DIY: Q&A

Q: How may recessed lights do I need to light my hallway? I don’t want to put in more than I need.

A. Well, it’s about watts and there is a trade formula many designers use. (L’ x W’) x 1.5 to get the wattage for the space. So, if your hall is four feet wide and 12 feet long, you’ll need 70W-plus to light the area successfully, or three to four 20W fixtures.

Q. How can I be sure I’m buying an old lead crystal chandelier and not a plastic one or a plain glass? I see a lot of them for sale second hand and at auction sales.