Q: Which trim should I use with my recessed lighting?

A: If you have an 8'-10' ceiling reflector lamp baffle or cone downlights, spaced approximately the same distance on center as the ceiling height are suggested. As an alternate, incandescent/fluorescent multipliers will provide somewhat more diffuse/uniform illumination. If you have a ceiling that is 10' or higher, the use of reflector lamp baffle or cone downlights will provide more concentrated light beams and are effective for uniform illumination from higher ceilings. For higher ceilings, narrower beam spreads are suggested. For more information on recessed lighting, browse our recessed lighting guide.

Q: What is all the fuss about Dark Sky lighting?

A: Since stars were becoming a distant memory and residential lighting was causing glare on the roadways, many states have created legislation to prevent "light pollution." The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) was created to "preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting." With proper planning and layout, outdoor lighting can increase safety and security while limiting light pollution. For more information, browse our Dark Sky lighting guide.

Q: How do I know which light bulb will match my light?

A: Search our light bulb buying guide to find the light bulb that meets your needs.

Q: Do Energy Star lights really make a difference?

A: The answer is an overwhelming, YES! The average household is responsible for more air pollution than the average car. By switching to Energy Star labeled lights, you save time and money while slowing air pollution. Energy Star lights use up to two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent lights and they only need to be changed once every seven years. Energy Star lights also use 78% less heat than standard incandescent lighting, which keeps you cooler in the summer. Ceiling fans with the Energy Star label move air 20% more efficiently than conventional fans. The only times you should not use an Energy Efficient light bulb is in fixtures with clear glass shades or magnetic ballasts. Make the switch today! For more information, browse our Energy Star guide.

Q: What is Title 24?

A:To respond to California's energy crisis, reduce energy bills, increase energy delivery system reliability, and contribute to an improved economic condition, the government of California instituted Title 24. For more information, review the lighting guidelines provided by the California Energy Comission.

Q: How do I determine the correct amount of wattage to properly illuminate my room?

A: To find the proper amount of ambient light for the room, multiply the room dimensions to get your total square footage. Then multiply the total square footage by 1.5 for total illumination needed. For example, a 12' x 16' room would need two 150-watt table or floor lamps to get ample light. An 8 light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs would also be suitable. To find the light bulb that meets your wattage needs, search our light bulb buying guide.

Q: What defines contemporary design?

A: Contemporary design looks ahead from its beginnings in the 1920's to the sophisticated form and function influences by today's culture and society.

Q: Where should I use a buffet lamp?

A: Since they're so versatile, they can be used in pairs or alone as a beautiful focal point in any room. Buffet lamps look great in the foyer as a warm welcome into your home. Or try placing a pair on your dresser on either side of the mirror; or on the nightstand for bedside reading. Of course, buffet lamps can be used to add luster to your dining room.

Q: How do I determine the height of the lamp I need?

A: A general rule for portable lamps states that the bottom of the lampshade for either a floor or table lamp should be 42 inches from the surface.

Q: What is the difference between floor lamps and torchieres?

A: Floor lamps are usually needed to provide task lighting for reading, homework, etc. They provide a downward beam of light. Torchieres reflect light off the ceiling and walls for ambient effects.

Q: What is the best height for a wall sconce?

A: Wall sconces should be installed 60 inches from the floor. For hallways they should be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.

Q: How do you describe traditional design?

A: Traditional design is influenced by the cultural exchange that grew out of Europe, England and America during the colonization period from around 1600 to the late 1800's. The most widely recognized designs are the formal and country furnishings from the estates of Europe, the Manor homes of England and the plantations of America.

Q: How do I clean my brass lamp?

A: Use only a soft cloth. Many polishes are too abrasive and could affect the finish. If you use polished brass outdoors, know that it will tarnish but car wax will preserve the finish.

Q: What is Six-way lighting and why do I need it?

A: As the name implies, a six-way lamp houses a center, three-way bulb surrounded by three additional bulbs. These can be lit either individually or simultaneously for heavy illumination for reading or general room lighting.

Q: What is a tray club lamp?

A: These lamps include a glass, metal or wood tray table on the center column as a replacement for an end table or other piece of furniture.

Q: What are the standards when it comes to desk lamps?

A: Above and beyond style, portable lamps should be utilized in rooms where additional task lighting is needed. For example, light sources on desks should be approximately 16 inches above the work surface and 13 inches from the desk front.

Q: Why are they so many terms that describe Tiffany glass?

A: It's easy to be confused by all the terminology surrounding Tiffany glass? Most terms are used incorrectly and can be misleading. The five most common types of Tiffany glass are:

• Stained glass: Stained glass starts with clear, flat glass cut to size. Then the glass surface is painted to the desired tones and heated to bind pigment to the surface. Religious windows from the middle ages up until the beginning of the twentieth century were made this way, so "stained glass" became synomyous with any flat, colored glass.
• Opalescent glass: A dense white glass that may or may not be translucent, depending on composition and temperature.
• Textured glass: A variety of methods can create an endless array of textures in glass. Most common are hammered and granite which are created by double roll forming. This results in the glass being smooth on one side and textured on the other. Sometimes the hot glass is impressed to create sublte lines. Other methods include chipping, etching, sand blasting, silvering and other external treatments done at a low room temperature.
• Irridescent glass: While the glass is hot, a chemical is sprayed creating a shimmering film similar to oil on water.
• Moasic glass: Over a clear glass base, translucent mosaic tiles are arranged. Once the design is set, grouting is applied, similar to ceramic tile installation.

Q: Do compact fluorescents work in any light?

A: Unfortunately no, compact fluorescents can not be used in lights with motion sensor or lights that are attached to a dimmer switch. However, use compact fluorescents when possible because they have a longer life and put out 4 times the light of incandescent bulbs. Search our light bulb buying guide for additional information about compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Q: What are the rules for hanging a chandelier?

A: In general, the height of the main source of light should be 30"-36" above the table. There should be a minimum of 150 watts total in the chandelier. You should also consider the room size when choosing your chandelier.

• 10' x 10' rooms should use a chandelier with a 17"-20" diameter
• 12' x 12' rooms should use a chandelier with a 20"-16" diameter
• 14' x 14' rooms should use a chandelier with a 24"-30" diameter

Using a dimmer on your chandelier will allow you change the ambient light based upon your dining situation.

Q: Where should I use a mini-pendant?

A: Pendant and/or island lighting has become mandatory in well appointed kitchens. They provide an attractive aesthetic focal point and they provide the functional light necessary to complement the room's activities. Mini-pendants should be hung 30"-40" from the island surface depending on the size of the island.

Q: What are the guidelines for bathroom lighting?

A: Three sources of light are recommended for the bath/dressing area. The dressing area needs eye-level lighting, at least 30" apart with a minimum of 60 watts. Chain hung lighting is a good example. Do not direct the light onto the surface of the mirror. Overhead lighting should be a minimum of 75 watts per partitioned area of the bath, including the shower. A night-light is very helpful in this room for added safety.

Q: Do different base light bulbs produce different amounts of light?

A: Yes, candelabra base bulbs emit less light than medium/standard base bulbs. Search our light bulb buying guide for additional information on light bulb bases.

Q: Can I turn my exterior light into a motion sensor exterior light?

A: Yes, you can purchase a motion sensor adaptor at your local hardware store that will convert your standard base light into a motion sensor light.