Schoolhouse Lighting: Ageless Design for Your Kitchen

Are you searching for lighting fixtures to add to your kitchen? Well, you might want to consider schoolhouse lighting. Schoolhouse lighting has been around for a long time. In fact, it was the lighting fixture of choice in public buildings in the US - schools, courts, libraries - and even private kitchens between the years 1900 to 1950. These globes provided ambient lighting and even task lighting to all the places mentioned. It would be safe to say, then, that the no-nonsense people of the olden days appreciated the functional yet elegant lighting fixtures that lit corridors, large rooms and large hallways pretty well.

Originally, these lighting fixtures came with white flare globes encasing bare bulbs, which where both held together by metal fittings. The early white globes typically used some kind of glass referred to as “milk glass” or “opal glass”, which was made in Venice. The milky appearance of the glass was created by mixing in bone ash or tin dioxide while making the glass. The milk glass also came in other shades: pink, blue, yellow, brown and black. 

Today, schoolhouse light fixtures are still very popular. Their appeal lies in the fact that they evoke memories of special moments spent in schoolhouses. Plus, the fact that these fixtures have clean and simple lines make them all the more attractive to practical people who want to get a functional lighting fixture that is also beautiful.

Because of this, schoolhouse lighting fits modern kitchens really well. The practical side of choosing these utilitarian fixtures lets homeowners illuminate their kitchens without worrying over too much glare. The soft, ambient light provided by these fixtures ensures that homeowners do not have a hard time preparing meals for their loved ones.

Furthermore, there are now more options when it comes to designs of schoolhouse lighting. There are flush-mount and semi-flush mount fixtures to choose from. The key is to consider the layout and the design of your kitchen. You won’t go wrong when you keep that in mind when you go shopping for the right lighting fixture.  Then there is also the matter of shape. The glass globes come in various shapes. This means that anyone can find the right look that will fit the kitchen that needs to be illuminated.

To cut a long story short, schoolhouse lighting is not meant only for public buildings anymore. They also fit right in any kitchen whose owner wants to bathe in warm yet diffused light.

Vintage Barn Lights Offer Functionality and Beauty

Vintage barn lights are popular lighting fixtures that many people enjoy. Today’s vintage barn lights are actually replicas of traditional barn lighting. Back then, the original barn lights comprised of metal shades and gooseneck arm extensions, with distinctly industrial warehouse designs.

But, how did vintage barn lights find their way into people’s homes and commercial buildings? Originally, these light fixtures lit up warehouses and factories in the 1930s. Because the farmers saw the functionality of these light fixtures, they used these fixtures to light up their barns and farm houses. That started the transition of vintage barn lights as purely industrial lights into residential and commercial lighting fixtures. Later on, shanties along the coastline adopted the barn light fixtures.

Why are vintage barn lights becoming more and more popular among homeowners and building owners? Well, it could be because these beautiful lighting fixtures are great for illuminating the outdoor area of homes or buildings. What’s great about these fixtures is that the metal shade directs the light in a downward direction. The result is light that creates striking contrasts between light and shadow. This implies that this light is what building signs need. For instance, the sign in front of a shop can benefit from the attention that the light can direct on it. Passersby will be drawn to the sign largely because of the light cast on it by the bulb hanging from the shade attached to the traditional gooseneck arm.

Today, the industrial design is still evident in the commercial barn lights available in the market. However, there are now many variations. You can find barn lights that include wire cages, cast guards and jelly jar glass. What this means is you can find an attractive lighting fixture for your entryway or the exterior of your building without worrying that it would look too industrial. Furthermore, barn lights now come with energy saving technology to impact the earth in a positive way, along with offering beauty and functionality to building and home owners.

More importantly, manufacturers of barn lights have just made it easier for people to find the right kind of barn light to install near doorposts, in patios, entryways and decks. This simply means that people today have more options to choose from when it comes to decorating and making their homes and buildings attractive. And they can do so with elegant yet functional vintage barn lights.

How to Spice Up Your Livingroom with Lighting

A lot takes place in the livingroom, and trying to decide the perfect kind of lighting for it can be a little challenging. You can check out some established lighting companies, like Meyda Lights for their awesome livingroom selections.

If you don’t have a family room, the livingroom usually serves as the ultimate convening area for all important activities, whether you’re discussing the details of your latest family vacation, entertaining guests, discussing the details of your latest family vacation, or simply relaxing on a Saturday night for some popcorn nights.

One of the primary things you need to know is that livingroom lighting is not constant, that is, you’ll need to utilize various types of lighting to achieve both a functional and stylish effect. This doesn’t mean to say that the more layers of light you use, the better. Strategic layering is important, but you wouldn’t want to overwhelm your eyes with too much glare.

An excellent source of lighting would be a floor lamp situated just off to the side of your chair or sofa. If you do a lot of reading or sewing in your livingroom, that big old chandelier just won’t do the trick, at least not for activities that tend to put a strain on the eyes. Placing a lighting source directly in front or directly behind will cause shadows, stressing your eyes out even more.

Entertaining guests warrants a more special kind of lighting, and this is usually the time to dim down the overhead lights and whip out ambient lighting fixtures, like table lamps and other similar lighting. You could also use the chandelier for ambient light, and several manufacturers, such as Meyda Lighting have chandeliers that allow you to install a dimmer switch or adjust the different lighting levels.

Installing light for watching TV can be a little tricky. Because a home television is a lot smaller than a widescreen in the cinema, your eyes need to adjust a little more to the glare coming from the screen, as well as the lack of light around the TV set. The combined effect can be strenuous. . This is usually no problem if you keep the lights on during movie nights, but if you’d like to replicate a theater feel (complete with popcorn and soda), you’ll need to keep the lights off.  Howeer, this is easily solved by placing a floor lamp directly behind or to the side of your TV set to ease the strain on your eyes.

Everything You Need to Know About the Easy Reader

It’s official. Nearly everything these days is going digital, and with the number of devices out there that can hold up to a lifetimes’ worth of information, it’s only natural that books make the progression from the printed word to the digital word.

