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Kitchen Light Sources Questions

1.	Will fluorescent lighting make my kitchen look terrible?
	Yesterday’s fluorescent was either warm white which produced a muddy pinkish orange light, or a cool white which produced a “cold,” bluish, light.
2.	What's the best light source to use in a kitchen with wood stained cabinets ?
	Kitchens with wood stained cabinets look better with warm toned light sources than with cool tones. Most retail lighting showrooms have light boxes that can demonstrate light sources.
3.	How do I select a fluorescent bulb so that the colors in my kitchen look their best?
	If “color appearance” (rather than cost of lamp and stock availability) is your prime consideration for lamp selection in your kitchen, you will need to know (3) essential pieces of information.
4.	What is Halogen lighting?
	A Halogen bulb can be the capsule alone, or be a part of another bulb, as in the Halogen PAR and MR16 Lamps.
5.	Should I use a flood or a spot bulb?
	The answer depends on what kind of shadows do you want.
6.	Can incandescent and fluorescent sources be combined in one kitchen space?
	Many kitchens now combine incandescent and fluorescent sources but their Kelvin degree temperatures need to be numerically close.
7.	What is a T12 and how does it differ from a T8?
	Fluorescent bulbs are distinguished by their shape and size. Normally the first designation in the manufacturer's catalog is its wattage.
8.	What is the difference between a "R-Lamp" and a "BR Lamp"?
	"R-Lamp" and a "BR Lamp" differ by their appearance and possibly their lighting efficiency or lumens per watt.
9.	When is it more appropriate to choose a lower color temperature light (say 2700K) than a higher temperature light (say a 5200K)?
	Warmer Kelvin temperature lamps better “matches” the color temperatures of other light sources used for residential lighting - presumed to be standard incandescent or halogen lamps.
10.	Does less wattage mean less brightness?
	Not necessarily. You need to compare lumens, or the light output of a lamp.
11.	I have oak kitchen cabinets that can look yellow. I have 20 recessed downlights. Do I get cool or warm white bulbs?
	The “Rule of Thumb” for how to enhance wood finishes and room colors when using fluorescent lighting
12.	Which light bulbs do I buy for my recessed lighting? Should I buy 7, 9 or 11 watts for an 8’ ceiling? One end of the kitchen is very dark even during the day and I like a bright kitchen to work in.
	Low lumen light sources in your recessed light fixtures are not going to light your room.
13.	Should I consider Puck Light Fixtures using LEDs?
	Yes, LED Puck Light Fixtures are available and you can consider them to light your countertop or for display shelf lighting.
14.	I have a decorating question: What are “warm” and what are “cool” room colors?
	Paint colors and wood finishes have a either a warm or cool tone. Your choice of lighting can enhance or diminish the clarity of their color.
15.	I have one recessed light fixture centered over my kitchen sink. Should I insert a 75W PAR flood or 75W PAR spot bulb?
	You would favor the 75W PAR Narrow Flood over the PAR spot for a single recessed light over your kitchen sink.

Although every attempt is made to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date, this publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions nor are we engaged in rendering any professional service. If a solution specific to your unique lighting situation is required, the services of a lighting profeesional should be sought.