Ask the Expert 
Need more light from our ceiling fan
QUESTION: I have a 20x24 room with a ceiling fan. A light fixture on the fan supports four 40watt bulbs but this is not enough light for the room. Are there other light kit options made for ceiling fans that will allow me to increase the overall room lighting?
-- Steve from Orlando, FL
ANSWER:
Well the good news is that many of the new compact fluorescent bulbs allow for a higher output of light with a lower wattage, thus brightening up a room. The bad news is you have to be careful about what type of light you choose. In a bedroom you would want to assure that the bulbs are a “soft light” rather than a natural light, otherwise they will cast off a blue tinged glow, not very attractive in a bedroom. Also, if the bulbs are exposed you may get stuck looking at the coil, which is a big distraction and harsh on your eyes. If you cannot find a suitable covered compact fluorescent, or the lights themselves do not have glass enclosures to block direct viewing f the bulbs, we would suggest beefing up the light in the room through the use of lamps, wall sconces, or floor lamps.
About the Designer
Melinda Richardson finished her interior design training at Mount Royal College. She began her career with Paul Lavoie where much of her sense of style and design developed. Melinda also worked at Abugov Kaspar Architecture firm in their design department and later at Mosaic Interiors, and then Ingenium Design Group. She worked on commercial, health-care, and retail design projects, but it was residential design that brought out her passion. It seemed a natural step from there to work in the home-building industry at Shane Homes. Melinda decided to start her own company, Premise Design, in 2005 working mainly within the residential design field. She is a member of Interior Designers of Alberta and is now studying to take the NCIDQ examination.
