F.A.Q.

1. Are there different types of lighting to consider when designing my home's lighting needs?

Yes, a good lighting plan combines Ambient, Task and Accent lighting (see below).
Ambient Lighting is, General illumination provided by the combination of several light sources creating a fundamental level of comfortable lighting. Fixtures used for this application include chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, recessed lighting, wall brackets and indirect lighting.
Task Lighting is, Lighting directed to specific tasks and work surfaces. Fixtures used in this category include desk lamps, kitchen under-cabinet lighting and high intensity recessed lighting.
Accent Lighting is, Lighting intended to enhance the mood and drama of your room. This is one of the most important aspects in creative lighting design. By focusing on specific architectural elements, art accents, wall treatments and other points of visual interest, you can achieve the most depth and dimension in your room setting. Types of fixtures in this category include indirect lighting, recessed lighting, floor lamps, up lights and wall sconces.

2. How do I know how large a chandelier or entry foyer fixture should be?

Consider this basic 1/3-2/3 rule. An appropriate size for a dining room chandelier is usually a minimum of 1/3 the width of your table and a maximum of 2/3rds the width, for example if you have a 48" round table, a fixture between 16 and 32 inches would be in the appropriate range. The whimsical or substantial nature of the fixture you choose would determine the specific size. If you were to choose an 18 inch diameter alabaster bowl (very substantial) or a 30 inch open frame iron chandelier (more whimsical) either would be a correct choice. The same rule applies to entry foyers; a 6 foot wide entry would need a fixture between 2 and 4 feet wide, again with this range accommodating both heavy and lighter styles.

3. If I have a high ceiling (over 9 feet) should my chandelier be taller?

Yes, consider the use of multiple tier chandeliers to take advantage of the vertical space you have available making a more dramatic statement.

4. Is it appropriate to use a chandelier somewhere other than the dining room?

Absolutely, chandeliers today are available in a wide array of sizes and styles and are frequently being used in great rooms, living rooms, master bedrooms, master baths and sitting areas. Mini chandeliers or chandeletts are extremely popular.

5. How high should my dining room chandelier be hung?

A good rule of thumb is 5 feet off the floor; this allows the best view of the fixture while standing, and a clear and unencumbered view when seated. Rooms with ceilings higher than 12 feet that can accommodate larger chandeliers and you may consider hanging your fixture at 6 feet or higher (our lighting consultants can assist you in this regard).

6. What is the proper mounting height for wall sconces?

Normally 72" off the finished floor is appropriate however; certain architectural elements may influence this guideline.

7. How do I determine my lighting needs?

Different surroundings create different demands of your lighting. Dark walls and carpets absorb light, north or south exposures often provide challenges as well. When planning your lighting think of how you use the space. What tasks take place in the room, and what type of moods (scenes) do you want to create. Combine the three types of lighting for these specific needs as well as the drama you want to create.

8. Do Dimmer switches save energy?

Yes, most dimmers today do save energy. Older dimmers used to simply cook off the power you did not want to use. Today's dimmers interrupt incoming current thousands of times per second (invisible to the human eye) saving 10% in energy costs even when on full, the life of your bulbs is also greatly increased.

9. Are there Dimmer switches that control more than one switch at a time?

Yes, there are actually three types of switching systems you may want to consider (see below).
For switches that are in a multi-gang wall plate (2-6 switches mounted together) you can use a product called the Graphic Eye. Controlling up to six switches simultaneously, this control allows multiple pre-set light levels and is perfect for large spaces with multiple light sources.
For switches that are in single gang wall plates placed around the room, there is a product called the Spacer, it allows these individual switches to be controlled from one location or by remote control.

To control switches throughout the house, Radio Ra is the best solution. With control features including garage door and security interface this allows you to have pre-determined lights can come on or off when entering or exiting your garage and you can program certain lights to be turned on if your security system is activated, only some of the features this system offers. Wall mounted controls and or table top controls allow easy operation and security by providing lighting control for any where in your home even from your bedside table.

10. What type of dimmer do I need to use in a 4-way switching scenario?

A 3-way dimmer should be installed in the master switch location, with the 3 and 4 way on-off switches already in place, you will be able to dim your lights from the master switch and turn the lights off and on from the 3 & 4 way switch locations. If you would like to be able to adjust your lighting from all switch locations, a product called Maestro is available and can coordinate dimming for as many as 9 multiple switch locations.

11. Is recessed lighting good for bath vanity areas?

Recessed lighting by itself is not the best light for vanity areas. The direct and harsh nature of recessed lighting can cause shadows and glare. If you plan to use recessed lighting we recommend additional wall mounted or pendant mounted lighting can be added to the space to increase the ambient light levels and reduce the harshness of the recessed lighting.

12. What is the difference between 120 volt light bulbs and 130 volt bulbs?

As we all know, household current is 110 volts. Most light bulbs are made to accept 120 volts of incoming power to allow protection from fluxuations in the incoming voltage. 130 volt bulbs will have a slightly longer life span but tend to burn dimmer due to the fact that they are receiving only a 110 volt input and thereby operate at less than 100% of their efficiency.

13. Are "long life" light bulbs a good investment?

Not usually. Most long life bulbs are a ruse. Buying good quality bulbs and using a dimmer are the best solutions to keep your light bulbs burning longer.

14. What is Halogen lighting?

Halogen lighting is a high pressure gas bulb with a rejuvenating filament that has proven to produce more natural white light (similar to sunlight) with an efficiency that provides more light per watt of energy consumed that a standard incandescent light bulb.
The size of Halogen bulbs is also much smaller than standard bulbs. This allows the design of many lighting fixtures to be much smaller and still provide a significant quantity of light.
Halogen lighting is most efficient when operating on 12 volt systems, requiring the use of a step down transformer.

15. Is Halogen Lighting safe?

Yes, Underwriters Laboratories has been approving safe halogen lighting fixtures and systems for years now. In Europe, where energy costs are much higher than here in the U.S. Halogen has been the primary light source for nearly two decades. Fixtures are protected by thermal protective devices and safety shields to insure products are safe for both residential and commercial use.

16. Does Hacienda Lighting sell only lighting fixtures?

While Hacienda Lighting is a full service lighting showroom, offering lighting products from more than 300 vendors including all types of chandeliers, track lighting, recessed lighting, low voltage rail systems, and landscape lighting, we also have one of the largest assortments of accessories and occasional furnishings.

It would be our pleasure to invite you to our showroom to see the incredible amount of decorating products and ideas available. Many of our customers comment that "I can decorate my entire home from your store". Please come and see us.