Saturday, February 28, 2015

Modern Lighting Fixtures

When it comes to modern lighting fixtures, there is a massive list of choice available regarding sizes, designs, shapes, etc. Texture, color and tone are believed to be the three vital aspects that can bring about a U-turn in the way your house appears. For example, table lamps in fluorescent can bring a dramatic change of a room with its mixture of a blue and green. Similarly, mirrors are now an in integral aspect of lighting that can in fact magnify it.

These modern light fixtures are made from sturdy materials. Plus, they use different types of finishes for sophisticated and attractive looks. You may find fixtures with any of the following finishes: chrome, brushed steel, flute glass, polished nickel, antique brass, black or white baked enamel and bronze.

Then, you can also benefit from devices that go with modern lighting. You can find dimmers for controlling the amount of light that comes from your modern flush mount fixture. There are low voltage reflectors and tracks that cater to your specific needs. In short, your modern lighting fixtures allow you to express yourself with these features.

In conclusion, modern lighting fixtures are not only functional pieces that give off light, but hey are also works of art. The modern fixtures just let you have your shot in designing your home without ever having to attend formal interior design classes and more to have that unique look and feel of your home.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Pull Chain Light Fixture

Pull chain light fixtures are handy for basements and storage areas—until they quit working. This simplifies the wiring, but it also means that you can't turn off the wall switch when it's time to replace the fixture. Pull chain fixtures are made from either plastic or porcelain, but we recommend the porcelain because it withstands heat better and lasts longer.

A pull chain light fixture is easy to install and it is a great option for rooms that don't require a dedicated light switch, such as closets and basements.

Step 1 – Get the Ceiling Electrical Box : If you will be installing your light into existing drywall then get a cut-in ceiling box. If it will be installed before drywall or in a location without drywall, install a standard ceiling electrical box.

Step 2 – Preparing the Installation Location : Determine where you will be installing your pull chain light fixture. If it is a drywall ceiling, then cut out a circle using your drywall saw. Do not install your box yet.

Step 3 – Run the Wire : If possible, you should run the electrical wire through the attic or basement. If you are running it through the attic then use your staple gun to anchor it onto every third stud. Try to move it in strait lines but avoid sharp 90 degree turns. If you have to run it externally, then run it through conduit and mount the conduit to the wall and ceiling.

Step 4 – Install Your Ceiling Box : Push the wires through the cable channel of your electrical ceiling box. If you are using a drywall cut in box, tighten the screws on either side until it is tight and flush with the ceiling. If you are using a standard electrical box, hammer the nails into the stud you want your light mounted too.

Step 5 – Connect the Wires : Use your strippers to strip around 1inch of insulation from the wires. If you are using an insulated cable, such as romex, you can use a razor knife to slice either side and pull the outer insulation off. Connect the hot wire to the copper screw, the neutral wire to the silver screw and the ground to the green screw. Use your side cutter pliers to tightly wrap the wire around the screws.

Step 6 – Screw In the Pull Chain Light : Use a screwdriver to screw the pull chain light into the ceiling box.

Step 7 – Wire It to Electricity : Cut the power to the outlet that you will be working on using the circuit breaker. To be safe use a volt meter if you have one available to verify that the outlet is dead. Remove the outlet from the electrical box and wire your new electric wire up to the outlet. Remember, if this electrical outlet is attached to a switch, you must connect the wires to the constant hot side. Usually the top side is the constant hot side.

Turn on the breaker power. Pull the chain and you have light!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Vanity Light Fixtures

Vanity light fixtures are great-looking lights that can completely transform the looks of the place where you install these lights.  This includes the bathroom mirror, the dressing table mirror and one or more of the other rooms. For now I will discuss about bathroom vanity lighting

Bathroom vanity light fixtures comes with a set of vertical or semi-vertical lights hanging from horizontal bars. There are also vanity lights that point upwards rather than downwards with respect to the fitting of the bar. A bathroom vanity light fixture will practically always contain more than one lamp. In fact they may contain from two and up to five lamps or so. The lamps look fantastic with modern and classic designs.

Fitting a bathroom mirror light should be done around six feet above the ground. These lights best go with wide mirrors. Fit the light on the top of the mirror so that you get a clear vision while shaving or applying make ups. If you go for a choice of higher number of vanity light fixtures then do not make the light lamps too powerful to avoid getting dazzled by the mirror's reflection.

