Lighting Buying Guides

How To Choose The Perfect Ceiling Fan

gtimmerman — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:28:00 GMT

How To Choose The Perfect Ceiling Fan

Many consumers are turning to ceiling fans for added comfort, enhanced aesthetics and as a means to save money through energy conservation. Since ceiling fans can be purchased from specialty stores and on the Internet alike, it is a good idea to review all the available options before settling on a particular style. In this guide, we outline the reasons why ceiling fans are gaining popularity, we explain the factors that make a ceiling fan high quality and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Why Choose a Ceiling Fan?

This luxurious room is perfect accented with a combination chandelier/ceiling fan, designed by Casablanca Fans. Priced at about $6000, it marks the ultimate in ceiling fan interior design.

Ceiling fans offer an economical way to keep rooms cool in the summer and warm during winters. Highly energy efficient and cost effective, ceiling fans allow significant savings each year. A study published by Florida Power & Light Company indicates that since overhead fans create a cooling wind chill effect, thermostats can be set at higher temps in the summer. Similarly in the winter, the reverse is true – when fan blades are run clockwise, they push warmer air down into the room.

What To Look For In a Ceiling Fan

Initially it can be difficult to discern the quality of a fan. Whether the fan costs $50 or $500, if it has the key elements of a quality fan it can last as many as 18 years. Consumers can expect a life span of about 13 years on average, according to an analysis of ceiling fan standards conducted for Pacific Gas & Electric Company. When considering which one to purchase, investigate the motor used in the fan. It should be heavy-duty, energy efficient, maintenance-free and carry a lifetime warranty. Fans manufactured by Casablanca Fan Company boast high-quality motors that last long. While they can be more expensive ($500-$1000 for standard and as much as $6000 for others, investing in a fan with a good motor translates to years of savings.

Other things to look for are multiple capacitors for good starting and running control, self-oiling heavy-duty bearings, die-cast aluminum rotors and die-cast zinc housing.

Defining Quality in a Ceiling Fan

The surest sign of quality in ceiling fans is solid construction, smooth and quiet operation and non-wobbling function. According to Craftmade Fans, fans wobble when they are made using cheap blade materials, rotors or improper sealing processes. They also require careful balancing with precise measurements between blades. Less expensive fans do not perform as well as those manufactured under the rigorous standards of leading companies that have long been in business.

Another attribute that defines high quality is the degree to which the motor size and blade pitch has been matched. Some manufacturers perform inadequate testing on their products, leading to incorrect sizing, faulty wiring and poor installations of accessories – all promoting accelerated wear and tear.

Choosing the Right Fan

Practical, stylish and affordable – flush-mount fans provide gentle cooling for low-ceiling interiors.

Given the plethora of choices available, consumers have far more flexibility to customize per their needs. For common areas of the home or large rooms, choose fans with large-sized motors and longer blades. For all-season homes, select a 3-speed, reversible switching fan so the space can be kept cool in the summers and warm it the winters, adding up to considerable energy savings. Outdoor ceiling fans provide seamless function with cast-iron housings and twice the power. Typically available in two speeds, they work well for enclosed porches, covered patios and other semi-open spaces.

According to Mark Johnston, Marketing and Products Manager of Craftmade International Inc., the ceiling fan industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. “Where once there was only a demand for standard ceiling fans with the tri-bulb light fixture, now there are hundreds of designs from dozens of style categories available,” he says. “We’ve seen significantly increasing popularity in children’s fans and we are giving consumers what they are asking for.”

Varieties available include high-performance, energy saving fans or those designed for large rooms and they come in themes such as tropical, nautical, modern or classic.

Installation

Installing a ceiling fan requires some knowledge of electric systems but can be moderately easy to manage. The process begins by removing an existing light fixture, disconnecting the fixture and wiring then cutting a new, larger hole in the ceiling. The next step is to replace the electric box with one designed for ceiling fans, pass the wires through a new ceiling medallion that will need to be glued on and finally mounting a ceiling plate.

Following specific manufacturer instructions, assemble the fan on a large, flat surface. This step involves threading the wires from the motor through the canopy and hollow down-rod pipe. After each is set onto the motor in succession, locking screws on the side of the pipe need tightening with a wrench. The canopy assembly is then attached to the ceiling one side at a time, connecting the wires according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the ceiling’s existing wiring. Finally, position the fan against the medallion and secure it with the two canopy screws.

The final step in installing a ceiling fan is to attach the blades and lights. Each blade is attached to a blade iron first then using screws provided attach the blade irons to the motor. Connect the wiring from the light fixture portion of the fan to the wires hanging under the motor and attach shades and light bulbs.

Energy Efficient Lightbulb Options

gtimmerman — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:38:00 GMT

Energy Efficient Lightbulb Options

Spiral-shaped compact fluorescent lightbulbs are some of the more recognizable energy efficient lightbulb options on the market.

One energy efficient lightbulb saves an average of $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb, drastically reducing home energy consumption.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use two-thirds less energy over incandescent light bulbs, making them an obvious cost-saving option.

With over 30 light fixtures in the average home, the potential for overall energy savings and utility bill reduction is considerable.

