Calculating the correct wattage or lumens for a room’s lighting involves considering factors like the room’s size, purpose, and desired lighting level. Here are steps to help you calculate the appropriate lighting:

1. Determine the room’s purpose
   • Consider what the room will be used for, different activities require different lighting levels
2. Measure the rooms square footage
3. Determine the desired lighting level, such as
   • General lighting: 20-30 lumens per square foot
   • Task lighting: 70-80 lumens per square foot
   • Accent or decorative lighting: varies based on design preferences
4. Calculate the total lumens needed
   • Total Lumens = Rooms square footage X desired lumens per square foot
5. Consider the number of fixtures
   • Number of fixtures = Total lumens needed / lumens per fixture
6. Select bulb wattage
   • 60-watt bulb equals approximately 800 lumens
   • 75-watt bulb equals approximately 1,100 lumens
   • 100-watt bulb equals approximately 1,600 lumens
7. And finally, consider fixture placement, dimmers, controls and energy efficiency when placing your fixtures

In order to figure out how much you should budget for lighting, you will need to have a lighting expert from Van Fleet Services come out to your home and work with you to figure out what your lighting needs are. 

 Yes, with today’s technology, you can integrate your lighting (smart lighting) with your smart home system. All you need to to integrate the two, are Wi-Fi and a smart lighting system. If you’re looking to install a smart lighting system with your smart home system, call Van Fleet Services to have a trusted expert come out to your home.

We recommend that you consult or use an electrician for most jobs. However, for smaller DIY jobs, installing lighting fixtures involves various safety considerations to ensure the safety of both the installer and the occupants of the space. Here are some key safety considerations:

1. Turn the power off
2. Use appropriate fixtures
3. Ensure proper wiring
4. Ensure the mounting is secured correctly
5. Confirm that the fixture has the appropriate clearance from combustible materials
6. Comply with local electrical codes and ensure the fixture is properly grounded
7. Wear the appropriate safety gear and follow ladder safety guidelines
8. Confirm appropriate permits, if applicable, and
9. Work with a partner to ensure a safer process

Yes, you can use sensors to turn your lights off and on. Lighting sensors have motion sensors that will trigger on or off depending on the time of day. Some sensors even allow you to set them on or off for certain lengths of time. Lighting sensors can make a huge positive impact on your home both functionally and aesthetically. If you’re thinking of installing sensors in your home, call Van Fleet Services to have a lighting expert come out to your house to discuss options and offer you a price quote.

The difference between architectural and decorative light fittings is that decorative fittings are meant to enhance the aesthetic of the room and are meant to be seen while the latter’s purpose focuses more so on its core function. Decorative lighting isn’t necessarily better than architectural lighting, or vice versa. They both serve different purposes and should both compliment each other when installed correctly.