Home Lighting and Decor

Home Furnishings

2009-10-23T16:00:00.002-05:00

Be sure to check out our website, www.AccentFurnishings.com. We're celebrating our 10 year anniversary online and want you to come visit! Use coupon code tenoff for instant 10% discount on any product!

Varaluz Lighting and Trans Globe Lighting

2009-07-02T15:10:00.004-05:00

Inviting Lighting is proud to announce two new product lines to our lighting and home furnishings selections: Varaluz Lighting, and Trans Globe Lighting. Varaluz presents a fun, down to earth line of creative and original lighting designs. Trans Globe Lighting has been making lighting ranging from ultra-contemporary to traditional designs for over twenty years. Enjoy browsing these two new, and welcome additions to our website!

Lighting Retailer Launches the Easy Button - “$ Make an Offer”

2009-02-16T15:22:00.002-06:00

E-commerce has become a very popular way of shopping with the increase in safety and protection that credit card companies have provided to card holders. More buyers are shopping online according to retail sales statistics. Fraud protection has helped increase buyer trust in shopping online.

In addition to safely buying, how can consumers get the best pricing on a lighting fixture and lighting/furnishings in general? In today's market, buyers would like to have a magical button that allows them, the buyer, to contact a lighting retailer and say "this is what I am willing to pay today." Well, one indoor and outdoor lighting company has actually made an easy button called "$ Make an Offer." Click on the link for an example!

According to the owners - "The housing market in general, as it relates to home lighting is a corner stone in our economy and we realize that in an economic crunch there is no better time than now to give back to your loyal customer base." When asked where this philosophy came from, the owners stated, "We would like to take credit ourselves, but it actually came from a smart business acquaintance that has practiced this philosophy and became very successful. It's time to give back! If you find this hard to believe you don't know us very well. Stick around we promise it will only get better.

Question: So how does this "$ Make an Offer" work?
Owner's Answer: "Well it's quite easy. There is a button on the product pages of the website and you simply click that button and key in the price that you are willing to pay. We know that most of our customers are serious and 90% of the people that use this feature are not looking for us to take a loss on an item, they simply want a fair price. We sell like we ourselves want to shop."

Question: What if it's an unreasonable price, let's say it's a $1,000 product and someone makes an offer of $600?
Owner's Answer: "Well, that tells us that this person really wants this product badly, however, we can't sell items at a loss, but if they were to agree to something in between $700 and $1,000 we might just let them have it. And again, most our customers are reasonable buyers and really don't expect something for nothing - just a good fair price. You really would be surprised what we say yes to sometimes, especially for our return customers."

Question: Why don’t you advertise this method?
Owner's Answer: “Many of our manufacturers will not allow us to advertise below a certain price. But when our customers contact us we can negotiate the bottom line sale price. And they can do that by simply clicking the $ Make an Offer button.”

Question: Isn’t this like car sales?
Owner's Answer: (laughing) “No, this is very low pressure, it’s over in about 30 seconds, if they call us.”

Question: It’s that easy?
Owner's Answer: “Yes, and we're averaging about a 75% success rate with our customers right now!"

Ceiling Fans - From Water and Belt Driven to Electric

2008-12-14T21:11:00.015-06:00

Ceiling fans in the USA can be traced back to the 1860s. Prior to the 1880's, ceiling fans were not electric. Instead, powered by running water and functioning like a turbine to turn belts which in turn produced a rotation of two bladed fan systems. These systems could accommodate several fan units and became popular in many business places.

Electrical powered ceiling fans were discovered in the 1880's. One of the first to assemble such a unit was Philip Diehl, yes, the engineer of the sewing machine motor. Diehl utilized the electrical motor and concept of the sewing machine to create the first prototype of what we know as the beltless "electric ceiling fan". Beltless in reference to external belt power driven. For clarification, internally, a fan can be direct drive or belt driven, even in modern day fan designs.

Shop for modern ceiling fans, traditional ceiling fans, tropical ceiling fans, indoor and outdoor ceiling fans, Emerson and Ellington ceiling fans now.

For those interested in more about Philip Diehl - Philip H. Diehl (29 Jan 1847 - 7 Apr 1913) was born in Dalsheim, Germany. At the age of 21, in July, 1868, he immigrated to New York City where he worked in several machine shops. Then, in that same year, he found employment with the Singer Manufacturing Company in New York City. In 1870 or 1871 he went to work at the Remington Machine Company in Chicago and stayed there until 1875. In 1871 the great Chicago fire occurred and it is said that Diehl had a narrow escape from death; he lost all his belongings to the fire. In 1875 Diehl took charge of experimental work in the improvement of sewing machines in the Singer plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This was not a trivial job because by 1897 Singer was manufacturing nearly one million machines a year, including 53 different constructions and 360 varieties of machines. These included the ordinary machine for family use and various types for manufacturing, including machines with 12 needles operated by steam or electricity (taken from wikipedia).

Uttermost Lighting and Decor Line Added!

2008-11-19T11:01:00.002-06:00

Inviting Lighting has recently added the lighting products manufacturered by Uttermost. Uttermost has been producing high quality lamps and lighting fixtures since 1975.

Coming soon, we will have the Uttermost line of Home Furnishings published as well. These will include mirrors, clocks, art, seating, decor, and more!

Accent Lamps

2008-11-10T14:42:00.001-06:00

An accent light will add comfort and create a cozy feeling to a small area or a place where emphasis is needed. Do you have a dark corner in your room, which could use a glimmer of light and dress up the area? As decorative mini lamp will help you add a little light to that dark corner. Consider an accent lamp, which would be perfect for lighting a small dark corner, bedside, or as an accent lamp on a dining table. Low wattage, i.e., 40 watts, would make the perfect accent for just about any space. Some table lamps have variable or dimmer controls depending on the model and manufacturer. Typically an accent lamp will not require a dimmer due to the lower wattage. Pictured above, the Sirocco accent table lamp is a beautiful, rich rose bronze and silver color and would blend with many color schemes.

Holiday Lighting

2008-10-31T11:55:00.002-05:00

Holiday lighting will add a bit of decorative spirit to your family gatherings! With their bright colors and festive lighting effect, holiday accent lamps and decorative lit stained glass windows would be the perfect addition to your holiday decor. They look perfect on any table, mantle or desk. Holiday lighting is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up your home for holidays. Find the perfect lighting fixture to add to your existing Christmas lighting and Hanukkah lighting. Adults and children alike will love to help you collect, arrange and place the lighting pieces around the house. Don’t stop there - add a bit of the Holiday spirit to your home or corporate office space too!

Floor lamps in your home

2008-10-21T16:42:00.003-05:00

A portable floor lamp can make a statement about you and the style of your home. The utilization of a floor lamp can be a perfect remedy to a dimly lit area, as they take up relatively little space, and can provide adjustable light. With numerous styles and types from which to choose, how do you know which floor lamp is best for your setting? First, it may be helpful to look at the overall style of the floor lamp. Floor lamps typically are available with a traditional style lamp shade, or in a torchiere (uplight). There are also floor lamps with multiple lamps, so you may direct several lights where best suits your lighting needs. Therefore, one of the first choices you may want to consider is the type of light you want for your space.

Floor lamps with traditional lamp shades put off a nice all around light in a space. A torchiere floor lamp provides uplighting, more toward the ceiling, and disperses the light upward. The multi lamp floor light, allows for the directional lighting of several areas in a space. For a traditional floor lamp with shade, there will also be several shade options available. Shades will be made from various materials, from paper to acetate, cotton or silk. The color of your shade should compliment the color scheme of your space. This is also true for a torchiere. The glass shades of torchieres are also available in a variety of colors, textures and sizes. The type of base is another important consideration when choosing a floor lamp. Once again, there are many styles from which to choose. Whether you want the simple “stem” base, or more elaborate decorative base, the styles are endless. Materials of bases can range from metal to wood with various decorative pieces, for example, glass balls, or colorful embellishments embedded in the base.

One last tip - Make sure you look at whether your floor lamp is equipped with a dimmer or 3-way light. It is important to have control over the amount of light you want in the lit area. For evening time, you may want your floor lamp to glow for the perfect lighting effect. If you choose to task in the space, you will want to have a lamp that can provide bright light. A dimmer switch or 3-way bulb will allow you these choices. Floor lamps have come a long way in the past several years. We no longer have to choose one of those cookie cutter lamps from the local discount store which can make our space look like everyone else’s décor in the neighborhood. You are sure to find the perfect choice for your home. Click to browse hundreds of floor lamps now!

