Lighting for above sewing area???
08-14-2011, 07:24 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: central North Dakota
Posts: 1,398
First, let me say thanks to anyone who responds to my question.
We recently had a mishap with a tree crashing onto the roof of an addition on our house. This addition had my office/sewing room and also a family room. We got everything moved out of both rooms, and are waiting for insurance and contractors to fix up the mess.
So, when I look at this empty family room, which has been a catch all for whatever for a couple of years, and now it is standing empty, I realize just how much room is in it. It is 12x20. So, now, I am making plans to move my sewing area into this room, making it possible to TRY to get it all in one room, instead of scattered all over.
My DH needs to do some wiring for the lights where I plan on putting the sewing and cutting areas, and I was wondering just what any of you would recommend. I am going to use the search engine here on remodeled rooms to see if I can figure out what others have used. So, between that and replies, I hope to get a good idea of what works for others.
I am telling myself not to expect this done soon, and so this is a Christmas present to myself. I hope to be in there by that time.
Again, I say thanks to anyone who can give me any advice on this subject.
We recently had a mishap with a tree crashing onto the roof of an addition on our house. This addition had my office/sewing room and also a family room. We got everything moved out of both rooms, and are waiting for insurance and contractors to fix up the mess.
So, when I look at this empty family room, which has been a catch all for whatever for a couple of years, and now it is standing empty, I realize just how much room is in it. It is 12x20. So, now, I am making plans to move my sewing area into this room, making it possible to TRY to get it all in one room, instead of scattered all over.
My DH needs to do some wiring for the lights where I plan on putting the sewing and cutting areas, and I was wondering just what any of you would recommend. I am going to use the search engine here on remodeled rooms to see if I can figure out what others have used. So, between that and replies, I hope to get a good idea of what works for others.
I am telling myself not to expect this done soon, and so this is a Christmas present to myself. I hope to be in there by that time.
Again, I say thanks to anyone who can give me any advice on this subject.
08-14-2011, 07:33 PM
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 117
I bought an OTT light and it can be moved around in case you decide to change your sewing area around. The other light I have is an old floor lamp - I just prop the shade to get perfect lighting on my project. Both work to give me light and are inexpensive. I bought my OTT light used for a lot less than new! Actually, I bought a second used OTT light with a magnifying glass for my computer stand.
I am in the living room corner, so I can't turn on overhead lights with my husband in the room. Someone else may have better suggestions on overhead lights.
I am in the living room corner, so I can't turn on overhead lights with my husband in the room. Someone else may have better suggestions on overhead lights.
08-14-2011, 07:50 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 558
When we redid a little room off of the family room my husband suggested both recessed cans in the ceiling above each table and also tracts that point onto the design wall and the bookcases of fabric. It works great. the overlap of the two takes away any shadows.
My opinion:you can't have too much light.
Oh,I also have a full-spectrum "gooseneck" style lamp that I can bring right down to the work on the cutting table and at the sewing machine that I bought at a local art supply store.
sounds like you're going to have some fun getting a new studio :-D
My opinion:you can't have too much light.
Oh,I also have a full-spectrum "gooseneck" style lamp that I can bring right down to the work on the cutting table and at the sewing machine that I bought at a local art supply store.
sounds like you're going to have some fun getting a new studio :-D
08-14-2011, 08:25 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nebraska..The Good Life
Posts: 2,102
For every door that closes a new one opens. So sorry about the damage to your home but wow! a new sewing studio for you!!! Cool!
I have no overhead lighting in the rooms I work in and have discussed having them put in with an electrician. Lamps are for the birds in my opinion!! He suggested that fluorescent lights would give the most even lighting in the room. They should be placed above you, not behind you so that there are no shadows from your body getting in the way. I'm hoping to have mine installed before winter. I have to have them put in two rooms since my LA is in a different room than the rest of my sewing stuff. Good luck!
I have no overhead lighting in the rooms I work in and have discussed having them put in with an electrician. Lamps are for the birds in my opinion!! He suggested that fluorescent lights would give the most even lighting in the room. They should be placed above you, not behind you so that there are no shadows from your body getting in the way. I'm hoping to have mine installed before winter. I have to have them put in two rooms since my LA is in a different room than the rest of my sewing stuff. Good luck!
08-14-2011, 08:31 PM
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,736
Fluorescent Lighting in the ceiling and lots of it! Use the daylight bulbs to give you as close to clean clear lighting as possible. Put in more than you think is necessary, and have lots of switches, so you can turn off the excess, should that be the case.
When I did my basement I hadn't planned on it becoming my sewing room. The lighting is great ... though now, I need just one more put in, to fill in a hole between the fixtures, as of course, that's exactly where my sewing machine sits!
Better to have too much light, and turn it off, than not enough and want more!
Have fun planning your dream room!
When I did my basement I hadn't planned on it becoming my sewing room. The lighting is great ... though now, I need just one more put in, to fill in a hole between the fixtures, as of course, that's exactly where my sewing machine sits!
Better to have too much light, and turn it off, than not enough and want more!
Have fun planning your dream room!
08-14-2011, 09:36 PM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,458
Sorry to hear about the tree damage.
Fluorescent lights are a must for me and LOTS. I have OTT light for close
work but I also need a well lit room. Plan all your cutting, sewing, ironing
stations and make sure you have lights above. My sewing room doesn't have
all the lights that I wish so I have to play musical tables all the time. LOL
Fluorescent lights are a must for me and LOTS. I have OTT light for close
work but I also need a well lit room. Plan all your cutting, sewing, ironing
stations and make sure you have lights above. My sewing room doesn't have
all the lights that I wish so I have to play musical tables all the time. LOL
08-15-2011, 03:15 AM
#9
Guest
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cypress, Texas
Posts: 4,728
What a mess for you. But it sounds like the new room will be a great place for you in the end. I'm an Ott light fan all the way. Our electrician was out Friday to look at some things dh wants done and I decided to have recessed lighting put in the sewing room. It has enough lighting now but I'm wanting to get more coverage and brighter without having to move the Otts...part of getting older..lol. Hopefully he'll get started this week.
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