Archive for the 'Home Lighting' Category

Aug 31 2010

Pros and Cons of LED Lighting

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

LED lighting has become an increasingly popular choice in lighting design. It has a number of advantages, but there are a number of disadvantages as well. In this article, I will discuss both those advantages and disadvantages, so that you can make the decision that is right for you.


First, I will discuss the numerous advantages of LED technology in lighting your home or workplace:


They are cool: Unlike incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED lights are very cool. The provides a great advantage in terms of where you can place the lights. Rather than having the lights be inches from lamp shades, you can place them almost anywhere (which is one reason they are so popular for Christmas Trees).


They are energy efficient: LED lights are incredibly energy efficient when compared to incandescent bulbs, and are even more efficient than most fluorescent bulbs. Paradoxically, this is because they are so cool. Most of the energy in an incandescent light bulb is simply wasted as heat. On the other hand, LEDs don’t produce much heat and therefore produce more light per watt.


They have a range of colors: Most incandescent bulbs are actually pink, while fluorescent bulbs are light green. There really isn’t much you can do to change the color of the light source. You can block off part of it, but the source remains the same. On the other hand, LED lights have different colors right at the source. Therefore, if you want to be more playful with your color choice, they are a good option.


Next, I will discuss the disadvantages:


They are dim: At the end of the day, this is the main problem with LED lights. They are very dim, which is why they are usually used for decoration and nothing else. Even an LED flashlight will typically include about 10 LED tubes just to get the power of a flashlight. To have an entire lamp made of LEDs would be very expensive.


They aren’t compatible: LED bulbs just aren’t compatible with anything. There really aren’t lamps designed for them, nor are there any other sorts of lighting fixtures. As a result, even if you bought a number of them, there would be nowhere to put them.

Lorne Hallett has been a prolific internet article writer since 1997. His current project is the site cheap floor lamps, with a page on contemporary floor lamps.

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Aug 24 2010

Some Tips To Help You Choose And Install the Best Driveway Lights

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

What factors should you consider when you are installing driveway lights into your driveway? The first and the most obvious factor is that here is a light that is going to be exposed to the elements on a perpetual basis. This is not the case with the lights that have been fitted into your house.


Even those lights that are fitted on the porch or on the outer part of your house never have to face the elements at all times. However, the lights that are fitted to the ground and that indicate the driveway are always exposed to the elements. Remember, elements do not necessarily mean heat and cold alone.


Moisture is a very big problem. The earth is going to remain moist for a very long time as compared to the air or any other object. In such a scenario, the metallic objects fitted into your driveway lights will face the risk of rust.


The second factor that you have to consider is the level of illumination. Many persons underestimate this point and end up installing lights that are far too feeble. Of course, you will be installing numerous lights to create a path.


However, you should have a clear view of where each and every light is situated. The last thing you want is to drive without being sure and end up thrashing your vehicle into your garden or into the garage. It is advisable to go in for electrical fittings that can easily light up a powerful bulb.


Whether you install such a light or not is a different thing. If you make sure that you have the necessary infrastructure, you can always go in for more powerful light if you feel that the existing lights are not good enough.


The purpose of the driveway lights is to give you a clear idea of where your gate and garage are when you are traveling to and from the house. It does not hurt to have lights that flash. The basic idea is to give you an indication.


A good driver can easily make use of this feature or characteristic to get the vehicle out properly. Hence, it is not necessary for the lights to remain on at all times. Even if they flash at regular intervals, you can easily drive your vehicle out.


Of course, whether you want your house to be decked up like a disco bar and whether you want flashing lights on the driveway at all times is a matter of personal choice.

For more information on Solar Driveway Lights please visit www.solar-driveway-lights.com/

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Jun 29 2010

Patio Lights – Enhance the Beauty of Your Patio

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

Adding patio lights is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your outdoor patio. When it comes to outdoor lights, there are many different shapes and sizes you can choose from. Each light also has a different use. For example, patio string lights are more appropriate for a party, barbecue or any other get together where the whole patio needs to be lit up. You also have table lamps, floor lamps, outdoor candles, fireplaces and fire pits. All of these are a different form of patio lighting.