Conservation of natural resources has never been more important. With depletion of energy resources reaching epic magnitude, conservation of energy and preservation of the environment is essential. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every household replaced just one regular incandescent light bulb with one compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would prevent ninety billion pounds of greenhouse gas omissions presently emitted into the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking over seven-million vehicles off the road.

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Options

A popular energy efficient light bulb option , compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL s) are available in a wide selection of sizes and styles for any given installation and application, commercial or residential. Presently, compact fluorescent light bulbs are available in the following configurations:

Spiral - most commonly selected for home applications.
Triple tube lamps - High light output. Used in table lamps, reading lamps and open lamp hanging lamps.
Standard lamps - Resembling an incandescent light bulb with dome cover appearance. Produces a soft-white light that is pleasing and soothing.
Globe lamps - Used in bathrooms vanity mirrors. Produces less heat with higher quality of lighting.
Flood lamps - Designed for track lighting for indoor and outdoor applications.
Candelabra - Used in chandeliers and wall sconce lighting. Produces high quality up-lighting which may or may not be controlled by dimmer switches for increased ambiance.

Lighting accounts for approximately 25% of energy consumption in the average home. With energy savings of $36.00 per bulb over the life of the bulb, compact fluorescent light bulbs last 500 to 2,000 hours longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs, consuming 50-80% less energy. Guaranteed to last up to 8,000 hours, compact fluorescent light bulbs generate 70% less heat, which saves additional cooling costs in homes and offices. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, replacing incandescent light bulbs in the home or office with compact fluorescent light bulbs would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes worldwide.

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Benefits

CFLs offer the following numerous benefits over traditional incandescent light bulbs:

Compact fluorescent light bulbs last up to ten times longer than conventional incandescent light bulbs. A 22 watt, compact fluorescent light bulb is equal to a 100 watt incandescent light bulb consuming 80% less energy.
Initially more expensive, compact fluorescent light bulbs use 1/3 the energy to produce the same lighting lumens and quality.
Replacing one incandescent light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent light bulb eliminates ½ ton of CO2 gasses from the atmosphere.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs produce a warm, inviting lighting atmosphere with high quality lighting.
With unlimited applications and uses, compact fluorescent light bulbs can be substituted for outdated incandescent light bulbs in a matter of a few minutes, requiring no special tools or skills.

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Costs

Today’s energy-efficient lightbulbs cast the same warm glow as incandescent but with far greater savings on the utility bill.

Initial energy efficient light bulb costs typically range from three to six-dollars ($3-$6.00) each, depending on wattage output and application. Traditional incandescent light bulbs often need replacing once a month, with an approximate cost of twelve-dollars ($12.00) per year. With the initial cost of energy efficient light bulbs averaging three-dollars ($3.00) each and the bulb lasting six-times longer than traditional conventional incandescent light bulbs, energy efficient light bulbs pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time.

New Lighting Technology

LED (Light Emitting Diodes) are the next generation in home lighting. Destined to become the future standard for most lighting needs, LED s are currently being used in commercial applications by large automobile manufacturers due to high- quality lighting output in turn signal and break light applications. LED s are clusters of over one-hundred and eighty (180) miniature light bulbs combined into a single energy efficient light bulb with benefits that surpass even the most efficient compact energy efficient light bulb currently on the market today.

Benefits of LED Lighting

Surpassing the exceptional benefits of its predecessor-- the compact fluorescent light bulb-- LED lighting benefits include:

LED bulbs last 10 times longer than energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs with life expectancy up to twenty (20) years alleged.
LED light bulbs have no filament and so are remarkably resilience to jarring and bumping.
LED light bulbs produce 3.4 BTU s per hour compared to 85 BTUs omitted from incandescent light bulbs.
LED light bulbs contain no mercury .
With reduction in energy costs consumption of 80% or more, commercial applications of LED’ are surfacing in traffic lights with less maintenance and increased reliability.
Due to low power requirements for LED s, the use of solar panels becomes more practical than in the past with reduction or elimination of traditional power sources.

With a future remaining uncertain, the conservation and preservation of natural resources is essential to maintain and improve present lifestyles. Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient options is one way in which both the environment and a homeowner’s bank account can benefit.

How to Update Your Kitchen With New Lighting

kkrueger — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

How to Update Your Kitchen With New Lighting

It's amazing what a difference the right lighting can make in your kitchen. If you want to freshen up the look of your kitchen without doing a complete remodel, simply updating your kitchen lighting may be the answer. It's a more affordable one, too.

Layers of Light

Layers of lighting create ambiance in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting.

A central ceiling fixture and lighting over the sink and stove were the basics of kitchen lighting for many years. Today, the importance of kitchen lighting to sufficiently illuminate work surfaces and enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen is being recognized by experts in the industry.

“Toe kick lighting and over-cabinet lighting can provide an inviting glow to your kitchen, as well as serve as a night light for midnight snacks,” says Travis Miller, licensed architect at RemWhirl LLC in Crosslake, Minnesota. He encourages his clients to include as many lighting options in their kitchens as possible. “Under-cabinet lighting is important to light up your countertop work spaces,” says Miller. More people are seeing it as important part of their overall kitchen lighting scheme. When you're working at a kitchen counter, your body and the upper cabinets block the ceiling light. Under-cabinet lighting provides the illumination necessary to see what you are doing.

