Task lighting [LED lighting is excellent and consumes little power] illuminates a particular area where a visual activity, such as reading, sewing, or cooking. It's often achieved with individual fixtures that direct light onto a work surface. Accent lighting is similar to task lighting because it consists mainly of directional light. Decorative accent lighting focuses attention on artwork, to highlight architectural features, or to set a mood. Ambient or general lighting fills in undefined areas of a room with a soft level of light: for example, subdued lighting to watch television or to safely illuminate walkways. Directional fixtures can also be aimed at a wall to create a "wash" of soft light.

Recently, I noticed that our condo room lighting , especially the kitchen and bathroom areas, did not offer the brightness that once sufficed. After a long and thoughtful comparison between my age and possibly "aging" light bulbs, I decided (without reservation) it was the lighting that needed improvement. With that in mind, I headed for Home Depot's lighting department.

My first challenge required more brightness for the same, or even less wattage, while still conserving electricity. That's an important factor here at the Skyliner's condo building where we all share the cost of utilities. The easy answer: substitute fluorescent bulbs for tungsten bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs offer equal or brighter light at a fraction of the energy consumed by tungsten bulbs. Most of the condo's kitchens already have fluorescent fixtures, so that's an easy replacement. Fluorescent bulbs are also available with screw-in bases that can easily substitute for traditional tungsten bulbs in lamps.

Simply increasing wattage is not the only answer however. It's important to know which fluorescent bulbs to buy, because the color temperature of light bulbs influences both the lumonisity as well as the appearance in your environment. Not all bulbs are created equal. Before you buy just any fluorescent bulb, you need to understand your choices regarding fluorescent lighting. Knowing the difference will make a significant impact on your lifestyle and your attitude. It's the difference between a bright and cheerful environment or a cold and un-inviting one

Lighting that we take for granted, from the basic tungsten 100 watt bulb, to noontime sunshine all have varying degrees of brightness. This brightness called "color temperature" ranges from a warm pink cast to clorox white brightness. And is measured in degrees of kelvin temperature, much like astronomy measures the color of stars.

Plants too, need their own lighting!....
Using the ..... Fluorescent lamps in areas where you have plants will result in healthier, happier plants as well......

brightness and cheerfulness necessary for modern kitchen.

the lighting in our condo seemed to progressively dim as well, especially so in the kitchen where the daylight is most remote. The low lighting reminded me of the low lighting afforded by kerosene lamps my grandparents used years ago. As I compared the amount of light, or rather the lack of brightness in our kitchen to the living space that faced the window

Take out notes:
It seems lately that the lights in our condo were getting dimmer

Track Lighting Resource

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