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Monday, October 31st, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Tamworth 5 Light Silver Champagne Chandelier 21268
The chandelier is a lighting fixture that has two or more branches that bear lights. Gone are those days when it was a mere wooden cross beam complete with metal spikes to hold the lighted candles. Nowadays you won’t see chandeliers hoisted up with a rope or chains. These lovely lighting fixtures have evolved into charming pieces with different designs.
Chandeliers, these days, are not just used for lighting but also for aesthetic purposes.
Adding Ambience with Chandeliers
Needless to say, this lighting fixture that’s designed to float inside a room is a great design element. This can easily serve as a centerpiece in any space.
If you’ve seen the film What A Girl Wants, you would find one of the characters there boasting of his lovely chandelier to his guests. It’s not just a conversation catalyst but also something that he got accustomed to being arrogant about.
Chandeliers can also spell luxury in so many ways. They are unequalled when it comes to lighting elegance.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Finely Cast Brass, Iron And Penshell Empire Chandelier 1954-010
Picking the Right Chandelier
There are many things that you need to consider when purchasing your first chandelier. Think of materials, different sizes, and light emission when you are out to determine the best chandelier for your room.
There are horizontal and vertical sizes. Know that buying a large fixture could mean an overwhelmed space. Purchasing one that’s too small, though, means it could look insignificant if not unremarkable.
The size and design of the chandelier will also eventually affect the way the fixture will be hung. If you want an elaborate chandelier that would be hung inside a spacious dining room, for instance, then be sure to take the time to do some measurements.
Hold a tape measure to a height that you think would work for your chosen chandelier. Here are some general guidelines –
The length by which a chandelier must hang is dependent on the height of the ceiling. The bottom part of the fixture must not hang more than seven inches from off the floor. If there are windows, then be sure to put the chandelier at the center where it can be seen from the outside.
The Correct Chandelier Materials
Since chandeliers easily become the focal points in room, then you must know what sort of materials would enhance the room. Candle and crystal combinations make the most nostalgic visions. Glass and crystal, on the other hand, are quite popular in the creation of romantic settings. They are also indicative of wealth and luxury.
The use of antler chandeliers brings to mind those days past when life was simple and lighting was as basic. The rustic design that these offer are perfect for log cabins and those rural lodges; they are also great for a more antiqued look.
You can also invest in metal chandeliers. These come in wrought iron, brass, steel and silver. Add some stones, shells, beads and Capiz and you’d have achieved a fancy lighting piece. Metal chandeliers often look great in modern and contemporary homes. The less ornaments used, the more fitting the lighting fixture is for a modern setting.
Be careful in choosing the colors of your chandeliers. The most famous finishes now are black, gold, silver and brushed bronze. There are also neutral-colored pieces that would easily suit your design scheme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, chandelier, chandeliers, designing with chandeliers, home lighting, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Botanical Rug 0609CS Poinsettia: The mood of the upcoming holidays shouldn’t just be reflected by your lights but also by all other design elements in your home.
What common complaint do you hear when the holidays are fast approaching? Most people say it’s too early to think of Christmas. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner so it is that time of the year when signs of Christmas begin to show up.
Shops are now slowly planning their Christmas décor (if they haven’t yet changed their display windows). This is a move to increase their holiday profits. But let’s not think from a retailer’s standpoint.
As a homeowner, how can you best show that you are prepping for Christmas?
Outdoor Christmas Lights Installed
It is estimated by a 2013 poll by TellWut that about 28-percent of Americans wait until December before they put up their Christmas lights. About the same number believes otherwise; to the second group, it is okay to hang the lights earlier than December. About a third of the poll chose to not hang any lights at all.
Holiday light installation can be a tradition that your family can look forward to every year. The sad news is that a lot of homeowners get hurt because they don’t do the installation properly. Remember that there are safety precautions if you want to hang holiday lighting without getting hurt.
There are recommended tools that are used for holiday lighting setup. Just like any home improvement task, there are certain tools that can help you do the job easier. Here are such tools –
Put this Stanley Furniture Dining Room Buffet 443-11-05 to good use this coming holiday season.
Guidelines in Choosing Lighting Materials
Lighting materials can be purchased in many home depot and hardware shops in your locality. Prior to spending, though, be sure to make a careful inventory of the materials that you already have. See if there are still some Christmas lights that you can reuse from the last holidays. If they are already cracked or chipped, then don’t even think about using them anymore.
