Design Tips

Lighting makes a big difference in how you feel about your home. Lighting helps you perform tasks more easily, makes you feel safer and more comfortable. By using different lighting techniques, you can create a dramatic look, a soft cozy feeling, highlight artwork, or provide lighting for a work area. When planning the lighting for a room in your home, begin by considering the activities taking place and the look you are trying to achieve.

Formal Chandeliers  Outdoor Lighting  Bathroom Lighting  Ceiling Fans  Landscape Lighting  Recessed & Track Lighting  Tech Trak

Two-Circuit Monorail  Monorail  Kable Light  Monorail Chandeliers  Wall Monorail  Antique Lighting

Formal Chandeliers
		Chandeliers provide a key element in the décor of your dining area, and are functional as well. The minimum diameter of the chandelier should be about half the width of your table. For rooms with an 8-foot ceiling, hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 30-32 inches above the tabletop. The style of fixture is important to take into consideration as well as the specific activities that may take place at you table other than dining. Click here to learn more about our chandeliers.

Outdoor Lighting
Exterior lighting should not only enhance the beauty of your home, but add safety and security. Exterior lighting can make a dramatic first impression. Choose the correct size fixture for the scale of your home by visualizing how the fixture will appear from the street. Selecting a small fixture for a larger home will reduce from the presence of your home. Learn more about Grand Light's outdoor and landscape lighting.

Bathroom Lighting
		Lighting above the mirror should be centered over the sink to prevent shadowing on your face. If you have two sinks, center one light over each sink. When mounting fixtures on either side of the mirror or sink, mount them no further than 30 inches apart to avoid shadows and approximately 65-70 inches above the floor. Learn more about our vanity lighting.

Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can offer dramatic energy savings. By using a fan with your air conditioning during the summer, you can save approximately 4-8% on your air conditioning bills for each degree you raise your thermostat. By reversing the direction of your fan in the winter, you can save approximately 1-2% on your heating bill for each degree you lower your thermostat.

For best performance and appearance, an extension downrod should be used with your Casablanca fan when installing on high or sloped ceilings. Please contact us if your application requires an extension downrod. For safety reasons, the fan blades must be a minimum of 7 feet above the floor Ceiling Fan Controls Inteli-Touch Computer technology enables the system to use the two wires already in place in your home so costly electrical work is not required; a third wire is not needed. In addition to allowing fan speed control, full range light dimming, and totally silent operation. The Inteli-Touch features Variable Speeds Select from 6 various fan speeds in forward and reverse for perfect comfort level and room ambience. Fan Minder® Automatically adjusts the speed of the fan as you sleep to compensate for cooler night air for all-night comfort. Safe-Exit® Turns lights off 30 seconds after pressing the light button, giving ample time to leave a room without stumbling in the dark. Home-Safe® Provides a controlled lighting cycle that makes your home look occupied when you're not there. Light Minder® Can automatically turn lights off two hours after they are turned on. A real energy saver! Versa-Touch2™ The Versa-Touch2 hand-held remote provides three forward or reverse fan speeds, full spectrum light dimming and memory, and has an optional wall plate bracket. Versa-Touch2 may be used alone to control several fans or with extra controls to operate a single fan from different locations. Wireless remote operation uses one 9 volt battery Operates separate fan & light functions within a 35 foot radius 32 programmable transmission channels eliminates interference One control may operate many fans or several controls can operate one fan Additional controls available to provide added convenience W-80 The industry's leading optional fan and light control, featuring 4 speeds in forward and reverse. Noise-free circuitry and quiet operation Continuously variable light dimming (300 watt max) 120VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.5Amp rating Requires special wiring (a third wire) Will operate one fan only Adapt-Touch [W-52] Add remote control convenience to Casablanca 3-Speed fans. Easily converts new or existing Casablanca 3-Speed Pull Chain models equipped with a Hang-Tru® canopy Three fan speeds and instant off Full range light dimming (on models equipped with a light fixture) Hand held remote includes switch plate bracket for wall mounting Receiver is quickly installed in the Hang-Tru canopy of the fan Use one Adapt-Touch to control several fans, or purchase extra controls to operate one fan from different locations W-28 Attractive dual slide optional fan and light control. Noise-free circuitry and quiet operation Four optional fan speed settings Continuously variable light dimming (300 watt max) 120VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.5Amp rating Requires special wiring (a third wire) Will operate one fan only Available in Snow White and Ivory finishes W-24 Attractive single slide optional fan only control. Noise-free circuitry and quiet operation Four optional fan speed settings 120VAC, 60Hz, 1.5Amp rating Will operate one fan only Available in Snow White and Ivory finishes Advan-Touch™ Casablanca's Advan-Touch is the newest remote control system. Wall-mounted or hand-held, Advan-Touch combines a user-friendly design with a large LCD display and intuitive controls for fan and lighting with programmable features. Use one Advan-Touch to control several fans, or purchase an extra control to operate one fan from different locations. The Advan-Touch features: Variable Speeds Select from 6 various fan speeds in forward and reverse for perfect comfort level and room ambience. Safe-Exit™ Turns lights off 30 seconds after pressing the light button, giving ample time to leave a room without stumbling in the dark. Home-Safe™ Provides a controlled lighting cycle that makes your home look occupied when you're not there. Liquid Crystal Display Large easy to read LCD window displays light intensity, fan speed, airflow direction, and mode of operation. W-1811 Attractive dual slide optional fan and light control. Noise-free circuitry and quiet operation Four optional fan speed settings Continuously variable light dimming (300 watt max) 120VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.5Amp rating Requires special wiring (a third wire) Will operate one fan only