They allow you to enjoy being out on your patio far longer than daylight will allow. It makes those special events such as graduation parties or family gatherings last even longer. Another very popular patio lighting source is the oil torch. You can use these torches to light up walkways, driveways and sidewalks. They also come in many different shapes and sizes. You can get the electric oil torch, the bug oil torch, a small table top torch or a copper patio torch. When using an oil torch, always make sure you securely snap the snuff cap in place. This will ensure that moisture does not get into the torch and put the flame out.


Using this form of lighting can help you create a very romantic atmosphere for you and that special someone. They can even be used to light up the plants in your landscaping. When you are ready to store them for the winter months you can just pour the oil into glass containers and save it for next year. Keep the wicks and the snuff cap on the torch so you won’t lose them. As you can see, patio lighting is the perfect accessory to your patio. Having the right patio lights are the best way to make your patio more fun and enjoyable during the summer.

If you are seriously looking to transform your patio into a comfortable, inviting spot where you and your family and friends will love to spend time, you may read on our useful and easily applicable patio ideas and outdoor patio ideas.

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May 31 2010

My Home Lighting Story and Tips – How You Can Transform Your Ugly Home

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

I was disappointed and upset as to what type of lighting I wanted to buy for my newly repaired home. I needed a change to make it less boring and unattractive. I was suffering from something thats common and that everyone has a problem with their home as well.I wanted answers that can solve my problem regarding home lighting, thus I turned to the internet. I searched online for some illuminating answers that will modify the room’s tone and aura. My problem vanished when I found sconce lighting.


If you use an interior decorator for any room, chances are he/she will recommend the use of these lighting solutions to hold the candles on the wall. I had problems learning the best type, but the information I’ve put together will help with your decision. These are the greatest in traditional and colonial designs that provide an elegant look in any environment. There are a few metals used for these products and each bring out a new look, colour and identity to the living area. I purchased one developed from the French style and it really completed the look of my home.


Now in the hallways, the poorly lit places in most homes and mine alike, gives out much the perfect low-intensity light. For the perfect use, I use it for both as a home decoration and for its great functions.


A big favorite among antique sconces are those made out of brass. Not only are these antique sconces durable, but also, due to their bronzed finish, are very attractive blending in with many different styles of home decor.For example, they can be used for ambient lighting in bedrooms as well. It is just about planning where to find and fix one. These are accessible in the market in umpteen styles, shapes and prices.


This information will get you excited about what it has to offer.


More information is available here at, http://www.antiquesconces.net/. This site is helpful as it helps people find the best antique sconces deals and information on home remodeling. I browsed around the net and found this site to contain the best information and tips to my problems.

I am a University Student and had problems with home lighting renovation. I looked online and found this site http://www.antiquesconces.net/ and it really helped a lot.

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May 03 2010

Crystal Chandeliers – Can it Work Anywhere?

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

Are crystal chandeliers good to use anywhere you want to use them? Although considered a classic design, they also happen to be very popular right now. The creation of miniature chandeliers, small enough to use in even the most confined spaces, have also added to their popularity. But just because you can purchase one does not mean you have to. If you live in a traditional home, there is no doubt that antique chandeliers can fit in. But chances are, these homes already have a valuable heirloom chandelier anyway. If you do not live in an older home, you have to be careful when buying chandeliers. They often function as the centerpiece of whatever room they are used in.


If you use a modern house, you are better off buying contemporary chandeliers. Not only will they blend in with their surroundings, they will also give out sufficient lighting. If you reside in a rural area, rustic chandeliers may make a better choice for you instead. Whatever style your house has helps determine what chandelier is best for it.


