Thursday, February 28, 2008

Home Office Lighting

Without question, the home office is one of the most important places in which to have good lighting. If this room is too dimly lit, it can lead to eyestrain and poor work production, while too much glare can be distracting and even lead to headaches. Home office lighting has the dual purpose of assisting in the creation of a comfortable work environment, while also providing good focused illumination for reading, writing, and operating the computer.

To start, the use of two large ceiling fixtures, positioned overhead and to the right and left of your desk, provide effective general lighting and reduce shadows on the work area. Use energy-efficient fluorescent tubes for these fixtures. Avoid positioning the fixtures directly in front of your desk, as doing so will cause unwanted reflections.

A credenza can be lit using under cabinet energy-efficient fluorescent lights. It is best to use under cabinet lights in close proximity to the front of the cabinet. Doing so helps to prevent glare. For additional light to the keyboard area and desktop (here or on a traditional desk), an adjustable table lamp can work wonders.

Home office lighting is not restricted to lighting work areas. You may have prized possessions, awards, and even decorative accents you wish to highlight. To this end, track lighting is an excellent option for highlighting pictures, keepsakes, and even plant life. For high-quality lighting in all the latest styles, visit ALA-member, Lighting4sale.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Bathroom Lighting Ideas

There are many bathroom lighting ideas that are easy to implement. You can find ways to use light to make your bathroom look larger, more serene, elegant, cozy, and comfortable--and, of course, bright. Your use of bathroom lighting can mean the difference between a bathroom that is dull and utilitarian and one that is a true sanctuary.

Adding additional lighting can really help your bathroom look more spacious. Recessed can lights installed in the ceiling can be used to focus on task areas, while wall sconces are great for adding warmth. A counter or tabletop lamp is helpful for adding a nice glow as well.

To create a look for your bathroom that is both soft and elegant, consider adding a chandelier. Chandeliers come in many styles, from the simple to the simply grand, and can go a long way toward transforming the look of your bathroom. Often, the thought of a chandelier brings to mind a large fixture fit for a dining room, but chandeliers come in a variety of sizes. You are sure to find many that are the right style and size to complement your bathroom.

When it comes to bathroom lighting, showers and bathtubs deserve some attention too. A poorly lit bathtub or shower stall can be a personal grooming nightmare. Even accomplishing simple tasks, such as shaving or shampooing, can be difficult when you can't see properly. In these areas, a recessed fixture works well for providing strong, bright light. It is best to use only fixtures rated for wet locations to light showers and bathtubs. To ensure your light fixtures last a lifetime, select with quality in mind.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

If you've ever checked yourself in a bathroom mirror and been unable to believe the person staring back was really you, you have seen an example of poor bathroom lighting. Bathroom lighting should serve to enhance the look of the room while allowing you to see yourself in a complimentary light. To this end, bathroom lighting fixtures come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be mixed and matched to create the perfect look for your bathroom.

The careful selection of bathroom lighting fixtures is necessary to achieve both optimal functionality and maximum aesthetic appeal. You want task lighting to be bright enough for accomplishing practical tasks, while at the same time working in a complimentary manner with accent lighting to create a warm glow. Instead of viewing bathroom light fixtures as separate from your other decorating elements, think of them as having the same importance and affect as plumbing accessories, wallpaper, paint, and draperies. If you think of them as being an integral part of you home's decor, you'll be more likely to choose fixtures that complement--rather than detract from--your decorating scheme.

Wall sconces and vanity bars are very popular for use around mirrors. Chandeliers and pendants are often used for an elegant look, and dimming switches are frequently used to create a relaxed mood (perfect for soaking in the bathtub). Some individuals use lamps strategically placed on tables or vanities to create a unique look. You can even find light fixtures made for use in wet areas, such as the inside of a shower stall.

Light fixtures for the bathroom range in style from the polished and sleek to the beautifully adorned. Bronze, nickel, brass, antique brass, chrome, vintage glass, and iron are common materials for bathroom fixtures. Shade styles and colors offer much variation as well. Choose with quality in mind and your light fixtures will add style and value to your home for years to come.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Contemporary Lighting

The most distinctive feature of contemporary lighting is that the designs and styles try to blend in to the general home décor in a practical manner. The use of geometrical shapes with clean cut lines defines most contemporary styles.

Contemporary lighting fixtures also embody the use of clear and colored crystals and finely cut glass shaped into interesting shapes. Marbleized, frosted, gold and silver are some of the effects imparted to glass for use in changing contemporary lighting fixtures. Swarovski crystals and Murano hand blown glass are examples of fine materials that are used to create striking pieces of contemporary lighting.

No matter what lighting fixtures you choose, remember to look for unique pieces with sleek lines. If you do so, you will be sure to create a contemporary space for the whole family to love and enjoy.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Home Lighting Fixtures

The right lighting fixtures can work wonders for your home. Useful not only for illuminating certain tasks, the right lighting can also serve to accentuate your home's décor. If carefully chosen and properly installed, light fixtures can add beauty and drama both indoors and outdoors. Likewise, the right type of lighting can boost safety and comfort in and around your residence.

It is an obvious fact that light fixtures are a necessity in modern homes. We all need lighting to function well and accomplish all sorts of tasks. Despite this fact, many individuals are not aware of the best types of light fixtures or the right ways to use lighting arrangements. Proper lighting arrangements can not only boost functionality but can also complement and enhance your home decorating style.

Understanding the fundamentals of lighting is key in selecting home lighting fixtures. A good home lighting plan should include task, general, and accent lights to provide lighting that is not only effective but also attractive and stylish. Light fixtures can be top decorating accessories, changing the tone of any room in your home, while being less expensive than many other home decorating products.

Light fixtures are not just for use indoors. When thoughtfully arranged, home lighting fixtures can enhance the exterior of your property by illuminating paths and brightening doorways, simultaneously preventing accidents and deterring intruders. Exterior light fixtures can both brighten and beautify your garden, pond, deck, fountain, trees, shrubs, and driveways, adding value to your property. Meant to last a lifetime, high-quality lighting adds beauty and value to your home.

American Lighting Association