Moving, and going to set up shop in the basement. I'm gutting the basement and re-finishing it. It's going to be 27' x 15', so 405sqft.
At first I was worried and unsure I could do this because of the lack of sunlight. After looking at Solux bulbs, they aren't AS expensive as I thought they were. Looking at their 12v DC MR-16 bulbs.
Question 1 - Am I right that using these Solux bulbs, I not only will be well off for a good color viewing environment, but I may be better off not having sunlight? (With consistent lighting throughout the entire day.)
Question 2 - With their bulbs running $16-17 (with black backs), I'm really considering lighting the entire 405sqft area with Solux, targeting an ambient lighting of 32-64 lux. Then, having a more concentrated wall capable of 500 lux on a separate switch. Their 35watt bulb with 36degree spread says the beam diameter at 6ft is 3.9ft at 207.1lux. And the 50watt is 329.9lux. But, this gives me no idea of what I'm looking at to target 405sqft at 32-64 lux. Anyone have a rough idea of the number of bulbs I need? Anyone done this?
Question 3 - Do I want to have the bulbs equally spaced, facing down? Or, am I better off to bounce them off the ceiling to provide a more consistent lighting level? I have to assume bouncing off the ceiling is going to substantially affect the color temperature, so is not something I'm thinking is that practical.
Question 4 - I think I like the plano convex diffusers they sell. Turns the 36degree beam into a 72degree beam. And, of course softens the lighting. Hoping this might get away from bouncing the lighting off the ceiling. I think this will turn the beam diameter into 7.8ft, and certainly lower the lux levels. Anyone use these or know how it affects how I should space the bulbs? I don't think it affects the number of bulbs, as the total light should remain the same. I'm even thinking it doesn't affect spacing - and would just create less variance around the room in intensity.
Question 5 - With black back bulbs, does it matter if I use their fixtures, or will any generic fixture do?