I just installed a new light in my sewing studio.
It is a bowl light that sits about 8 inches from the ceiling. The light coming straight down is filtered by the white glass bowl and the rest reflects off of the ceiling. The guy at the hardware store recommended using the compact fluorescent bulbs for the fixture. He said as long as the wattage consumed didn't exceed the maximum you could put in higher light output bulbs. I took that a step further and put in daylight bulbs.
Let me tell you, the first time I turned it on at night I just about blinded myself (Note to self do not look at light fixture when turning the light on!)

Jean in Windsor, ON

We have florescent daylight bulbs in ceiling cans, these are 23 watts. Five of them light a large studio like daylight. We got them from http://www.energydimensions.com.

I really like the way they light up my Studio.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

Forgot to add that they do not get hot, so no heating of the studio.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

I have lots of can lights (not halogen) and my work area is very light. Wish I had skylights, but can't get that in a basement. I do have my sewing table near a window. Plus I have an Ott light by my sewing machine. When I have quilting retreats here and we get about 5 or 6 ladies sewing in that area, the room gets pretty warm with all those lights on and machines running (my DH has made a few comments about all the hot air lol).

I do have haligen (now how do you really spell that?) cans in my room. that is the purest light you can get. Yes, they do get very hot. sometimes in the winter I have to open the sliding door because of it. I also have sky lights and i LOVE them - that is the best light of all. I didn't want florescent because they are not a pure light and to me they seem to vibrate - i am not sure there is a perfect answer to this one. Margarita and Joe have an opinion on this - I hope they check in. What ever the case, open up your pocket book - that is for sure.

I also use daylight bulbs. They are great!

Also be very careful with halogens. They get very hot and can burn holes in fabric.
eileenkny

Try to find someone who can advise you about the glare that the lights will put out also.

Congratulations on your new studio! The "Winter 2009/2010" issue of "Studios" magazine (by Cloth Paper Scissors) has a whole article about how to choose the best studio lighting. My Joann's has this magazine but I'm not sure if the new one has come out yet. Have fun!

Instead of floursecents, I would go with the daylight bulbs. That's what I use and they are great.

Alex probably can answer this--I really like her studio's white walls and many windows, too.

Congrats on your new studio! While good lighting is quite a necessity, I would recommend that you speak to someone knowledgeable about it. The main concern, I would think, would be sufficient light without heating up the room. Some can put out an incredible amount of heat. Perhaps flourescents? Talk to someone who sells lighting for the best solutions.

New Year, New Home. What is the best lighting for a quilt studio? I have a cutting station, sewing station, design wall and lightbox station - all in 11x11 space. Looking for lighting tips.