The EasyReader is an ingenious way of keeping track of dozens, even hundreds, of electronic books (ebooks) with you wherever you go. Convenient and easy to take along, this piece of software allows you to use portable reading devices to keep an entire library in your pocket.

Because of its ability to “read” text aloud, it is an ideal program for readers with blindness, low vision, dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. EasyReader is also ideal for use in schools and libraries to empower readers to access a wider reading world. If you are a natural bookworm, you will love all the features that will make ebook reading a much better experience.

Installing EasyReader on your computer allows you read through ebooks, or use a preferred EasyReader voice to read highlighted text and speech via the ‘speak to me’ button and menu reader. If you find the font visually difficult or unappealing, the reader allows you to change the font face, size and contrasting foreground and background colors.

In addition, you never have to worry about losing a page again as you breeze seamlessly through ebooks. The EasyReader allows you to skip to any heading, page number of bookmark without having to flounder among pages and pages of text. If you’re looking for specific passages, you can also use the find function to help you look for key words and phrases.

It also offers excellent accessibility, as the EasyReader provides an easily navigable user interface that is friendly for both kids and adults. It offers a built-in zoom function that helps you read tiny text. Regarding compatibility, the EasyReader reads DAISY, NIMAS, HTML, TXT, and unprotected EPUB formats.

EasyReader is easily downloadable off the Web, though legitimate copies may cost you a set fee. It’s highly recommended that you get the legitimate version, as EasyReader may release useful updates in the future—something you definitely don’t want to miss out on. The software doesn’t require fancy equipment, and fits standard specifications of most personal computers. It works best installed on a Windows operating system, though, as support has not yet been released for Linux or Apple.

Vintage Lighting

It goes without saying: vintage lighting often evokes a feeling of sentimental nostalgia. In fact, many individuals with contemporary styled homes are also looking to vintage lighting styles, largely for its artistic appeal and inspiration. Home décor that is themed after styles from the past decades are great places to find vintage lighting, and homeowners with this kind of décor are usually avid purchasers and collectors of vintage lights.

Lighting trends have varied drastically through the decades, but specific patterns can be predicted, as many interior designers do at the beginning of every year, when they forecast the next big thing in lighting designs. While several homemakers may feel the need to follow the latest trends, vintage lighting may provide a surprising twist that will give a lot of personality to your place.

Vintage lighting is usually reminiscent of past decades, though they can go back as far as to be inspired by the more classic traditional lighting trends. From retro lampshades to loudly colored LED lights, companies today are finding that vintage lighting is far from a dying style. Bedrooms benefit a lot from this type of lighting, especially if you like hoarding zines or old 70’s movies posters. Retro lamp shades may be a little loud, what with their colors and patterns, but they are a bright change to conventionally designed homes.

Chandeliers with a vintage feel can come in more bronze finishes and metallic builds, although it’s not a look that’s completely exclusive to old trends. Display vintage chandeliers in your livingroom or dining room, where guests are easily wow-ed by your ability to bring back the old days—with style.

Vintage lighting comes available in various shapes and sizes, though because of the emergence of contemporary lighting forms, they can be a little hard to find. Still, browse through LampsUSA’s vintage lighting selections, as they can be pretty extensive and may cover the kind of lighting you need.

Reminisce on the good old glory days of past decades, with vintage lighting fixtures. While many of these styles are no longer produced by lighting companies, other manufacturers have various vintage lighting products and accessories to choose from at affordable prices. Many lighting companies are seeing the value of going back through past lighting trends, and some of them even go so far as to preserve and restore vintage lighting products. If you’re looking for a particular lighting design, it would help to track down the company name and ask if they offer remakes or restorations for that fixture.

Tips on Killer Outdoor Lighting

Lighting isn’t just good for inside the home. If you have a garden, patio, or front yard that looks stunning in the day, use a couple of great outdoor lights to make them visually appealing at night, too.

You’re not going to be using a lot of direct, overhead lighting outside, unless you purposely want the extra glare to illuminate a social activity, such as a party or other type of gathering. However, if your intention is to make the outside of your home look stunning, focus more on using accent and ambient lighting to highlight the beautiful parts of the place.

Instead of drawing up blueprints of your backyard and planning where to put your lights, scope out your front yard at night and take a flashlight with you. It’s always better to visualize how your lighting might look, as opposed to “imagining” how it might look on paper.

An important consideration to make when planning outdoor lighting is safety. Remember that you won’t be constantly monitoring your lights outside, and you have to take into account potential fire hazards. This is especially true if the lights you use tend to overheat, and might cause dry leaves or branches to ignite, so be careful where you position your lights. Also, it might be a good idea to invest in lights that have a timer or photocell that turns off on its own when exposed to sunlight.

If you use decorative gas lamps, turn them off when not in use, such as on ordinary nights when nothing is going on. Decorative gas lamps use up a lot of energy, and will definitely make a significant dent in your energy consumption costs.

For electrical lighting, opt for long-lasting fluorescent light bulbs, or even better, LED lights that will outlast the average bulb. One may also consider exterior lighting for safety purposes, and not just aesthetic. For instance, motion sensitive lighting is a good idea for keeping shady characters away, and is a better choice versus keeping your porch light on the entire night. Solar-powered security lights are also excellent alternatives.

It’s also essential to prioritize lighting walkways and stair steps outside, as these are accident-prone areas at night. Before starting on decorating the rest of your garden, make sure these places are adequately covered. It doesn’t need to be fancy; in fact, you don’t have to use excessive amounts of light—just enough that people can see where they’re going in the dark.

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The Disadvantages of Sitting Too Much

If you think that sitting for prolonged periods throughout the day is benefiting your body, think again! A lot of studies have shown that an inactive and sedentary lifestyle do the opposite. You don’t give your body the rest you think that it needs. In fact, you are only making your physical condition worse. Yes, sitting too much is just as bad as smoking cigarettes when it comes to the effects it can have on your body.

So, what exactly are the disadvantages of sitting too much?

