Design Tools – Muskoka Lighting Company

Design Tools

Light up your Muskoka home with our simple guide and recommended design tools.

Vanity Lighting

Did you know that sconces are the trending choice for vanity lighting? Placing a sconce on each side of your mirror ensures even distribution of light where you need it most, casting a warm, radiant glow that beautifully illuminates your face.

For optimal placement, aim to install your vanity sconces at 66” on center from the floor. To achieve balanced lighting, space them approximately 28″-40″ apart, allowing their illumination to overlap seamlessly.

If you’re considering an above mirror vanity light, ensure that the fixture is shorter in width than the mirror for the best overall aesthetic look. You’ll also want to consider whether you prefer upward-facing, downward-facing, or multi-directional lighting. Upward-facing lights can create a softer, more ambient glow, while downward-facing lights are often used for task lighting.

For added versatility, consider installing a dimmer switch allowing you to adjust the light for different activities—bright for practical tasks and soft for a relaxing soak in the tub or a serene spa-like atmosphere.

Chandelier & Dining Table Lighting

When choosing a chandelier or statement piece for your space, size matters. A useful guideline is to add the overall length and width of the room together—the resulting number suggests the ideal diameter for your fixture. For instance, a 12’x14′ dining room benefits from a 26″ chandelier.

Positioning your chandelier above a dining table is crucial. Aim for a distance of approximately 30″-36″ between the bottom of the chandelier and the tabletop, ensuring it remains shorter than the table’s length. Consider your ceiling height as well; spaces higher than 9 feet may be better suited with a two-tier fixture and could require additional chain or downrod.

Lastly, light distribution and output direction are essential factors to consider when selecting a chandelier, especially for a dining space. Decide whether you prefer glare-free, sparkling, or diffused light to enhance your space effectively.

Ceiling Fans

Discovering the perfect ceiling fan for any room involves navigating a vast array of options, including materials, finishes, blade counts, and dimensions. To ensure you make the right choice, follow these essential steps:

Consider the Location: Assess where the ceilng fan will be installed to determine the ideal specifications.
Measure the Space: Calculate the square footage of the room to guide your fan size selection and overall blade sweep.
Evaluate Ceiling Height and Type: Measure your ceiling’s height and consider its type (cathedral, sloped, etc.) to determine the appropriate fan size, downrod length, and slope. For optimal safety and performance, ensure the fan is at least 7 feet from the floor and the blades are at least 18 inches away from any walls.
Select Appropriate Controls: Decide whether you prefer a fan with pull chains, wall controls, remote controls, or smart controls.

These steps, based on room size, ceiling pitch, and control preferences, will guide you towards selecting the perfect ceiling fan to enhance comfort and style in your space!

Kitchen Lighting

Let’s talk about kitchen lighting! Consider all the tasks that are performed in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables and washing dishes, to grabbing midnight snacks. Layering your lighting is key to enhancing both functionality and ambiance. Think about incorporating kick lights for those late-night fridge visits, under-cabinet lights to illuminate countertops, or discreet downlights flanking a hood range for added ambiance. When strategizing your kitchen lighting, it’s essential to focus on three key layers:

General Lighting: Ensure thorough illumination across your entire kitchen space. For a refined, cohesive look, evenly space your pot lights to align with the center of windows, sinks, appliances, or in some cases: cabinets. To determine the ideal placement, divide your ceiling height by two. For example, with an 8-foot-high ceiling, aim for approximately 4 feet between each pot light.

Task Lighting: Focus on specific areas such as countertops and sinks to enhance food preparation and cleaning tasks. Explore various options such as pendant lights or gooseneck wall fixtures over the sink for optimal visibility. LED light strips or discreet downlights under cabinets can also effectively illuminate countertops for tasks. When considering island or peninsula lighting, pendants provide a balanced combination of ambient and task lighting. For optimal installation, aim to maintain 30″-36″ of space between the bottom of each pendant and your countertop. Additionally, spacing each pendant approximately 30″ apart ensures a well-distributed and visually appealing arrangement. When hanging a linear pendant above your kitchen island, choose a fixture that is about 2/3rds of the size of your countertop.

Accent Lighting: Add depth and ambiance with discreet fixtures, or highlight architectural features and create focal points. As well as integrated kick lighting for those midnight snacks, consider integrated light fixtures in your frosted or glass kitchen cabinets.

By carefully balancing these layers, you can create a kitchen that is not only functional but also inviting and stylish.

Outdoor & Landscape Lighting

Illuminate every corner of your outdoor sanctuary with our expert tips on lighting. From entryways to driveways, pathways to stairs, and even decks, docks and dining areas, discover the many ways you can style your home with light and illumination. Together, let’s transform your exterior into a safer, more functional space where every evening activity shines bright.

Your outdoor environment should be an inviting extension of your indoor living space—comfortable, welcoming, and a true reflection of your personal style.

Outdoor lighting goes beyond mere functionality; it enhances the natural allure and energy of your home. And as daylight fades, the right outdoor lighting ensures safe navigation around your property. Elevate your hardscape with these essential steps:

Path Lighting: Light up your pathways using strategically placed low-level fixtures that ensure your walkways are highlighted and visible throughout the night. Keep the path seamlessly illuminated by spacing lights evenly, typically about 4-8 feet apart. You may also want to consider fixtures with downward-facing or shielded bulbs to elegantly guide light where needed, without any harsh glare, creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance for evening strolls.
Spot Lighting: Transform your outdoor sanctuary with the artful use of spotlights. Create focal points by highlighting mature trees, sculptures, or architectural elements such as columns and arches – maybe you have a gazebo you wish to dramatically showcase. To achieve a comfortable, ambient environment, strategically place each spotlight to avoid glare, and consider the colour temperatures of the fixtures you install – 2700K will create an environment that feels like a warm, nostalgic embrace, while 3000K is stimulating and provides more of a modern, contemporary look. Finally, try experimenting with angles and distances to uncover the perfect lighting setup that brings your outdoor space to life.
Deck, Dock, and Step Lighting: Lighting key areas in your backyard, especially areas that require precaution, can dramatically enhance safety and elevate your outdoor enjoyment. Whether you opt for strip lights, in-ground fixtures or discreet above-ground lights strategically placed around stairs, decks, or docks, you’re not just ensuring safety—you’re crafting a whole new ambiance that defines your outdoor space. Before installing the fixtures, ensure you maintain consistent spacing between lights to provide even and seamless illumination across the entire staircase or obstacle, reducing shadows and potential tripping hazards.

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?

Explore endless possibilities and spark your creativity with our curated selection of lighting designs, igniting inspiration for every corner of your home or business.