Landscape Lighting

1) Planning the Low-Voltage Landscape System Strategically locating the fixtures around a structure with pools of light in contrast with dark areas provide the interplay of light and shadow that creates stunning visual impact. Low-voltage lighting is easily installed, making it ideal for enhancing existing properties. The design of each installation is tailored to the unique characteristics of the properties foliage, structures, and human activities. 2) Sketch the Property The front sidewalk or driveway is a natural starting point. Sketch the structure (house or office building) in context on the lot, and make note of trees for uplighting, interesting textures, signs or address markers, colorful flowerbeds, shrubbery, etc. 3) Indicate Fixture Locations Once the sketch is complete, pencil in the placement of area, path, directional, and specialty fixtures. Area lights are indirect light sources having a large distribution of light on the ground or on the surface commonly used for driveways, isolated planters, or perimeter illumination. Path lights are commonly used for small pathways, walkways, flowerbeds and ground cover areas, with spacing of 6 to 10 feet. With a narrow sidewalk, stagger the lighting from one side to the other; however, a uniform row of fixtures works well for a wide walkway or driveway. Well lights are extremely effective for aiming light up a tree or column; they should be located 2 to 4 feet from the trunk base. Directional lights aim a beam directly at an object or surface. These fixtures can be hidden under shrubs or in other unobtrusive ways. Specialty fixtures are used for a wide variety of special installations and applications, including hanging, surface, underwater, step, and brick lighting. It is usually more attractive when the lighting effects are spread throughout the setting rather than merely aimed for symmetrical distribution. 4) Selecting the Proper Transformer When the system lamp wattage is known, the transformer calculation is easy. Just add up the total wattage of the lamps you are using and make sure it is less than or equal to the transformer rating. Try to leave extra space on the transformer for future expansion.