Sitting too much can lead to various physical conditions due to lack of physical movement or activity. Yes, office workers and those who spend a lot of time working in front of computers are the people who just don’t give their heart rates up to benefit their well-being. What this means is their muscle, the heart included, lack stimulation which is needed to stay fit. If the heart is affected enough, the individual could suffer from different bodily conditions.

What are the conditions caused by a sedentary lifestyle? The most obvious condition is obesity. Next is type II diabetes, followed closely by heart disease. In certain situations, cancer can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

So, how can an individual solve the problem of inactivity if he really has no way of going about his work without being glued to his desk? A simply solution is to use an ergonomic work table. Such a piece of furniture allows an office worker to stay standing for most of his work day to allow his heart and muscles to get the physical movement that they need. This is definitely better than spending eight hours hunched over a desk. The usual result is a tired and aching back at the end of the day.

Aside from getting an adjustable height work desk, an office worker can improve his health simply by walking. As such, an individual should take the stairs instead of the elevator. He should park his car as far away from the office building as much as possible. In fact, any person should aim to walk in order to stay fit and healthy.

In conclusion, sitting too much brings a lot of risks to the person with the sedentary lifestyle. As such, any office or stay-at-home worker must make it a point to take frequent breaks in order to get blood flowing properly again.

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Fixing a Lamp: Learn How to Do It

Any room can benefit from the light that comes from a lamp. In fact, most modern homes have lamps that add to the beauty of the space aside from keeping the area well-lit. The practical side of lamps and the aesthetic aspect that they contribute to homes just make them important fixtures to get. The ambient light that issues from lamps differs greatly from the light provided by other kinds of lighting fixtures.

Now, it cannot be avoided that lamps can acquire defects through accidental falls or they get broken from being used all the time. This would not be too much of a problem if you are not particularly fond of a certain lamp. However, if it is your favorite lamp that becomes broken or defective, you surely want to do what it takes to restore it to its former beauty. Well, if the problem is not huge, you can do something to fix the problem. This is good for you as you get to save on professional fees for repairing your broken lamp. On the other hand, you get a sense of fulfillment from salvaging what is left of your beloved lighting fixture.

So, here are steps on how to fix lamps depending on the defects that you see in them.

• Burnt Lamp

A lamp that has burned is dangerous. As such, you have to deal with it properly and immediately. The easy solution for this problem is to replace the light bulb with a bulb with lower wattage. This will prevent the lamp shade from a similar accident in the future. 

• Faulty Switch

A faulty switch (one that does not switch a lamp on and off) needs to be replaced. You just unscrew the ring located on the top of the lamp. Remove the cover base and get the switch. Replace the defective switch and rewire the circuit. Be sure to test the switch before you put the lamp together again.

• Flickering Bulbs

If you notice that the bulb in your lamp flickers when you use it, you can do something to see whether the bulb is defective or it is the lamp itself. What you need to do is get the bulb and put in on a different lamp. If you don’t notice any flickering on the other lamp, then the problem is with the socket. You only need to clean out the socket with a clean cloth. You also need to bend the metal tab in the socket to make sure that the bulb gets better contact with the metallic part of the lamp.

• Long Cord

This simple problem requires a simple fix. As long cords can be accident hazards, you only need to shorten the cord of the lamp. This way you prevent accidental tripping on the extra length of cord.  Simply cut the cord to the length you prefer. Then, rewire the cut portion into a plug.

The quick and easy fixes for broken lamps are things you should consider before calling in somebody to do the job. When you fix a broken lamp on your own, you can save money in the process.

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Guide to Choosing the Perfect Desk Lamp

While getting a good desk lamp for your home might seem like the typical no-brainer, try and give it a little thought. Remember that good lighting is a major factor in keeping your eyes healthy, as well as your productivity levels high at night.

Some considerations need to be made, and an attention to detail will be very helpful. For instance, how do you turn the desk lamp on and off? Is the switch accessible? Does the unit utilize a pull chain? Also look at the base, as this has to be extra sturdy to hold the lamp together. Check if the base is correctly weighted and will not result in any tip-overs, whichever way you position it. In addition, ensure that the unit uses a light bulb that is easily replaceable and will not need to be specially ordered.

If you’re thinking about getting a lamp for a kids’ room, keep in mind that you will want a lamp with extra durability. This is not to say that your kids’ first instinct will be to knock the lights over, but if you live with relatively young children, this is an unintentional possibility. You can either pick a lamp that stands on a study table, or a clip-on light for better overhead lighting. Also choose lamps with creative designs like cartoon characters and colorful patterns; your kids will love you for it.

Getting a lamp for more adult work is different, though. If you have a large study and your desk is a little on the larger side, try out old fashioned banker’s or Tiffany lamp that will illuminate a wider area. What’s more, these kinds of lamps blend well with antique designs, and are an aesthetic addition to any room.

Some homes have basements that are converted to family rooms, or even home offices. If your study is in a place that is a little darker than usual, consider getting LED lighting, or halogen lights. These are usually brighter than your standard light bulbs, though these may be a little along the pricey range. Stil, LED lights tend to burn out a lot longer than the average light bulb, so in the long run, it’s actually the more cost-effective choice. Another option would be to combine the lights of a desk lamp and floor lamp to provide better illumination in dark areas.

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Island Lighting

Kitchens are made all the more efficient by island countertops. Islands usually have creative countertops, designed with extra cabinets, shelves, overhead storage areas, and sinks. Kitchens are generally known for their particularly bright lighting, mostly because of all the activity that takes place in a kitchen. Installing lights for your kitchen islands is a great opportunity to improve your kitchen’s functionality, as well as its aesthetics.

If aesthetics is what you’re after, chandeliers are beautiful additions to any kitchen. Depending on the type of chandelier, it can provide a good source of lighting for your island, although most chandeliers are really not built for task lighting. Still, if you want an attractive kitchen, a chandelier will make a good source of secondary light, in addition to the different kinds of island lighting fixtures.