Chandeliers - A Glossary of Terms

2008-10-06T11:50:00.002-05:00

Every day we receive phone calls and email inquiries asking about certain terminology used on our chandeliers, so we've created a simple glossary of terms to try to help the customer better understand product descriptions:

1. Arm or Branch - The portion of the chandelier that has the light attached much like a branch on a tree.
2. Arm Plate - The portion where the Arm attaches to the center of the lighting piece.
3. Arm to arm festoon - Strands that run from one arm to another. These strands attach to a crystal pendant assembly and hang from or below the Bobeche.
4. Baluster - Can be made of iron, wood, resin or other material. The center or axis of the lighting piece.
5. Bead - The area where a hole has been created in a crystal piece or of like type piece with a hole in the center.
6. Break - Refers to any of the columns that make up the stem or column of the chandelier. The area that connects the pieces of the stem or column.
7. Bobeche - Drip area where a candle or the decorative piece of a candelabrum sits. The intent is to catch dripping wax residue. This is located at the base of the candle.
8. Cage - A metal structure is used to create a center opening in order to leave the center available for embellishments.
9. Candle sleeve - Plastic or metal decorative cover for the socket, also, called a Candle Cover.
10. Canopy - The piece used to cover the open electrical box on the ceiling.
11. Chandeliers - Lighting suspended from the ceiling. A term used to describe a light fixture with multiple arms or branches. Typically hangs from a collar and chain, crossbar, threaded rod or screw.
12. Channel - Linear piece of metal rod or tube.
13. Collar - Threaded ring that holds the canopy to the ceiling on a chandelier.
14. Column - Center piece of a hanging fixture, also called a stem.
15. Crystal Polishing - The smoothing of a crystal piece. Techniques include hand polishing and machine polishing. The quality of the polish is directly related to the brilliance of the reflection
16. Facet - The flat surfaces on a piece of crystal. This related to the quality of the crystal in respect to the cut creating the facet. This creates the quality of reflected light.
17. Festoons - The clusters of crystal that hand from the chandelier piece. Can be a few strands or clusters.
18. Finial - Decorative piece that attaches to the fixture base, usually at bottom of the column or arms.
19. Fixture - Any decorative electrical item that permanently affixes to a wall or ceiling.
20. Flush Mount - Installs flush against the ceiling. Similarly, there is also a semi-flush mount.
21. Resin - Synthetic material used to make various parts in the structure of a lighting fixture.
22. Scroll - Formed or bent pieces of iron or tubing that form a decorative design and usually connects to the column of the chandelier.
23. Shades - Covering over the lamps or bulbs. These can be made out of glass, fabric, metal or other materials.
24. Stem - Center piece of a hanging fixture, also, called a column.
25. Spire - A tall spike of glass, round in section or flat sided, to which arms and decorative elements are attached. Made from wood, metal or glass.
26. Top Loop - Attaches the chain to the fixture.

Seasonal Affective Disorder - How Lighting Plays a Role in Happiness

2008-09-23T15:37:00.003-05:00

Commonly known as winter depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD or Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Mood Disorder) is a mental disorder that is directly related to lighting and exposure to sunlight. People suffering from winter depression may not always feel depressed but are prone to lack energy to go about their normal work schedules. However, severe cases can prove to be serious, with symptoms that mimic clinical depression and characterized by suicidal tendencies.

Like many mental illnesses, there is no known specific cause of SAD. While genetics, age and brain chemistry may have a role to play, the seasonal occurrence points to the effect of light on moods. Moreover, SAD is seen more in regions near the arctic where winters are long and dark, which is another indication of the effect of lighting on moods, depression and general happiness.

Neuroscientists have experimented with rats by keeping them in the dark for six weeks. The animals demonstrated depressive behavior as well as revealed damage to the areas in the brain that are responsible for emotional behavior in humans. Treating the rats with antidepressants improved the brain damage and alleviated the symptoms caused by absence of lighting.

SAD is a type of depression that is triggered by seasonal changes. While winter depression is more common, many people are prone to suffer from summer-onset depression. Both types may include symptoms such as sense of guilt, hopelessness and physical problems like frequent headaches that are seen in other types of depression. Seen separately, winter depression is likely to manifest as:

 Concentration problems.
 Change in food preferences like increased cravings for sweets and starch foods.
 Generalized fatigue and low energy levels.
 Weight gain.
 Frequent mood changes: irritability and anxiety.
 Indifference to activities that were enjoyed earlier.
 Problems with social relationships.

Summer depression may show symptoms like:

 Appetite loss.
 Lack of sleep.
 Irritability and anxiety.
 Agitation.
 Marked increase in sexuality.

It is suggested that the body’s circadian rhythm, melatonin and serotonin may have a role to play as well. The body’s circadian clock manages biological processes that occur at 24-hourly intervals. Disturbance with the circadian rhythm may cause depression. Melatonin is a sleep related hormone whose production increases in absence of sunlight during long winter nights. Serotonin, on the other hand is neurotransmitter that regulates moods. Lack of sunlight can cause its level in the body to fall down, which may lead to depression.

Treatment of SAD is possible through light therapy, antidepressants, behavioral therapies and periodic supplementation of exogenous melatonin. While drug therapies may have serious side effects, behavioral therapies and light therapy are devoid of any risk. Bright light, emanating from a specially designed lamp capable of giving out light at doses of 2500 to 10000 lux is usually effective to treat winter depression. Although light therapy shows good results as early as one week, best results are experienced when continued for several weeks.

For many years the efficacy of light therapy was not considered as a credible therapy. It is only recently that light therapy has got its due place in medical science. Researchers have recently understood that exposure to bright light stimulates production of brain chemicals and restore blood levels of melatonin and serotonin.

How to Install a Ceiling Fan

2008-08-20T12:08:00.002-05:00

Installing a ceiling fan does not require too much of expertise. Most of the fans are easy to assemble and in many cases reading the instructions that come with the product is sufficient. However, as ceiling fans are movable electric appliances certain amount of extra care is required. Your extra care will ensure your physical safety as well as the safety of the appliance.

The installation starts with choosing where the fan should be installed, which is mostly in the center of the room. An appropriate outlet box is required that is securely attached to the building structure. Electrical boxes used for ceiling lights are not strong enough to hold ceiling fans and you will have to replace it with a one that is fit for hanging ceiling fans. The box must be able to support the weight of the fan. Fans of over 35 pounds in weight must have an additional support independent of the box. The choice of the outlet box will also depend upon whether you are installing the fan on a flat or slanted ceiling structure. Moreover, do not use plastic electric boxes to hang a ceiling fan. Use only metal boxes that have been securely fastened to the structure.

Fans draw almost the same power as a ceiling lighting fixture and there should not be a problem of overloading. However, if the fan you are installing has lights attached to it, the circuit should have the capacity to take on the extra load.

There is an option of whether to assemble the fan first and then hang it or the other way around. If the fan blades are less than a screwdriver length away from the ceiling, fit the blades before hanging.

The motor housing has a hole in the center where you can thread the hanger pipe. A set screw is then tightened to ensure that the pipe remains in place. The wires that exit from the motor housing are then drawn through the pipe. Most of the fans come with a motor hub to conceal the wires exiting from the motor housing. Slip the hub through the hangar rod and tighten the set screw.

Place the motor housing in the foam packing for the motor housing. This will ensure that it remains stable while you fix the blades. Check whether the blades have flanges with holes that can be screwed on to the motor housing or you need to mount flanges to the motor housing first. Use the screws that are supplied along with your fan to secure the blades but make sure that you do not tighten too firmly so as to damage the threading.

Install the hanger bracket on the outlet box. The hangar bracket may be hook type or a half-ball hangar. Secure the mounting bracket to the outlet box with mounting screws and washers. If the fan comes with a J-hook, install the bracket with the J-hook towards the floor. The mounting is now hanged and your hands are free to work with the wiring.

Some fans have a two piece decorative ceiling cover to conceal the hole in the ceiling. This is installed after you have completed the installation at the ceiling. Ensure that the set screw of this too is tightened so that it stays at its place.

A ceiling fan can make a lot of difference to the room temperature. It is also a convenient way to save energy by reducing the use and thus the cost of air conditioning. Once the desired temperature is reached you can set the air conditioning to a low setting. The ceiling fan will circulate cool air in summers and hot air in winters. Ceiling fans have nowadays ceased to be only a utility item. They are also used for decorative purposes and come with wide variety of lighting fixtures attached to them, which can add to the overall decor of the room.

Light Bulb Safety Considerations

2008-07-31T10:27:00.001-05:00

Manufacturers for light bulbs are not required to follow any enforced safety standards and there is no restriction on the quality of light bulbs. A fly-by-night company can make a generic light bulb and place it on the market without restrictions. So the bulb may be cheaply made or it can be a bulb made by a high profiled, well known company and both bulbs are considered ready for sale. The bottom line, without a safety and quality of standard, basically anyone can manufacture and sell light bulbs for home lighting. Light bulbs fall into a different classification than lighting fixtures. Indoor lighting or outdoor lighting fixtures sold in the USA must meet certain specifications and are regulated, as they have to meet an electrical standard set forth by specification. Anytime you can hear a crackling sound or the light flickers after the bulb has been screwed in. Unplug the device and then remove the bulb after it has cooled.