In summary, using bathroom vanity light fixtures properly can simultaneously improve the looks and the practical usability of your bathroom. Plan carefully based upon your bathroom's design and go for a good vanity light fixture.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

t5 light fixtures vs t8 light fixtures

Let's take a look t5 light fixtures vs t8 light fixtures fluorescent technology and see how they stack up. This is important because the T5 lighting could cost you 2x more than T8 Lighting.  But the t5 lamp also has several advantages compared to t8 lamps. Let's start comparing.

- Size Of The Bulbs: A T5 bulb is roughly the same diameter as a $.10 dime.  A T8 bulb is closer to the size of a $.05 Nickel.  The T5 is the smaller of the 2

- While the chart above is generally true, it is important to evaluate the application and determine the cost benefit of T5 over T8.  By doing so, you will be able to determine if the increased efficiency of T5 justifies the increase in initial and long term maintenance costs.
T8 = higher efficiency

T5 = highest efficiency

Brightness Levels T8 vs T5

There are several different factors that determine levels of efficiency. The quality of light, often referred to as lumen output(also called "brightness" by the Department of Energy) is an important factor to consider. Quality of light measured is measured in CRI (Color Rendering Index), and quantity of light measured in LPW (Lumens per Watt).

 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Rustic Light Fixtures

Rustic light fixtures will make rustic home theme be perfect. Rustic light look great not just in rustic-themed rooms but also in other types of room themes. Rustic lighting gives a home a lived in, warm feel. They are also very artistic in nature. They bring the elements from outside to the inside warming your home with not only light, but with genuine warmth and a down home feeling. There are so many choices that finding a rustic light fixtures for your home is simple. To help you choose the perfect lighting fixture for your needs, here are some great rustic lighting ideas.

  • One of the most original rustic lighting ideas is an antler candle holder. Just create a hole in the middle of the antler where you can put your candles. You can also install a light bulb into the antler.

  • You can also use wood trims or twigs to create a rustic lamp. If you have a plain lamp at home, just glue twigs of the shad or you can create a base made of wood trim. This will instantly transform your boring old lamp to something that looks very rustic.

  • Another great idea is by using dried, sturdy leaves. Go outside a collect some dried leaves that have fallen from a tree. Dip them in shellac and paint them in different colors or a single color, depending on your preference. Glue them one by one on your lamp shade. This is a very cheap and unique way to create a rustic lighting décor.

  • For your kids' bedroom, you can create a lampshade with pictures of animals such as horses, sheep, chickens, or dogs. If you know how to paint, you can paint these animals on a piece of white fabric that you can sue to cover the lamp shade. You can also create a miniature wheel of a wagon that pioneers used to travel to the West. Put this on the base of the lamp, adding a rustic touch to this once plain lighting décor.


These are some great idea for rustic light fixtures. Choose the ones that you like best and that will perfectly complement your room's decors.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Pendant Light Fixtures

These days the pendant light fixtures have really become a fashionable option for a lot of people. Pendants make home lighting look beautiful. And with the right pendant light fixture, the whole look goes up by another notch. If you think deeply, you would realize that the fundamental value of pendant lights lies in using the right fixture. Right fixtures not only improve the looks of the pendant lighting, but also make such lighting a practical option.

Pendant lights fixtures are usually employed in the cooking area and at times in the bathroom. Just merely hang it on the ceiling in a straight line more than kitchen countertops and dinette sets. Pendant light fixtures arrive in a massive variety of sizes and fluctuate in components such as metallic, bronze, glass or plastic and are normally suspended by a cord, chain, or metallic rod. It is fantastic for operating or enjoying areas in a way exactly where tables are lined up this sort of as kitchen islands, bar regions, desks, operate spaces, studying areas, and even for pool desk lighting effects. The opportunities and choices appear limitless when you are wanting into pendant light fixtures, so it is essential to browse around and study a bit.

Pendant light fixtures are great options in preparing the furnishings that will add up the magnificence of the interior design of your dream residence. Their light is much more concentrated, you can get by with less lights than you may at first assume. It is also simple to complement your pendants with other lighting effects this sort of as desk lamps, sconces, and other lighting solutions.