Pendant lighting is popular for kitchen islands. This is because the light they provide is very direct and straightforward. A downrod places the source of light a lot closer to the island, making it better to see whatever you’re doing. Generally, more than one pendant light is hung in a row over an island; the rule of thumb is to follow odd numbers, such as three or five pendant lights in a row, though this may depend on other factors like the length of the island, as well as the lights’ designs.

Track lights are also a good choice of island lighting, specifically the light emitting diode (LED) type. LED lights are perfect if you want to save on energy costs, though the initial buy might still be on the pricey end. (Still, if you want extremely long-lasting lights, LEDs are your ultimate solution.) Track lighting is also a lot more flexible than pendant lighting, mostly because you’re allowed to fix them up any way you want.

Recessed lighting can be used to highlight the important features of a kitchen, such as appliances and other architectural features. If you have any dark spots on your kitchen island, recessed lights can balance out the shadows. A good place to install recessed lights are underneath cabinets or shelves, if you have them on your island.

You can also make island lighting a lot more effective by matching up the finish on your island with the color of your lighting fixtures. A lot of sinks look relatively plain, however, more dedicated homemakers tend to decorate island countertops with specific finishes. 

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Pumping Up The Party with the Best Lighting Techniques

Unlike how they make it seem in the movies, party lighting involves a lot more than simply stringing together a couple of strobe lights and letting them blink crazily on and off the whole time. Coming up with the best lights for parties usually takes a lot more finesse than that, and lighting can play a pretty huge role in creating just the right ambiance you want for your gathering.

The first thing you need to consider is what kind of party you’re holding. For instance, there’s not a chance that you’re putting up green neon lights in your living room if you’re entertaining a more adult audience for a sit-down dinner. Conversely, you’re not going for formal mood lighting if you’re throwing a graduation pool party for a sister. Think about what the party is for before you start worrying about what kind of lights to get.

The second consideration is size. How much space are you lighting up? You’re going to need different lighting techniques to make smaller spaces look bigger, for instance. If you have a larger space you can work with, then that’s awesome.

One crucial technique for most parties though, is that you don’t want the same ordinary overhead lighting. It’s quite bad for mood lighting, and the best lighting techniques are usually built around dim light, so turn down the glare with a dimmer switch. Or switch to the ambient lighting that most floor lamps and accent lighting fixtures are meant for. If you don’t have a dimmer switch, simply turn off the ordinary light bulbs and replace them with low wattage yellow lighting for a better effect.

In fact, the rule of thumb is to have, at most, three lighting sources in the room, just keep well away from the ones overhead. Floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights are good examples of the best light sources for effective mood lighting.

Also, don’t be afraid to get creative! If you’re aiming for a fun, turn-up-the-music kind of get-together, opt for colored LED lights that will make your room buzz with vibrancy and trendiness. If your party is a little on the formal side, you can choose candle light (with elegant candlesticks) over colored lights, and position them in strategic places around the room. Remember, how to spice up your party depends largely on what kind of party you’re throwing, and it’s good to keep this in mind when considering different lighting techniques.

Useful Tips in Buying Outdoor Lighting

The outdoor lighting you put in your outdoor space does three things: illuminate the space, add beauty to your surroundings, and keep intruders away. Yes, outdoor lighting fixtures are useful pieces to add to your home. Good thing that there are multitudes of styles and designs to choose from. However, the number of fixtures to choose from could completely bewilder you. As such, you can benefit from the following tips on how to buy outdoor lighting.

Here are useful tips for you:

• Find out your purpose for buying outdoor lights
  This first tip is crucial as you will be able to zero in on the type of lighting fixtures to purchase. So, be sure to answer the following questions: Do I want to illuminate a walkway? Do I want to highlight a plant or statue? Do I intend to keep burglars away? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you pick the right fixtures for your outdoor space. When you know what you want you can have an easier job of selecting from the different accent lights, path lights, and security light available.

• Determine the type of light that you want
  There are different types of lighting fixtures fit for outdoor environments. Here are some of the most common.

Lanterns
You can hang lanterns over your door. However, be sure to keep the bulb of the lantern 66 inches above the top part of the doorway.

Pendants
It is also possible to attach pendants to the ceiling above your door. Just be sure to keep the bottom part of the fixture six inches above the door for safety.

Pier and Post Mounts
Lighting fixtures can also be installed on top of walls and roofs. These are the pier mounts. Post mounts have to go one to two inches below the surface.

Security Lights
With security lights, you need to ensure that you put them in an inaccessible place so that persons with bad intentions cannot get to and disable them. It is advisable to put light fixtures in every side of your home.

• Pick a design theme that goes with the look of your outdoor living space
  Yes, you need to coordinate the outdoor lighting fixtures you buy with the existing theme of your front or back yard. You won’t find it too difficult as light fixtures are made of different materials. Plus, these fixtures have different finishes. Just be sure to pick something that will go well with the overall theme that you want for your outdoor environment.

•  Go for bulbs with low wattage
  When looking for something to adorn your space or to illuminate it, choose fixtures with low wattage. You will benefit from the energy-saving capacity of these products.

• Consider other features that go with outdoor lighting fixtures
  One of the features you need to look out for is motion sensor. This can be helpful if you intend to keep intruders out of your property. The motion sensor will turn on the light once motion is detected. You actually save a lot on electricity bills with motion sensor technology.

Be sure to remember these tips when buying outdoor lighting for your home.

Buying a Wall Sconce 101

Wall sconces have the ability to evoke a magical feeling in any room where they are found. Whether it is a hallway or a foyer, you can bet that wall sconces can aptly set the mood that you want to create. In fact, just by being there on your wall and providing illumination, sconces can give the room a distinct character.

It is good to know that wall sconces come in lots of styles and materials. There are sconces made of wood, brass, iron and combinations of different materials. Because of this, you will surely need to know how to buy a wall sconce. However, before you pay for any wall sconces, you have to know how to buy a wall sconce.

Basically, wall sconces differ in the material they are made of. As such, you might want to know as much as you can about these materials so that you can pick the sconce that suits the décor of your home.

• Wooden sconce
  A wooden sconce is the best choice for homes with rustic feels. As such, they are great for homes with earth tones or with many plants.
  
