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Lighting 101
What to ExpectThere’s a lot that goes into a thoughtful lighting plan. The details can make all the difference.
❋ Types of lighting❋ Electrical Symbols for lighting plans❋ Lighting Fixtures❋ Defining a lamp (aka bulbs)❋ Lighting placement best practice❋ ADA Regulations❋ Ceiling Fans❋ Interior & Exterior Ratings❋ Building Code
Electrical Symbols for Lighting Plans
Types of Lighting
Ambient: General, consistent, and uniform lighting
Task Lighting: Intense, direct lighting focused for reading, cooking, sewing, etc. This lighting should be glare-free
Accent Lighting: Aesthetic lighting that creates a mood or highlights a room feature
Types of Lighting Fixtures
Flush Mounts
Semi-Flush Mounts
Chandeliers
Sconces or Brackets
Pendants
Lanterns
Recessed
Under-cabinet
Step Lights
Vanity
Track Lighting
Floor & Table Lamps
Swing Arm Lamps
Picture Lights
Exterior Pier Mounts
Exterior Post Mounts
Landscape Lighting
Defining a Lamp
Type A
Getting the correct lamp in a fixture can make all the difference. Your lamp preference can even influence your fixture choice.
Shapes & Sizes
Bulb widths are measured by 1/8 of an inch. A standard A19 bulbs is nineteen1/8 of an inch or 2 3/8”
Type B
Type C
Type D
Lamp Terminology
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The bulb finish can affect the look of a light fixture.
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Lumens measure the amount of light.
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Not all bulbs are dimmable, and not all bulbs dim the full range. Also, not having a compatible bulb and dimmer can cause buzzing and flickering.
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The amount of power consumed by a bulb. All fixtures are rated for a maximum wattage.
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This is a standard that helps identify warm and cool light. This is measured in Kelvins. The higher the Kelvin the cooler the light. The lower the Kelvin the warmer the light. A sunny day may be 5000K and candlelight is closer to 2000K. Most interiors are 2700K or 3000K.
Some bulbs have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) rating. This is a measurement of the lights color accuracy. It is measured from 0 to 100. The higher the CRI the more accurate the color and the more clean & crisp the color will appear.
Lighting Placement
Above a table
Chandeliers should hang 30 to 36” above a table on an average ceiling eight. Allow a minimum of 6” from the edge of the chandelier to the edge of the table.
Taller ceilings may use larger chandeliers hung higher above the table
Lighting Distance
Centered in a room
Add the length and width of the room to get the approximate chandelier diameter. Allow a minimum of 7’ clearance to walk below.
Recessed Track and Rail placement For Wall Washing
Use this tool to determine proper track light spacing and positioning based on a 30-degree angle from the wall. Fine-tune the layout to achieve consistent, balanced wall wash and optimal illumination.
Recessed Track and Rail placement For Wall Washing
Use this tool to determine proper track light spacing and positioning based on a 30-degree angle from the wall. Fine-tune the layout to achieve consistent, balanced wall wash and optimal illumination.
ADA Regulations for Sconces
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) limits wall-mounted luminaires to four inches in depth when located between 27 inches and 84 inches from the finished floor level of walks, halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles in public spaces. Many sconces meet this requirement at any mounting height. Sconces greater than four inches in depth can be used, but they must be mounted higher than 84 inches from the finished floor.
Code for over a bathtub
In Minnesota, no cord-connected luminaires, chain/cable-suspended luminaires, track lighting, or paddle fans with lights are allowed within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of a bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This 3'x8' zone includes the space directly over the tub or shower.
Codes for Closets
Many places have codes for lighting in closets. This is the local code in MN
Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lamp holders are not permitted in clothes closets.
045 NEC 410.16 Luminaires in clothes closets shall have the following minimum clearances from the defined storage space:
§ 12 inches for totally enclosed surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires on the ceiling or above the door
§ 6 inches for totally enclosed recessed incandescent or LED luminaires on the ceiling or above the door
§ 6 inches for surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires on the ceiling or above the door 046 NEC 410.2 Defined closet storage space extends from the floor to a height of 6-feet or the highest clothes-hanging rod and 24-inches from the sides and back of the closet walls, and continuing vertically to the ceiling parallel to the walls at 12- inches or the shelf width, whichever is greater.
047 NEC 410.16 Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lampholders are not permitted in clothes closets
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.