Primary light bulb considerations:
1. Purchase a light bulb from a reputable company. Obviously, if you can't find specifications or information on the package about the bulb, the company or you don't recognize the company name, you might want to make an alternate choice or do some additional research. A box of 100 bulbs that you purchased for $9.99 will not be a good bulb for your $450 Chelsea House lamp with a 3-way switch, but it might be perfect for a single switch porch light.
2. If the lamp is manufactured for a 3-way switch. Make sure you purchase a 3-way bulb (The lamp will normally have a sticker close to where the bulb base is located and it will have the wattage capacity and type of bulb to be utilized in the home lighting fixture). The reason for this - not all bulb bases are the exact same size, since they are not regulated. A regular on/off bulb has a different contact base and if screwed into a 3-way switch base that doesn't match up perfectly, may burn out sooner or short out and possibly be a fire hazard. This problem is more probably with a very cheap poorly manufactured bulb compared to a name brand bulb company. The same applies to a standard on/off fixture, logic would state, if it's an on/off base, place a single watt on/off bulb in the fixture.
Now, having stated the above, use your own judgment and follow the specification on your indoor lighting or outdoor lighting fixtures.

NOTE: This article is not meant to be the sole understanding of light bulbs, but more to raise the importance of following the specifications on the lamp and choosing a quality light bulb throughout your home, especially in children's lighting. When in doubt – Safety First!

Outdoor Lighting and Bulb Replacement

2008-07-15T11:50:00.002-05:00

Lamps are exactly what the definition says that they are replacement components designed to produce electricity. There is also a thing called lamp life expectancy. The term however is variable and often confuses people when they buy lamps. The basis of lamp life expectancy is that potentially 50% of the lamps may last for relatively shorter periods and others may last longer than the rated life expectancy. Much also depends on the switching cycle, which is the number times and the duration of switching on a light bulb. In short, you can never be sure when you will be required to replace a bulb.

Replacing a fused bulb gives you the chance to choose from newer types of bulbs as there has been a quantum jump in available choices and lighting trends are changing fast. The new age light bulbs offer multiple benefits over traditional lighting sources.

Much water has flown under the bridge since the time incandescent light bulb with a coiled filament of tungsten was commercialized in 1920s. A revolutionary invention of its time, incandescent bulbs are now on the verge of being banned to oblivion due to high electricity consumption and the indirect environmental harm they cause. Some countries have already issued timeframes to phase out incandescent lamps completely. Fluorescent and LED (light-emitting diodes) light bulbs are the latest lighting trends.

Halogen lamps are much smaller than incandescent bulbs because for successful operation a bulb temperature of 200°C is generally necessary. Due to this most bulbs are of fused silica (quartz), often sealed inside an additional layer of glass. Bare halogen bulbs are prohibited in some places unless they are enclosed by the luminaire.

Fluorescent bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are expensive but the extra cost is written off against better efficacy, longer life and energy saving. As a light source fluorescent lamps are softly bright or radiant, more diffuse and physically larger.

LED bulbs were originally used as indicator lights but their efficacy and output has risen in recent years and now used in niche lighting applications. There are now ultraviolet and blue LEDs that produce a crisp blue lighting that looks almost like a black light. LED bulbs have a long life and faster switching times. They have been used in automated high-mounted brake lights in vehicles and now LED headlamps are making a beginning in high end automobiles. Creation of a light emitting diode that claims the highest efficiency of any light source has led to a flurry of activity in the lighting industry.

The choice depends upon whether you want one for lighting interiors or for deck lighting or courtyard lighting. The other consideration is the amount of light you require and the area you need to light up. Outdoor lighting safety is of prime importance due to the fact of rain and stormy weather. While moisture and rain has little impact on the bulb itself, still they have to be protected from direct onslaught of water. Incandescent bulbs heat very quickly and a direct contact with water may lead to explosion. Incandescent bulbs as courtyard lighting should be hanged like pendants with a shade to protect them from rain water. CFLs give out less heat and practically safe for outdoor lighting. Halogen lamps come with a luminaire and shades for extra protection.

Outdoor Lanterns and Other Types of Porch Lighting

2008-07-07T15:01:00.002-05:00

You have spent significant time on deciding the color schemes and the facade of your house and all that is concealed in a veil of darkness when the sun goes down. Whatever name you call it, porch lighting or outdoor lighting; it is an excellent way to reveal your creativity during the twilight hours. Outdoor lighting not only gets your house noticed but also a convenient way of putting open spaces like a yard or porch or deck to good use.

There is a wide range of porch and outdoor lighting products to choose from. From wall mounted sconces to wall mounted or hanging lanterns to flood lights, there is a wide range to choose from.

Lantern lighting is one of the best ways to light outdoors. Lanterns were once synonymous with portable kerosene lanterns (hurricane lanterns) used to illuminate a wide area. Modern lanterns are more about an electric powered lighting source that can be used anywhere in the house but their effect is most fascinating when used as outdoor lighting.

Lanterns provide a soft ambient light and come in styles to match different ideas that you may have in mind. The number of lanterns that you need depends upon the amount of light you require. Present day lanterns are designed in a way that they can be hanged from almost anywhere: from a channel along the eaves or on the roof, branches or table umbrellas. There are also pedestal lanterns and those that can be mounted on a lamp post or pole.

Your primary concern should be of outdoor lighting safety. How you hang a lantern makes all the difference. As a part of outdoor lighting, lanterns should be secure enough to withstand the vagaries of nature. Cheap products will ultimately prove to be more expensive if you have to replace them often. Make sure that that the materials used are durable, moisture proof and safe.

Hanging lanterns should be at a considerable distance from a wall to avoid banging against it during storms and windy conditions. Whichever type you choose, make sure that it is firmly secured. The weight of the lamp is another consideration. The string from which it hangs should be strong enough to bear its weight. If you are putting up one of those wall mounted sconce-type lanterns, brace should be broad enough to support and should hold the lamp steady.

Lantern lighting is also useful for home decoration and making good use of open spaces. With real estate prices touching the roof most of us are constrained for space. Who would not like to have an expansive lawn to host formal occasions. However, most of us do not realize that certain open spaces like a yard or a patio or deck can be easily converted to fashionable places for casual conversations and formal affairs. While tidying up the place and a fresh paint is normal routine, the way you go about outdoor lighting can enhance the ambience of the place to a great extent.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and Safety Concerns

2008-06-26T16:35:00.005-05:00

With the introduction of a bill for banning incandescent bulbs, the US Congress and 13 state legislatures are actively involved with fluorescent-only legislation. Australia and Canada have already declared that they would phase out incandescent bulbs by 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Any new policy, invention or an idea always leads to a debate and consequent controversy. Compact fluorescent bulbs are no exception. In fact debates must be welcomed because it is only through a public debate that the man on the street comes to know of facts.

The central argument of those against the ban of incandescent bulbs is the safety issue. It is contended that broken fluorescent lights emit mercury vapors that have a negative impact on a person’s brain, spinal cord and liver. Exposure to mercury can lead to memory loss and motor dysfunctions like trembling hands and difficulty in movement. Compact fluorescent bulbs are also more expensive and nearly more than five times the cost of a traditional incandescent bulb.

To be fair, fluorescent lights do release mercury vapors but it is a point to note that burning fossil fuels for energy is the biggest contributing source to environmental mercury. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 10 milligrams of mercury is released by a power plant to run one incandescent bulb. The comparative figure for running a fluorescent light is just 2.4 milligrams. This translates into mind boggling figures if considered on global basis. A global ban on incandescent bulbs could lead to a closure of nearly 270 coal fired power plants, thus reducing the mercury emission to a great extent.

Moreover, if it is simply a matter of mercury emission, a watch battery contains five times the mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs. The cost factor should be weighed against energy saving and durability. Fluorescent lights last six times longer and consume 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.

All said and done the safety factor should necessarily be of concern. However, it will not be out of place to mention that a single broken fluorescent light may increase mercury level in a specific area where the glass breaks but the overall level in a room remains within safety limits. For example, the mercury level on a carpet on which the shattered glass falls may reach alarmingly high to 1,993 nanograms per cubic meter but level in the room remains well below the threshold safety level of 300. The need is to educate the public about safety measures like how to dispose fluorescent lights if they burn out and how to clean the area if one breaks.

Crying wolf at every new proposal for saving the health of the planet without considering the overall picture does not seem to be a good idea. Environmentalists have a job to do but getting hysterical about anything and everything seems to have become a rule rather than an exception. Those raising concerns about mercury in fluorescent lights would be well advised to check the mercury content of some of the toys being imported.

Surface Lighting Installation

2008-06-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

Much as all of us would want concealed wiring and lighting installation all over the house, you may require extra lamps at a place where no outlet exists. For example, a work station not sufficiently illuminated by general lighting or track lighting to light up a passage overlooked by the builder or floor lamps you bought to add to the ambience of a room. Surface lightings are lighting alternatives to fixed applications and convenient for installing outlets where none already exist.

