Ceiling light fixtures

[Pat Carter]

We have a 2000 Skyline Greenbriar. Nice home, but definitely under-lit. Other than kitchen and baths, there are no overhead lights making for some dimly lit rooms. Will a decent electrician be able to install bedroom overhead lights? What about closet lights? There's no 'real' attic of course. My main area of concern is my home office where I have a floor lamp, and two table tops lamps, but desperately need something brighter and overhead to see inside of files, etc. Thanks for any tips.

[GW]

When I ordered my home, I specified overhead electrical boxes w/fan braces for every room, and overhead lights in every closet, for this reason. If your MH builder offers such an option, it's well worth the cost, which is usually very reasonable.

If you have no attic area above your ceilings (most manufactured homes don't), it could be expensive. Without overhead access, it is difficult and time-consuming to fish cable up from the walls to the ceilings. Also, it may be necessary to cut access holes in your drywall in various areas, requiring patching, re-texturing and painting, adding to the expense.

You would probably be better off investing in some halogen torchiere style floor lamps that direct their light upwards and bounce it off the ceiling. One or two of these per room will give you the even type of lighting coverage you are looking for at a fraction of the cost of installing overhead electrical boxes and wall switches.

You can buy lamps of this type for $30 - $100+ at places like Home Depot, Target, Costco, etc.

As for closet lighting, that's more of a challenge. Something battery powered is probably the best option. It's better than it sounds. These are popular:

http://snipurl.com/clta

Hope this helps,
GW

[Pat Carter]

Thanks GW. Believe me had I bought this house new light fixtures would have been on the list. The home was in place and on the market. I will try some more creative lighting pieces. Probably the best way out on this, or at least some swags. Uh oh, the 70's. Pat

[Terry]

Hey Pat-have you ever thought about lights that people use for light deprivation disorders? Might be a neat solution!