COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: We moved into a new house with a basement that we're going to use as a family room. We want to make it a multipurpose room with separate areas for watching TV, playing games and quiet sitting.

The only natural light we have comes in from a couple of small windows at ground level. We know that lighting can make all the difference in a room, so we would like some guidance on how much and what type we should buy. -- Dick and Mary T.

DEAR DICK and MARY: A properly lit room is a powerful decorating tool. Lighting creates mood, enhances the atmosphere and ensures that you use each area for the function that you desire.

Your first step is to develop a lighting plan. You mentioned that you will have three separate areas, each with a different function. You need to identify the activities and areas in the room, and determine if there will be any decorative elements you want to spotlight.

Step two is to define the type of lighting needed for each area or activity zone. A room needs three types of lighting: general, task and accent.

General lighting provides the overall illumination; it allows for safe movement in, out and around a room. Task lighting is assigned for a special task or activity such as reading, games or desk work. Accent lighting is strictly decorative and adds drama to a room; it accents a focal piece of artwork, sculpture or plants, emphasizes aesthetics and enhances the atmosphere.

Now, on to the type of lighting you'll be seeking.

For your general lighting needs, ceiling fixtures will provide overall illumination. You can attach a light kit to a ceiling fan, or install recessed can lighting, track lighting or wall sconces. Another way to provide general lighting is with a table or floor lamp attached to a switch that you can turn on when you enter the room. You don't want to walk across the room to turn the lamp on -- that would defeat the purpose.

In your TV and sitting areas, you need task lighting. Task lighting is portable, free-standing, plug-in lamps, such as table and floor lamps. Everyone has different TV watching habits, but I always find it most comfortable if there is task lighting near the seats because sometimes the area is used for reading or sewing.

The recessed cans in your ceiling cannot be used as task lighting since they are too far away. In the area where you'll be reading, it is best if the shade of the table lamp is about 40 to 42 inches off the floor. With a floor lamp, it should be located about 10 inches behind your shoulder.

One secret to good lighting is to place your task lighting on a diagonal across from your seating. It is best if the light is arranged in a triangular pattern so that no one sits or reads in the dark.

For your game table, you'll want to hang a pendant light 36 inches above the top. A good rule of thumb for size is choosing a fixture that is equal to half the width of the table. For example, a 36-inch round table will require a fixture with a diameter of about 18 inches.

Finally, you will want to add accent lighting. For this, you'll use spot, floor can, rope and picture lights. To accent the focal point, there should be three times as much light focused on the item as the room's general lighting provides otherwise it will just blend in.

One of my favorites is an adjustable halogen can light. Place it behind a plant and it will create shadows on the wall. Can lights also may be placed on the floor directed upward; this will visually open up the room. Or, you can use them in dark corners to create soft glows.

For your artwork, play with the lighting and placement to see what brings out the best in the picture. In addition to those on top, picture lights can hang from the bottom with the light shining up on the piece. If your art needs higher overhead light, you'll want to use track or spot lighting aimed at a 30-degree angle toward the piece.

Lighting a room doesn't need to be a mystery. Just like any other decorating project, start with a plan and you'll be pleased with the results.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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