Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Karen W. on 15/01/2008 01:42:09

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Karen W. on 15/01/2008 01:42:09

I would like something new and cool, maybe something with some newer technology and that

can be made bright or dimmed with a dimmer switch.
 

This is a bedroom about 12x16 ft. It has one electrical lamp fixture in the ceiling.

Right now it sports two 8ft long florescent tubes running end to end from the same

wiring harness. It is Ugly and the ballast has gone out and I hate them so..


I want to replace them with a single unit that will provide a nice well lit room while

still being efficient as well as pleasing to the eye!


Any suggestions would be quite helpful!

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 15/01/2008 14:22:20

You will have quite a problem solving this within your criteria if you really want as much light as 2 x 8ft flourescents and to be able to dim them.   Compact flourescents cannot normally be dimmed and you would need 8 20 watt bulbs to match your two flourescents which are usually about 80w each. ordinary halogen bulbs are dimmable but much less efficient and you would need at least a 500w one to match the brightness of your flourescent tubes.  The only technnology that will do the job is LEDs I am not sure that Large outoput LED light sources are available commercially at affordable prices yet they will be soon I expect.

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: RD on 17/01/2008 16:09:50

This flying saucer design is "cool", but expensive ...
http://www.contemporaryheaven.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?ref=783&m=2&mi=55
(I don't think its 40Watt fluorecent bulb would be as bright as your two strip lights).

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Karen W. on 18/01/2008 04:17:00

It is a very cool looking light! I want it for a bedroom. I don't have to have flourescent's as I want something soft, but that I can be brightened up depending on what I am doing. working on something at a desk etc.

Thanks Ian and RD!

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Nobody's Confidant on 18/01/2008 16:44:58

flourescant

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Karen W. on 18/01/2008 17:08:36

I already have Fluorescent ones!

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: RD on 19/01/2008 10:31:55

Quote from: Karen W. on 18/01/2008 04:17:00

I don't have to have flourescent's as I want something soft, but that I can be brightened up depending on what I am doing.
 

Dimmable fluorescent bulbs are available ...
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LASD20BC.html?utm_source=froogle
3 or 4 of these 20W bulbs in an uplighter-type shade should do the job, if you have a white/pale ceiling.

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: rosalind dna on 19/01/2008 11:18:59

Quote from: Karen W. on 15/01/2008 01:42:09

I would like something new and cool, maybe something with some newer technology and that

can be made bright or dimmed with a dimmer switch.
 

This is a bedroom about 12x16 ft. It has one electrical lamp fixture in the ceiling.

Right now it sports two 8ft long florescent tubes running end to end from the same

wiring harness. It is Ugly and the ballast has gone out and I hate them so..


I want to replace them with a single unit that will provide a nice well lit room while

still being efficient as well as pleasing to the eye!


Any suggestions would be quite helpful!

I bought these soft lights for my home mainly for my largish sitting room and main bedroom,
they are perfect for me, white art deco in style and ScrewIn light bulbs,
http://www.johnlewis.com/Electrical+Appliances/Lighting/Wall+Lighting/Ceramic+Lights/4679/230404891/Product.aspx
http://www.johnlewis.com/Electrical+Appliances/Lighting/Wall+Lighting/Ceramic+Lights/4679/230404892/Product.aspx
http://www.allupandon.co.uk/lighting/information/bedrooms

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 20/01/2008 00:18:15

RD  that product looks very interesting

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Karen W. on 20/01/2008 00:35:20

Quote from: RD on 19/01/2008 10:31:55

Quote from: Karen W. on 18/01/2008 04:17:00

I don't have to have flourescent's as I want something soft, but that I can be brightened up depending on what I am doing.
 

Dimmable fluorescent bulbs are available ...
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LASD20BC.html?utm_source=froogle
3 or 4 of these 20W bulbs in an uplighter-type shade should do the job, if you have a white/pale ceiling.

I will check them out! Thanks Rd! My ceilings in this room are dark natural wood open beam ceiling!

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: RD on 21/01/2008 16:14:42

My experience with regular (incandescent) bulbs is that they produce an annoying hum when dimmed.
I have not tried the dimmable fluorescent bulbs.

Title: I need a bright efficient light for a large room, any ideas?
Post by: Karen W. on 22/01/2008 04:06:29

I must say that is interesting I did not know they made dimmable fluorescents! That may be interesting. THanks

I do know the hum you are referring to!