Kitchens by Riland

There are various watt halogen light bulbs available and each will produce a different beam angle. The bulbs are basically available in 20, 35, 50 and special fittings that require 100 watts. The beam angle is 10, 24, 36, and 60 degrees. The beam angle the degree to which the beam will be focused ranging very narrow to a wide spread light. Halogen lights are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms or work areas due to the light quality produced. They are dimmable and will save approximately thirty percent of the energy used as opposed to a regular light bulb.

When using halogen bulbs on the ceiling as the primary light source in an area such as a kitchen, they should be a fifty watt light and spaced approximately two feet apart across the ceiling with the beam angles focused down in some and out in the remaining. The halogen lights are excellent for use in highlighting a single wall. When one wall in a living area is highlighted it will give a larger feel to the room. They should tilt as the light would go at an angle down the wall. Do not tilt the bulb straight down but more of a downward angle and spaced approximately every 3 feet across the top of the wall.

If there is a painting to be highlighted it is best to use a 35 or 50 watt halogen bulb. The light will have a better highlighting effect if it is recessed in the ceiling and spaced the width of the picture apart with the beam aiming down and inward. Also important when highlighting a picture is to use a bulb with a UV filter to avoid damage to the artwork. Without a UV filter the strength of the light could cause possible bleaching to the colors in the paintings.

Floor lamps are also available with small watt halogen light bulbs. These provide excellent light that produces an upward beam. The light is excellent for reading or craft such as knitting areas, as the light does not point directly down unto the reading material or craft work. They should be placed at least six inches from a wall and approximately one foot or more from draperies to avoid extensive heating to the surface. Halogen bulbs will save the user money in wattage use; however, the amount will vary according to number of bulbs in the residence, bulb wattage and length of time the lights are in use.