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Old 03-29-2016, 08:38 PM
  #4  
Bree123
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
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I would get that UV-blocking film applied to the windows so you can enjoy all the benefits of sunlight without worrying about any damage to thread/fabrics/quilts.

My studio space is like noontime at the equator. I have a floor lamp with 3 adjustable shades that each have a 19-wt LED in them, plus 2 other lamps each with a 4-wt LED.

The nice thing I learned when speaking with the electrician is that I just needed the physical space for the 19wt bulbs in the socket (they are larger -- like those recessed spotlight bulbs) because if a socket is rated for 60wt, it can literally power 60wt. So even though my 19-wt LED is as bright as a 120-wt incandescent, I can still screw it into an outlet rated 60wt because it only uses 19wt.

That said, LED's come in varying wattage & different colors. My father likes to get the 4-wt LED bulbs with a warm glow to mimic the old 60-wt incandescent bulbs. His favorite brand is Cree. Personally, I don't like the "warm glow" because it casts a yellowish hue on my fabrics, making it hard to determine their actual color/tone. I do a lot of handwork and turn on all the lights when doing that so I can see. If I'm just using my machine to FMQ, I typically just need 1 or 2 lights on (1 of the 19wt bulbs & maybe 1 of the 4wt bulbs)... plus the 2wt LED that's inside my Bernina.

The other benefits of LED's are that they don't give off UV light like CFL bulbs; they don't get hot like incandescent bulbs; and you can buy LED's that work on a dimmer, allowing you to set your lighting level at whatever is comfortable to you based on your project. Also, you may be able to get a rebate from your electric company for purchasing LED light bulbs. It's a pretty substantial amount in Illinois through ComEd.

Congrats on your new studio space! What a wonderful treat!

Last edited by Bree123; 03-29-2016 at 08:42 PM.
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