Including this variation in lighting options within a room is referred to as 'layering' in the lighting industry. These various layers of light allow for more task- orientated adjustments to the lighting in a room. During food preparation, you need plenty of bright light in your work area, but casual entertaining around your eating bar may call for much more subtle lighting in that area. With the proper layers in place, each of these lighting conditions can be achieved by turning on and off certain lighting fixtures in the kitchen area. When you add dimmer controls to these lighting layers, you increase your control of lighting functions even further.

Jeff Dross, the Corporate Director of Education and Industry Trends for Kichler Lighting, advises consumers to account for new finishes when updating the kitchen.

“If you are upgrading to stainless steel appliances, for instance, you may want to choose light fixtures with nickel or chrome finishes to coordinate with the new appliances,” he says.

Kitchen Island Lighting

Kitchen work areas need to be brightly lit. Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting.

When it comes to lighting over your kitchen island, how the island is going to be used should be factored into your fixture selection. “If your cooktop or main kitchen sink is located in your island, you will want stronger lighting than if it is simply used as an alternative eating area,” Dross suggested.

Carlene Anderson, an interior designer, whose company, Redstone Interiors, operates out of Crosslake, Minnesota, says that she's seen a change in the trends for island lighting recently. “My clients seem to be opting for larger light fixtures over their islands lately. Instead of three single pendant lights, they may go with two larger drop down lights or even one fixture with several bulbs.”

Current Trends

LED lighting under cabinets and around toe kicks. Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting.

As you look at current light fixture options, you may note that many of today's fixtures have cleaner lines and less ornate finishes to them. This fits with the overall trend in home finishes. Older cabinets often had glass inserts that had a golden tint. Today's cabinet door glass has a white look to it. This remains true even when the glass is combined with bronze trim. The door styles chosen for today's kitchen will follow this trend by having sleek smooth finishes rather than the raised wood panels of the past. Cabinet hardware, like the light fixtures, will have a more modern look. Simple understated styling in nickel and chrome finishes are much more popular today than the antiqued brass you will find in older homes. Mixing and matching your new kitchen lighting finishes and styles to complement your kitchen's existing look is a big part of the fun in this essential kitchen upgrade project.

Whether you are doing a full kitchen remodel, or simply changing out the lighting, you'll find many kitchen lighting options to choose from. Remember the layering factor, especially if the kitchen is intended to be highly functional.

Floor Lamps Buying Guide

Andrew — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:53:00 GMT

Floor Lamps Buying Guide

For bringing extra light to larger rooms, there's nothing that beats the convenience of a floor lamp.

Floor lamps can be placed next to chairs, couches, or tables for task light. They can easily be moved into dark areas to provide lighting, and don't take up much floor real estate. You can also easily change their look by just replacing a shade.

There are thousands of different floor lamps available in every style, color, and material imaginable. With such a wide variety, you're sure to find the perfect lamp to complement your home's daccor.

Classic Floor Lamps

Console Floor Lamps

A console floor lamp is the most classic type of floor lamp design. It is composed of a single pole set upright into a round base, with a cloth shade or glass globe at the top. Many console floor lamps use a single bulb, but some are made with either two light sockets or three light sockets to provide greater illumination.

Torchiere

A torchiere is a specific type of lamp which uses a bowl-shaped shade, whether glass or metal, to focus most of the light in an upwards direction. It is best for providing ambient light, as the strongest beams will reflect off of the ceiling.

Tree Floor Lamp

Tree lamps have three or more light sockets branching off of a central pole. The sockets will usually be set into reflective housings that can twist or pivot, allowing you to focus them in different directions. You can use any combination of the three lights at any time, giving you a very adaptable light source.

Arc Floor Lamp

An arcing floor lamp has a bent, curving pole set into its base, creating a graceful, modern object that has a beauty all its own. They are also great for providing light above couches or chairs for reading.

Practical Designs

Tray Lamps

Tray lamps are practical items to place near a chair, eliminating the need for an end table to hold drinks or books. Their dual purpose makes them great in small spaces.

Adjustable Lamps

Some floor lamps are designed to adjust in height or other ways. These include gooseneck lamps, which twist and bend to focus the light in a very specific spot, and swing arm lamps, which are triple-jointed to allow the light to move horizontally.

Reading Lamps

A reading lamp will often have a central light source and an adjustable arm that branches down from the side to provide more light to readers sitting below.

Lamps with Magnifiers

For tasks that involve delicate work or small objects, a lamp with a magnifier is the perfect choice. While originally designed for professional use, a magnifying lamp is useful for readers who need some help deciphering small print.

Things to Consider

When you are buying a floor lamp, the first thing you'll want to think about is the purpose of the lamp. Are you looking for a lamp that will provide strong and clear light for a specific spot? Do you want something that sheds as much light as possible? Do you want a floor lamp that will give aesthetic pleasure even when it is turned not on? Or are you looking for something that can do all of these things?

