Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Accent Lighting

First stop in creating mood and accent around the home is to incorporate wall dimmers to light fixtures, including ceiling mounts and chandeliers. This approach is very commonplace and gives you options to fully accentuate the room or produce softer more gentle lighting.

Emphasize artwork and wall hangings with accent lights. Adding a wall mounted museum light or picture light is an excellent way to accent fine artwork; two sconces positioned on each side of the painting will also add emphasize. This can be done with any wall hanging: mirrors frames are nice to accent.

Living room: down lights can emphasize an area. For social areas such as the living room you can both soften lighting and gently accentuate an area. For example, adding a couple of down lights in the ceiling over a living room sofa, toned down with dimming options, can cast gentle pools of light. This can accentuate the focus to this area while providing spillover light to the walls and washing the whole room with pleasant light.

Accentuate and decorate a kid's room with rope lighting. For kids rooms rope lighting can create wonderful accent to a nicely decorated bedroom. You can buy them in shapes and themes such as: submarines, cars, hearts, stars and more. Not only will this add a nice accent and touch; colorful lights can be used at night for children afraid of sleeping in complete darkness.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Practical Ceiling Lighting

Ceiling lighting fixtures are primarily meant to hold bulbs in position, directing light in the desired direction. They come in a variety of designs, shapes, sizes, types and ranges. A ceiling lighting fixture should be chosen in accordance with specific requirements like the amount of light it diffuses or disperses, direct or diffused lighting requirements, maintenance requirements, installation cost, overall style of the space, etc.

One should always look for lighting fixtures that maximize the light efficiency of the bulbs. An unwise buy based purely on the exterior beauty might absorb too much of the bulb’s light or emit light to the cavities in the ceiling. Efficiency specification of ceiling lighting fixtures should be considered while making a purchase. Apart from that, one should remember that specific lighting fixtures are meant for specific bulbs and the lighting fixtures should be checked for these criteria during a purchase.

The overall look and style of the space should be taken into account, so that a ceiling lighting fixture complements and accentuates the look. A huge chandelier looks out of place in a small space, just as a small chandelier is easily overlooked in a large space.

Indirect lighting fixtures should be chosen to avoid glare and visual fatigue formed by direct lights, especially in rooms with reflective surfaces and in offices with computers. A ceiling lighting fixture in the kitchen can house an energy-efficient florescent bulb.

Some of the ceiling lighting fixtures include fixtures for chandeliers, recessed lighting fixtures, indirect lighting fixtures, florescent ceiling light fixtures, energy efficient ceiling lighting fixtures, flush mounted, semi-flush mounted and track or monorail lighting. Their style can range from traditional, conventional, trendy and stylish, rustic, Victorian, Tiffany, tropical and many more.

They can present a wide array of finishes. While installing ceiling lighting fixtures it is important to measure the height of the fixtures from the floor. Depending on the height, a suitable lighting fixture should be chosen. Ceiling lightings and fixtures can be used in hallways, patios, foyers, stairways, task areas, and bedrooms.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Cooling and Lighting at the Flick of a Switch




Some people are afraid of changing a light bulb on a ceiling fan light fixture. But let me assure you, it's as easy as replacing any other light bulb. Of course, you should take all precautions regarding electrical hazard. The best thing is to switch off the power at the main breaker panel.
Again, be sure that power is off before you change any lamps in it. Some light fixtures are easier to access than others; keep a screw driver handy, as you may need to loosen the glass globe(s) before reaching the lighting fixture.

Ceiling fans have evolved from the simple spinning ceiling fan. Today, you can find models with integrated heating, temperature sensing adjustable speeds, and light fixtures. Even if you're comfortable dealing with electric wiring, installing some of the more complex models can be quite daunting - still, it's something that you can still do yourself, provided you take the time to read through all the step by step instructions.



Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Monte Carlo Ceiling Fans - Simply the Best!

