Getting Crafty
It’s finally Spring! Even though it comes around once a year, it seems like we’ve been waiting an extra-long time for this one to arrive! Longer and warmer days make me feel more creative and productive. And when those spring showers come around, I hit my craft room for some rainy-day recreation!
Now a craft room may mean different things to different people. Oftentimes it’s a reallocated space claimed from a basement or an extra room that hasn’t gotten much use since the kids moved out. And it may not even be a craft room as much as a workshop or just a corner of the garage! But whether you’re scrapbooking, painting, woodworking, or welding, it’s important to have ample, proper light when it comes to hobby time.
While you might be tempted to go with a ceiling chandelier that looks, well, crafty, don’t intend to rely on that light source alone. When doing intricate projects, you’ll need to employ all the categories of light including general (that chandelier counts and maybe some recessed can lights), task (consider under cabinet or table and floor lamps), and accent (spots and tracks to show off your completed works!) If working with lamps close-up for detail work, try an LED bulb with a high CRI for clarity and color accuracy. While halogen bulbs provide superior color rendering, they also generate a lot of heat, which you don’t want near your face and hands.
Shadows are your nemesis when working on your leisure projects. Make sure to layer lighting throughout the space and have enough sources to lighten those dark corners. Overhead lights like chandeliers and recessed cans are great for indoor designs, but if you’ve got more of a utility space in your garage or shed, shop lights might be just the ticket. Shelves, bins, drawers, and cabinets are opportunities for LED tape or rope lighting. Imagine being able to see all your tools and supplies! If you happen to have a window or two in your space, lucky you! Natural light is always best. But the light streaming in from the windows changes throughout the day, so supplemental light even in daytime hours is important. Being able to adjust light sources dependent upon your need is ideal. Today’s track lighting not only offers movable, directional heads, but it looks cool and fashionable too. Dimmer switches can also help in customizing light levels to provide the exact right amount of light for any conditions. You can even make your lamps dimmable! Check compatibility for dimmer selections at 1000Bulbs.com.
Sometimes scarce, hobby time is vital to your well-being. Make sure you craft a space with enough light to prevent fatigue and maximize your enjoyment of this precious commodity. Have questions about how to achieve the perfect light level for your craft? Give one of our friendly lighting experts a call at 1-800-624-4488.