You should also consider the height of the lamp and whether it uses a shade, a globe, or a reflector to house its light bulb. Ideally, any lamp shade should reach down far enough to conceal the entire bulb when one is standing near it. This prevents any annoying glare from the light bulb from reaching your eyes most of the time.

Materials

In addition to wood and rattan, there are a variety of metallic lamps. The finishes available include brass, bronze, steel, nickel and silver.

Lamp Shades

Just because your floor lamp comes with a shade doesn't mean you can't change it. Shades are sold in all different colors, sizes and shapes. Lighter lamp shades provide more light, while darker shades are good for creating subtle mood effects.

Price Range

There are plenty of bargains to be found with floor lamps, with plenty of practical or whimsical lamps to be found for under $50. While the majority of lamps can be purchased in the range of $100 to $250, there are thousands of different lamps available in the $250-$500 price bracket.

Prices rise steeply once you go over $500, with some lamps costing as much as $3,000 or $4,000.

Wall Lights Buying Guide

Fabian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:14:00 GMT

Wall Lights Buying Guide

Wall lights are excellent for adding light to hallways, rooms, porches, or outdoor areas. They can easily be installed over any electrical outlet box. Lighting is generally divided into three different categories, according to its purpose. Task lighting is designed to provide focused lighting for a specific task, such as reading or hobbies. Ambient light is for providing general illumination for a room or other area of the house. Accent lighting is used to highlight objects, such as a portrait, or to create mood through color, light, and shadow.

Wall lighting fixtures can also be used for task lighting. For example, a sconce installed above the bed or near an armchair creates a convenient reading lamp. They can also be used to create elegant accents. Wall lights are most often employed to provide general light to a dark room, hallway, or staircase. They are particularly useful in places with low ceiling, since there may not be room to install a ceiling light.

Things to Consider

For ambient lighting, be sure to space wall fixtures at least 6 inches apart. They should also be installed high enough to prevent glares, but low enough to conveniently reach. At least 60 inches from the floor is a good rule to follow.

Wall lights should be chosen to complement the look of ceiling lighting and the architectural style and decorating of the home. Along with ceiling lights, well-chosen wall lights can add lasting aesthetic value to your home.

Types of Wall Light Fixtures

Wall Sconces

Wall sconce is the term for a light fixture that is attached to a wall. It usually refers to a fixture with a single arm that extends from the wall to a light bulb with a shade or housing made of glass, cloth, or porcelain.

Torchieres

Torchieres are like sconces, but they tend to forgo the arm, positioning the light source closer to the wall. The shade opens upward, directing the light towards the ceiling. Torchieres are an elegant way to provide either ambient or mood lighting, especially with a colored shade or light bulb.

Candle Wall Sconces

Originally, wall sconces were made to hold candles, then oil lamps, hurricane lamps, and eventually gas lights. The extending arm was designed to hold the flammable candle away from the wall, and the faceplate, with its shiny metallic surface, was made to reflect the light, increasing its intensity.

Today, some candle sconces are still designed to hold taper or votive candles. Other ones use electricity, but reinterpret the concept of a candle by using flame-shaped bulbs in long, candle-shaped stems.

Wall Bracket Light Fixtures

Wall bracket light fixtures are not very different from sconces. However, they are more likely to have multiple light sockets than sconces, which only tend to hold a single bulb. That isn't a solid rule, though, and it's worth looking at both sconces and brackets when choosing the right light fixture for your needs.

Lanterns

Lanterns are often used outdoors. They have a great way of makeing a home look more welcoming and elegant. They can also provide needed light when installed on the keyhole side of a door, or near stairs or doorsills, to prevent guests from stumbling as they approach your door.

Lanterns can also be used indoors, for a more unusual, rustic choice.

Different Styles of Wall Light Fixtures

Wall lights should be chosen to complement the look of ceiling lighting and the architectural features and decorating style of the home. Along with ceiling lights, well-chosen wall lights can add lasting aesthetic value to your home. Some of the more popular decorating styles are listed below.

Arts and Crafts Style Wall Light Fixtures

The arts and crafts movement began at the turn of the 20th century as a reaction to the heavily ornamented styles of The Victorian Age. It favors simple straight lines and the use of natural materials, such as copper, mica, and wood. It emphasizes the importance of handmade crafts, as opposed to factory-produced items.

Arts and Crafts style wall light fixtures tend to use darker metals, such as iron and bronze, and strong, geometric shapes. Arts and Crafts style lanterns, sconces, and bracket fixtures are all available for very reasonable prices.

Art Deco Style Light Fixtures

Although the period of Art Deco had its peak from 1925-1950, it wasn't called that until the 1960s. Art Deco style is abstract, jazzy and urban. It emphasizes soft, curving or strong and angular glass housings - sometimes with contrasting patterned metalwork. It embraced the industrial twentieth century by using new materials like aluminum and Bakelite, and was the first style to incorporate electricity from the very beginning. It's worth looking at Art Deco bathroom lighting fixtures, as they provide a good example of this style.

Colonial Style Light Fixtures

The colonial period in our country was a time of simplicity, refinement, and practicality. Colonial houses were often built in a Georgian style, with flat columns and formal room layouts.