Owning a Monte Carlo ceiling fan is somewhat different from owning a cheap brand-less fan. This is a company with a long reputation in building high quality ceiling fans. For over 80 years, they have offered a large array of fan styles, to match every décor, always keeping the excellence of their products. This is one of those products you can buy without a second thought.

Whatever setting you might be looking for, Monte Carlo will surely have a matching ceiling fan model. For indoor and outdoor use, with or without integrated lighting, there are dozens of different models at your disposal. You can also rest assured that Monte Carlos will gladly provide you with any parts you may need to replace your fan in the future – that’s one more reason to trust this excellent company.

Whether you choose the simplest model, or the most ornately worked one, your Monte Carlo ceiling fan will be part of your life from the very first moment you turn it on. Working without problems, doing its job quietly, you might not even remember it's there – but if for any reason you didn’t have it, you’d surely miss it.


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Elegant Trends

Looking for an elegant design to compliment your home?

Our new Sebastian Collection captures Classic Old World styling, elongated composition and a Colton Bronze finish with gold highlights and incredible details found within the Sebastian collection. A lost wax casting technique created the intricate ironwork pattern. The pattern follows through onto the Distressed Antique-Etched glass showcasing a sensational hand-stenciled, filigree design.

Our Sebastian Collection is offered in just the right types to enrich your home:


Chandiers range 7, 9 and 15 light.
Flush Mount fixtures are available in small, medium and large.
Semi-Flush fixture 3 light.
Wall Sconce 1 Light.


View the entire collection at a glance.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Dark Skies Lighting Fixtures


It looks different than when you were a kid or you think the stars have lost their intensity, the problem is most likely urban sky glow or ”light pollution.”

Poor or ineffective outdoor lighting fixtures are the source of urban sky glow and the problem is no longer relegated to area in and around major cities. It is the cumulative result of over-lighting at malls, gas stations, parks and residential neighborhoods around the country.

Neighborhood friendly outdoor lighting fixtures prevent urban sky glow which come from glare, light trespass and wasted light that spills to the side and upward. This glare interferes with our ability to see the stars and galaxies; to enjoy the night as it once was.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Outdoor Lighting Types and Function

When choosing outdoor lighting for your home, consider the overall appearance of your home. For example, how are the lighting fixtures going to look from the curb, the driveway and the front door? Too few lights can get lost and fixtures that are too small may not produce enough light on a larger home. Too many lights or overly large fixtures can look mismatched and glaring on a smaller home. Outdoor lighting should create a comfortable, safe and secure lighting experience.

Types of Outdoor Lighting:

Post Mounted fixtures
These are used to illuminate an entrance/pathway or near a driveway to make locating the driveway safer and easier. Posts come in a variety of colors and are purchased separately from the light fixture.

Wall Mounted fixtures
These can be used at any exterior door around the home including garage, basement, back and side doors, adding safety and security around entrances. Larger homes and homes with larger front entrances lend themselves to larger fixtures and/or to a fixture on each side of the door. Smaller homes and single doors are better suited with smaller lanterns or a single lantern. Lanterns are best hung just above eye level or at least 66” from the ground.

Ceiling Mounted fixtures
An excellent option for entrances with a porch to help more adequately light the area.

Hanging Fixtures
Grand entrances and tall porches lend themselves to hanging fixtures. As a general guideline most Pendants should be hung 84” from the floor. Lamps and Chandeliers specifically made for outdoor use are becoming a popular decorative accent to outdoor porches, pools, cabanas and other covered outdoor spaces. A fixture suited for outdoor use will have a rating of Damp Location for covered areas and a rating of Wet Location for completely exposed areas.

Accent lighting
Comes in many designs including down light, flood light, mini-accent and well lighting. Accent lighting highlights landscaping, trees, architecture and more.

Deck lighting
Step and rail Step lighting makes using stairs safer and easier by reducing shadows. Rail lighting adds ambiance and safety for night gatherings. Post mounted fixtures can be used to highlight a deck and also increases comfort and ambiance during evening use.

Garden Path Lighting
Adds a decorative element and makes for a safe pathway for you and your family.