  Wooden sconces can be safely used with candles to give the desired effect. How safe are these sconces? Basically, wooden sconces come with blocks of wax encased in metal. Because of the metal housing, the candle has no way of burning the sconce.
  
  If you choose well, you will get your hands on wooden sconces that are made to withstand the elements and cannot fall prey to termites. Just be sure to ask the manufacturer about this.

• Brass sconce
  A brass sconce is durable and functional. The material can withstand the weather and is strong. In fact, these are the sconces that light up porches or entryways. Furthermore, light that reflects on the brass gives the fixture a shine that is all its own. In short, your porch or entryway can get a magical feel with brass sconces.
  
  Just be prepared to do a lot of polishing on these sconces. Brass does have the tendency to become dull over time. But, if you want something a little less shiny and sparkly, not polishing your brass sconces can give you that effect. Plus, when you pick this type of sconce, just make sure that it complements the other elements of design in your home.

• Iron sconce
  The dark and durable material of the iron sconce makes it the easiest to clean. Furthermore, stains are difficult to see. This type of sconce is the best option if your home has the Old World style. Also, if you live in a grand mansion, you can definitely use iron sconces. 

In conclusion, wall sconces can be great sources of light as well as excellent décor. The play of light and shadows brought about by wall sconces makes your living space more interesting and striking. As such, you owe it to yourself to buy the right wall sconce that will evoke the feeling that you want. Just remember your style and the existing theme in your home and you will not go wrong in selecting the right wall sconce.

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Home Décor 101

Does your house need a facelift? Are you tired of seeing the same things day in and day out? You have two options: you can renovate your home or update your home décor. Well, between the two, updating your décor is the most money-saving option. The small details that you put in your home can do a lot to change the look of your home.

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Assess your style

This is the vital first step that you must take. If you know the style that you want to create for your home, you can pick the décor pieces that suit the style. This allows you to pare down your options and make the selection process faster. Here are the common styles of décor:
• Contemporary – this is the style that shows off your modern style. As such, it is the style with splashes of color in accessories and furniture.
• Cottage – this style is the more laidback one. It features white washed wood, light colors and other elements of nature.
• Eclectic – this style is the one that is cutting-edge. It is a mixture of different styles, so you can put together different patterns, colors and accessories.
• French Country – this is the style that is formal. You can see iron, lace, toile in hues of blue, red and black.
• Traditional – the traditional style uses furniture and accessories that blend with the color motif of the room.

Assess your space

After deciding which of the style you want to create, you have to consider the space that you want to give a facelift.
• Select a focal point. This is the part of the room that will serve as the center. This means you have to select the part that can have the greatest impact – an area rug, an artwork or your fireplace.
• Pick a theme. Think about your focal point. Find out any outstanding feature (color, place of origin, feel) it may possess. You can base your theme from that outstanding feature.
• Get rid of clutter. Before you can put in new décor to the place you want to update, you have to get rid of things that are just cluttering up your room. 

The buying process
After assessing your space, you can then go about the business of selecting the pieces of décor to add to your room.
• Choose interesting accessories. The accessories you pick can enhance the beauty of your room or give it some charm. Thus, you can put in tiny trinkets, decorative rocks or glassware. Just be sure not to overdo it as you will create a crowded or cluttered look.
• Bring in flowers or potted plants. Colorful flowers and verdant greens give any room a vibrant feeling. Or if you want, you can also put in silk flowers to blend with your main color scheme.
• Put in wall décor. Based on the style you want, you can purchase artwork that you can display on your walls. Other options for wall décor are mirrors and sculptures.

To sum up
Looking for fantastic décor pieces for your home takes time. However, you don’t have to be stressed while doing so. Just have a clear picture of the result that you want for your room. When you have that in mind, you will have a guide in selecting the décor pieces that suit the style you want. 

Buying a Bathroom Light 101

Buying a Bathroom Light 101

Desk Lamp 101

Do you need more light at your work desk? The answer to this problem is a desk lamp. A desk lamp that you can place on your desktop can help you see things more clearly in your home office, home library or study room. However, these lamps do not only provide you with ample light, they can also make your work space appealing and attractive. In short, the desk lamp that you purchase should be functional and attractive.

What are the different types of desk lamps?
Basically, desk lamps are lumped into major categories. You have traditional style desk lamps and contemporary style desk lamps.

• The traditional style is seen in the older designs. This means they were popular in the yesteryears. However, just because they are old-fashioned does not mean that do not have room in modern homes.
• The contemporary style desk lamps are the trendy ones that go with the times. The most popular ones are the metallic desk lamps with sleek designs.

What are the different desk lamp designs?
Desk lamps come in different designs. Here are the most common designs.

• Adjustable Arm Desk Lamp. This is the perfect design if you want a lamp that you can bring closer to wherever you are on the desk.
• Gooseneck Desk Lamp. This lamp lets you twist the neck to provide light it the area you prefer.
• Clip-On Desk Lamp. A clip-on desk lamp saves space as you only need to clamp it on table or desk edges.
• Tree Desk Lamp. Like a tree, this design has three “branches” that can be individually twisted to direct light where it is needed.
• Task Desk Lamp. This design is specific for arts and crafts because they have lightweight structures, moveable heads and clip-on bases.
• Decorative Desk Lamp. True to its name, a decorative desk lamp is used for space accent with its ornamental fabric.
• Magnified Desk Lamp. This lamp is need for embroidery and reading because it reduces eyestrain.
• Organizer Desk Lamp. This lamp is as functional as it can get. You will find extra pockets and compartments for storing pens, paper clips and small tools.

How do you find the right lamp? Here are three tips to help you decide.

• Determine where you will place the desk lamp

This one does not seem to be really important. However, when you already know the exact place to put a lamp, you can focus on the particular qualities or features that you want to have in a lamp to provide you with light.

• Find out the purpose for buying a desk lamp

This would mean that you need to determine what your intention for buying a desk lamp is. Do you merely want it for accent lighting or do you really need it to provide you with sufficient light while working on your paperwork? Knowing your exact purpose will help you pick the right lamp.