Recessed and Track Lighting

General Lighting General Lighting sets the basic ambient illumination level of space. It is important for circulation and functionality. Uniform Down-lighting Uniform illumination provides a layer of ambient light typically used to provide general lighting on horizontal surfaces. It is important to note that, while useful, uniform illumination typically has the least visual impact on a space. Non-Uniform Down-lighting Non-uniform down lighting provides the appearance of pools of light and can provide a more interesting visual appearance. Non-uniform illumination is generally accomplished with par or MR16 lamps spaced far enough apart so their beams do not overlap. Spacing is a function of the chosen lamp's beam spread and desired effect. Task Lighting Providing supplemental illumination over tasks is critical to allow enough light to perform them accurately, efficiently, and safely. Recessed Task Lighting Placement of recessed down-lights to facilitate tasks is critical. For counter or work surface tasks, recessed fixtures should be placed between the cabinet face and the front edge of the counter. This position avoids casting of shadows and minimizes veiling reflections. When lighting paper tasks, down-lights should be placed on each side of the task to minimize glare and veiling reflections. When lighting tasks in front of people, such as at a table or in front of a mirror, it is important to locate down-lights in front of the person so as not to cast unnatural/unpleasant shadows. Whenever possible, add complementary fill lighting from a diffuse source such as a wall sconce or chandelier. Decorative Pendants Task Lighting Decorative pendants provide both functional task lighting and add a visual interest and aesthetic character into a space. Pendants can be used singularly to light over small tables such as in an intimate restaurant or in multiples to light elongated surfaces such as residential kitchen island counters or retail cash wraps or feature displays. For tables, the bottom edge of the pendants should be mounted 30" to 36" above the counter top. Accent Lighting Accent Lighting creates high contrast on objects of interest such as sculpture, collectibles, and architectural details. For noticeable visual impact, accent lighting should be at least 3 times as bright as a surrounding area. More dramatic accent lighting requires contrast ratios of 5:1 or greater. Accent Lighting on flat artwork Flat art is usually illuminated by a source striking its surface at a 30-degree angle. This eliminates veiling reflection (glare) from bouncing into a viewer's eye, and prevents the casting of a shadow of the viewer onto the artwork. Accent Lighting of three dimensional objects "Key and Fill" is an effective technique for accentuating the three dimensional character of an object. This technique entails the use of key and fill lighting from two sides of the object. Key lighting is a hard accent light used to create shadows and to highlight an object's form and texture. Fill light is a softer light thrown from the opposite side of the object to softens the shadows, making the object appear more natural. Other techniques can also be applied to further accentuate the unique character of an object, such as silhouetting and object from behind. Wall Lighting The illumination of vertical surfaces can impact the perception of a space more than any other type of lighting. Light reflecting off of walls creates a bright, spacious feel and adds visual interest. Wall Washing Wall washing provides even, diffuse illumination of vertical surfaces such as walls, large paintings, wall hangings, bookcases and shelving, cabinet fronts, or stairwells. The diffuse nature of wall wash illumination has the effect of flattening out textured surfaces. Wall wash luminaries are usually spaced equal to the set back distance from the wall. Closer spacing leads to higher light levels and with better uniformity. Grazing By placing down-lights 6"-12" from a wall, a grazing effect can be achieved on textured surfaces such as brick or stucco. PAR lamps are a good source to use for grazing. Light Scallops Light scallops can be an intentional or unintentional effect of a down-lighting plan. The last row of down-lights closest to the wall will cause light scallops, which if planned for can add visual interest to a space. The more diffuse the light source and trim are, the softer the scallop will be. For example an R/BR-lamp mounted in a flush to ceiling open trim will barely create any scallop, an R-lamp in a shallow white baffle will create a soft scallop, and a PAR lamp in a deep black baffle trim will cause a crisp scallop. You should also be mindful of the horizontal location of the center of the scallops relative to architectural features such as cabinet frames, doorways, windows, etc.

Tech Trak

To calculate the amount of track you'll need for an organic shape, draw the Tech Trak to scale (for example, ¼" =1'). Use a piece of string to "trace" the drawing. Measure the length of string, then convert from your scale. Use standoff supports every four feet of a Tech Trak run. For best appearance, place the last standoff 4-6" from the end of the run, and place standoffs symmetrically, altering between standoffs with connector where track sections join together and standoffs without connector in the center of each 8' track section.

Two-Circuit Monorail

The first step in designing your Two-Circuit Monorail system is to determine what it is you are trying to light. You'll need to decide where the Pendants or Elements should be installed to put light where you want it, and which pendants or elements will be controlled by each circuit. The second step is to draw your Two-Circuit Monorail run. Remember, Two-Circuit Monorail can be shaped by hand to follow architectural details or to create an organic shape. Your run must be placed so it runs directly from beneath the surface transformer or power feed and intersects the locations of all the fixtures. Determine how many pieces of rail you'll need. Add one set of end caps to each end of the run for an elegant finishing touch. Next, add up the wattages of the lamps you'll be using on the system; this will help you select a transformer. A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look, but the remote transformer must be installed in an accessible, remote location. The surface transformer simply mounts to a junction box. Two-Circuit Monorail transformers come prewired with either two or four 120 volt input lines to allow for independent switching of the circuits. Finally, Determine how far from the ceiling you want the system to drop. Power feed canopies place the rail two inches from the ceiling; Two-Circuit Monorail surface transformers place the rail six inches from the ceiling. If this drop is shorter than you require, you'll need to add a power extender to your canopy or surface transformer. The maximum standard drop for Two-Circuit Monorail is eight feet. Select standoffs that match the drop of your power feed to support the system. Adjustable standoffs provide a clean, elegant look. Choose rigid standoffs for curvy runs, or runs with multiple glass pendants. You'll need one standoff for every three feet of Two-Circuit Monorail. The power feed counts as a support, so begin adding standoffs three feet from the power feed. Note: Power extenders and standoffs are field-cuttable, so it's easy to achieve a custom drop length.

