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You might be building a new house, remodeling, making a few updates, or just need to replace a single fixture, but for whatever reason, you’re ready to purchase some new lighting or fans. You’ve never done this before, or maybe it was a long time ago, and you’re not quite sure what to expect. You are hoping the process will be quick and simple with a little guidance from your local lighting showroom experts. But without any preparation, chances are you will walk out of your appointment with more homework than you came in with. There’s a lot of information needed to make the perfect lighting or fan selection for your home, but there are 6 simple things you can bring to get yourself off to a smooth start.
1. Ceiling Height
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Koehler Building Co
This is arguably the most important piece of information we have on this list. Your ceiling height will change everything about the selection process. There really is no standard or normal ceiling height, and eyeballing it can only get you so far—measure it. High ceilings can fit taller, more expansive fixtures, while low ceilings may need smaller, or flatter, wider fixtures.
A fixture is supposed to have at least 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fixture so it looks right in the space, and so you don’t hit your head on it. But if you think your ceiling is 10 feet and it’s really 8, you could end up picking a fixture that’s too tall for your space, and it will end up hanging too low.
Ceiling height is also especially important in a taller space, because additional parts may be required for proper installation. Fixtures and fans already come with a certain amount of chain or rod which will fit most spaces, but in a taller space, more chain or rod may need to be ordered to allow it to hang at the proper height.
2. Your preferred finishes/styles
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Don Julian Builders
What finishes go with the style of your home or the look you are trying to achieve? Are you comfortable mixing finishes with your fixtures and hardware? How would you define the style you’re trying to achieve in your design? Modern farmhouse? Minimalist bohemian? Coastal traditional? Coming in with a direction or ideas can help narrow the field of selections. There are countless brands with hundreds of options, but once we have a more focused idea of what you want, we can point you to the right products. But a word of caution—don’t get too wrapped up in your preferences. As you go through discussions with your lighting consultant, they might suggest things outside your original plan. Be open to their insights and direction to see if it can take your design to the next level.
3. Pictures
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Design Consultant Faith Ashley
What helps even more than a description of your style are pictures. Do a little digging online and pull pictures of rooms you like, fixtures you adore, or other design elements that speak to you. We may even be able to find the exact fixture in that room on Houzz that you absolutely have to have.
Pictures of your existing room are also helpful. It can give an idea of the architecture, how the space is laid out, and what the current style of the space is.
4. Surface Dimensions
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Roeser Homes
This one may not apply to all spaces and projects, but if you are hanging a fixture over a surface, like a table or kitchen island, the dimensions of the surface are essential. There are guidelines for how big your fixture should be and where it should hang, and it relies on the size of your surface. For example, a fixture should be no more than 3/4 the length of your dining room table, and should have 30-36 inches from the top of the table from the bottom of the fixture. Knowing the size and height of your table will make sure it is scaled properly, and is positioned to avoid glare and obstruction.
5. Special Features
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Tracy Smith
No, not the extras on your favorite DVD. We’re referring to anything unique about your space. Vaulted ceilings, older structures, unusual architecture, or anything else noteworthy. This may change some of the features of your fixture, the technical aspects of the job, or it could be something we can help highlight with architectural lighting. Once again, any pictures or physical references you have are always helpful.
6. Plans or Blueprints
Speaking of references, if you have a larger job that has blueprints or plans to reference, this can be extremely helpful to understand the space, including the measurements, how each room relates to each other, and which fixtures are required. We even have experts that can help lay out your entire lighting design.
A few measurements and references can go a long way in the selection process, and these pieces of information are sure to make your first lighting appointment much more productive. If you’re planning on making selections for an entire house, it is also helpful to call in advance for an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome, but an appointment will assure that a salesperson is available to work with you on your project for an ample amount of time. Even if you aren’t doing an entire house, always feel free to call in advance with questions or inquiries. Then we can let you know what to measure, discuss any special circumstances, and answer any initial questions you may have before you come in.