Test the lights before you pay for them. Make sure also that you know how many lights you actually need before you purchase. Also, be sure to buy outdoor lights and not the indoor types. The latter won’t hold up to the outdoor elements like snow or rain. They could also start a fire when they blow a fuse.
Ask for a three-pronged extension cord for your outdoor lighting use. This is a safer bet for all your Christmas lighting needs. Be sure to plug it into a GFCI outlet so that you won’t have to worry about short circuits.
Let’s Hang Those Holiday Lights
Be sure to follow the safety tips above if you want to hang your Christmas lights without any problems. Use light clips as much as possible, even gutter hooks. Remember that roof repairs can become costly so make sure that you minimize wearing and tearing. If you do use nails, just be sure to attach them first to a fascia board.
Use a ladder that is stable when opened. Just to be safe, have a friend hold the ladder as you install the lights. Never place the ladder on water or ice.
If you decide to use hooks, be sure to use gutter hooks. Never carry all of the materials that you need to the roof all at once. Just take it slowly. Have three or four feet distance between hooks. Have a friend hand you the lights then slowly hang them on the hooks.
As soon as every piece of light is in place, be sure to check that there are no burned out bulbs. The electrical wires must also be kept away from high-traffic areas and all lights unplugged when you’re not home or when you’re asleep.
Tags: ambient lighting, Christmas lights, hanging holiday lights, holiday light installation, holiday lighting, holiday lights, installing holiday lights, interior lighting, lighting fixture, lighting plan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Monday, October 17th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Rondure 1 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce 22497
Great design is not all about the kind of lighting that you choose. It is also about you considering the function for the space and then its lighting needs. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms need to be well-lit. Make sure that you use task lighting in the busiest rooms, after all, there is nothing worse than prepping dinner then you end up not seeing what you’re chopping. Incorrect lighting placement can put shadows on the busiest work spaces. This is why you need to have an efficient lighting plan.
Outdoor Lighting Types
Outdoor lighting is more complex to plan for because you are essentially extending the garden after sundown. Well-chosen lighting fixtures can also become wonderful security measures.
There are various lighting types to choose from but most fit into these two categories – accent and task lighting. The former draws attention to the areas that you want to showcase like sculpture and trees. This kind of lighting will also take the eyes away from eyesores such as the garden shed or clotheslines.
Task lighting, on the other hand, refers to practical lighting for your landscape. You could use this when you want to prepare food outdoors. This is also a kind of security and decorative lighting.
You now need to choose between halogen and LED (light emitting diode) lights for your outdoor paradise. Halogen lighting is the traditional landscape lights. These emit a yellow light, hence, they use up more energy than LED lighting. Halogen is a good way to romanticize the outdoors.
LEDs have a whiter light which will show the actual color of the landscape. They are also cost effective.
Uttermost Accessories Joselyn, Small Wall Sconces, S2 19311
Lighting Designs
There is an endless array of lighting designs to choose from. The main designs are – uplighting, downlighting, spotlights, surface lights, path lights, and wall lighting.
Uplighting is directed upwards since it is used to feature landscape wonders such as fountains and trees. Downlighting is positioned downwards such as fixtures found on the carport roof.
Spotlights are bright lights that are often aimed at particular features such as a sculpture, tree or any beautiful water feature. Surface lighting is built into step surfaces, decks and walls. This is the lighting that you need to enhance security in your home.
Path lighting can be placed on intervals on the walkway or pathway. Their function is pretty simple – so you won’t trip as you walk at night. Lastly, wall lighting is that flat panel that is built into your walls. It illuminates the feature wall and can even highlight the boundary for security measure.
Power Sources
There are often two power sources to choose from – solar or mains power. Solar energy is the best kind of energy source if you are environmentally-conscious. It is a renewable energy source which means you can recharge the batteries during the day and use them during the night.
You can say goodbye to unsightly cables if you choose to use solar-powered outdoor lights. These may not be as bright as electric lights, though, so make sure to weigh your options before you jump on the bandwagon.
If you pick electricity as your energy source, then you are going to need a transformer. This will act like a power board where the lights and power point are plugged in. Ask a professional electrician about the number of lights that are allowed to be assigned to one transformer. It is probable that you would need more than one transformer for your outdoor lighting.