In addition, pendant light fixtures can be employed with eco-pleasant light bulbs, so they are each power efficient and great for the atmosphere. There is absolutely nothing far more gorgeous with the mix of excellent design and eco-friendliness.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Hanging Light Fixtures

Hanging light fixtures are used to hang pendant lights. The pendant lights look beautiful if good-looking models are used and the models are selected such that they go well at the given place of installation. If you manage to hang the pendants fixed at the right height, then the lights are used most effectively.

Hanging light fixtures are also becoming popular because of the significant advantages they provide to their users. Here are the primary advantages of using hanging light fixtures:

  • Control of brightness: Hanging fixtures can be installed to fit the light high up or low down. The higher up you fix the light, the lesser will be the brightness. So, you would fix the lights relatively lower down in a study room to get better lights so that you do not stress your eyes. However, in a staircase or hall room, you may not need the same to happen.

  • Control of light spread: The spread of the light can be controlled by adjusting the height of the hanging light fixture. If you want to spread the light to a wider radius then you shall have to fix the light higher up. That way, the brightness of the light will be lesser but it will reach out to more faraway locations.

  • Improvement in decor: Modern hanging light fixtures are available in great looks and designs. With plenty of options available, you can easily find the right light hanging fixture that will satisfy your taste.


Clearly, using hanging light fixtures is beneficial enough if one is serious about improving the quality of light received according to given needs and enhancing the comfort of living.

Track Lighting Fixtures

Are you familiar with track lighting fixtures? Track lighting is a lighting system where a track device connects to the light fixtures. This track device has electrical conductors. The power flows from the power source to the track, and the track distributes the power equally between however many fixtures are affixed to that particular piece of tracking.

Many people consider the selection and installation of track light fixtures a challenge. Once you have decided and installed your track lighting the next challenge that you will encounter is the fixtures themselves. Look at it as you would a shade on a lamp: you have the base but now the shade is going to complete the lamp. It is the same thing with selecting the track lighting fixtures.

So what are the various components of a track lighting installation that you need to know about? You should know about the different parts, after all, if your in the market to buy and install a set. Unfamiliarity with it may pose a challenge to you as to which one to buy and install. You can educate yourself with this information.

What are the basics that you need to be familiar with about track lighting fixtures?

  • Track style. There are three typical lighting methods in track lighting. These are the 3-Wire "H", 2-Wire "L" and the Wide 2-Wire "J". There are also available versions for all of these three systems. These variations allow you to choose the fixture compatible to the track. For beginners, 3-Wire "H" is good. Take time to gather more information on the different styles of track and fixtures from different manufacturers then do comparisons.

  • Line voltage track heads. There are different track head styles available. Some manufacturers offer track heads that do not require you to have a transformer. This results to a lot smaller base.

  • Low voltage lighting fixtures with transformers. These transformers allow the voltage to go lower, from 120 volts to 12 volts. The transformers attach to the track and serves as the base. However, these transformers do not go well with magnetic dimmers.

  • Wattage rating. Most of the low voltage fixtures have 50W lamps, but there are some available in 75W.

  • Extensions for track lighting heads. This lengthens the distance from the fixture head to the track via a rigid tube. It is not easy to order these extensions and usually manufacturers do not accept returned purchases. Although there are available easy-to-install extension rods, it is only compatible to "H" style only.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Kitchen Lighting Fixtures

Kitchen lighting fixtures will brighten your kitchen space, an area where most of us spend a large amount of our time, and add style and value to your home. There are a vast array of fixtures from which to choose: over island lights, chandeliers, ceiling, for low ceiling, light with fans, over table lighting, mini-pendants, track lighting, pot racks, recessed lighting and under-cabinet lights to name just a few.

Kitchen light fixtures can be as intricate or as simple as your taste. Many people who are updating wish to go with energy efficient lighting. More and more manufacturers are producing their kitchen lighting fixtures so that they are compatible with more energy efficient lighting.

Lighting for your kitchen can be categorized into task, ambient, accent and decorative and by using a balance of the different types of lighting you will able to achieve the optimum effect. Task kitchen lighting fixtures are used in areas of high activity; for example, if you have a workstation where you pay bills or where the kids do their homework. Pendant lights work great here as well as over the sink.

