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Lighting fixtures.

Article Excerpt
* INTERIOR LIGHTING

Interior lighting must satisfy two requirements: function and design. A customer replacing all existing fixture will be concerned mainly with the design, whereas a person remodeling or adding a room may be concerned with both function and design. Along with design and function, many customers are becoming more concerned about conserving energy. Lighting takes only 12 percent to 15 percent of the electricity used in a home. Customers are finding ways to reduce this expense by using more efficient lighting and advanced lighting controls.

Task lighting gives localized light for specific activities such as reading, writing, sewing and food preparation. The light should cover the entire task area and be located so shadows are reduced to a minimum. Under cabinet lighting is a popular form of task lighting in kitchens or under shelves.

General or ambient lighting provides comfortable background brightness in a room. Light reflected from walls and ceilings or from large sources overhead reduces lighting contrasts and contributes to the comfort of the environment.

Accent or specialty lighting creates a mood and adds interest to a room. This kind of lighting is primarily for decorative effects and should be used in conjunction with task and general lighting. Track lights, a system of movable lights wired to a metal track, make a great accent lighting choice for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Track lighting is available in many colors, sizes and shapes, is easy to install and flexible since the lights can be moved around and repositioned.

Recessed can lighting and surface-mounted fixtures are one way to provide ambient lighting. Increased amounts of light are achieved using additional fixtures. This should be strictly observed because of the heat produced. Maximum wattage limitations are indicated on all fixtures and should be followed. Recessed lighting is good for rooms with low ceilings and can be used to supplement existing light in kitchens and bathrooms.

No glare lighting is also available in overhead fixtures, undercabinet lights and desk lamps. No glare lighting fixtures are designed with a louver that cuts off high-angle light to provide glare free, true color lighting. No-glare lighting works...