Electrical lights require cables and wiring. You can do the installation yourself so long as you would just use a 12-volt transformer.
Tags: general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, landscape lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor lighting, pathway lights, security lights, shopping for lighting fixture, tips
Posted in Lighting, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Monday, October 10th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Pomodoro 1 Light Distressed Pendant 22088 is perfect for any rustic, modern or industrial setting.
Pendant lighting is being used by a lot of homes lately because it is extremely versatile. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles with each base, stem and light source offering a different look.
Pendants are best used when you want to have deliberate lighting at specific areas. They are also perfect for those dark corners in your home as well as adding depth to the design that you’ve chosen.
Pendant Lighting – Task or Decorative?
Pendant lights can be used as a task or decorative light. These provide downward and more focused lighting. Think of places like bedrooms and reading nooks. There are even some homeowners who are already replacing their bathroom vanity lights with pendant lights that have been strategically-placed. You might also want to use pendant lighting over the dining table and in your kitchen. You can install a row of pendants over a kitchen island.
Pendant Light Materials
Pendant lighting fixtures are artistic center pieces. These are not a new concept yet they have recently been revived and people are going crazy over the latest designs. Here are some of the most common materials used as pendant lighting –
Glass. Clear glass is beneficial because it would never overwhelm the design, it is just there to reflect the interior design theme. This material works great in just about any kind of room which is why it is considered to be most cost effective.
Glass pendants use acrylic or glass in order to maximize light output. This is a material that will give you a concentrated light, the kind that is best used for areas meant for specific tasks such as your home office.
There are also colorful glass pendants that can be used for decorative purposes.
Copper. Drop pendants in this material are a remarkable sight. Copper is considered edgy and modern, it could also be rustic because it is warmer than other metals. Use more than one copper pendant then group them together at varying length.
Fabric. This is the kind of pendant lighting that you should go for if you want to achieve a diffused light. The fabric shades would give off a softer glow, the kind of glow that could make a room look more romantic. Use fabric pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands.
Wanna entertain guests but you want to make sure that the place still looks cozy? Then fabric is the right choice for you.
Timber, Wicker, Etc. There are many other materials that can be used to create pendant lights. Timber is a wonderful choice for a softer, more rustic look. Wicker can also provide the same level of awe.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Molecule 5 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Pendant 22058
Pendant Means Fashion
Home design trends now place pendant lighting at the fashion forefront. These lighting fixtures are now mainly bought because of their aesthetic value. There are pendant lights that look like flowers, sea grass, and just about any kind of art that you can think of. Many artisans spend time creating unique designs for pendant lighting.
Use pendant lights to decorate your home and make it look and feel more like you. Just imagine the charm and drama that pendant lights have provided for foyers, atriums and open-spaced rooms.
Look for the trendiest designs for your home. These lights can be a part of the ensemble that will anchor the rest of a room’s design. So go ahead and illuminate with pendant lights in a kids’ room, to cast a romantic glow in the master bedroom, to become like a task light in the office or library, or to welcome guests in your lovely living room.
Pendant lights are not just there to provide light anymore, they’re there also for show so maximize their lovely features to your advantage.
Tags: ambient lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pendant, pendant lighting, pendant lighting fixture, pendant lights, tips, types of lighting
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Monday, September 19th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jelani, Table Lamp 26987 provides accent lighting for your living room.
You may think that light is the least essential design element when the days are at their longest yet this is the best time to buy quality lighting and select fixtures that would properly light your home. The first step that you need to undertake is to know the three kinds of lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting can also be referred to as general lighting since it provides an overall glow. In essence, it does the role of sunlight during the night. Full ambient lighting can be achieved by properly spacing recessed downlights. This can also be achieved by a single central ceiling fixture.
Ambient lighting is often chosen for its decorative feature. Be sure to check the wattage when you want to know how much light the ambient fixture can offer.
One problem that you might have encountered in older homes is that homeowners only used task lighting. This gets the job done, sure, but it can leave a lot of dark corners or make rooms appear smaller.
Minus ambient lights, you are likelier to trip over stuff, this is why this kind of light is now the most common light used in many modern homes. The unfortunate news is that people tend to stop at ambient lighting, not even bothering to layer with another kind of lighting.
Accent Lighting
This kind of lighting, on the other hand, provides any room with a more polished look. Of course, it is important to make the room more visually interesting which is why you should carefully choose accent lights.