Colonial lighting fixtures are practical, simple, and dignified. As befits the early American period, Colonial style lighting fixtures generally concentrate on wall sconces and lanterns.

Mission Style Light Fixtures

Mission style refers to lighting that is boxy and warm. It is related to the Arts and Crafts style in that it tends to use simple, plain lines. However, it tends to feature darker and warmer coloring.

Some Mission pieces have a softer, more feminine look with rounder glass housings. This softer look provides an alternative to the stark, strong traditional Mission formality. Many incorporate etched or stained glass.

Victorian Style Light Fixtures

It was only during the later part of the Victorian period that electricity began to power lights. So, Victorian style lighting is based on the old gas fixtures. The housings are usually etched or opaque glass globes that face upwards (so that the smoke from the gas could escape). The arms on Victorian light fixtures were designed to carry gas to the flame--so they are thicker than in other period styles. As with everything in that period, Victorian style lighting fixtures often use very ornate metalwork.

Victorian lanterns tend toward a gaslight look, while the wall sconces include fixtures that are reminiscent of the old candle holders.

Price Range

The prices for wall lights range from as low as $25 to $250 or $350 for most styles. Tiffany and Victorian style wall fixtures are the most pricey, with some of them selling for as much as $1,000 each, depending on detail and the nature of the materials used.

Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

Andrew — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:48:00 GMT

Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

Although your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, it may also be the one that needs the most attention when it comes to lighting. Whether you are shaving your face or applying make-up, you want to be able to see clearly. You want to make sure that shadows are kept to a minimum, and that your fixtures produce natural looking lighting.

At the same time, the bathroom is a private, intimate space. Many people use bath time as an opportunity to relax, meditate, and reflect upon their day. Accent lighting can make this room even more special.

Water is always a factor to consider as well with bathroom lighting fixtures. Water and electricity can be a dangerous mix, so you need to be especially careful about the placement and type of light fixtures. Make sure that any light fixture placed near your bath or shower has a proper rating for wet locations.

Ceilings

Most people usually think about flush-mounted lights when they are designing their bathrooms. There are many advantages to this type of ceiling light. They don't take up much room and they usually provide good, even light. Also, flush-mounted fixtures have a simple, clean look, which reinforces the idea that the bathroom is a room which will always be kept neat and clean.

A small chandelier can often fit into a bathroom space, and makes

bathing a bit more of an aesthetically pleasing experience. Try to pick a short chandelier, unless you have very tall ceilings, as people often reach their arms up in bathrooms, and you don't want to knock into it.

Recessed can lights are another option as ceiling fixtures, although are not great for ambient light. Placing a can light with a heat lamp

light bulb near the shower is a wonderful way to keep warm when you are drying off.

If you want to be very efficient, you can install a combination ceiling light with ventilation fan, getting double-duty out of the same ceiling space.

Walls

Most bathroom light fixtures sold are designed to attach to the wall. The main reason for this is that ceiling lights tend to cast shadows downwards. When you are shaving or applying make-up, you want to avoid facial shadows. Wall light fixtures shed light from eye level or below. Combined with ambient ceiling light, this gives you good lighting on your face without heavy shadows.

Wall sconces are a practical and beautiful way to give some side lighting in the bathroom. Sconces and brackets are available in thousands of designs with anywhere from one light socket to eight. The most popular number of sockets seem to be either two, three, or four.

Mirrors call for special attention. You do not want any light glaring into the reflection. One solution is to place wall sconces with frosted glass on either side of the mirror.

Another way to avoid mirror glare is to place a fixture on the top of the mirror, so that the light falls forward on your face, rather than behind you.

You can also place a strip of lights, called Broadway lights on the upper edge of the mirror. These are a very popular option.

Lighting Accents

Beyond the ceiling and walls, you can add lighting accents through smaller accent lights. For example, you may want to add a small table lamp to your bathroom counter or the top of your toilet tank.

Candles also help to create a mood, especially if you use scented ones. Individual candleholders can be placed on countertops or on the edge of that bath. You can also find some wall brackets that hold small candles.

Dimmer switches are another great way to vary and control the lighting and the mood in your bathroom.

Styles

You may want to design your bathroom to match or complement the architectural style of your house. Alternatively, you may want to use the room to contrast the predominant decor of your home. Here are some of the more prevalent decorative styles available.

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts style harkened a return to simplicity after the opulence of The Victorian Era. It emphasizes sturdy materials, such as iron and bronze, and uses strong plain lines.

Art Deco

Based on the industrial boom of the early 20th century, Art Deco fixtures have a timeless, classic beauty to them. Their use of clean lines make them a natural fit in the bathroom.

Colonial

Colonial style fixtures are practical, simple and elegant, recalling the refined sensibilities of our founding fathers.

Mission

The Mission style is often characterized by its use of strong geometric shapes. However, when it comes to bathroom fixtures, this is usually softened into simple curves.

Rustic

Rustic isn't an actual architectural design, but it is growing in popularity as an interior decoration style. Rustic pieces are designed to look as though they were fashioned out of natural wood, so even metal Rustic fixtures have a twiggy and outdoorsy look to them.