• Assess the overall design style of your room

You need to do this so that you can pick a desk lamp that will make your room more beautiful to look at. Plus, the lamp you must should go well with the color motif of the room as well as with the other pieces of décor.


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Framed Art 101

Your wall can look amazing with framed art. There are lots of themes that make good subjects for framed art. In fact, you can find a lot of artworks of sceneries, people, animals and other pictures that are fit to be displayed on your walls.

But of course, don’t expect purchasing framed art that are pretty old to be easy. It can pose a lot of challenges. You have to ensure that you are paying a huge amount for something that is totally worth its price. To do that, you need to be skilled in telling genuine art from fakes. When you do, you won’t be wasting money on something that is an imitation of the real thing. Besides, oil paintings are not the only things that can be beautifully framed. Frame art can be original art, prints or lithographs.

How do you determine whether the framed art is an original, a print or a lithograph?

• Original Painting

If you are lucky, you will find an original painting that was made by the hands of the artist himself. The medium does not matter as long as the artist worked on the artwork with his own hands. Plus, original paintings come with the affixed signatures of the artist.

• Print

Prints basically have three prerequisites. One, the master print was done on a plate, a stone or a wooden block. Two, the print was made by the artist or was under his supervision. Three, the work is approved by the artist. The prints are made on paper.

• Lithograph

This image is a reproduction made on a smooth flat stone or metal plate. The image is made using greasy material and the rest of the surface made to repel ink.

How to select and buy framed art

• Look into authenticity

Regarding original art, it is very important for you to look for something that is the real thing. If you know your art and your artists, you will not have a hard time telling whether the brush strokes are those of your favorite painter or not. Be sure to detect variations in the strokes as that could mean the painting is a fake.

• Consider the quality of framed art

Your purpose for buying framed art is to beautify your home with it. As such, look for artworks that will look great hanging on your wall.

• Scrutinize the pictures

Shopping online lets you do this. When you can get a view of the actual artwork, you will get an idea of how it will complement the wall you intend to spruce up.

• Decide how much you can shell out for framed art

Buying authentic framed art is costly. And so, if you just don’t have the budget, you can opt for fancy framed art that does not cost as much. A replica of an original could do just as well.

• Buy from auctions

Great framed art pieces can be found in auctions, whether local or online. Just make sure that you are not exchanging your hard earned cash for a replica.  

• Seek the help of an art dealer

Art dealers can lead you to good quality framed art pieces. As such, making appointments with a few can let you see pieces that may meet your requirements.

To sum up

Framed art pieces need not be expensive. You just need to think out of the box and find pieces that will look great on your walls.

Bathroom Lighting That Fits Your Mood

The right bathroom lighting design is simply one of those things that will challenge you when you are doing a bath remodeling project.  Too little or too much light can affect whether you apply your make up successfully or not. Low illumination will make you miss the important things that you need to address during grooming and dressing. Too much lighting magnifies your make up flaws and creates an illusion of some things that are not apparent during normal lighting conditions. Finding just the right level of illumination is a tricky challenge. 

With a myriad of lighting fixtures to choose from, for your general illumination needs, you can narrow down the choices to just three. Flush Mount or ceiling mount, Chandeliers and recessed lighting, these are able to provide different lighting intensities and a wide array of effects. A well placed ceiling mount can add class and modern touch to any of your bathroom lighting needs. If you want a stylish look, go for a small chandelier embellished with crystals. It exudes a sophisticated aura while providing ambient light at the same time. Recessed lighting adds a modern bright look to any room without the harsh glare. 

Great bathroom lighting design is as essential as deciding which flooring glass works or vanity cabinet to use.  Bathroom lighting is better when it is bright and consistent. This minimizes eye-straining glare and unnerving shadowy parts in your bathroom. Sconces create sufficient and classy accent lighting. Dark spaces are easily well lit and you favorite picture can be made as focal points. You can also create soothing visual effects for your bathroom lighting plans anytime. 

Quoizel lighting consists of a wide variety of decorative lamps and lighting fixtures. For more than 70 years it has been dedicated to the design, promotion and support of its wide spectrum of fine lighting and home accessories with dedication and attention to detail and styling.

If by chance, you consider yourself to be one of those people who love to spend a lot of time in your bathroom facing the vanity mirror, for all those task-oriented lighting needs, you can use vanity light fixtures. These are great for they provide the necessary illumination to take care of your personal needs like shaving, combing, applying makeup, and more. While these types of lighting can provide the illumination you need, most are also good looking enough to complement most of your bathroom decorations. 

Everybody knows that a long soak in the tub with hot water and aromatic oils is an awesome stress reliever. However when your bathroom light glares offensively overhead, the relaxing mood dissipates immediately. Some people like to spend more time in the bathroom without realizing it. Specially more if there is a pleasant lighting style in place. Relaxation is taken to new heights with just the right light in mind. There are tubs and shower enclosures which can only be proper illuminated using enclosed recessed downlight. 

With existing or newer types of bathroom styles to deal with, it is always refreshing to have an open mind when it comes to choosing which decorating ideas to employ to make your bathrooms as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. In the end, only you can decide what to use, after all, you will always know which best fits your style and mood. Make your bathroom the best there is for you to live with. 

Indoor and outdoor lighting are two very different things. But you can make the smart choice by using energy saving lights to illuminate both your bathrooms and even outdoor swimming pools. 

To finish this off, it is a great idea to always employ the services of licensed electricians to install your bathroom lighting needs. Keep your bathroom lighting fixtures installed properly and safely.  You cannot be too safe when it comes to combining style, lighting fixtures and wet areas. 

Lighting Tips For Your Homes and Restaurants

Most if not all the products and items for sale have specific purposes, fortunately for some they have multi functionality as a cool bonus. From modern lighting and furniture to all types of lighting fixtures, styles and options, each one has a combination of exquisite designs and specific or multi-functionality built in its product design. This statement may hold true for most luxury furniture or office furniture created and produced! With an ever growing collection in modern home furniture, home appliances, and lighting products today, it might seem difficult to select the best ones to use. But worry not, for you will always have lots of choices. There are items for different parts of the room and are great when complemented using other home improvement items. There are evidently distinctions between indoor and outdoor lighting, and these are used for all seasons and occasions. Be it winter, summer, spring or fall.

