How to create a lighting strategy for your log home is an important topic and the Log Homes Council has recently published a great article on the subject. We have provided some highlights below, but you can read the entire article by visiting the The Log Homes Council website at http://loghomes.org/bright-ideas-in-lighting-94/
Exterior Log Home Lighting
Point One: The most common mistake made by log home buyers is under budgeting on the lighting needs for their new log home. That’s because the wood in the walls and ceilings absorbs light. Add vaulted ceilings and you need far more lumens than a conventional home—roughly twice as much.
Point Two: You don’t want to under budget when you choose a lighting strategy, since your dream home will have to work for you as you age. For instance, after age 60, we need three times the amount of light we needed at age 19 to accomplish the same task.
Point Three: Cost
There are no universal rules on lighting costs. The materials in your home that help or hinder the reflection of light will influence the number of fixtures you need. This includes room sizes, color of cabinetry, paneling and flooring. Fixtures and the costs of labor to install them will also vary. If you’re on a budget, focus on wiring your home generously for a variety of fixture locations. Because fixtures are easy to replace, you can employ less expensive products till you can afford to upgrade later to more artistic and custom illumination.
Point Four: Lighting Basics
There are three basic types of lighting–general, task and accent—and your home should include all three. General lighting takes the place of sunlight, enabling you to see and move about safely. Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks such as cooking or reading. Accent lighting adds drama to a home by directing eyes toward a specific area.
Log Home Interior Lighting
Point Five: Light Sources
Ceiling fixtures are practical for general lighting in busy areas. Wall-mounted fixtures can furnish general, task, and accent lighting. Chandeliers can be used in foyers, bedrooms, or over a living room grouping. Pendants are suspended from the ceiling and can be used for task lighting. Track lighting, once considered as tacky as green shag carpeting, has come light years in appeal and convenience.
Recessed lighting is also useful, employed in ceilings or under eaves outside. In the bathrooms lighting strips above sinks supply task lighting for grooming. There are also small specialty lamps, such as clip-on lights, adjustable task lights, and mini-reflector spotlights. Don’t forget floor or table lamps. They have their place too.
To find out about exterior lighting, controls and tips on the overall strategy head on over to the The Log Homes Council.
I like to read about interior lighting. Saw your page on Friday.Your post lighting strategy is really nice.Thanks.
Light emitting diodes for home lighting are the best because they consume less electricity:*-