However, there is an exception to this principle. Many modern homes are put together to look more traditional on the inside. In cases like this, a crystal chandelier will fit in a modern home. But even if your home is put together to look traditional, a chandelier may not work in it and may actually look tasteless. You still need to take the effort to find something that will look presentable in the context of the room it has been put into.


You may not be aware that chandeliers are also being made in transitional styles. Crossing the boundaries between traditional and modern, transitional furnishings are made to fit in either style. There are even contemporary chandeliers with crystals in them, such as spherical chandeliers.


Crystal chandeliers are not for everyone, but they can be made to work with most modern homes. If you are interested in getting chandeliers for your house, do your research to get a style that matches. Get second opinions from as many people as possible – online, from retailers, even friends and family. You will know you selected the right chandelier when it satisfies the people around you, as well as you. You do not have to satisfy everyone, but you do need others to verify you made the right choice.

You have to be careful when buying chandeliers. They usually end up becoming the centerpiece of whatever room they are used in. You can be assured that antique chandeliers would blend in with older homes. If you reside in a modern house, you would usually use contemporary chandeliers. But crystal chandeliers can be made to blend into most modern homes. If you want to use chandeliers in your house, do your research and look for a style that matches.

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Apr 19 2010

Lighting Design Tips and Trends For 2010

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

The latest next big thing in lighting design is the ability to have better control and more energy efficiency, also concealing lights in the walls and floor is very fashionable and creates a lovely layered effect.


If you only change one thing this year to improve the atmosphere in your home install dimmer switches!


There are three different lighting effects in your home, all of which should be operated separately so the balance of light can be changed at the flick of a switch to create different mood. Firstly there is ambient lighting which provides the overall lighting (or background) this is provided mostly by the use of downlights, centre lights, table lamps and wall lights. Secondly there is task lighting which is for a specific purpose for example over kitchen worktops, reading, lighting stairs etc. Some of the possible options for this type of lighting is again downlights, lamps specifically for reading, leds maybe for highlighting stairs. Thirdly there is your accent lighting or feature lighting which adds interest and glamour to a space. This is lighting that you use to light a feature such as a painting or a sculpture or maybe even a stone wall.


Uplights and downlights


Uplights and downlights are your main tools and consequently the key to getting your lighting plan correct. Downlights are lights that are recessed partially or fully into the ceiling. Where the bulb is set back by approx 30mm this will provide maximum focus with minimum glare. Downlights serve well for all types of lighting effects. Uplights direct light at the ceiling, which reflects it back. Uplights can be set into the floor, they can be free standing lamps or they can be set into the wall.


Sources of light


The best source of light is low voltage, it is the closest thing to natural daylight you can find. It is totally suitable for a kitchen area where you need good light. The traditional tung-sten light bulb is still suitable for table lamps which give a nice warm glow. LEDs also serve a purpose and are becoming very popular set into decking or as a colour- changing striplight.


What to avoid


It is important not to think of an area as just one space. Think about what the space is used for and light it accordingly. Especially if the area is open plan it is a good idea to create walls of light and not to just uniformly have a row of lights because they fit symmetrically into the room. This can look very office like.


How to get it right


Plan out what your room is used for and what levels of light are needed. Again this is very important in an open plan environment such as a kitchen, living and dining area it is in effect three rooms you are lighting! Create layers of light always using dimmers where possible. It is possible to create different scenes in the same room suitable for different times of the day and for different uses such as watching the television or reading.


Kitchen Tips


1. Low voltage recessed lights that won’t collect grease.
2. Consider under counter lights to light up work surfaces so you are not standing in your shadow.
3. Where there are high ceilings uplights can be used on top of units to reflect light and reduce the number of downlights needed.
4. Recessed or spot lights over an island.
5. Leds set into kitchen unit plinths are great for effect and to high light flooring.