Surface wiring is a metal or plastic strip or a “raceway” or “wire mold” along which you can extend the wiring to add an extra outlet. For installing the metal strips there are few things that you would need to secure it to the wall or the ceiling: clips that get screwed to the surface hold the strip and the internal and external elbows and 90 degree bends that allow you to maneuver it along soffits (undersides of the building such as arch, overhang or a beam), corner bends, up and down.

For installing, along with the ten feet lengths of metal strips, bends and clips you will need various tools like screwdrivers, hacksaw, needle-nose pliers, rubber mallet and drill and drill bits. You will also a need wire cutters, electrical tape, a measuring tape, opened-back wire mold box and black, white and green thin wires of desired length.

Before actually starting, it is better to make out a plan on a piece of paper to avoid wasting time and leaving behind awkward looking holes. It is important to ensure the level of the surface. Installing on a crooked surface means it will not be secure enough and may off with time. Measure the distance from where you want the new outlet to the source from where you are going to draw current. Cut the metal strips accordingly. Make sure that you allow for the length of the tab by the side of the outlet. . Smooth the cut ends with needle-nose pliers.

The drill bits that you use will depend upon whether you are drilling into concrete walls or a mortar or hard plaster walls or ceiling. The holes that you drill should be a bit smaller than the anchor and the anchor should fit tightly into the hole. The metal strip is secured to the wall with clips that should also be tightly screwed. Check every clip and see that there is no play in any. For securing the metal strip firmly, screw clips at 12 inch intervals. While snapping the strips onto the clips do not use excessive force and use a rubber mallet so that you not damage the strip.

You have an option to choose plastic strips if you are using surface lighting for low-voltage applications or computer systems. Modern condos and structures are made of varied materials these days. If the surface is such that it will hold a two way tape securely, you may even use plastic strips and stick them on to the tape.

“Wire molds” are convenient and cheaper lighting installation and does not require cutting holes and drawing wires. If you devote some time to the plan, it can prove to be good lighting alternative to concealed wiring as you may be able to install in a way that the wiring is almost invisible: around doorframes or just above baseboard. Or behind a piece of furniture with only a little bit of the electric cord of lamps or floor lamps visible. Either way, “wire molds” can be painted as well.

Lighting Specifications

2008-06-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

Lighting specifications for the purpose of this article refers to the technical aspects of what is casually termed as appropriate lighting. Lighting specifications have assumed increased importance in today’s age of over dependence on electric energy. It is imperative that artificial lighting is suitably selected and appropriately placed to improve productivity and save costs.

At workplaces employers are realizing the economic benefits of ergonomically geared lights. Ergonomically placed lighting has become equally important for householders with more adults working from home on computers and children having to put in more hours of work to meet increasing demands placed on their performance.

Lamps should be selected according to the light wattage of the installed fixtures. Such selection should also take into account the amount of light required in a particular area. For this purpose, you have to take into account not only the lumens, light wattage, the area that a particular fixture will illuminate but also strike a balance between natural and artificial lighting.

Choosing bulbs in a way that they cast light in a better way is easy if you understand what lumens and light wattage mean.

The lumen (symbol: lm) is unit of rate of flow of light energy, known as luminous flux. This is different from radiant flux which is the total power of light emitted. The human eye is sensitive to different wavelengths of light. The rate of flow of light energy (lumens) is adjusted to reflect this sensitivity. For example, a North American standard 100 watt incandescent bulb emits 1500 to 1700 lumens. On the other hand a 100 watt sodium vapor lamp emits 15000 lumens. If a light source emits one candela, (the basic unit of luminous intensity over a uniform solid angle) its total luminous efficiency is one lumen. The lumen production per watt is the luminous efficiency of any artificial lighting source. In layman’s language, lumens may be defined as a measure of visible light emitted from a source. Direct sunlight gives 93 lumens per watt of electromagnetic power, including ultraviolet and infrared rays and visible light.

Light wattage is the product of current and voltage, the rate at which energy is drawn, which determines the flow of energy. The important thing to keep in mind here is to see that the light wattage of a bulb or a cluster of bulbs (as in a chandelier) is commensurate with what the fixture recommends.

Proper consideration should be given to natural lighting: the light that comes in from windows or a skylight. In rooms where sufficient natural lighting is available, only general artificial lighting should suffice.

Finally, the size of the room will determine the “amount” of artificial lighting you need after considering the amount of natural lighting in the room. Advertised lights, especially online, usually carry a rating that tells how much area they will cover. Even while choosing bulbs for task, accent and recessed lighting the importance of lumens and light wattage is equally important. Most spot lights cover an area of approximately 20 degrees width while flood lights vary from 25 to 60 degrees.

Placement of light sources is equally important. Ergonomically placed lighting with considered selection of lamps has proven benefits of increased productivity and energy savings. Correct intensity and color spectrum is necessary not only of saving energy but also to avoid adverse health and psychological affects of over illumination.

Step by Step Inspection When Receiving Custom Made Furniture Deliveries

2008-05-27T11:47:00.003-05:00

Taking delivery of home furnishings, especially custom made home furniture, requires you to be aware of certain aspects if you wish to avoid getting into trouble after you open the boxes. While off the shelf home furniture has its measurement properly listed for you to decide where you can place it, you have no way of knowing whether your instructions have been fully complied with in case of custom made home furniture.

You may be in for some hassles if you do not ensure certain things while getting deliveries of what you have bought online. There are online stores selling everything from books to bookcases. You can now buy practically anything online including large home furnishings like dressers, tables, mirrors, bookshelves and more. All it requires is some clicks on your computer. For that matter you need to take similar precautions while receiving deliveries of custom made home furnishings, furniture, dressers or bookcases that you may have ordered at the local store.

All stores, whether e-stores or a conventional store profess that that their shipping system is designed to minimize damage upon delivery. Frankly, minimizing does not mean that there will not be ANY damage. Here is a quick guide that may help you in avoiding certain unpleasant situations on opening the boxes after the freight truck driver has left.

- Even if the truck driver has to wait, do not sign the delivery receipt until you have checked the boxes.
- Check that the number of boxes mentioned on the delivery note is the same as being delivered.
- The simple guiding principle is that if the box or crate is torn or broken at any place, ask the trucker to wait and get in touch with the seller.
- If it is not possible to contact the supplier, you may refuse to take delivery and sign the shipping receipt mentioning the fact that you are “rejecting due to damage”. It is important for you to know that the phrase “subject to” has no legal validity. Ensure that you are specific in this regard. This will help in avoiding any charges in case of re-delivery.
- In case the damage is minor and you feel that it can be easily repaired without leaving any major visible signs of repair, you may mention the same on the shipping receipt but make sure that you:
o Inform the carrier company.
o Inform the store where you placed the order.
o Take pictures and get the truck driver to sign them. Send them via e mail if you bought the home furnishings from an online store.
- Open the boxes immediately to ensure that what is delivered matches the size you ordered. In case of any discrepancy contact the supplier immediately even if the trucker has left. Time is of great importance in such cases.

Stores selling expensive home furnishings like, dressers and bookcases obviously want to retain their clientele. Reputed suppliers would rather take up the issue with the Freight Company and/or insurers but that is possible only if you follow these simple guidelines.

Children’s Nightlights

2008-05-19T13:13:00.004-05:00

Before you start to think of some of the controversies that have surrounded nightlights, let it be made clear that there was a report on BBC news on May 12, 1999 that quoted several US experts suggesting that children’s nightlights cause shortsightedness in children. The same report was questioned by two sets of experts a year later and advised parents to ignore the warnings of the earlier report as they found no links between short sightedness and children’s nightlights. There were also reports suggesting that nightlights cause cancer. This too was not substantiated and turned out to be a discussion on bright lights used by night shift workers and had nothing to do with children’s nightlights.

The decision is entirely your own whether or not to provide nursery nightlights or nightlights in your toddler’s room. You need not worry about their effect on your child’s eyesight. Nightlights are a source of comfort for young children who are afraid of the dark. Children’s nightlights are convenient for parents also as they allow them to move around the nursery without having to switch on the main light that may disturb the sleeping child.

Children usually develop night time anxieties only after they are two to three years old when they are able to understand the concept of fear. Older children that are afraid of the dark may not be able to sleep without a nightlight. Such children are unable to get over the feeling that someone is lurking in the dark. If you keep a nightlight switched on the child derives comfort from it and is able to have a sound sleep. However there are certain precautions that you must take before installing one.

Nursery nightlights should be placed at a convenient place in the child’s room, preferably at a considerable distance from the crib. Also ensure that the nightlight is not directed towards the place where the child is sleeping.

Your baby’s safety should be your primary concern. An important aspect of children’s nightlights (or any children's lighting)that you need to be aware of is proper installation. Children are instinctively inquisitive and unsafe installation may expose your child to unnecessary risks. Reputed manufacturers are more likely to be concerned about child safety and make products that meet safety standards.

Although plug-in nightlights are cheap and convenient to install it is better to avoid them as they may not be as long lasting as ambient nightlights. Do not use floor lamps in children’s rooms, neither as general lighting nor as nightlights because children are likely to stumble against the electric cord leading to it.