Victorian

Victorian fixtures are modeled after the gaslights used during Queen Victoria's reign. The stems on the fixtures tend to be thick and a bit away from the wall, as the original lights needed hollow tubes to carry gas to the light. They are very ornate.

Materials

One final consideration is the type of material you would like your bath fixture to be made of. Many manufacturers offer their designs in a variety of different materials and finishes. Nickel, chrome, stainless steel, bronze, and brass are the most common, but there also are many fixtures available in pewter, iron, platinum, and gold.

Price Range

As with all types of light fixtures, prices vary widely according to the material craftsmanship quality and the aesthetic value. There are many good bathroom light fixtures available for less than $50. There are some that cost more than $500, and even a few that will cost you over $1,000. Overall, the vast majority of bathroom light fixtures are priced at around $100-$250.

With that much variety, you're sure to find something that suits you, no matter what your budget.

Ceiling Lights Buying Guide

Andrew — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:44:00 GMT

Ceiling Lights Buying Guide

A ceiling fixture that doesn't fit your room or lifestyle can be very annoying. Light is one of the most important qualities in a home and, without good ceiling lighting, the entire mood of a room can be ruined.

Luckily, there are thousands of different styles, types and sizes of ceiling fixtures available to choose from. With all that variety, finding just the right fixture for you should be a snap.

Important Considerations

When you are looking for a ceiling fixture, you'll first and foremost want to consider the size of the room you are lighting. To do that, measure the room's width in feet and then double it. Then convert the feet to inches, and you'll have the approximate diameter for a chandelier that would fit nicely in that room.

Next, think about where you are going to place your light fixture. For example, in a dining room, you'll want to center your light over the dining table. In the living room, you'll want to center it over your main sitting area. If the living room is very large or if there is any sort of division to the room, you may want to install two ceiling fixtures.

How high you hang the fixture is another consideration. You'll want any hanging light to be situated at least seven feet above the floor, although if it's placed over a table, you'll want it to be about 30 inches from the top of the table.

If you have very low ceilings, think about using a flush mounted fixture, instead of a pendant or chandelier. That will keep you and others safe from bumping heads on into the light. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings, it can be very inconvenient to change light bulbs on a flush mounted fixture without using a ladder.

Some light fixtures, especially chandeliers, require non-standard light bulbs. This is something to keep in mind, as you will need to find specialty bulbs to replace the ones that burn out. They are usually fairly standard and not difficult to find, but it does still add a small consideration.

You may also want to think about using a dimmer switch with any lighting fixture you install. Dimmer switches allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the light, instead of being limited to simply "on" and "off." This control can do wonders in creating the perfect mood or accent in your home.

Types of Ceiling Light Fixtures

Chandeliers

When we think about ceiling lights, we often picture chandeliers in our minds. Chandeliers can be small or large, simple or elaborate, inconspicuous or eye-catching. What makes a chandelier a chandelier is that is has several light sources, often around a central stem or chain that hangs from the ceiling.

Pendant Light Fixtures

A pendant light hangs down from the ceiling as well, but only has a single light source. That source might require one or more light bulbs. Generally, pendants tend to be simpler and less distracting than chandeliers, though they can also be quite beautiful. Pendant lights work especially well in foyer areas of the home.

Island Light Fixtures

Island lights also hang down from the ceiling, often with one light at the end of a stem. Unlike pendant lights, they may be grouped into twos or threes. The chief characteristic of an island light is that it shines downwards, creating a pool of light to illuminate a small area. They are quite good as a task light for a specific area, such as a kitchen island.

Flush Mount Light Fixtures

Flush-mounted ceiling light fixtures are directly attached to the ceiling without a chain or central stem. They are the least conspicuous type of ceiling fixture, and are often designed not to be noticed. Some flush-mounted fixtures do hang down, which makes it easier to change bulbs. These are known as semi-flush mount fixtures.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is similar to island lighting, as the lights are designed to shine directly on a specific place. Tracks light are more versatile, however. They have pivoting arms that allow them to shine up, down, or sideways. They can also slide along the metal track that holds them, allowing you to place the light exactly where you'd like it.

Track lights are mainly utilitarian. Consequently, there are not many varieties in terms of style and aesthetics.

Finding Your Style

When it comes to choosing lighting fixtures, there are many styles to choose from. In general, you'll want to choose a style that complements the architectural style of your home. However, you may want to get creative and change things up for specific rooms.

Many of the styles are inspired by different eras of design. Here are some of the most popular styles.

Arts and Craft Style Light Fixtures

The Arts and Crafts movement began around the turn of the 20th century in response to the heavily ornamented style of the Victorian Era. It favors simple straight lines and the use of natural materials, such as copper, mica, and wood. It emphasizes the importance of handmade crafts, as opposed to factory-produced items.

Different types of ceiling fixtures can be found in this style, including pendants, chandeliers, and flush-mounted fixtures.

Art Deco Light Fixtures

Although the period of Art Deco had its heyday from 1925-1950, it wasn't referred to as Art Deco until the 1960s.

Art Deco style is abstract, jazzy and urban. It emphasizes soft, curving porcelain or glass housing, often with contrasting patterned metalwork. It embraced the industrial twentieth century by using new materials like bakelite and aluminum, and was the first style to incorporate electricity from the beginning.