Bathroom Light


1. It is important to make sure that the fittings are bathroom suitable.(appropriate IP rating)
2. The most flattering look from mirrors would be to have your lights either side of the mirror.
3. To create atmosphere in your bathroom consider a light in an alcove or around the bottom of the bath or maybe colour changing behind your bath, again making sure it is all bathroom appropriate.
4. A downlight above the sink or bath is a nice idea as when they are full of water it can create a ripple effect on the ceiling.
5. Operate lights separately so that you don’t have them all operating at once and also consider using a dimmer where possible. There is nothing nicer than soaking in a bath with dimmed lighting reflecting ripples across the ceiling.


Lighting Gardens


1. Less is more! You need to light features and not the sky line you don’t want people thinking yours is a beacon for the local disco!
2. Consider versatility. Do you want to be able to move your lights? Spiked fittings are an option if you do.
3. Concrete or decking steps can be highlighted with built in step lights. This looks well and is also a safety bonus.
4. Dark green fittings blend well into the foliage.


Hallways and landings


1. Make more of your flooring by using low level lights in the walls it can bring your gloss tiles to life or really bring out the colour of your carpet.
2. If the hall and landing area is small it is a good idea to make the landing area brighter as it draws the eye and makes the space seem larger.
3. If you have art on the walls you can hi-light it with a picture light or directional recessed light.
4. Avoid having a straight line of recessed lights down the centre of your hallway it can make the space seem narrow.

I have been helping clients for the last twenty three years to light their homes with the latest designs and products. Visit my web site at http://www.spalighting.ie to learn more about my lighting design consultation service and view our new show room.

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Mar 12 2010

Tiffany Table Lamp

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

When you think of table lamps, the first place most people’s mind go is to a Tiffany table lamp. A Tiffany table lamp has great quality and a reasonable price. And if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, there are Tiffany style lamps that look just as good. Here I will describe the most popular and beautiful lamps you will find anywhere online.


This Quoizel Indus Tiffany Lamp is one of my favorite. It has a beautiful earth-tone color that matches any décor. The intricate detail on the border glass catches your eye and lets everyone know that this is a quality lamp. The bronze base is bold enough to serve as the foundation without removing the focus from the fantastic looking top. It is almost two feet tall and is 16″ in diameter. It comes with a lifetime warranty.


Customers really talk about how beautiful this Tiffany Table Lamp is, and how it plays colors with the light to provide a warm, inviting setting. As of the time I am writing this, it is not on sale, but I don’t imagine it will be long at all before it is.


Another gorgeous Tiffany table lamp is this Tiffany-Style Ariel Shade Lamp. Now this one right here is on sale. In fact, it is more than 50% off right now.


This is a very colorful, sturdy lamp that kind of resembles a carousel. It has the swirling lines on the top of the shade which flow down to meet the intricately painted glass border. The yellow is what catches your eye, but the green and red are also worked into the painting to produce a variety of eye-catching colors. This Tiffany table lamp is 29″ high and has a diameter of 16″. Customers that have bought this lighting fixture have talked the exquisite design that you don’t normally see in lamps within this price range.


OK….here is another option that you definitely want to look at. It is the Semi-Baroque Tiffany-Style Lamp. It has a basic design, so if you are looking for a high-quality yet simple looking lamp, this is the one you will probably choose. The top of the lamp shade is dominated by rustic yellow colored glass. It almost has the opaque feel of a cathedral ceiling. Yours eyes follow the yellow glass down to the swirling, dominant green lines which heavily resemble vines.


The reason that this particular Tiffany table lamp is so popular is because it comes at a great price. The normal price is more than $125, but it is on sale today at less than $55. That is more than a 50% discount. If you want the elegance and quality of a Tiffany table lamp without the expensive price, this is a great option for you.


Let’s look at one final Tiffany table lamp – probably the brightest colored lamp of all. It is the Tiffany Style Dragonfly Lamp that has amazing colored glass. Red, purple, yellow, green – whatever color you are looking for, changes are that this lighting fixture has it. Each customer that has reviewed this particular product talks about how vibrant and bright the colors look at night when this lamp is supplying all of the light. It is really a great option for a centerpiece that is worthy of the attention it will receive.