Monorail

The first step in designing your Monorail system is to determine what it is you are trying to light. You'll need to decide where pendants or elements should be installed to put light where you want it. The second step is to Draw in your Monorail run. Remember, Monorail can be shaped by hand to follow architectural details or to create an organic shape. Your Monorail run must be placed so it runs directly beneath the junction box with surface transformer or power feed canopy and intersects the locations of all the fixtures. Determine how many pieces of rail you'll need. Add a pair of end caps to each end of the run for an elegant finishing touch. Next, add up the wattages of the lamps you'll be using on the system: this will help you select a transformer. A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look, but the remote transformer must be installed in an accessible, remote location. A surface transformer simply mounts to a junction box. Finally, Determine how far from the ceiling you want the system to drop. Power feed canopies place the rail two inches from the ceiling; surface transformers drop it from two to five inches, depending on the type of transformer. If this drop is shorter than you require, you'll need to add a power extender to your canopy or surface transformer. The maximum standard drop for Monorail is eight feet. Select standoffs that match the drop of your power feed to support the system. Adjustable standoffs provide a clean, elegant look. Choose rigid standoffs for curvy runs, or runs with multiple glass pendants. You'll need one standoff for every three feet of Monorail. The power feed counts as a support, so begin adding standoffs three feet from the power feed. Note: Power extenders and standoffs are field-cuttable, so it's easy to achieve a custom drop length.

Kable Light

The first step in designing your Kable Lite system is to determine what it is you are trying to light. You will need to decide where the where pendants or elements should be installed to put light where you want it. Determine the cable separation of the run. Generally, the higher the ceiling, the wider the cable separation can be. We recommend the following: Ceiling height Cable separation not to exceed 8' 3.5" 9' 5.5" 10' 8" Different fixtures have different cable separation requirements, so make sure the fixtures you've chosen are compatible with the cable separation. The second step is to draw your Kable Lite run. Remember, Kable Lite is designed to make straight lines and simple turns. The cables must be placed so they pass over the locations of all the fixtures. Kable Lite surface transformers and power feed canopies have 24" feeds, so your Kable Lite run must pass within two feet of the junction box. Determine how many feet of cable you'll need. Finally, add up the wattages of the lamps you'll be using on the system; this will help you select a transformer. A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look, but the remote transformer must be installed in an accessible, remote location. The surface transformer simply mounts to a nearby junction box. Kable Lite power feed canopies and surface transformers have 24' feeds; if this drop is shorter than you require, or if you prefer the look of hardware, you'll need optional hardwire feeds. We recommend putting a pair of turnbuckles on each side of the run for visual symmetry. You will not need to add supports to your run unless it's long (over twenty feet) or has heavier elements (such as glass pendants). Please contact us for custom applications.

Monorail Chandeliers

The first step in designing your Monorail chandelier is to determine what it is you are trying to light. You'll need to decide where pendants or elements should be installed to put light where you want it. Next, add up the wattages of the lamps you'll be using on the system: this will help you select a transformer. A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look, but the remote transformer must be installed in an accessible, remote location. A surface transformer simply mounts to a junction box. Finally, Determine how far from the ceiling you want the monorail chandelier to drop. The minimum diameter of the chandelier should be about half the width of your table. For rooms with an 8-foot ceiling, hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 30-32 inches above the tabletop.

Wall Monorail

The first step in designing your Wall Monorail system is to determine what it is you are trying to light. You will need to decide where the elements should be installed to put light where you want it. The second step is to draw your Wall Monorail run. Remember, Wall Monorail can be shaped by hand to follow a curved wall or soffit. Your Wall Monorail must be placed so it runs directly in front of the junction box if using a remote transformer or within two feet of the junction box if using a surface transformer. Determine how many pieces of rail you'll need. Add a pair of end caps to each end of the run for an elegant finishing touch. The next step is too add up the wattages of the lamps you'll be using on the system; this will help you select a transformer. A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look, but the remote transformer must be installed in an accessible, remote location. A surface transformer simply mounts to a nearby junction box and requires end or center power feed connectors to bring power from the transformer to the run. Finally you will have to add standoffs. You'll need one standoff for every three feet of Wall Monorail. The power feed canopy counts as a support, so begin adding standoffs three feet from the power feed canopy.

Antique Lighting