When it comes to lighting design for residential spaces, there are indeed guidelines and best practices that can help you effectively light each room in your house. Here are some considerations for each of the rooms you mentioned:
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Big Room with Kitchen, Living Room, and Dining Room:
- Given that this is a multi-functional space with different areas, it's best to incorporate multiple light sources to provide flexibility.
- Consider a combination of overhead lighting for general illumination, task lighting for specific activities (such as pendant lights over the kitchen island or under-cabinet lighting), and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or artwork.
- Aim for an overall lumen output of around 300-500 lumens per square meter for general lighting, adjusting based on the specific needs of each area.
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Toilet:
- For a toilet or powder room, a single overhead light fixture is usually sufficient.
- Aim for a lumen output of around 200-300 lumens per square meter for adequate illumination.
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Storage/Boiler Room:
- Here, functional lighting is key for visibility. A single overhead fixture or fluorescent strip lighting may suffice.
- Aim for a lumen output of around 150-300 lumens per square meter.
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Hallway:
- Hallways should be well-lit for safe passage. Consider evenly spaced recessed or flush mount fixtures along the length of the hallway.
- Aim for a lumen output of around 150-300 lumens per square meter.
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Master Bedroom and Children's Rooms:
- Bedrooms benefit from a mix of general, task, and accent lighting. For example, consider a central ceiling fixture for general illumination, bedside lamps for reading, and perhaps a pendant or chandelier for aesthetic appeal.
- Aim for a lumen output of around 200-400 lumens per square meter in bedrooms, adjusting based on the specific activities carried out in each room.
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Bathroom:
- Bathrooms require bright, shadow-free lighting for tasks such as grooming and makeup application.
- Incorporate overhead lighting, such as recessed fixtures or a centrally located flush mount, along with task lighting around the vanity mirror.
- Aim for a higher lumen output in the bathroom, around 400-600 lumens per square meter, to ensure adequate visibility.
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Hallway:
- Similar to the first floor, ensure even lighting along the hallway for safe passage.
- Aim for a lumen output of around 150-300 lumens per square meter.
- In rooms with sloped ceilings, such as on the second floor, aim to mount lights on the straight ceiling part whenever possible to ensure even illumination. However, incorporating lighting on the sloped side can add visual interest and highlight the architectural features of the space. Consider a combination of both for balanced lighting.
- For large rooms, it's often more effective to distribute light evenly with multiple fixtures rather than relying solely on a single central fixture. This helps reduce glare and shadows while providing more balanced illumination throughout the space.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the specific lighting requirements may vary based on factors such as room size, ceiling height, and personal preferences. It's also a good idea to consult with a lighting designer or electrician for personalized recommendations tailored to your home's layout and your lighting needs.