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.