Just like any beautiful painting, accent light has the power to draw the eyes to it. This visual piece can be that attractive lighting fixture or some directional lights.
One of the most natural accent lights is the chandelier which can highlight the dining table. Downlights are able to illuminate a piece of art or an interesting decorative cabinet.
Task Lighting
The last type of light is task lighting. This is that focused light that can create a spotlight on a task. This is important in the prevention of eye strain, therefore, to eye health.
What could be more fun than a glowing peacock? Featured here is the Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111
Relax, Have Fun
A lot of designers rely on lighting designers when taking on a remodeling project. The latter make sure the rooms are properly lit for the crucial tasks. They also know that mood can be easily created with light. If you want to ascertain that your home is correctly lit, then you should begin by knowing the three kinds of lighting and to know how and where to use them.
Apply accent, ambient and task lighting – these are the three kinds of light. Don’t force them, though. It would be unwise to cram them into one space. Layered lighting is only considered successful if the entire room has a flattering glow to it. There shouldn’t be any daunting shadows anywhere. The most interesting parts of the home must also pop because of proper lighting.
The three kinds of light can be layered but don’t get confused by them. A family room, for instance, can have recessed lighting which could provide a casting glow. A ceiling chandelier can double as ambient and decorative lighting. A white table lamp (still in the same room) is a great decorative piece when placed against dark walls. While it is decorative, this lamp can also offer task lighting for anyone who wants to read a good book.
Alright, here’s the simple secret –
Begin with ambient light as the first layer. The task light follows as the second layer and the accent lights finish the job. If you can commit that to memory, then all you have to do now is to find the fixture styles that would match your home’s theme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, general lighting, interior lighting, layering, layering in interior design, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, lighting layers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, task light, task lighting, tips, types of light, types of lighting
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
FFDM Collector’s Room: Daylight is the most effective source of light but you have to learn to put proper lighting when dusk sets in.
Homeowners often talk of the creation of layers of light but did you ever wonder what that even means? The use of multiple light sources can provide maximum effect on any space. Ambient lighting, for instance, can be fused with task lighting if you want to create a shadow-free work. Accent lighting, on the other hand, can add a dramatic depth while decorative lighting can show your personality. Mixing different fittings can create different themes or stage a much richer home environment.
Multiple Lighting to Break Rooms
Homeowners who embraced the open-plan concept can understand the difficulties of establishing boundaries. Furniture pieces can do this trick but lighting can also do offer the same effect. Light can divide larger rooms into zones such as what happens when you use high-output downlighting on work areas while infill downlighting can be used as ambient lighting. Dining areas can be softened by pendant lights as well as concealed cove lighting.
Different Lights, Different Tasks
When downlights take care of ambient lighting for the dining area, there is no longer a need for decorative lights to provide a high output. Keep in mind that not all lighting fixtures should provide like levels of light.
When it comes to downlighting, make sure that you plan their placement so that they can add to the richness of the surroundings. The wrong use of downlighting can lead to a shapeless and soulless room and, of course, you don’t want that.
You can alter the focus of attention by increasing or even lowering the different lighting fixtures placed in different areas. Remember to group lights into small circuits so you could be more flexible. You can always have separate circuits set at same levels but it is not easy to split 20 or more lights wired together to act as one light.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Verdigris Bronze Patina Monkey Lamp 1753-570
Accent Lighting in Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be a challenging project to take on when it comes to lighting. Ideal lighting in this room should have a controlled color temperature. This temperature is how warm or cool lighting should appear.
Bathrooms should have cool lighting, one that would make you feel alert in the morning. In the evening, it should have warmer glow so that sleep would easily come.
LED is often fixed when it comes to color temperature. It is still possible, though, to layer the light when using different circuits for different tasks.
The area where you usually apply make-up should be a well-lit one. Combine low-level accent lights with accurate lighting fixtures with the first to be used at night and the other during the day. They key here is to separate the circuits so you achieve flexibility.
Adding Intimacy
Accent lighting means you have to know which features matter to you. You can also use this type of lighting to make the eyes focus on a beautiful feature. So the next time you want to bring something to life, just focus an accent light on it.
LED has many choices for accent lighting. Find whether you would want a downlight, uplight, or linear fitting.