Ceiling lights in this style include pendants, chandeliers and flush-mounted fixtures.

Colonial Style Light Fixtures

The colonial period in our country was a time of simplicity, practicality and refinement. Colonial houses were often built in the Georgian style, using flat columns and formal room layouts.

Colonial lighting fixtures are practical, dignified and simple. The most popular types of Colonial ceiling light fixtures are flush mount fixtures and chandeliers.

Mission Style Light Fixtures

Mission style refers to lighting that is boxy and warm. It is related to the Arts and Crafts style in that it tends to make use of simple, plain lines. However, it usually incorporates darker and warmer coloring.

Some Mission pieces use a softer, more feminine look with rounder glass housings. This softer look provides an alternative to the stark, strong traditional Mission formality.

Mission style lighting fixtures come in a wide variety, including pendants, island lights, semi flush-mounted and chandeliers.

Price Range

Simple ceiling light fixtures can be found as inexpensively as $25-30. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find just about any type of ceiling fixture for under $100. Most quality fixtures are priced in a range between $100 and $250.

As prices increase, you'll find new heights in the stylishness and beauty of the ceiling light fixtures available. Chandeliers are especially expensive, due to their elaborate designs, and can easily cost more than $1,000. Some are priced well over $5,000.

Outdoor Lighting Buying Guide

Fabian — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:32:00 GMT

Outdoor Lighting Buying Guide

Installing outdoor lighting is one of the surest ways to make your home's outdoor areas both safer and more attractive. There are many options for outdoor lighting, some meant to provide safety, and others aimed at creating a pleasing visual effect of the landscaping, even when it is dark outside.

With outdoor lighting, the possibilities for holding outdoor activities are virtually endless, and outdoor entertaining doesn't need to slow down when the days get shorter. Outdoor lighting can be chosen based on the style of the landscape and the size of the house, so that it best accentuates the more attractive features of the outdoor areas, and masks others which might not be as attractive.

Outdoor lighting should be the final bit done when redecorating a home. When all of the landscaping is complete, that is when it is time to take a good look at the house and the landscaping, and choose the lighting that best matches your outdoor areas.

Outdoor Lighting Styles

There are many different types of lights available for your outdoor areas. Each sort of lighting is created with a different purpose in mind, and understanding these purposes will help you choose the most suitable lighting for your garden, yard, or deck.

The most common sorts of permanent outdoor lighting fixtures include louvered or tiered, recessed, eyelid or sconce, and scoop or mushroom. There are many temporary outdoor lighting styles available too, and a large variety of specialty lights that one might either use once in a while, or might choose to install permanently.

Post Lights

Their traditional look in the front of any house makes these lamps very popular. They are available in many styles from old fashioned to modern, and come in a variety of bulb number options.

Pendants

Pendant lighting is ideal just at the entrance of your home to greet guests, and also in other outdoor areas where space allows to hang such a fixture. They are available in a wonderful variety of styles to bring safety and warmth to your nighttime curb appeal.

Sconce Lights

Sconce lights are wall mounted and ideal for areas with large wall spaces, or for areas where there are steps.

Specialty Lights

There are many types of outdoor lighting that might only be used for special purposes. These include underwater lights, stringed lights, party lights, and lighting kits. Some are for temporary uses, while others can be permanently mounted. The various types will be more fully discussed below.

Outdoor Lighting Features to Consider

Outdoor lighting can serve many different purposes. It is not surprising, then, that there so many number of features available within this department. Careful consideration is key is when you are deciding upon the best outdoor lighting for your home.

One essential issue to look into is whether the lights are properly waterproofed. An light's resistance to water is ranked by an assigned IP Rating. A rating of IPx3 would be sufficient for many conditions, with IPx5 being the best. An IPx3 ranking would mean that a light could withstand rain. An IPx4 ranked light can withstand water splashing from any direction. A light with an IP ranking of IPx5 can withstand water that is jet sprayed from any direction. You will need to give some thought to the how your outdoor lights will be exposed to water, and what they will need to withstand before choosing.

Accent Lights and Well Lights

When choosing outdoor lighting, it is important to consider which direction the light should face. Well lights are mounted on the ground and create a sense of depth. They are often placed behind an object and shine up onto it, creating a silhouette effect. Sometimes, well lights are used to cause an object to cast a shadow onto a wall behind it. Either way, the lights are usually hidden from view, as their purpose is to shine upon an object in the landscaping to which attention is being drawn.

Spotlights

Spotlights are the opposite of well lights or other uplights. They are placed above an object, casting a light downwards upon it. In this way, the light creates a natural effect, much like the light that shines on the landscaping during the day. These lights are also usually shielded from view.

Path Lights

Path lights are in place to light a path, sidewalk, walkway, or driveway. The purpose of these lights is to guide a person along the path, so they should be placed low to the ground. It is important to choose a light that is covered on the top, so that the light will be nicely spread along the ground, shedding the light where it is most needed.

A path light that is not covered across the top will end up creating a glare for people walking along the path. This would defeat its purpose of creating a safe walkway. Louvered or tiered lights work very nicely for path lights, as do mushroom or scoop style lights.