Ambient nightlights with switches placed high up the wall provide the ultimate in safety as the child cannot reach them. Dimmer switches may also be considered to allow you to control the amount of light you think is enough for the child during the night. Dimmer switches also help you in saving on your energy bills. If your child initially insist upon a bright light, dimmer switches also allows you to gradually decrease the intensity of light till the child gets accustomed to dim light.

Bathroom Lighting for Grooming and Safety

2008-05-12T12:02:00.004-05:00

In as far as home lighting is concerned the bathroom is probably the most ignored room in the house. Most people seem to consider it a waste of hard earned money when it comes to investing in bathroom lighting and usually end up with a randomly placed bulb or two. Most of us do not realize that bathroom lighting should give good visibility for bathroom vanities and at the same time be flexible enough to match moods. Modern bathroom is a place where you groom yourself and many times it becomes a convenient place to relax and forget your worries.

Mass produced lighting is of no use for bathroom lighting, not only because of the need of sufficient light in different places or zones in the bathroom but also due to strict regulations for bathroom lighting fixtures.

Much as many would like to refute the argument, bathroom vanities have an important role to play in a person’s life. Bathroom lighting should be placed in a way that areas under the chin, eyes and cheeks are not shadowed. This would require bathroom vanity lighting on either side of the mirror, 36 to 40 inches apart and roughly at the level of eyes. This assures even light across the face.

You need different types of lights for different places like the bathing, shaving or makeup areas and general lighting, which may include lighting areas for water jets meant for cleaning. An ideal bathroom lighting scheme should be flexible so as to provide bright and fresh light in mornings and a soft and inhibited atmosphere in the evening. General bathroom lighting is better provided with a pendant light or a chandelier instead of a central surface mounted fixture. Hidden lights ― those hidden behind moldings― lend a soft glow to the perimeters of the room. Lighting dimmers can prove to be multi-utility accessories to serve as ambient and accent lighting as well as energy savers.

White light reveals skin tones more accurately and halogen lamps are a paragon of excellence in the field of bathroom vanity lighting. Halogen lamps with built in transformers that convert high voltage to low voltage are compact and give a sparkling effect. Although a bit more expensive than ordinary incandescent lamps, they last longer and are good value for money. The latest compact fluorescent bulbs are equally efficient in showing your face in good light and more efficient than ordinary lamps.

However, bathroom vanities should not overshadow the need for safety. Electric current and water is a deadly combination. There are strict regulations governing bathroom lighting as the circuitry is constantly exposed to steam and the bathroom is highly humid. Lighting fixtures in the bathing areas should be totally immersion proof and portable lights are not permitted. The entire circuitry should be equipped with circuit breakers that trip when the system is overloaded.

Another important aspect of bathroom lighting that you need to keep in mind is that cookie-cutter or mass produced accessories tend to corrode due to the excessive humidity and are a safety risk. Make sure that you choose high quality fixtures that meet the standards meant for bathrooms. This applies both to general bathing areas as well as bathroom vanity lighting.

Stained Glass

2008-05-05T12:04:00.002-05:00

Stained glass is a term that refers to two aspects of colored glass that what we are used to see in ornate windows of churches, cathedrals and chapels built during middle ages. The material per se and the art and craft that go into making it are both termed as stained glass. Glass may be colored by adding metallic salts during manufacture or simply painted and annealed. The art and craft involved in creating a piece of stained glass involves arrangement of small pieces of stained glass to form patterns or figures.

Creating a decorative piece would thus mean production of stained glass (colored), conceptualizing a design and engineering skills to put them together. Traditionally stained glass was used as flat panels for windows but with passage of time it extended to three-dimensional objets d’art made from small sections of stained glass supported in lead cames, which were later replaced by copper foil. Tiffany Lamps are the most popular example of three-dimensional stained glass artistry.

Silica is the essential product from which glass is made. Glass is colored by adding metallic oxides while still in a clay pot in molten state. The traditional method of producing glass and coloring is still followed by glass factories but commercially made glass too is used to produce stained glass windows and pieces of art.

The first stage of producing a window or any other piece of art or a lamp shade involves conceiving a design and the color of different sections in the design.

A full size sketch is drawn considering openings through which light can filter in (out in the case of a lamp shade).

Each piece of glass is selected and cut according to the size in the template (sketch). The exact size is arrived at by gently scraping the edges.

If the design involves figures and requires showing details of faces, hair and hands, they are painted into the inner surface of the glass. A special paint that contains fine lead or copper filings, ground glass, gum acacia is used. Traditionally urine was used as a medium but now wine or vinegar is preferred.

Once the pieces are ready, they are assembled using lead cames (either U or H shaped cross section as per the design). The lead came joints are soldered with lead or tin solder. The panels are cemented and reinforcement bars are added for extra support if required.

If the alternative technique of copper foils is used, the edges of glass pieces are wrapped with copper foil, soldered and a finishing patina is applied on the frayed edges.

Although Tiffany Lamps have become a generic name in stained glass artistry, it is still not decided whether Louis Tiffany or John La Farge invented the copper foil replacement of lead came glasswork. Copper foil glasswork is mainly responsible for stained glass moving out from the restricted use as window panels to exquisite artistry and opened innumerable avenues for creation of home decoration pieces and lamps.

2008-04-30T23:34:00.005-05:00

Retro Lighting - The Current Rage in Home Lighting!

2008-04-11T18:30:00.003-05:00

The word ‘retro’ is derived from a Latin prefix, retro, which means backwards or in past times. It is best explained when it is used in words like retrograde, which means movement towards the past instead of progress or retrospective, referring to nostalgic or critical appreciation of the past.

The term retro lighting is used to describe those aspects of modern lighting fixtures that are consciously derived from trends of the recent past. Simply stated, retro lighting means old, but in the same sense as words like ‘classic’ and ‘timeless’ are used.

Electric lights were pretty mundane till the 1950s. That period saw a paradigm change in design elements and character that has still not been replicated by modern styles. Lighting styles moved towards modernity only after that when established designs and styles were rejected and ultra modern and psychedelic lighting was introduced for the first time.

The retro style in retro lighting usually refers to the style of 50s, 60s and 70s but is not restricted to that period only. Retro lighting is all about reproducing classical designs that were once a rage. The Lava Lamp, the Rotaflex Lamp and lamps with shapes typical to that period, which were once considered a must if you wanted to stand out and be counted are reproduced for modern homes, all the while retaining the original antique look.

There is of course nothing to beat an original vintage lamp and those who can afford them are more inclined to hunt for them, no matter how they are priced. Reproduced retro lighting fixtures, on the other hand are easily available, even online, and are priced reasonably.

Admittedly, some types of glass shades are impossible to reproduce because in certain cases it is only years of exposure to the sun that gives period glass shades the typical antique look. Retro lighting is meticulously produced so as to imitate the style and material used in vintage lamps and lamp shades. Most of the times, it is only if you let out the secret that people would come to know that it is a reproduction and not an original piece.

Retro lighting is now the "trend" as more and more people want to bring in the look of the twentieth century but with a modern twist. It is not only retro lighting but the retro style per se that is catching the fancy of the modern generation. The revival of old styles is here with a bang in all spheres: retro homes, retro furniture, retro themes and retro lighting.

Retro lighting looks great in modern homes as well retro homes. If you are building or redoing your home or simply changing the home lighting fixtures, consider retro lighting as one of the options. Shopping for perfect reproductions of vintage lamps can be fun: just refuse to settle for anything less than what appears nearest to an original.

Island and Billiard Lighting

2008-04-07T14:58:00.003-05:00

Light fixtures are classified according to how they are installed, the function they are meant for and the type of the lamp. As such light fixtures may be portable, recessed, surface mounted, pendant, sconces, indirect, outdoor, emergency or a balanced arm lamp. Among the many specific functions that you may have to consider while setting up lighting fixtures is what is commonly known as island lighting and/or billiard lighting.

Island lighting falls under the general category of task lighting and usually consists of more than one light suspended from a bar or in a rectangular shape. The name is derived from the fact that it casts light to illuminate an oblong area, which appears as an island. Island lighting can be effectively used in place of chandeliers or hanging bowls in smaller eating areas in the kitchen, over bars and any piece of furniture that is placed by the side in the dining room. Island lighting is nothing new and can be designed for lighting up just about any area and for whatever purpose. The modern concept of island lighting is to use it for not only utilitarian but also for aesthetic purposes.

Island lighting is usually used over “islands” in the kitchen in place of track lighting, which are individual fixtures that can be positioned anywhere along a track that provides electric power. The basic idea is to just light up an area which requires more light than what the general lighting in the room may provide. The concept of island lighting is best explained when it is used as billiard lighting. Playing pool requires extra light to enable proper viewing. Although both look similar and are hung from the ceiling, island lighting is a bit different from normal pendant lights because of the purpose it is used for.

