Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Spectrum Lighting & Interiors FAQ page!
Located right here in Urbandale, IA, our showroom has been helping central Iowans illuminate their homes and businesses with style, function, and expertise for over 30 years. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions across our primary lighting and design categories.
Chandeliers
How do you choose the right size chandelier for your space?
To determine the ideal diameter for your room, add the room's width and length in feet together—the sum in inches gives you a great starting benchmark! For hanging height over a dining table, position the bottom of the fixture roughly 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop.
Where can you hang a chandelier besides the dining room?
Chandeliers make an incredible statement in foyers, entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, and even over kitchen islands or in stairwells!
Pendants
What is the difference between chandeliers and pendants?
While chandeliers feature multiple light points on a single frame, pendants typically suspend a single light source (or clustered set) from a cord, chain, or stem to provide focused task or ambient light.
How high should you hang pendants over a kitchen island?
We recommend suspending pendants 30 to 36 inches above your countertop surface, spacing them roughly 24 to 30 inches apart to balance task lighting without blocking sightlines.
Bath Lighting
What type of vanity lighting prevents shadows on your face?
Side-mounted sconces positioned at eye level on both sides of your mirror offer the most even, shadow-free illumination for grooming. If space is limited, a multi-light vanity bar centered above the mirror works wonderfully.
Do you need damp- or wet-rated fixtures in the bathroom?
Yes! Standard vanity lights are fine in dry areas, but any light installed directly over a shower or tub enclosure must be damp- or wet-rated for safety.
Exterior Lighting
How do you size outdoor wall lights for a front entrance?
If you are using a single lantern, choose a fixture that is roughly one-third the height of your front door. If you are using two lanterns on either side, choose fixtures that are about one-fourth the height of the door.
Are exterior fixtures built to withstand Iowa winters?
Absolutely. Our outdoor collections feature weather-resistant, corrosion-proof finishes and sealed glass to handle Midwest humidity, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Ceiling Fans
How do ceiling fans help save energy year-round?
In the summer, counter-clockwise blade rotation creates a cooling breeze. In the winter, reversing the blades clockwise on low pushes trapped ceiling heat back down into your living space, reducing heating costs.
How do you know what fan blade span you need?
For rooms up to 100 sq. ft., a 36- to 44-inch fan works best. Rooms between 100 and 400 sq. ft. perform best with 52- to 60-inch fans.
Sconces
Where do wall sconces work best in a home?
Sconces add depth, warmth, and character anywhere from hallways and stairwells to flanking a fireplace, accenting artwork, or replacing bedside lamps.
Landscape Lighting
Why should you consider low-voltage LED landscape lighting?
Low-voltage landscape lighting enhances curb appeal, extends your outdoor living hours, and provides safety along walkways using minimal electricity.
Lamps
How do you select the right shade scale for table lamps?
Your lampshade should be approximately two-thirds the height of the lamp base, with the bottom of the shade concealing the internal socket hardware.
Controls
Can you pair smart lighting controls with older home wiring?
Yes! Many smart dimmers, smart switches, and scene controllers install into standard wall boxes without requiring custom rewiring.
Wall Lights
What is the standard mounting height for general interior wall lights?
Generally, interior wall lights should be mounted roughly 60 to 66 inches from the floor so the light source rests comfortably around eye level.
LED Fixtures
What are integrated LED fixtures and why choose them?
Integrated LEDs build the light source directly into the fixture frame, eliminating light bulbs while delivering sleek designs, superior energy efficiency, and up to 50,000+ hours of operation.
Stop by Today
Have more questions? Visit our Urbandale showroom today to speak with our certified lighting experts!
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- URBANDALE
- 2540 104th St. Urbandale, IA 50322
- (515) 207-0898
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