Accent lighting is nice for areas that you wish to draw attention to like a tile backsplash or an intricate piece of pottery in your kitchen. Ambient lighting is used to fill in shadows so you can navigate through the room without being overpowered by the brilliance of a bright light. Decorative lighting is a little bit of all of the other three types of kitchen lighting fixtures as you will want all your kitchen lighting to be attractive and compliment your décor.

By placing your kitchen lighting fixtures in an area where they will make the most difference you will easily be able to define the personality of your kitchen.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

Different types of bathroom lighting fixtures can be used to provide excellent lighting in bathrooms. The type of lighting used can help to make the bathroom appear bigger or smaller. Transforming the lighting in a bathroom through the use of various bathroom fixtures is also one of the cheapest ways to decorate or update your bathroom.

It is very important that a bathroom is fitted with good lighting fixtures. It is believed that a proper ventilated bathroom and a properly lit bathroom looks wonderful when compared to a bathroom that is dimly lit.

Nowadays, there are many forms of lighting fixtures used and each fixture has its own function.  Some of the fixtures are chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconce, recessed light, track lights and floor lamps.

Recessed lighting is a very common choice for providing ambient lighting from the ceiling. These types of lighting fixtures are very simple and may be circular in shape. They can prove the most difficult to install as they have no hanging parts but rather are located in the ceiling. Recessed bathroom lighting fixtures are perfect lighting because their unique design they are not able to collect any of the moisture produced in the bathroom or any dust.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor light fixtures are meant to last for several years without needing to be replaced. Since they are supposed to be such a long lasting part of your outdoor decor it is incredibly important to make sure that you choose the perfect style of exterior lighting fixtures for your home. A great looking lighting fixture should be unique and possess exclusive looks that will blend with your home decor and match your living standards.

Outdoor lighting fixtures hold the bulbs in position and direct and guide the light in the desired direction to produce the proffered lighting effect. These lighting fixtures can be used either for landscaping, wall mount, dusk to down, ceiling mount, water feature lighting, or lighting patios, decks, and outer spaces for festive seasons or otherwise.

A moonlight effect is achieved by putting an outdoor lighting fixture high up in a tree and positioning it such that the light is directed down wards. Silhouetting is accomplished by placing a fixture at the back of the object and directing light away from it, so that the dark contours of the object's form are visible.

Shadowing involves putting an outdoor lighting fixture right in the front of the object to produce a shadow and light effect. Up lighting, spot lighting and many kinds of other effects can be accomplished by using the appropriate outdoor lighting fixtures. There are different lighting fixtures for lighting up water features from the inside. They come with a water-resistant coating and have an enclosure to protect the bulbs.

You'll get the guides and sampling of outdoor lighting fixtures in my next articles. You need to understand about specified the exterior concept that you will use for decor to your home. After that it was only you select and search for outdoor lighting fixtures that are in accordance with the concept of your dreams.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Fluorescent Light Fixtures

Florescent light fixtures are quite popular and this is because they come with many great qualities. First, they are known to consume very low energy and they do not generate any heat. These advantages make them one of the best in their kind. They produce a white light quality which is simply magnificent.

Florescent light fixtures are environmentally friendly. fluorescent light fixtures can be installed in many places including parks, factories, stores, gardens, offices and even homes all around the world. They can match any kind of lamp form.

The fixtures are very efficient and you are now able to save money significantly in your home. They came in to replace incandescent bulbs which were far from ideal. The fluorescent light fixtures and bulbs go a long way in saving energy. It has been found that they save energy to cover another ten million houses every year.

In Incandescent bulbs there also is ultraviolet light produced (that the human eye can not actually see) but in incandescent bulbs and fixtures that require incandescent bulbs the energy is wasted because it is not used in the same way.

A great advantage that comes with this light furnishings is life span. They are designed to stay for a dozen years. This will be very helpful to you and, you will like what the fixtures have to offer. Florescent light fixtures come with a very high replacement range and they need to be disposed off in an environmentally friendly way.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Ceiling Light Fixtures

Ceiling lighting fixtures are primarily meant to hold bulbs in position, directing light in the desired direction. They come in a variety of designs, shapes, sizes, types and ranges. One should always look for lighting fixtures that maximize the light efficiency of the bulbs. Efficiency specification of ceiling lighting fixtures should be considered while making a purchase. Apart from that, one should remember that specific lighting fixtures are meant for specific bulbs and the lighting fixtures should be checked for these criteria during a purchase.