Step, Deck & Brick Lights

These recessed lights give your outdoor areas a whole new level of safety when it comes to pathways. They are also great because their daytime presence is subtle, but by night, they will add a lovely glow from sideways and underneath.

Floodlights, Spotlights, and Security

Floodlights provide a bright light covering a broad range of ground in your outdoor areas. These lights are meant to brighten up a large portion of ground, and are excellent for areas where security might be concern at night. Spotlights, which are also very bright lights, are designed to provide more directed lighting for a particular spot on the ground.

Lights installed to increase nighttime security are often accompanied by either a timer or a passive infrared sensor. The timer will cause the lights to turn on and off at specified times every day. A passive infrared sensor is designed to turn the lights on if it detects that a certain area has been breached. Both are meant to discourage trespassers, and help to ensure the home's safety after dark.

A Guide to Buying a Chandelier

gtimmerman — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:33:00 GMT

A Guide to Buying a Chandelier

Buying a chandelier should be based on size of the room and intended use, not just the price of the fixture. When selecting a chandelier, the correct size is of the upmost importance in creating the desired lighting ambiance.

Of all lighting fixtures available today, nothing adds more elegance to a home than a graceful chandelier. With an impressive selection of chandeliers available, choosing the correct chandelier to accent main focal points on the interior of home can be an overwhelming task. As lighting fixtures go, c handeliers are among the more expensive, so it’s important to get the style, configuration and sizing right.

Measuring

This bedroom chandelier adds a significant touch of elegance to the room

The correct size of chandelier required for a particular room is determined by the square footage of the room in which the chandelier is to be hung. As a rule of thumb, a room smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet will go best with a chandelier with diameters ranging from 17-20 inches for maximum lighting effect. In other scenarios, such as a larger room measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, consideration of a chandelier with a diameter of not less than 26 inches or greater than 27 inches is appropriate. For even larger rooms in excess of 14 feet by 14 feet a chandelier with a diameter not less than 24 inches or greater than 36 inches will provide lighting that is pleasing, attractive and alluring.

Design Styles

As chandelier styles differentiate the overall lighting projected follows. Styles of chandeliers include:

Art Deco
Art Nouveau
Colonial
Empire
Mission
Neoclassical
Victorian
Tiffany

Of all available styles, Victorian, Mission and Wagon wheel are the most commonly selected.

An elegant foyer chandelier makes a great first impression on guests

Victorian styled chandeliers feature stacked, glass blown globes arranged in tiers. Casting a soft, open-aired warm light, a Victorian style chandelier works well in rooms with heavy wood accents . In retrospect, a M ission styled chandelier typically has squared shades with opaque, pearlized glass casting dimmer lights of intimate nature. For centuries, W agon W heel chandeliers have graced elegant, rustic log homes and majestic farmhouses projecting a yellow light suitable for a dining room. Each style of chandelier is designed to project different patterns and spectrums of lighting. Consideration of present interior décor will dictate the style of chandelier that meets individual tastes.

Chandelier Frames

Chandelier frames made today consist of many different materials. Wood, metals, plastics, ceramics and glass are only a few of the selection of materials that comprise chandelier frames. Today, the most common chandelier frame is made of metal, plated with a gold or chrome as a final finish. With traditional trends changing, contemporary chandelier frames are now seen in bolder colors including reds, blacks and greens. The final coating of the chandelier frame is worth considering, as this can influence resistance to chipping or scratching.

Uses

Traditionally, chandeliers are hung in foyers of homes or rooms with high, grand ceilings . In lieu of recent popular trends, chandeliers have begun to replace conventional lighting fixtures in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, sitting rooms, dens, hallways and most recently, in bathrooms. Due to overall high cost per fixture, chandeliers used in non-traditional rooms are often seen in up-scale homes.

Chandelier Costs

An inexpensive Victorian chandelier

High quality chandeliers are competitively priced starting at $200 and running anywhere up to $3,000 or more. Chandeliers are the most expensive lighting fixture in the home . Where individuals often select chandeliers based on pricing, others choose alternative methods in selecting chandeliers based on name brands. Neither is the preferred method of choice. Shop around before arriving at a final decision. Comparing prices on a chosen chandelier may result in substantial overall savings.

Installation

Chandelier installation plays a crucial role in overall performance. . If the chosen chandelier is to hang over a dining room table, the selected table should be at least twelve-inches (12 inches) wider than the elected chandelier. The selected chandelier should hang no lower than thirty-inches (30inches) above any surface or lower than seven-feet (7-feet) from the ceiling, with total bulb wattage between 200-400 watts.

Chandeliers are heavy and often installed from great heights by specialized equipment. Due to the overall weight of chandeliers, specialized boxes in the ceiling are needed to support the additional weight of the chandelier, which at times can exceed two hundred and fifty pounds (250 lbs). Chandeliers are best installed by a qualified electrician with access to supporting hardware . To prevent injuries from falls while attempting to hang a chandelier, always seek out qualified individuals to complete the installation process.

Chandeliers provide warmth, elegance and sophistication to any room in the home or place of business. Where quality lighting is needed, chandeliers radiate to perfection.