Your own personal preference and sound judgment will assist you when it comes to cost-effective lighting options and contemporary lighting design. Grab the opportunity to show your sense of individuality and style, so take advantage of the near countless modern lighting and furniture selections readily available through countless dependable online stores. Do a background check on most lighting fixtures, try and find out which are highly recommended by countless satisfied customers, most of all see if the price tag on those so-called budget lighting really are within your budget. 

Contemporary lighting design demonstrates the restrained sophistication of various modern trends. Watch out for those clean geometric outlines, sleek lines and modern materials which are brought into play and create these refined and urban fixtures of various shapes and sizes. The majority when it comes to lighting is that understated simplicity which many lighting designs try to go for are most sought by most individuals to produce a versatile function for numerous occasions and environments. The understated simplicity of modern lighting and furniture choices nowadays make them versatile options for a wide variety of environments. Stainless steel bodies with white glass shades epitomize the polished aesthetic of modern day illumination methods and designs.

Take advantage and love the fact that there are options when it comes to making your furniture glow more—with modern lighting and furniture combination. Your choices include designer furniture, modern lamps, modern office fixtures, and timeless pieces which have surely survived the test of time and the changing fashion trends. With unique high quality crafted items to adorn your homes, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy designer lamps from European brands, home accents and personal accessories collected worldwide. You can always find what you are looking for, no matter how meticulous your standards may be. If you know what you are looking for, you will find it from a few trustworthy over stock lighting dealers.

To make your homes truly cut above the rest, if you truly wish to make it so, you can always utilize different combinations from Italian furniture, Danish craftsmanship, Pakistani salt lamps, and a whole lot more from many countries and regions. By combining many styles which produce unique results, you are in your own way creating unique lighting designs and styles. Mixing and matching new methods are within your reach. Contemporary lighting and outdoor lighting selections are too many to even mention.

The finest lighting options for you are not limited to your home needs. There are also offices and business establishments to consider. For your restaurants and cafés, which should give customers a very pleasurable dining experience, lighting is crucial in creating a welcoming and enjoyable ambiance. Even office and business establishments need the best types of contemporary lighting to be competitive and vibrant, always ready to mix business and pleasure without paying an exorbitant price. This is where budget lighting comes into play. The best budget and planning can conceivable produce the best lighting styles with brightest results!

Where To Find Pendulum Clocks For Special Occassion?

The variant of option may dangle your brain just the way pendulum does in different pendulum clocks available online. From the modern-day looking, low-priced model of Bergen Pendulum Wall clock to one of the biggest of the floor and grandfather pendulum clocks like the Majestic Curio Floor Clock all kinds of collection from conventional to the highest modern well-designed Pendulum clocks as well as Pendulum wall clocks are there in different styles and variety of ranges.

The silky pendulum wall clocks may captivate your eyes with metal, mahogany and walnut finish. They could be mechanical or battery-run models with single, dual, triple chimes or even with optional chime shut-off.
Even Grandfather Pendulum Clocks can have mod-designer look:

The grandeur and style of the floor and grandfather pendulum clocks may captivate you with their conventional and modern designer looks. Precisely perfect models with black wooden case for the atomic pendulum-clocks from the companies like Seiko and other mechanical, quartz, or battery-run models from companies well-known for their traditions like Howard Miller with cherry, oak or metal finish are certainly going to grab anyone’s interest with their corporate as well as royal feel. These are also obtainable with single, dual, triple chimes or even with optional chime shut-off; also available are the Combination-Curio grandfather style of pendulum clocks which work as very elegant showcases.

There are different other options in the pendulum clocks in smaller or table clock version, especially in revolving pendulum style from Bulova Clocks, Seiko etc. which are quite new and classy looking and most of them can be very special and ideal for any anniversary gifts.

Specialty & Anniversary Clocks

Discover a few unique Specialty and Anniversary Clocks that you have always dreamed of having.

Original Howard Miller IV Antique

• Howard Miller learned the craft of clockmaking from Old-World masters who plied their special trade in Germanys Black Forest region.
• When he returned in 1926 to establish his own company in the town of Zeeland, Michigan, his first order of business was to create a clock that honored the past and focused on the future.
• This Moment in Time clock is authentic to the first timepieces that Howard Miller produced.
• Beautifully produced with fade-resistant inks, these antique dials are carefully mounted on laser cut, .25" thick, panel bases and feature antique black hands and a quartz movement.
• Available with a seconds and duel hour movement.
• Quartz, battery operated movement.
• 25" Diameter
• Weight: 8 lbs
• Manufacturers warranty from Howard Miller

Holiday Train II Miniature Collectible Holiday Clock

A holiday classic, our brightly bedecked locomotive offers pure magic with its tiny moving wheels and the functioning miniature light glowing from the engineers compartment. This is a product from Bulova.

• From the Holiday Collection
• In solid brass with green accents and red bow
• Includes walnut-finish base and engraving plate
• 1.75" Height x 2.5" Width x 1" Depth
• Requires 1 x SR527SW Battery or 2 x LR41 Batteries (not included)
• Manufacturer's 2-year Warranty

Rhythm Clocks | Crystal Flare Clock Faux Burl Wood

Encased in an elegant faux burl wood frame, the Crystal Flare shaped pendulum holds 8 Swarovski crystals. Clock is battery operated with a Quartz movement.

• Faux Burl Wood Finish
• Made with Swarovski Elements, a premium brand of fine crystal elements
• Clock is battery operated, 2 AA Batteries are included
• Precision Quartz movement.
• Your new Rhythm Clock is warranted to be free of defects for one year.
• Dimension: 11.6" Height x 9" Width
• Weight 2.5 lbs

Different Lighting Effects That Will Create a New Style For Your Home

Your interior and exterior home design should be an extension of your personality and style. Any guests visiting your home should immediately be able to discover and appreciate the sights and impressions your home décor is able to exude. Could it be sophisticated, rustic, modern, classic, gothic or anything else?  From wall colors, shelf designs, floor designs, and furniture arrangements, your living space should contain decorative pieces that give accent to your other home decorations.

