Whether you are shopping for a dining room chandelier, bedside lamp, bathroom fixtures or a complete room full of lighting, chances are you want the fixtures you choose to not only look stylish, but also fill the room with the right amount of light. Here are a few 101 questions to ask to make the section look a little easier.

What type of lighting works best in the room?
While any type of lighting fixture can go in any type of room, it helps to have a general idea of what you’ll need. The chart below is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment. For example: a chandelier might make a dramatic statement in an oversized closet.
How much light will I need?
Twenty years ago, you’d pick up a light bulb box and see wattage listed – typically 25, 40, 60 or 100 watts. We all knew that a 100-watt incandescent bulb looked brighter than a 25-watt one. Yet, what we’re seeing isn’t wattage – it’s lumens (wattage is the amount of energy the bulb uses). To determine the lumens needed for a room, take the square footage of the room and multiply it by 40.



What am I doing in this room?
What style are the surroundings?
Are most of the furniture pieces in the room ornate and decorative or clean and minimal? Do you already have nickel finishes on cabinet knobs and faucets? While it’s not essential that everything match, you do want your space to feel put together and comfortable. Some style categories to consider are Traditional, Transitional, Modern/Contemporary, Rustic or Arts & Crafts.