Learn more about where to find the best Tiffany Table Lamp and Crystal Table Lamp.

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Feb 27 2010

Creating a Piece of Mind – How to Use Exterior Lighting For Home Security

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

Security is on the mind of the homeowner more and more, with break-ins occurring more frequently. A smart burglar will observe a homeowner’s habits, particularly when the lights go out at night. The proper outdoor lighting can assist in deterring a potential threat, but needs to be well thought out. Outdoor lighting combined with sensitive motion sensors provides a sense of security, especially with a home that has numerous dark corners.

Creating a plan for exterior security lighting is not difficult, but should be thoughtfully considered to avoid blind spots. Motion sensor spots can be mounted anywhere on the house, on posts, in trees, or other structures surrounding the home. They can also be incorporated into landscaping lights to look more natural. It is important to position these lights so that they are not easily reached by an intruder, who will destroy or disable them in an instant. The professional installer will also assist in the correct settings to prevent an over sensitive system that is activated by birds and squirrels.

Smaller homes do not need a vast number of lights to create deterrence, and can benefit from those in the obvious areas – front door, garage, and back door or deck. A larger home with more architectural features often creates blind spots, and should use exterior security lighting near these areas. New construction provides the ability to add breaker switches for hard wired lighting, but there are plenty of options that work off of simple battery packs. The benefits of motion sensor lighting are that they conserve energy by not being on all of the time and that they will surprise and scare away most intruders.

A well designed lighting plan for the exterior of a home will not only consider security, but maintain an aesthetic quality. The home should be accentuated by light that washes its features in a warm tone, without creating a glare inside the house or into the neighbors’ windows. The exterior lighting plan can be wired in conjunction with a home security system for additional protection.

Doorways and windows should be the first areas consider for illumination. A prowler will seek out these areas as easy targets. Lighting these areas will be the first on the list.

A lighting professional can assist in recommending the right product for the exterior of a home. Installing flood lights on a dimmer system allows the homeowner greater control to change the light for different situations. The entire backyard plan should consider the lot’s perimeter in order to create a greater piece of mind. Various types of bulbs are considered based upon their intensity, with the most popular being halogen or incandescent.

Outdoor lighting for security reasons is also a great excuse to provide lighting that shows off landscaping features. Fire pits, water features, and lush plantings can be highlighted with controllable lights that highlight an entire area. This provides extra protection for the homeowner who is outside using these areas at night. In essence, the best of both worlds occur, because the homeowner is given reassurance, and the home and surrounding grounds will be lit in a beautiful way.

Whether you’re seeking the ultimate chandelier, new fixtures for a kitchen remodel, stunning nighttime landscape effects or a complete lighting package to showcase your new home, you will find great tips in our Lighten Up Blog and Videos.

Eric Lebersfeld is an expert at assisting Homeowners, Builders, and Interior designers in selecting the perfect lighting for their homes and projects. We have over 3000 lights on display in our showrooms and over 500,000 on our website http://1800lighting.com. Capitol Lighting provides the most rewarding shopping experience possible allowing our customers to shop on-line or in-store. We have the same guaranteed low internet pricing everyday. We are proud of our 85 year reputation as trustworthy and ethical business partners with both customers and suppliers.

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Feb 26 2010

Brighten Up Your Outdoors

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

Forget about installing old-fashioned floodlights in the garden when you are having a party. With the variety of choices that are now available, it is worth every penny to invest in some classy outdoor lighting with the help of a specialist or designer.

You may have landscaped your garden but the clumsy looking lights that you have installed look incongruous in your new setting. So it is apt to consider setting up a few inexpensive solutions. It is important to plan the exterior lighting system with the experts and watch the change that transforms your garden or backyard. The lifestyle of the homemakers must be kept in mind while designing the outdoor lighting features.

Techniques you can use

The plants in the garden can be lit up by the means of frontal or bottom lighting. Bottom lighting creates a soft and subtle illuminating effect. On the other hand frontal lighting helps to create a superb effect by focusing on the strongest feature in your garden. Usage of soft green lights in the shrubs makes the foliage look greener.

