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chamby 06-07-2010 11:48 AM

So here is my question. What type of lighting is better for the sewing room? I had central room light which did not give off enough light. So I had my son put up some track lights. I just hate these. They cause shadows and the heat is terrible. So should I go with one of those long floresent light fixtures. I need lots of light when I sew. :?:

amma 06-07-2010 11:50 AM

I have a floor lamp with a goose neck lamp attached to it. I love it, I can move it and adjust it to fit my needs.

quiltedrunner 06-07-2010 11:52 AM

My hubby is an electrician and just built me a new sewing room. :) He put up lots of can lights - especially right directly over my cutting counter. And, is now adding flourescent tube type lighting over the design wall and all around the edges. We had first looked at track lighting, but he didn't think it would give me the overall light I was wanting. Good luck! :) HUGS

CorgiNole 06-07-2010 11:54 AM

We have terrible lighting at our house in general, so I use an Ott lite with flexible neck to provide extra lighting in my sewing space. I'm hoping after I move out of the dining room and into a more dedicated space this summer to figure out a better lighting plan.

Cheers, K

Corry 06-07-2010 11:59 AM


Originally Posted by chamby
So here is my question. What type of lighting is better for the sewing room? I had central room light which did not give off enough light. So I had my son put up some track lights. I just hate these. They cause shadows and the heat is terrible. So should I go with one of those long floresent light fixtures. I need lots of light when I sew. :?:

We put up a shop light ( flourescent tube ) from the ceiling of my sewing room and I love it. I can see really well. I was using the floor ott light with the adjustable neck and thought I was seeing well but now I can really see. It's not a beautimus looking light and I won't get a ribbon for the classiest sewing room but I can see really well. I say what ever works.

chamby 06-07-2010 12:06 PM


Originally Posted by Corry

Originally Posted by chamby
So here is my question. What type of lighting is better for the sewing room? I had central room light which did not give off enough light. So I had my son put up some track lights. I just hate these. They cause shadows and the heat is terrible. So should I go with one of those long floresent light fixtures. I need lots of light when I sew. :?:

We put up a shop light ( flourescent tube ) from the ceiling of my sewing room and I love it. I can see really well. I was using the floor ott light with the adjustable neck and thought I was seeing well but now I can really see. It's not a beautimus looking light and I won't get a ribbon for the classiest sewing room but I can see really well. I say what ever works.

Thanks, my husband had suggested the same thing. But I told I thought it would look awful. However, if it gives me the light that I need I will highly consider this type of light.

Janetlmt 06-07-2010 12:14 PM

I love lots of light...I painted my sewing room yellow..I have a central light fixture with a fan on it..then..over my sewing machine table I have 2 ott lites and over my counter area DH put an under the counter flourescent light. I am hoping DH will put a shop light over Lizzie. I will just give him the look and bat my eyes..

sahm4605 06-07-2010 12:22 PM

I have problems with the flourescent lights. Even the ones that can go into a regular lamp. there is a hum and the shade of light gives me headachs. Plus I feel that they make a room cold. But that is just me. I know lots of people who have them and like them. you have to do what is best for you.

no1jan 06-07-2010 01:52 PM

I have a portable Ott Light that I use. It doesn't have the goose neck but works very well. I use many of my machines as I have 8 total, 7 of which are in working order. Depending on what I am working on depends on what machine I use.

My light travels from one machine to the next. It works great especially when you are trying to sew dark colors which I have a hard time seeing.

I would recommend them as they imitate natural light but would never pay full price. I bought mine with Joann's 50% off sale.

dkabasketlady 06-07-2010 06:56 PM

I also use the OTT light with the flexible neck & it's great. Nothing beats sunlight, but we can't always have that!

UglyCook 06-07-2010 07:02 PM

1 Attachment(s)
These are the lights my husband put up over my cutting table. I think because the light is coming from several different directions I don't get many shadows.

ktbb 06-07-2010 07:08 PM

for the overhead lights, I installed one of the inexpensive dining room lights with 5 or 6 bulbs in a circle and have it hanging at ceiling height - it has clear glass globes, so I have lots of general light in the room - much more than the single bulb fixture that was there before. I also have a floor lamp with two flexible arms on it near my machine so I can get additional light as I need it for the work I'm doing. If I ever sell the place I'll have to change the light back to a "normal" bedroom fixture, but for now, this fixture does what I need.

roseOfsharon 06-07-2010 07:11 PM

Ott lights are very good..

fireworkslover 06-07-2010 07:15 PM

I have 2 Ott lights, one with a flexible neck, sits on my table behind my machine and the other is a floor lamp which lights my ironing surface. I also have the overhead ceiling fixture, but that is mainly background general lighting.

2wheelwoman 06-07-2010 07:19 PM

I have a central flourescent "shop" light in the middle of the room, and one right over my cutting table. I also have a long-armed OTT lite that shines right over my machine.

The shop lights have changed techology, size and type of bulb, etc., in the last couple of years. No flickers, no hum, don't have to warm up, etc. I'm really very happy with them. Like others have said, not so pretty, but very functional.

UglyCook 06-07-2010 07:37 PM

Hmmmmm, managed to post twice without even tryin

weezie 06-07-2010 08:17 PM

I can't advise you, but I can tell you that I love the 2-bulb fluorescent shop light hanging above my machine. I, too, require good light to sew by and the shop light does it for me. There are several LED lights on my machine; the manufacturer brags about how good they are and how strategically placed, but I find them to be fairly inadequate.


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