Consistency Is Key
The use of multiple light sources can better unify any space than having a blanket of downlights with the light source coming from just one direction. Now remember that even the subtlest variation in light can be accentuated so take the time to test the different fittings. See if you can compare them side by side.
Achieve Maximum Effect
Use several kinds of lighting and make them work together to your advantage. Downlighting can provide the light when you’re at work while the decorative lights soften the ambience. Add glamour and personality by having ambient lights set up.
Tags: how to layer lights, improving home lighting, interior lighting, layered lighting, layering, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting layers, lighting plan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 29th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Daisy 8 Light Industrial Pendant 21284 looks traditional, perfect for those who are hesitant to cross from vintage to modern.
Lighting in residential spaces consumes about 8-15% of the household budget. There are factors to consider when gauging lighting technology. One is lighting design, another is the user behavior, also the efficiency of the light that will be used. The last factor (efficiency) will greatly affect the household’s energy savings.
In the year 2012, the average energy use in homes showed varied results. This is because the climate can also be a huge factor on how lighting is used in each home. For household use, energy is essential for water heating, cooling or heating, and the use of appliances.
Lighting homes should have the objective of providing comfort and a safe environment. The lighting used must also be visually appealing. Nowadays, with green living and all being propagated, it is also important to know that your light is as energy efficient as it claims.
Lighting Design
Thinking of proper lighting design fuses different day and electric lighting strategies. You need to optimize certain aspects so that light will be properly distributed inside your home. You also need to consider the whole house’s energy impact in order to minimize the overall energy use, if needs be.
Lighting design also takes advantage of glazing technologies as well as shading strategies. These can be used to moderate the spectrum and intensity of the lighting that is used as well as the daylight that is allowed to stream inside a home.
Lighting can also be set up so that heat gain is minimized during cooling season while heat loss is reduced during heating season.
Lighting design also chooses the right window aperture size, shading and glazing for every orientation.
Daylighting Explained
Daylighting science makes use of daylight to negate the use of electric light. Daylight sources include sunlight, a directional beam, skylight, or a diffuse light that is about a tenth of the sunlight’s illumination. Daylight is wonderful as it constantly alters its colors, direction, even its intensity.
With this in mind, make sure that you design your home in such a way that it would only require electric lighting at night.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Toledo Industrial Lamp 29332-1 offers a metallic look that veers towards modernism.
Industrial Lighting Put to Good Use
Lighting upgrades can significantly cut your energy costs. You can have your existing fixtures retrofitted so that ample light will be provided without upping your costs and diminishing your comfort.
LED lights are a necessity. They are efficient, durable, long-lasting, and they offer a lot of design options. These are environment friendly lights which you can operate with zero emission.
Upgrade your home lighting now to LED industrial lights in order to increase your energy savings. Whether you require high ceiling lights, fluorescents, or LED pendants, it’s high time to change to what’s modern and cost effective.
Remember also that industrial elements are quite huge in interior design nowadays so you would surely be the talk of the town as you embrace the trend. Industrial materials are not, of course, for the faint of heart but it is surely a move that you will never regret.
This is where industrial lighting best comes in. It will create a bold statement yet subdued enough to those who aren’t ready to go all in.
Industrial Lighting Applications
Industrial style pendants are best placed over the kitchen island. First, they are functional and now they also have the added feature of being visually pleasing. Use industrial lighting to stage a specific theme inside any room. You can go rustic with this light if you use the same style on the lighting fixtures and the railings of the stairs.
Try to think beyond mere metal when designing your industrial lighting. You can also use glass for your pendants.
Tags: daylight, general lighting, home lighting, industrial lighting, interior lighting, layered lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, April 9th, 2016
FFDM Hyde Park Collection: The wall installed lighting fixtures with their warm glow add a different level of elegance to this dining room.
The dining room is one room in your home that needs to have the correct ambience and lighting. But should this light sparkle or should it just highlight certain points?
More often than not, the dining area is a much smaller room than, say, the master bedroom or the living room. The lighting fixture that you end up choosing could become the central feature of the dining room itself so this can be a lovely piece of jewelry that can also serve its function.
Be adventurous when choosing dining room lighting. Keep in mind that this is something that you will enjoy looking at but won’t get touch that much. You can afford to invest in the prettiest sort of light because it is at an area where food or beverages won’t be spilt.