Felicienne Accent Table Chestnut Brown @ LampsUSA.com (Home Decor

With just a few of these lighting design tips to bear in mind, you can start planning on what mood and function you are going to give a particular room. A bedroom for example may need only a few assorted table lamps to function properly while giving the room enough illumination fit for romance, reading or rest.  While your food creating masterpiece of a kitchen requires a complete menu of lighting fixtures from task lighting for conducting enough theatrical drama to create bountiful buffets, and specific chores safely. Overall ambient light is also needed to create a friendly and vibrant room capable of making you alert. An elegant chandelier and well matched wall sconces are able to provide diverse and adaptable lighting options while dining.

High quality Madison WI furniture and home decorations are always ready to mix and match your different preferences and styles.  With prices you can certainly live with, and probably all your favorite styles to choose from. Be it rustic to modern and anything in between, you name it they have it. With a wide selection of lighting fixtures and accents to decorate your home, you can choose from hundreds of products and new innovative ideas to explore with. Enjoy a lot of options even when you are on a budget. You might see some decors that you never knew existed.

Whatever your plans may be, be it remodeling or upgrading the lighting fixtures that you already have, it would facilitate a huge degree of improvement if you have an overall sense of what types of lighting are available out there. Knowing how each lighting apparatus performs and where to place them best can help you a great deal when you are about to decide which ones to choose. Many lighting shops have experts and designers who are ready to help you get your questions answered and offer myriad choices to ponder upon. Although there are no absolute rules that govern how much light a specific room should have. Still there a number of guidelines exist that would help most people willing to learn and experiment. These free lighting reviews will at least give you a basic view of the possibilities.

Your dining room area certainly needs soft and glowing yet romantic lighting effects for your evening dates. On some nights you might prefer bright entertaining lights for group hang outs or family dining. Yet during the morning and afternoon the dining area could be your command center for the children’s homework and project planning and work area. A well placed batch of recessed lighting plus a great combination of a focal point on sale chandelier could do all those different lighting demands day in and day out.

Madison Park 5-Light Chandelier Vista 1900-66

Employing a glass-block window in your shower or beside the bathtub also allows sunshine to peak through while maintaining your valued privacy to get the best of both worlds. Another skylight in your bathroom might strike your fancy perhaps? Even the sterile looking or boring laundry room can be fashioned into a lively room with just a new well placed window. You could also use a dimmer so you can reduce the light to a more relaxed mood while you enjoy a long, leisurely aroma therapy bath.

Know your Lighting Style

Is your lighting style a match to your personal style? Lighting is as important to home improvement as paint, appliances, flooring and arrangement. Lighting has the potential to make your home cozier, more vibrant and more personal.  Budget Lighting are not only used for the mere functions of providing light and decoration. They actually provide comfort and stimulus not only for the eyes but also for the other senses. Enough warmth relaxes you in ways mere bright lights could not. Ambiance is not something you can buy, it is something you create. Something that evokes a peaceful mood or something that gives comfort or excitement, something like the right music or great landscapes would enable people to feel refreshed or alert.

Lighting has these effects when they are used with enough skill and planning.

A totally unique contemporary design of any room in your home is not only due to the interior design and placement of appliances and decorations. The appropriate wall paint and floor design or floor tiles can contribute significantly to create a great looking interior design. Lighting or illumination also plays an important role when it comes to overall designs. During daytime and especially during night time, lighting is a crucial part of any home or building. There are several layers of lighting and illumination which anybody may want to tackle and plan for. This is important to consider when you want to make a new bathroom arrangement anytime. This includes the natural light coming from the windows.  Chandeliers can be used to create elegant lighting effects, recessed lighting mounted in the ceiling, vanity lights near the mirrors, and sconces for more illumination and many more lighting fixtures produce different results

Natural lighting includes skylights and designs for windows.  Having a window over tubs for example enhances the natural backdrop for your bathroom. Different window treatments also create different effects. Properly placing the lights in such a way that the light does not reflect off the mirrors unnecessarily is also worth taking note of. Various bargain bathroom lighting selections will help you decide in more ways than one.

Can or recessed lighting is used for brightening any room. Smartly placed, they can grant sufficient lighting or more if the need arises. Such lighting fixtures are commonly affixed near the shower and tub areas. Adjusting the number of lights or the intensity of the wattage used can provide a soft glow. It can also be used on hallways for additional lighting during the darkest of nights. . Cheap bathroom lighting options are always most welcome and well loved by countless home owners. These types of lighting allow for many variations and plans to consider.

Chandeliers inside your bathroom are not unheard of. It creates an ambiance of sophistication and elegance when you position it over your tub. You can use a model that is not too large or one that has just enough bulbs. A 3-light mini chandelier or even a single globe chandelier can provide you with just the right accent that you are aiming for. Try using the chandelier on a dimmer setting to set the mood to romantic and relaxing to vibrant and bubbly. The choice is always yours.

Strategically positioned discount bathroom lighting easily provides comfortable, adequate, and vibrant light. Various styles in placement create an aura of warmth and vitality.  Light fixtures can improve the entire ambiance of a home. Such things are assets in improving any living space. This can be responsible for a single short circuit, or it might short every fixture on the circuit. If all fixtures on the same circuit have shorted, make certain that the problem isn't with your switch. Try using a continuity tester to check for any possible malfunctions. Unfortunately, if the switch works then it is about time to replace your fixture! Using different combinations in your lighting fixtures and layers of light create a calming atmosphere. Isn’t it time to create your own style? Unfortunately, some fixtures, especially the recessed, metal canister kind and flushmount, have a tendency to overheat and burn the socket wires. Burning off the insulation and causing the socket to malfunction is a danger that should be carefully taken be looked upon.