There are various types of designs that one can choose from. Billiard lighting, for example, can be as a linear chandelier with more than one fixture or a horizontally styled ceiling pendant lights. Whatever the style, the basic purpose is to ensure that the light is not diffused and should fall directly on the table. While the focus of the pool halls is totally utilitarian: at homes you can chose aesthetically designed pendant lights as billiard lighting to add color to the recreation room.

As the light shines downwards, certain fixtures can give perfect light in the working area but may cause a problem with a glare when you sit down. When choosing island lighting fixtures make sure that the bulb is deeply recessed inside the shade. This may require a fixture with more than one bulb as a single bulb will cast a very small radius on the work area.

A combination of decorative pendant lights, arranged to serve as island lighting, can add to the overall look of the décor anywhere in the house or as billiard lighting. You may use a dimmer switch to manage the amount of light required on specific occasions. Set it at bright when you are working in the kitchen and dim for giving a charming atmosphere when you are entertaining guests.

More tips to save money on your home lighting bills

2008-03-26T19:07:00.002-05:00

Rising energy costs are proving to be a big drain on the finances of not only the general public but also for those with big pay. There are, however, simple ways that can help you to save money on home lighting. If you wish to save money on home lighting you do not have to look far; it can be as easy as:

Making changes to your energy consumption habits.

Choosing home lighting fixtures that consume less energy.

By making some simple changes in your habits you can save money to a great extent. Reality is that most of the times lights remains switched on even in empty rooms. Make sure that you switch the lights off every time you leave a room.

Many times, switching on a light is not need based but more of a reflex action. Pause a little bit before you switch on a light and think whether you will be actually needing it or not. Sometimes there is enough daylight to enable you to sit and enjoy television and you do not require light unless you plan to read or do some writing work.

Bathrooms in modern houses often have enough daylight coming in through the ventilation provided for letting out moisture. Switch on a bathroom light only when needed.

A closet light consumes as much electricity as any other fixture. Do not forget to switch it off when you leave. Moreover, see whether there is already enough light from the adjoining room for you to complete your errand in the closet.

We tend to keep the curtains drawn for no reason at all. Curtains were meant for privacy. Why not open curtains during day time when you do not need privacy and see how bright the room looks in broad daylight.

Nowadays there are many options in home lighting fixtures that allow you to save money on energy bills. Fluorescent bulbs consume much less energy than incandescent bulbs and provide better and more soothing light. Fluorescent lights are available in a wide range of wattage. Two sixteen watt fluorescent bulbs give more light than a 100 watt incandescent bulb.

There has also been a dramatic advancement in light dimmers, which were earlier believed to be only for commercial and institutional use. There are small switches-cum light dimmers that can be used attached to practically all home lighting fixtures. These allow you to choose the right amount of light you require for a particular job and as well as save money by restricting energy consumption.

If the idea of turning lights off every time you leave a room seems too much of a bother to you, motion sensors will do that for you. Motion sensors detect whether a room is occupied or not and control lights accordingly.

If you are redoing your house or building a new one, make sure to discuss the matter of energy costs with your designer. S/he can help a lot to enable you to save money by ensuring that there is sufficient light during daytime in most of the rooms.

Chandeliers - Cleaning your Precious Beauties

2008-03-19T13:22:00.004-05:00

Chandeliers have been in and out of fashion. There was a time, in 1960s when subtle lighting came in vogue and decorators turned to recessed lights, track lights and other minimalist ideas. Crystal chandeliers were seen only in grand mansions and lobbies of fancy hotels. They were considered to fussy for modern homes. Crystal chandeliers, the evergreen gracious beauties have staged a grand comeback and that too with a bang - they are now a standard fixture for modern homes, hotels, mansions, et al.

For ages crystal chandeliers have been a symbol of status and wealth. A lighting fixture that is as prized as crystal chandeliers has yet to be developed. The hanging crystals capture light and glimmer and shine like rain drops in sunshine. However, this mesmerizing phenomenon occurs only if you clean them regularly.

Dirt and dust over bulbs and crystals also means that you are not getting the full potential of the intensity of light that the lighting fixture can provide. You are therefore, likely to waste energy by using more lights than required. The dust impacts the refraction that occurs in crystals. When you have dust on your crystal chandeliers, the aura associated with chandeliers is also lost. Dirty crystals looks like a chunk of glass or plastic instead of the gleaming beauties that they are.

Cleaning chandeliers can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be. The easier method would need you to follow the following steps:
• Switch off the light source. Better still turn off the breaker to be doubly sure.
• Cover each light fixture with a small plastic bag and secure with rubber bands.
• Place absorbent towels and a fair amount of newsprint below the chandelier.
• Spray each crystal with a mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol (10:1 ratio).
• Let the whole unit drip dry. Make sure that there are no streaks. Check each crystal. Polish with a dry cloth if need be.

The other method of cleaning chandeliers is more time consuming. Even though it is riskier than the first one, the cleaning is meticulous and restores the crystals to factory fresh condition.

• Remove some crystals from the chandelier. It is important that you remove a small number of crystals to ensure that you are able to put the crystals back in their original setting. The manner in which you remove the crystals depends upon the design that you have. You may choose to remove a particular arrangement like a string or a cluster of crystals at a time.
• Dip each crystal, one at a time in the water-alcohol solution (10:1 ratio). If the chandelier has been installed near the kitchen, it is liable to have a greasy film over it. Add few drops of dish washing liquid to the solution to remove grease stains.
• Crystals tend to chip or break. Do not dip more than one crystal at a time. Use a clean solution every time so that you can see what you are doing.
• Rinse each crystals individual and lay on an absorbent towel to dry.

The second cleaning process is a laborious one and requires you to complete it in one go. It is pertinent that you schedule the cleaning when you have time to spare and are not expecting interruptions.

Advantages of Using Sconce Lighting

2008-03-09T17:13:00.002-05:00

The origin of sconce lighting can be traced back to the times when a light source was manually carried to a particular area of the cave that needed light to cook or eat a meal. A sconce is a light fixture that uses only the wall for support and fixed in a way that the light is directed upwards. The modern concept of wall sconces is termed as task lighting and sconces are not carried but placed in an orderly manner to serve the same purpose as they did centuries ago. In addition, modern concepts allow light from a wall sconce to be directed up, down or sideways.

Initially wall sconces were used for hallways and corridors. They were used both for providing light or highlighting a point of interest along a long corridor. The concept of sconce lighting has stood the test of time and wall sconces are still used despite homes becoming smaller.

Sconce lighting can be a nice touch in accentuating an area or as a primary lighting source in a room. In nurseries they can be used for lighting specific areas to allow you to work without disturbing the baby. In kitchens, sconces can be used for lighting the cooking and preparation areas with separate wall sconces. In your study room you need light near your table. A sconce near the table provides more focused light than primary lighting that is probably hanging from the center of the room.

Perhaps the best aesthetic advantage of sconce lighting is derived when used for drawing/dining rooms and bedrooms. You can use a wall sconce to emphasize an art piece you want your guests to appreciate. At the same time, with wall sconces placed at critical points you have the choice of switching on or off the light source according to need. Thoughtfully placed sconces in the bedroom allow you to adjust light according to your moods.

Lighting consumes a significant part of all electricity consumed in a home. With energy prices shooting sky high any idea that leads to saving on energy bills is always welcome. Wall sconces play a very important role in energy saving as they provide the requisite amount of light in the area of activity without having to light up the entire room. Using light dimmers provide added advantage in saving on electricity bills.

Wall sconces are available in a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs, styles, themes and colors to serve as a primary source of light in any room. Wall sconces can be fitted on pilasters or wood paneling and can stand out on their own as a decorative piece or complement the existing décor. All that you need to do is to identify the areas where you are most likely to need light while going about your normal work schedule in the house.

The Elegance of Tiffany Lamps

2008-02-28T13:23:00.004-06:00

Louis C. Tiffany was one of those people who believed in finding new ways of doing things. Moved by a desire to decorate modern American homes with the same type of magnificent stained glass as seen in ancient Cathedrals, he went on to discover a new way to make glass lamps that ultimately came to be known as Tiffany lamps, a genre in its own right. An original Tiffany lamp would now fetch millions in a public auction today.

Glass artisans in the Middle Ages used a method that involved painting a design on the glass and then treating it with heat. Louis C. Tiffany perfected and patented opalescent window glass that involved combining several colored glass pieces to create an intricate design. This was far different from painting an object on the glass as the glass itself was used to define an object. It also gave an elegant colorful glow and a three dimensional look.

A Tiffany lamp is a lamp which has a stained glass shade. The pieces of glass that go in making a Tiffany lamp shade are arranged in different designs and soldered together with copper foil. The first Tiffany lamp that came out of Tiffany Studios, designed by the artist himself had a bronze base. The best ever lamp made by the designer had more than 1000 pieces. During his lifetime he came up with different designs.

The Irregular Upper and Lower Border lamps that have openwork crown edge that compliments a branch, tree or shrubbery.

The Favrile (handcrafted) that were the first lamps that Louis C. Tiffany created, which were later stamped with his initials, LCT.