The dining room lighting should primarily set the mood and everything else will follow.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Different Table Shapes, Different Lighting
So what sort of fixture should you hang over a round or rectangular piece of dining table? The answer to this question simply depends on the design and architecture of your the dining space. The form and size of the table also matter.
Linear lighting fixtures work best with rectangular tables. These are those pendant lights that are crisp and elegant, complete with perfect proportions. See if you can find a piece that is a third of the actual length of the dining table.
A small round table, on the other hand, can do with an equally round or globe chandelier. There is a need to echo the shape of the table here. If you don’t want to have two round objects inside a single room, then you can cluster some pendant lights. Use an odd number to come up with this cluster.
Lighting Quality
If you want to be guaranteed of lighting quality, then be sure to install the fixture 36 inches from the bottom part of the fixture till the top of the dining table. This is the standard height where you can effectively hang dining room lighting.
Where a large architectural space is involved, you can do as much as 40 inches in order to accommodate the doubled height.
In picking the right bulbs, make sure that you always purchase the lights with dimmers. This is so you can adjust the light according to your needs. Having dinner with children means you should have as much light as possible. Say yes to bright light during such meal times.
If, however, you choose to have a relaxing dinner with your loved one during special occasions, then use the dimmers. Use 60 to 75-watt bulbs as the warmest lights are the most flattering to use inside a room, especially intimate spaces such as the bedroom or the dining room.
Most interior designers choose to have the light fixture centered on the dining table. This is not an absolute rule, though. You can also play a bit by using various light sources, linear formats, or light clustering.
Scale and proportion have a lot to do with the eventual quality of the dining room light. Typically, large fixtures should go in huge dining rooms and the smaller ones in, well, smaller rooms. But it can also be fun to watch a different set up at times.
For instance, wouldn’t it be nice to have a large chandelier inside a small dining area. This can be unique especially when you effectively use scaling and proportion.
Choose a Lighting Theme
Believe it or not, there is also a theme when it comes to lighting. Traditional dining rooms often incorporate beautiful crystal chandeliers or pendant lights. For the contemporary dining room, these lighting fixtures could be changed into the linear types.
If you want your dining room lighting to stand out, then you can also install track lighting, sconces or pin spots.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Tags: ceiling light, dining room light, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, February 21st, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Civenna 3 Light Pendant 21992 is a classy addition to any traditional home.
If you are thinking of updating your ceiling lights, then don’t automatically buy lampshades and settle for those that match your current decor. There is so much more to ceiling light that you should consider such as style, color, uses, and many more. You have now probably come to appreciate the benefits of correct lighting for certain rooms in your home. A simple light fitting can make or break the overall beauty of your home.
So what are the things that you need to consider when investing in ceiling lights? There are a number of aspects to look into but the fundamental one is to find out your lighting needs. Look at the rooms that need immediate ceiling lights then find out which fixtures will enhance those places.
Size Up the Room
First, consider the width of the room. Narrow, lengthy rooms can be quite awkward to illuminate. It would be wrong to install a pendant light into this kind of room, instead, you should use track lighting. Various spotlights can be mounted on a track so the light can be evenly distributed throughout the narrow room.
Kitchen and dining areas would also do well to have track lighting installed. If you want to add a touch of elegance to these rooms, then have the track light come with polished chrome.
The Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Akron 1 Light Copper Mini Pendant 21972 is just right for a rustic surrounding.
Measure the Height
Ceiling lights are those lights that you need to install up there. Chandeliers and pendant lights are perfect for higher ceilings. If your home happens to have a low ceiling which is the case in many modern houses, then use flush or semi-flush fitting instead.
Crystal glass shades will look elegant in a spacious dining area. The more modern, metallic ones will look equally great in a modern setting.
Update Your Lighting
A quick way to update your home lighting is to replace the existing shades. This is your lazy option, of course, and there is nothing wrong with it. For as long as you stylize it correctly, then you can actually get away with it. If you have been using a transparent shade for the longest time, then why not change to a more modern pastel shade? This is especially restful inside the bedroom.
Keeping it simple is also a good way to update your lights. Use streamlined designs for modern homes and the more ornate ones are perfect for those who live in a traditional setting.
Those who want to make a bold statement, on the other hand, can always use lighting fixtures with funky designs and colors.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Gironico Round 5 Light Pendant 21997
Know the Ceiling Light Issues
One of the concerns for lighting a wet room is that – it is wet. If you do not know what an IP rating is, it is a way to measure how well each fitting can be protected from water or dust. IP 44, for instance, is a rating that is just right for the bathroom.
