Brief Description of Lighting

Architectural fixtures include:

• Soffits direct light downward from the ceiling-wall junction. Soffits wash walls and provide general lighting in rooms with low ceilings. Soffits can be used for direct lighting over a counter or a table in many work areas placed close to the wall.

• Valances direct light upward and downward from walls and should be mounted at least 12 inches (in.) below the ceiling. Valances provide general lighting and wall-washing. Use valances in rooms with ceiling heights of at least 8 feet (ft).

• Coves are built into the wall and direct light upward to the ceiling. Coves fit well in rooms with high ceilings and above kitchen cabinets. Coves should be mounted at least 12 in. below the ceiling.

• Request T8 fluorescent tubes with an electronic ballast (See the sidebar "What should one ask for to get good fluorescent lighting?" as well as manufacturers' websites to get more information on fluorescent tubes).

• Use compact fluorescent bulbs that have a screw-in base to replace conventional incandescent light bulbs in your existing fixtures, but be sure it fits! Just because it screws in to the socket does not mean it will fit or it will not cause glare. Select a compact fluorescent bulb that is about 1/3 the wattage of the incandescent bulb that it replaces.

• Dimming controls can be used in the light switch to vary the light level in the room. Dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs are available to be used with incandescent dimmers. Fluorescent tubes should not be put on a dimmer unless it is a dimming system specifically made for fluorescent tubes.

• Some floor and table lamps are designed to use a modified, white, "parking-lot" light bulb to get high light levels in task areas. These metal halide bulbs put out five or six times the amount of light as an incandescent bulb of the same wattage. Metal halide bulbs take several minutes to come up to full brightness, but they produce a lot of light and good color.