The Geometric is made by piecing together geometric shapes - triangles, squares, rectangular and oval pieces of glass.

Transition to Flowers has two subtypes - Flowered Cone and Flowered Globe. Both are based on designs taken from the nature and use flowers, dragonflies, spiders and their webs, butterflies and peacock feathers. The difference lies only with the shape, one is arranged in a conical shape while the other as a globe.

Designing or making Tiffany lamps is a tedious process. The design is first drawn on a cardboard and each piece is marked with the color and a number and then traced over a piece of glass. The pieces are then cut and grounded in the desired shape and cleaned, which enables easy application of copper foil on the edges. The copper foil solution binds the pieces together.

Even after more than 100 years after the maestro, the elegance and craftsmanship that goes in making Tiffany lamps does not fail to fascinate. The same technique is used to make floor lamps, ceiling pendants, sconces, chandeliers, art glass windows using practically the same designs that were used for the original Tiffany lamps. Tiffany lamps are now made on assembly lines but still take considerable time to make.

Using Ceiling fans for Comfort and Energy Savings

2008-02-21T18:15:00.005-06:00

A lot of water has flown under the bridge ever since the ceiling fan was invented. From bulky and energy -guzzling equipments, ceiling fans now come in sleek models and colors to complement all types of décor. They consume lesser energy and are also available with attached light kits in branched, bowl and up-light designs. With the introduction of reversible motors, ceiling fans can now be used for providing comfort in summers and winters alike.

Ceiling fans can actually result in a saving on energy costs of air conditioning and heating. Saving energy does not depend only on the brand, installation, motor and blades of ceiling fans but also on how you use the fans to your advantage.

The first thing to remember is to choose the right size of a ceiling fan depending on the size of the room. Choosing the wrong size will result in a higher amount of money being spent or a less effective solution for the room. The recommended sizes range from 29 to 36” fan size for a room up to 75 sq ft, and gradually move up to 50-54” for a room between 225 and 400 sq ft.

Remember that ceiling fans are meant to provide comfort to the occupants of the room. Turn off the ceiling fan if the room is unoccupied to save energy costs.

If the ceiling height permits, place the ceiling fan higher than the minimum seven feet from floor for improving air circulation. Ceiling fans very close to the ceiling do not allow free circulation of air as the catchment area behind the blades does not have enough air.

Besides installation, the components that go in to make ceiling fans are equally important. The housing of the fan is mostly decorative but the motor inside it matters more. While looking for sealed lubricated ball bearings and heavy duty windings, check the wattage that the motor consumes. Low wattage motors provide significant saving on energy costs and work as well.

Ceiling fans consume much less energy than central and room air conditioning. Raising the thermostat by 20 F can give you up to 14% saving in energy costs. The idea is that if the thermostat is set higher, the air conditioning gets switched off more often and the ceiling fan provides comfort by circulating the cool air in the room. This works as good in winters as it does during summers. Electric space heaters also guzzle enormous energy. There will come times in between when the heater can be switched off and the ceiling fan can circulate hot air. Reversing the motor for upward air flow will disperse and circulate warm air towards the perimeters and the floor.

In summers ceiling fans should be made to run counter clockwise for a downward wind-chill effect. During winters, ceiling fans at low speed, set in clockwise direction give a gentle upward lift and disperse the warm air gathered near the ceiling. The important part, though, is setting the air conditioners’ thermostat and watch out for the heater.

Energy Efficient Lighting Ideas - Save Money on Lighting!

2008-02-08T10:17:00.001-06:00

With the increasing cost of living and decreasing increments, who does not want to save money? Your electricity bill is one such item of expense that you can cut back on without having to compromise on comfort. The usual suggestions of opening blinds and shades, painting light colors on walls and plugging off chargers are passé and hardly contribute to a sizeable reduction. Using energy efficient lighting to save money on lighting bills is easier and more profitable.

Energy efficient lighting does not mean that you switch off lights even when required. It is using the right accessories that consume low electricity but provide the same amount of light. To save money on lighting, use fluorescent bulbs. Electricity consumption of incandescent bulbs is as much as four times that of a fluorescent bulb. Four fluorescent bulbs of say, eight watts each will spread more light than a 100 watt incandescent bulb. The use of incandescent bulbs is being banned in many countries. If a recently introduced bill becomes law, the sale of incandescent bulbs will be banned by the year 2012 in California.

Using task lighting is another way to save money on lighting bills. Instead of hanging a light in the center of the room, decide on the areas that you need light in. Place lights in a manner so that the light is directed to those areas rather than brightening the entire room. Corner lamps are better as they give more light than those placed in the center of the room.

Another energy efficient lighting idea that is catching on very fast is the use of lighting dimmers and controls. Lighting dimmers let you choose the intensity of light that you require according to the need of the moment. For example, you can switch it on to full intensity while reading and set it to low consumption when you are in a thoughtful or romantic mood. Lighting dimmers are not currently available for fluorescent bulbs since they are energy efficient products to begin with. But there may soon be a day when they too are available loaded with the dimmer technology.

The luminous flux or the amount of light given out depends upon the lumens of the bulb. While buying a bulb check that out and buy the one with a high im (unit of luminous flux) for rooms where you need bright light. Buying a high im bulb rather then two bulbs can save money on lighting bills too.

Lighting controls can play a significant role in promoting energy efficient lighting. Besides manually controlled lighting systems that can be used to accommodate different tasks, auto dimmers are also available in the market. Auto dimmers adjust lighting according to the level of the existing daylight. There are also automatic systems equipped with occupancy sensors that switch off light the moment every one leaves a room.

Use of appropriate accessories and control systems are the best energy efficient lighting ideas that help to save money on lighting. Adopting some of these methods or products can land you some significant savings on the electricity bill.

Whimsical lighting – great for all styles and themes

2008-02-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

Whimsical lighting cannot be termed as a style as it is more about impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason. It is designing of lamps, sconces and chandeliers that do not conform to a typical style.

The basic example that highlights the idea of whimsical lighting is the same as that of shabby chic decorations. Attach lamps with ornate twisted wires, add some glass beads on the wires, and hang it to a tree branch. No style book has that idea but it gives a dazzling look to the tree branch. The underlying idea is to not follow a typical style but to let your imagination loose.

The idea of whimsical lighting has its origins from the wrought iron candles that were once the mainstay of lighting sources. With the invention of electricity, they may have lost their utility but the idea of whimsical lighting designs and using a lighting source based on desire, has resurfaced with vigor. Just as candle holders were made according to the whims of the craftsman, modern day whimsical lighting is similarly designed for indoor and outdoor use.

Whimsical lighting is no slave to a theme. At the same time, their uniqueness enables easy mixing with traditional styles. Whimsical lighting lamps, sconces and chandeliers are symmetrical like traditional lighting but many are so uniquely designed that they can be placed almost anywhere. Some times a chance placement looks so appropriate that you feel like cursing yourself for not having thought about it before.

Whimsical lighting comes in very handy when you are changing the theme of your room from traditional to something that will look unique and express your style. Whether your theme is around shabby chic decorating or a traditional set up, whimsical lighting can be used for making a personal statement. It adds to the overall look of the room or an outdoor sanctuary.

Although whimsical lighting goes well with any indoor theme, there are also ideas that you can think about while using it to light your patio, verandah or other beautiful outdoor areas. With more people opting to make better use of the outdoor areas for living and entertainment, whimsical lighting provides a better lighting option as it mixes well with most landscaping ideas.

Whimsical chandeliers, lamps and sconces can be a good idea when you are following shabby chic decorating. Although whimsical lighting mixes beautifully with shabby-chic styles, they are as exquisitely crafted as any traditional lighting systems.

There are no two opinions about the use of lighting as a tool for giving your room or outdoors a distinctive look. If you choose a lighting plan with care then you can have a choice of changing the aura, highlighting special works of art and deciding on the intensity of light that you may want at a given point in time. The same choices are available with whimsical lighting as well as lighting ideas that you may choose for shabby chic decoration styles.

Lighting Dimmers

2008-01-25T11:11:00.000-06:00

Lighting Dimmers and Switches

The latest trends in home lighting include exquisitely designed sconces, chandeliers and table lamps. Even the mundane lighting switches have been replaced by new concepts. Lighting switches that either merge with the overall style or are available in elegant designs are becoming the preferred solution.
Since chandeliers are the latest rage in home lighting, the general concerns are related to electricity costs. Lighting dimmers provide a solution that is now being used extensively and specifically for two purposes - power saving and choosing intensity of light.

Lighting dimmers were complicated devices used in places where the power consumption was very high. Venues like theatres and architectural lighting installations were the places where these were used most often. However, that is no longer the case any more. With the latest trends where home lighting has shifted to chandeliers, multi-bulb sconces and table lamps, the need to save on power has been fulfilled by modern digital small units of lighting switches that incorporate lighting dimmers. All that you need to do is to switch on the light and choose the right intensity of light to suit the mood of the moment.

