Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Transitional Lighting

The effortless curves and solid foundation of the fixtures of the Transitional Lighting style make it an attractive choice with designers these days.

Unifying the smooth, flowing lines of the Contemporary Style with the embellishment of the Classic Style, Transitional Lighting has become the all-encompassing buzzword to describe and sell fixtures that don’t fit conveniently into any formal design style.

Those wanting a “cheerful feel” in their homes typically choose the Transitional Style as it has a warmer feel than the Contemporary Style but not quite as ceremonious as the Traditional Style.

Find great transitional style fixtures at Lighting4sale, an American Lighting Association member.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Outdoor Lighting with Wall Lanterns


Wall lighting isn't just for your home's interior. An outdoor wall lantern is often the lighting installation of choice for a home's front porch or exterior entryway. Often, the wall lantern is mounted right next to the entry door to allow for convenient access in unlocking your door.

Outdoor wall lighting is also a great way to decorate and accessorize the exterior of your home. Outdoor wall lantern fixtures, just from placement, are a lot more visible than overhead porch lights. Consider a fixture that employs the Old World look of a lantern for a feeling of timeless elegance.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Most FAQ about Posts and Pier Mount Application

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to putting together components for outdoor post lighting is:

Can I use a pedestal or pier mount along with a direct burial post for a more decorative finished look?

Generally speaking, this is not done. The universal 3” post will not feed though the pier mount nor will it sufficiently anchor a 72” standard post that is forced into the aluminum pier mount.

If you are using a direct burial post think gravel, grass, bark or another aesthetic ground cover for a nice looking transition.

If you are looking for a decorative post, Good News: Some manufactures are finally producing decorative surface mount posts that won’t break the bank.The Covington surface mount outdoor post offers timeless style raising the reputation points in your neighborhood.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Make a Splash with Tiffany Pendant Lighting


Tiffany pendant lighting styles are as diverse as they are beautiful. The storied and infamous tradition of art glass lighting has been carried on to perfection by such manufacturers as Quoizel Lighting, who employ the same techniques and high quality materials used over a century ago when Louis Tiffany was still creating his masterpieces.

Tiffany pendant lighting can be found in two basic varieties: upward or down light. Upward Tiffany pendants are designed so that the light is bounced off of the ceiling and then reflected back downwards into the room. In other words, the upward Tiffany pendants are inverted so that their bulbs and shades both face the ceiling. This produces a very calm and flattering illumination.

For Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures designed in the down light style, the bulbs and the lampshades are facing downward and directly illuminate objects below. This may be a better choice if you read, sew or do basic tasks directly under the pendant lights.

Beautiful Tiffany Lighting Pendants can be purchased at Lighting4sale, an American Lighting Association member.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Shining a Light on Wall Sconces

Many people don't consider the value and beauty that wall sconces add to a room because subtlety is their main purpose. They create general or accented light while still remaining discreet and unobtrusive. Not only are they a significant source of ambient light, they also add a decorative flair to any room. Their function is often hidden by their elegant presence. These mounted wall fixtures throw a dramatic lighting effect along the entire surface of a wall, adding decoration and texture to a room while still being able to illuminate it. And unlike traditional lighting, this type creates a unique look to a home due to the fact that they come in a large variety of styles and designs. Plus, they don't overpower the eyes, but instead create a soft feel to any room.

Where Function Meets Form. Sconces aren't just beautiful; they are practical as well. They create more space in your living quarters. Though traditional lamps create the same visual appeal, they can also be burdensome, awkward, and clumsy because they can take up room. Wall sconces, on the other hand, can actually create space in a house for other furnishings or walkways. Also they are very useful when lighting small areas of the house, such as dark hallways or corners that traditional lighting sources can't target. Plus, if you attach a dimming system to them, you will be able to save on energy bills as well.

Style and Design. One of the distinct advantages of sconces is their ability to come in many different appearances. Like any lighting source, there an infinite number of styles (contemporary, transitional, rustic, etc.) and materials (copper, metal, ceramic, wrought iron, Italian glass, etc.) available so that you can match the fixtures with your own personal style. However, one distinct advantage of sconces is their prominent beauty and uniqueness, and candle sconces are testament to that promise.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchens

Overhead lighting has been the standard in most areas of the home for quite some time. However, in the kitchen, under cabinet lighting is often preferable. When working with food, an under cabinet light provides illumination that a bulb in the ceiling cannot match. Plus, it gives the room a modern and unique look that many homeowners find attractive.

Under Cabinet Lighting for Convenience
How many times have you washed a dish in the sink only to find later, under better light, that a few spots were missed? With under cabinet lighting, kitchen work areas are directly illuminated. This creates a much better place to prep and cook meals, and of course, do dishes afterward.