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

Here the most common types of ceiling light fixtures, and their best uses.

  • Chandeliers: Defined as hanging lights with many extending "arms," chandeliers are a classic ceiling light fixture choice. Once reserved for the formal dining room, chandeliers are making their way into all corners of the home, from kids' rooms to master bathrooms!

  • Pendants: Unlike chandeliers, pendants typically consist of a single light source. They are more contemporary and less formal than chandeliers, and gaining popularity in the foyer, dining room, and countless other areas throughout the home.

  • Flush Mounts: These ceiling light fixtures install flush to the ceiling, making them an ideal option for rooms with low ceilings, or tight areas with doors that would bump into a lower hanging light. They aren't ideal for larger spaces, however; be sure to find one with plenty of wattage and supplement with sconces or lamps.

  • Semi-Flush Mounts: Extending below the ceiling, semi-flush lights provide a more widespread illumination than flush mounts because light is able to escape through the bottom and the top of the globe. They tend to be a little pricier than the former, but are often available in elegant designs that rival the formality of a chandelier (and make quite a statement). Consider using semi-flush lights for spaces that are too small for a fancy chandelier, but still require that special decorative touch (like hallways or small home entryways).

  • Track Lighting: One of the most practical ceiling light fixtures, track lighting is technically a type of semi-flush with multiple, adjustable heads. Track lighting is an ideal choice for large spaces like the kitchen or living room (especially modern surroundings), letting you position the light to shine where you need it the most.

  • Ceiling Fans: More and more homeowners are replacing basic ceiling lights with ceiling fans for enhanced home value and comfort. Most ceiling fans today have the option to add a light kit, making them extremely practical for almost any room.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Outdoor Wall Lights

Outdoor wall lights are a unique way to illuminate your house. Not only do wall lights look different than the usual ceiling lights or lamps installed, they also take up much less space. Wall lights can imitate dusk, dawn, moonlight and many other different types of moods. They also provide a secluded sense of privacy.

Outdoor wall lights are available in traditional and contemporary styles. So many different types beautifully designed that it will astound you. You probably will have difficulties to make a final decision what to buy, but following the style that you have used to decorate your house interior, will help you.

On the market, you can find so many different styles of outdoor wall lights and every one of them give the unique touch to your house appearance. Lantern lights, among others, offer wall designs that are handcrafted in traditional manner and they look astonishing. If you are one of those people who care for environment, look at energy saving outdoor wall lights that will care for your bill in return. Led outdoor wall lights are modern designs and very practical because they save energy due to consuming a tiny amount of electricity. There are lights that have motion sensors built in and a facility to adjust the time for how long the lights will stay on.

All these lights have very specific guidelines and regulations that need to be followed in order to use outdoor wall lights properly. Expert in lighting area can show you what effect, with using which light, you will get, if put in the right place.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Wall Mounted Lights

You may choose to add wall mounted lights to your house for functional reasons, such as a bulkhead light by the back door for safety, or a sconce to help illuminate a dark hallway. But there's no reason wall mounted lights have to be strictly utilitarian. Styles are available for both indoors and out that provide needed illumination and look beautiful at the same time.

One of the most convenient types of wall lights for outdoors is a dusk to dawn light. It does exactly what its name implies: turns on when it gets dark enough, then turns off when it's light enough due to its photocell sensor. But you can get much more creative with outdoor wall mounted lights. You can even install a colour changing LED wall light outside to add a glorious wash of colour over a wall. The effect is beguiling, and lovely for entertaining.

Indoor wall mounted lights also come in a broad array of selections. Whether your decor is traditional, contemporary, or eclectic, you're sure to find styles of wall lights for indoors that can give you the level of illumination and the mood effect that you desire.

Whether you want wall mounted lights for indoors or outdoors, you should consider energy saving LED lights. These beauties not only provide bright, clear light, but also use very little energy, last a long time, and are virtually maintenance free. Numerous style choices are available in wall mounted LED lights too.

Wall lighting is a great way to indulge your creativity when decorating your house and wall mounted lights will help you realize your creativity.