Lighting dimmers have two types of settings - one that has a choice of low, medium and high in three steps and the other that has a knob that allows you to adjust the exact amount of light that you want.

Modern lighting dimmers are made from silicon-controlled rectifiers instead of variable resistors. These are more efficient, save power and provide greater safety. Lighting dimmers work on the principle that the strength of the light of a bulb depends upon the strength of the current that reaches the filament in the bulb. Normal lighting switches provide the same strength that they receive from the source of electricity. Lighting dimmers, on the other hand have settings that allow you to control the wattage that reaches the filament so as to get the desired amount of glow.

Modern lighting dimmers provide a cost effective solution for large chandeliers. Whether you have friends over or have a family dinner, a lighting dimmer allows you to mange your electricity bills and get the required intensity needed at a particular point in time. The same chandelier that you use for reading in a room can also give a romantic glow when you set it to a low setting.

While choosing a lighting dimmer it is important to consider the range of wattage it will be able to manage. This depends upon the voltage of the bulb. Simply said, the range of wattage that the lighting dimmer controls must be in line with the bulbs. This allows greater safety and ensures that the lighting dimmer does not heat up.

There were times when home lighting was the least considered part of home decoration. Times have changed and so have home lighting concepts. Lighting is now as integral to a home decoration project as the color and style of walls and furniture, decoration pieces and window treatment.

Home Lighting Trends

2008-01-21T19:51:00.000-06:00

Indoor Home Lighting Trends

There are a fair number of changes that one sees in the approach towards the construction business. Architects are creating homes that give a more expansive look to the rooms. With ceilings being raised by 2’ to what has now become a standard 10’ high ceiling, it is expected that there would be a complementary change in the styles that we use to light our rooms and the materials that are used for lighting fixtures. The latest home lighting trends emphasize on use of metals like steel, copper and brass fixtures as compared to the shoddy plastics and synthetics that were used earlier.

The advancement in lighting technologies has also been instrumental in bringing in new home lighting ideas to the fore. Home lighting trends today follow personal styles and are not confined to mundane and age old conventions. The latest home lighting trends focus on area lighting and style rather than illumination. Emerging home lighting trends are giving rise to new home lighting ideas about how to use lamps, chandeliers and sconces in novel ways for highlighting specific areas. Today, these aspects of home décor are used to make a fashion statement as well.

Lighting is no longer viewed as a practical necessity. Decorative lighting is becoming more prominent and is being chosen by almost everyone who opts for home improvement. Increasingly more importance is being given to home lighting trends like task lighting, aesthetic appeal of lights and changing the look of an ordinary room.

The idea of overhead lighting and can and pot lights are considered outdated and higher focus is being given to creating a specific feel and environment in the room at the flick of a switch. Home lighting ideas that reflect moods are more prevalent now - romantic moods for the bedroom with a soft and dim light from a wall mounted sconce, mysterious atmosphere with an aura created by a crystal chandelier and concealed lights used to spotlight an art piece are becoming more popular.

There were times when a table lamp once bought remained in the house for a lifetime since all table lamps looked the same anyways. The small and very small table lamps that are now hitting the markets can be used for accent lighting. They can also match moods and accentuate ambiance. You should consider special lighting effects if you wish to keep up with the home lighting trends.

With things changing fast and emerging home lighting ideas, it is a good idea to plan well in advance if you are making a new house or redoing up your rooms. Give as much attention to lighting as you would to flooring or wall covering. Take into account the fact that with changing home lighting trends you can simply change the lighting without going for a complete makeover of furnishings.

With increased attention being paid to energy saving and pollution control, the second important revolution now taking place in home lighting ideas is to use energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. The age old incandescent bulb is on the way out as it is wasteful and considered to be harmful to the environment.

Children's Lighting Decorating Ideas

2008-01-12T18:03:00.000-06:00

Dos and don’ts for children's lighting

Children’s lighting requirements require an equal amount of thought and planning as do other baby products like cribs, bedding, toys, food and diapers. Decisions on children’s lighting should be based on safety with an equal emphasis on necessity. Another aspect to give some thought to is the fact that your child will grow faster than you think. You need to ensure that children’s lighting is placed in a way that you are not compelled to change the entire home lighting set up later. It is also a good idea to plan children’s lighting based on some thought to the various tasks that you will be required to perform in the nursery.

For the first year or so, a large amount of your time will need to be spent in the nursery. You will also need to make frequent trips in the night to feed the baby or attend to other needs like changes or providing comfort. Therefore, children’s lighting for a nursery should be placed in a manner that it provides a well lit designated area separately. This option can allow you to get adequate light in a specific area without having to disturb the sleeping baby. Wall mounted sconces with multiple arms pointing at different angles make a good choice. Nursery lamps should always use soft low wattage bulbs. Bright lights are likely to disturb a baby who is almost about to fall asleep. They can also disturb deep sleep at times. However, without adequate children’s lighting, you run the risk of tripping over something when entering the room. Using a dimmer for the various children’s lighting fixtures is another option that you may want to look into. Dimmed lights can serve as night lights.

Avoid table lamps and stick to central fixtures and wall lights. Children’s lighting should be far from the crib. Keep in mind that soon the baby will start to crawl and reach up and ensure that the children’s lighting is out of the baby’s reach. Try to avoid pendant lights since they can prove to be hazardous if the child starts to jump on the bed. These can lead to accidents when kids indulge in a pillow fight or other such boisterous activities. Needless to say, it is important that you ensure that there are no loose cords hanging around the room. All empty sockets should be covered and adequate child proofing is required for all children’s lighting fixtures.

Children’s lighting needs to be changed as the child grows. Within no time, you may also find a need for a study area and adequate children’s lighting for it. If you choose a theme for the nursery, ensure that you have factored in the different changes that will be required in children’s lighting.

Well-selected children’s lighting serves to embroider the theme that you may have selected. Children’s lighting should complement the theme rather than break the continuity. Contrary to popular belief, chandeliers are not meant only for dining rooms or living rooms. They can also be used for children’s lighting. Chandeliers and sconces come in different styles and themes to match every setting. While choosing one for children’s room lighting, use your creative instincts to match it with the theme that you have selected.

Crystal Variations in Crystal Chandeliers

2008-01-04T22:01:00.000-06:00

Chandeliers, especially crystal chandeliers add that extra bit of something that you often feel is missing even after you have done up a room. No matter how well you may have designed your room, it fails to highlight the meticulous selections that you make to furnish and decorate it, if it is not properly lit. Crystal chandeliers are pieces of art. They are intricately designed, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to reflect light to provide a stunning effect in the room.

Modern chandeliers are very elaborate with decorative details that include dozens of lamps arranged in an orderly manner to light up the room in different patterns. A crystal chandelier in the room can provide an aura of sophistication to the entire look and feel of the place. Additionally it can also provide the exact amount of light that you wish for.

Crystal chandeliers today can be made from various kinds of crystal. Cut crystal scores over molded crystal as it is provides more brilliance and gives out a gentle hypnotizing glow of light. Lead crystal is made from glass that has a fair amount of lead oxide. It is cut by hand or a machine to make various facets. These facets are actually responsible for the high refractive index.

One of the most common types of crystal used in crystal chandeliers is Swarovski crystals. The crystal has been named after Daniel Swarovski who invented the first automatic cutting machine in 1892. By 1895, he had set up a crystal cutting factory in Wattens. Over time, Swarovski started to find new avenues for the use of crystal and it started getting used in chandeliers due to its refractive properties.

Swarovski crystal comprises of nearly 36% lead. This property enables it to obtain maximum refraction, the basic reason which makes it ideal for use in chandeliers. Swarovski uses different types of special metallic chemical coatings to give a rainbow effect to light refracted from the crystal.

By 1960, Swarovski developed an optically pure crystal with a dust repellent coating and introduced it in the market as Strass®. Strass® gives out a striking refraction. It can disperse light in a typical manner that allows for maximum brilliance and this has made it the first choice of the discerning population. The Strass® crystal can be seen spreading its scintillations in the chandeliers at some of the most exquisite public locations, including The Metropolitan Opera, New York and Chateau of Versailles, Paris

There is also the Swarovski Alternative Quality Crystal, which also has excellent light refraction properties. However, it has a different cut pattern from the Strass® crystal and has no lead content. Turkish crystal is also used in crystal chandeliers. Named after the country of its origin, Turkish crystals also do not contain lead and are almost always cut by hand.

There are four different methods that are used for producing crystals and each leaves its distinct mark on the quality of the end product - crystal chandeliers. A crystal may be hand cut and polished, made by mechanical presses without involving any cutting, fire polished or machine cut.

Even though the credit for discovering lead crystal goes to an Englishman, George Ravenscroft, its worldwide popularity and recognition should be credited to Swarovski. Today, Swarovski has become a generic name for precision cut lead crystal glass. Used primarily in crystal chandeliers and decoration pieces like sculptures and miniatures the Swarovski brand has been a hallmark of legitimacy in crystals.