (not as bright), etc..
I happen to like A LOT of light. I like a juxtiposition of modern and traditional lighting sources. I like to be able control the type and level of lighting for different circumstances. So I mixed wall washers, 4 inch recessed lights, wall sconces and chandeliers throughout on dimmers. But some people would hate/have no use for the way Ive set it up and did their own thing.
You’ll be happier if you set it up to suit your tastes rather than any “rules”.
Interesting your screen name is i disagree! So do I.
Well, here’s my 2 cents: most chandeliers are ugly unless you go for an expensive modern one. And take up too much “air space”, making them the focus when they should not be.
If you put recessed cans, DON’T put too many, that’s always what happens in condo renovations. Eyeball wall washers are a much prettier indirect light. Not more than 4 of either. Basically, you want multiple types of lighting for different moods. So a couple floor/table lamps are always a good bet.
Personally, we have track lights, but I suspect most would not like ’em.
You could spend a bunch of money to install some kind of recessed lighting, maybe pin spot halogens. Personally, not my taste, but certainly a viable and often done option.
I’d get a few torchiere floor lamps, and/or a couple of floor reading lamps placed by your chairs or on either side of a couch. I’d also get a couple of table lamps.
With all of the new florescent lightbulbs available now, you won’t be burning up your wallet in bulb money, and you can turn lights on and off as needed. They don’t all have to be on all the time.
we thought of wall sconces but they would require channeling into the walls. any other ideas?
Wall sconces are nice lighting. More flattering and less harsh than overhead.
We just left it as you have it. However we added two wall Sconces at the pocket doors leading into the kitchen. That adds a bit more light to the dining area.