An under cabinet light is in a place that is out of the way, but in just the right spot. There are many types of bulbs to choose from and many different lighting fixtures as well. They can work on a dimmer switch to adjust the intensity of the light. Some models can also move independently, so you can focus on a particular area of the counter.

The Best Bulbs for Under Cabinet Lighting
Fluorescent bulbs are particularly long lasting and energy-efficient. The problem in the past with fluorescent bulbs has always been the unappealing light they produce. Today’s T5 fluorescents are energy star rated and have excellent color rendering.

Xenon bulbs give off a desirable light, don't burn as hot as halogen bulbs, and can last up to 5 times as long. Your best bet for choosing the right kind of bulb is to have a look at them in the field. Check out how they look and, just as important, how they make other things look.

Installing Under Cabinet Lighting
Installation of under cabinet lighting is generally a very simple and straightforward operation. Many fixtures can be purchased that will be easy to put up, even for those with little to no home improvement experience. A lot of the time, they are simply screwed on and plugged in.

If you are building a new house, or doing a complete kitchen remodel, you might want to consider something more elegant. When these lights are kept in mind during construction or renovation, they can be installed to look nearly invisible when off, but provide excellent light when turned on. The fixtures that screw in often have to be operated from a switch that is directly on the light, or plugged into a socket that is connected to a wall switch. Built in fixtures will operate using a regular wall switch or dimmer switch.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Transitioning with The Hendrik Collection

The Hendrik Collection is a gorgeous family of contemporary fixtures that honor the man who was regarded by many as the Father of Modern architecture. The Hendrik Collection is considered as an intermediary between modern and traditional styles. Classic lines are enhanced with a soft touch of current style cues to work in a number of aesthetic environments. The warm hue of our Olde Bronze finish is partnered with light umber etched glass for a fantastic balance of natural color.

For Dining rooms the Hendrik Collection offers a grand two-tier fifteen cylinder chandelier. For medium sized dining rooms, a two-tier nine cylinder chandelier adds grace and charm as does the all new oval shaped single tier six cylinder chandelier. Smaller single-tier five or three cylinder chandeliers are the perfect for smaller dining room tables or as the center piece for larger kitchens.

For hallway lighting The Hendrik offers a close to surface mount ceiling light.

Hendik Pendants are offered in a versatile mini-pendant and a billiards style double headed downlight. Both of these are fabulous over kitchen islands and larger breakfast nooks. A three light inverted bowl pendant brings broadens the possibilities.

Hendrik Sconces and vanity fixtures include a one, two, three and four cylinder glass and boasts natural color details adding a casual look to your home. Wall Sconces and vanity lights can be mounted in the uplight or downlight positions.

The entire collection can be viewed at Lighting4sale, an American Lighting Association member.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Traditional Lighting in Your Home

Anyone looking to make their living space more hospitable and inviting, Traditional Lighting is the perfect style. Fixtures of this appearance tend to tell a story all their own and thus add to the mood already present in any space.

Traditional Lighting is thought to be more of a decorative style than practical. While Contemporary Lighting tries to blend into the home, Traditional Lighting stands out as something to behold in its own right.

Traditional Lighting tends to have elaborate globes, shades and candlesticks. If you’re looking for a warm, timeless feel, Traditional Lighting is for you.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Recessed Lighting in Your Home

Recessed lights are usually used by architects and interior designers in rooms where the residents aim for a relaxed and soothing lighting effect. Recessed lighting is considered preferable to the use of multiple standing and side table lamps based on the mood they can induce in the occupant of the room. You will discover why interior designers are using recessed lighting when you enter a room that has recessed lights in them – to see is to believe, as they say.

The experts may recommend that you have recessed lights installed in your hallways and/or kitchen, to get the best use out of this form of lighting. Recessed lights are installed in the form of canister lights that will fit the holes in the ceiling they were fitted for. You will probably need an experienced electrician to guide the installation team in the installation of your recessed lighting, so that the finished work results with the recessed lights set flush with the ceiling structure without compromising safety.

In the US, recessed lights may be known by other names, namely "can lights" or perhaps as "high hats", while in Canada recessed lights are dubbed "pot lights" instead.

Replacing old light fixtures with new can lights requires thorough computation of the total energy that will be used by the can lights everyday compared to the energy consumption of the old light fixtures. One problem with many structures is over-illumination that results in soaring electricity bills (with the problem made worse when can lights are installed in areas that not many people see anyway, and so cannot be appreciated.) Thus it is important the cost to install can lights and to maintain them, to be able to justify their usage.