Another issue with ceiling light installation is how to childproof it. This should be done in rooms that are predominantly used by many children. Of course, you would want your light to be child-friendly while providing your illumination needs.
If your little ones want to fall asleep while the lights are still on, then find a diffuser for that particular room.
What Is the Level of Illumination
You should also think about the amount of light that you would need in each room. Each room requires different lighting. The kitchen, for instance, is lit differently from the bedroom; as is the home office from the home bar.
Larger rooms also require bigger and brighter lights. Alternatively, there are smaller fittings for rooms that do not need an awful amount of light. The lighting style which you are trying to achieve also makes a huge difference on what kind of ceiling light you will use.
Be Efficient Yet Visually Pleasant
Low energy or LED lighting are worth your investment since they can save you lots of money in the long run. Ceiling lights have to develop a sense of harmony with the rest of the home design. It would be pointless to save some money only to be left with an unattractive ceiling light right in the middle of a room.
Tags: accent lighting, ceiling light, chandelier, general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, January 31st, 2016
Did this Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Chandelier 1954-355 catch your attention? Imagine what your friends would say!
As opposed to what is being propagated, there is no need to memorize lighting fundamentals or even to spend a lot of money just to make rooms look airy and lively. There is no need to commit to memory the basics of decorative or functional lighting just to plan and be able to buy the right kind of light. Illumination can be achieved in three ways – through general lighting, accent and task lighting. Any fusion of these three is what you would call a decorative light.
Don’t think that home lighting is an unimportant subject, though. This is a crucial element of interior design because it is the very vehicle that allows homeowners to carry out tasks while providing the home with a lovely appeal.
You should consider your lighting decisions based on your chosen interior design. Pay close attention to lighting when creating new environments or when redesigning old ones. This may seem like a technical topic at first but do not be intimidated by it.
To simplify matters of lighting, let’s cut down the basics into three – the purpose of light, how man perceives color, and the three kinds of lighting.
Lighting Purposes
Lighting in homes and offices are there for people to carry out their daily work. Also, light provides a level of comfort that cannot be felt when in a dark setting. Aesthetically, light can emphasize artwork, displays and define shadows.
Lighting is also there for safety reasons.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Pair Of Aged Regency Solid Wooden Plaque Wall Lamps 1930-112
Color Perception
The human eye responds to different kinds of colors. It is most amenable to the green and yellow spectra and less to the red and blue violet ends. When you come to think about it, this is relative to the spectrum of moods that humans feel.
A well-lit room creates happiness and a sense of well being. Dark rooms, on the other hand, elicit serious moods, even depression.
Light that falls on an object will be absorbed by the surface of that object. The colors that it reflects will be the color that will be perceived. So, in essence, purple is every other color in the universe except purple.
‘Confused already? Don’t be.
Okay, you do know that black absorbs all light while all light that is reflected is done by the color white (which is not even a color!).
Decorative lighting pieces can create serenity or cheerfulness depending on the mood that it depicts. Functional lights – like the ones found in offices – make people more alert. Decorative lighting is different because it makes you feel texture, patterns, even shapes.
Decorative lighting also comes in different levels. Dimmers are used for bedrooms while bright lights are left inside playrooms and the kitchen. Sometimes, the lighting fixture can serve as the focal point of a room. Such is the role of chandeliers and pendant lights.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Metauro Wood Desk Lamp 26577-1 is both decorative and task lighting.
The dining room, for instance, can look more elegant when a chandelier hangs right above it. Attention will surely be drawn towards this set up. Pendant lighting over a table can provide a more concentrated light. Chandeliers spell traditional and classy while pendants are more contemporary.
Lighting Types
You already know the three types of lighting which is spearheaded by general lighting. Also known as ambient lighting, these are up-lights that illuminate from the ceiling. Wall sconces are also general lighting fixtures as are floor lamps, table lamps, recessed lights, and track lights.
Task lighting is for areas that are in need of intense lighting. This is technically 300% brighter than general lighting. Such lights are used in offices, kitchens and other busy areas.
Accent lighting can add a level of shimmer to paintings, objects, architectural features, and sculptures. Halogen is the best known accent lighting that can provide brilliance and intensity.
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