Landscape lighting would highlight the plants and trees and night. If you happen to have a pond, a set of innovative lights around it can accentuate its beauty.

You can also light up pathways in different styles for your visitors to walk through. Avoid glaring lights which can blind you! Using diffused and dim lights near to the ground or a little bit higher will demarcate the path and make it easier for the guests.

Since green technology is a necessity and in demand these days, you can also make use of lamps powered by solar technology. This requires no wiring and is easy to install. Again, less power is consumed in this regard.

There is no better way to create a quaint and magical effect in your outdoors than with the help of a lantern. Lanterns have an old world charm. They can be used in different ways to highlight the special niches of your outdoors. Hanging lanterns installed over tall porches and entrances look great.

A few outdoor lighting fixtures can do wonders by creating a friendly and warm ambiance. The silhouette of trees and the shadows thrown in the background would bring out a diffused and calm atmosphere. Tones of red or yellow add to the warmth of the evening. These solutions would not demand a big budget. It all depends on how you plan and innovate with the few resources at hand.

Looking for more information on Outdoor Lighting visit http://www.lampsusa.com an online store to buy contemporary and modern home decor accessories for home and office.

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Feb 25 2010

Why Have an Illuminated Bathroom Mirror in Your Bathroom?

Published by Modesto Decorator under Home Lighting

If you suffer from low light levels in your bathroom, help is at hand in the form of illuminated bathroom mirrors; all that leaning over the wash basin and squinting as you try to get your mascara in the right place can now be relegated to the past.

In today’s doll-sized houses with squeezed in bathrooms, not everybody has the benefit of natural light flooding into the bathroom, particularly when it comes to en suites. And even if you are lucky enough to have an enormous bathroom with dual aspect windows, you still need to use some sort of lighting illuminate your beauty at night. You don’t need us to tell you that the central ceiling light just isn’t up the job. At the very best this type of light casts unflattering shadows, at the very worst it can make you look as if you’ve died but not lay down yet.

All that functionality aside, illuminated mirrors also provide very relaxing light levels that are ideal for a long relaxing soak in the bath. Like candle light but without the flames.

Choose your lamps wisely and you will remove the perennial problem of steamed up mirrors too – halogen lamps give out enough heat to warm the glass thereby preventing condensation! The halogen light spectrum is also very close to that of natural daylight (although slightly warmer), so your skin tone will look good by this light too. The only downside of tungsten halogen lamps is that they can be quite expensive to run and have a useful life of only 2,000 hours.

So, if costs and energy usage are more important to you than looking pink and rosy, you should perhaps consider fluorescent illuminated mirrors. Modern fluorescent lamps are far removed from their ancestors, gone is the popping and flickering of old. They have a useful life of around 10,000 hours, after which time you’ll need to replace them as the light quality deteriorates. So, in effect, they last five times as long as halogen bulbs.

Because of the way they are made – the lights are placed behind a sheet of mirrored glass that has had some of the silvering removed by sandblasting – illuminated mirrors are easy to clean too. The front of the mirror remains smooth and there are no tiny inaccessible gaps where dust and soap scum can build up.

For those of us whose eyesight isn’t what it once was, you can even get illuminated magnifying shaving mirrors! Whilst it’s impractical to produce large magnifying mirrors due to the processes involved, it’s relatively easy to produce smaller mirrors. And that means no more wearing your mascara as eyeliner because you couldn’t quite see where it was going.

All illuminated mirrors tend to be good-looking, but some are far more than that. Designers have used LED lamps to create some stunning effects, from infinite pinpricks of light to Hollywood glamour.

On reflection, an illuminated bathroom mirror is probably just what you need.

Want to find out more about illuminated mirrors, then visit Duncan Munday’s site on how to choose the best illuminated bathroom mirror for your bathroom including great advice in the regularly updated blog.

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