If you are faced with a complicated can lighting installation procedure, you may need the assistance of a professional lighting engineer who will guide the installation team in how to install can lighting. The lighting engineer should not only know how to install can lighting, he should be able to assess where the can lighting is really needed, and how many can lights should be placed in different parts of the structure. If occupants later develop health problems like headaches, or high blood pressure perhaps, that may be caused by over-illumination of the interiors of the building, you should wonder whether the lighting engineer knew how to install can lighting properly in the first place, rather than ask why interior designers are using recessed lighting nowadays.

If you are in doubt as to the specifications to be used for your recessed lighting or can lights, you may consult The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (also called IESNA) which sets the photometric standards for lighting equipment for manufacturers. This photometric data will show you how much light is distributed exactly by a certain form of lighting. This data should guide your lighting engineer as to the right type of recessed lighting and their specifications when mapping out the can lighting installation procedure for you and the contractor.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Under the Influence of Nature


A moderately priced fresh country style collection. We dare you to view this collection and not feel the influence of nature, a very popular trend in staging today’s home. Graceful curves, soft gilded silver finish and Crema hand painted pressed glass all connote a lyrical and natural design influence. The wispy arms, resembling branches and leaf motif on the glass are at once very European and yet decidedly American. They have both charm and versatility making them practical in the most whimsical and feminine sense.

For hall/foyer lighting the Hummingbird Collection offers a handsome deep bowl single light fixture. The more traditional four light caged style hall foyer lights are offered in two sizes perfect for higher ceilings. The Hummingbird Collection also offers two surface mount ceiling lights.

For Dining rooms the Hummingbird Collection offers a grand two-tier nine light chandelier. For dining rooms, a single-tier, five cylinder chandelier adds graceful charm. Our smaller single-tier, three light chandeliers are the perfect for smaller dining room tables or as the center piece for larger kitchens.

Hummingbird pendants are offered in a traditional mini-pendant style, a three light billiards style, and an inverted three light bowl style.

For the finishing touches in the bath or halls, a single light wall sconce and a two light vanity fixture extend the stylish Hummingbird Collection.

Thursday, July 3, 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. Visit Lighting4sale, an American Lighting Association member lighting showroom for exceptional lighting, advice and service.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Kitchen Island Lighting with Pendants

There is little as annoying as a dimly-lit kitchen island. In order to be practical in the kitchen, you need to be able to see well. Though the necessity for lighting in this area is obvious, choosing the right lighting can be very distressing for many.

Decorative pendant lights work perfect for lighting an island, while also adding style to your kitchen's decor. You might use a combination of two or three pendant lights over a kitchen island for an even more appealing look. A dimmer switch, used in conjunction with pendants, allows for bright task lighting to effectively brighten the area for food preparation or homework, while allowing the lights to be lowered for entertaining guests or simply to create a charming atmosphere. Fluorescent light fixtures can also be used to light a kitchen island, as can recessed lights positioned overhead.

There are many styles of pendant lights from which to choose. You can find pendant lighting to fit any type of kitchen decor. Mini pendants work well with kitchen islands also and can be positioned to form a fashionable row of lights.

From sleek and modern to rich and ornate, the style choices are endless. Remember to select the highest-quality lighting you can afford and your fixtures will last for quite some time. Since good lighting both decorates and adds value to your property, you don't want to skimp by selecting fixtures at your local bargain store. For the highest-quality lighting in all the latest styles, visit the Lighting4sale, an American Lighting Association member online showroom.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Planning Your Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting has transformed the porch and patio into a great setting for entertaining friends and family.

It’s fun to walk the perimeter of your house and mentally paint a picture of your lighting ideas and then later watch the nightscape take shape.

Make sure the lighting fixtures you choose are durable and will stand up to your weather conditions. Nobody wants to see a cheaply finished outdoor lighting fixtures fade or drip rust.

Plan so that your outdoor lighting fixtures match creating a streamlined look. We have a plethora of great styles that will put you in good light and will have the neighbors inquiring.

Consider deck lighting evenly spaced. Path lighting will walk people around your property with a friendly glow. I suggest using low voltage xenon light bulbs whenever possible for nice warm illumination and maintenance friendly operation. Always choose low voltage when considering landscape lighting.

For best results choose only one focal point to light up with great intensity. That means using a lighting fixture that will illuminate at least 3 times the foot-candles of your ambient path, deck and lantern lighting. Your focal point may be your favorite foliage, statue, pond or other personal treasure.

Wall sconces also known as wall lanterns are critical to lighting vertical surfaces and creating a soft evenly lighted exterior. I would recommend using nothing greater than 25 watt light bulbs in wall lanterns.

Stylish and durable portable outdoor lamps are gaining in popularity. We offer portable outdoor rated lamps that boast shades made of the same tough materials used for outdoor umbrellas. Convenient and versatile.