Expert Offers Tips on Lighting
Sometimes, the best way to make a design firm shine is to make
sure the staff is knowledgeable about kitchen and bath
lighting.
So says Eric Borden of Sea Gull Lighting a dealer-member of the
Bath & Kitchen Buying Group (BKBG) who addressed BKBG members
at a recent educational conference sponsored by the member-owned
co-op.
Borden stated “Understanding the cause and effect of different
lamps is important. Knowing this will make you more
professional.”
For instance, he notes that designers should be familiar with
the concept of lumens, or the total measure of light energy emitted
from a light source; and efficacy, defined as the relationship
between lumens output and watts consumed, which is expressed in
lumens per watt.
To best utilize this concept, Borden explained that designers
can study and use the Color Rendering Index (CRI), which determines
the ability of a light source to produce colors expressed on a
scale of 0-100 in relationship to a referenced light source.
Borden pointed out that recessed fixtures are suitable for
residential and commercial projects, adding that recessed fixtures
are thermally protected and available for wet shower locations,
cabinets, soffits and accent lighting, as well.
Low-voltage linear lighting systems were also recommended, with
possible applications including under and inside cabinets, cove
lighting, showcases, toe-space accent illumination, accenting and
highlighting, and bath vanity toe-space night lights.
Borden also pointed out the significant difference between xenon
and halogen lighting, noting that xenon bulbs are less expensive
and burn brighter than halogen bulbs and more importantly, not
hotter.
Borden concluded: “Overall, solid lighting is an important
aspect to good kitchen and bath design.”