Home & Outdoor Lighting

Mood Lighting Your Landscape

Perry Latham — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:01:27 +0000

Getting the most out of a landscape often involves focusing on the perfect lawn, beautiful flowerbeds, exotic plants and stonework. We devote a great deal of our energy to achieving both form and function, often at great expense, but what about when the Sun goes down? Do you just light up the areas of your garden you’ll occupy or do you go the extra mile and paint all that beautiful work with light?

Landscape lighting should always be approached with more than just utilitarian objectives in mind. As important as your grill and seating areas may be, they really are just functional. That beautiful shade tree or those ornamental plants deserve some after-hours love too, don’t they?

Using landscaping lights to bring out all that hard work at night does more than just call attention to your projects. It’s an entirely different world and mood after dark and you can use various lighting techniques to create a setting entirely unrealized during the day.

Moon-lighting, at least in terms of landscaping, isn’t about a spare job. It is the technique of mounting lights up in trees so that the light shines down through the branches. The resulting shadows and pool of light are absolutely magical, giving the tree and illuminated ground an enchanted forest look. Put a bench under the tree and you have a wonderful spot that entices guests to explore beyond the confines of your patio to chat in an intimate and inviting setting.

If your property is of sufficient size, use path lighting or tiki torches to invite guests to explore further into your garden. Guide them to your show plants, statuary and hidden nooks where they can chat (or cuddle) away from the crowd around the grill.

Speaking of statuary, any dramatic stonework or statue can benefit from up-lighting. Be careful to choose flattering lighting angles so as not to create a “Frankenstein” effect. For stonework or masonry, light plants so they cast dramatic shadows or angle the illumination to bring out the texture of the stone.

Finally, when placing any lighting don’t just pay attention to what you want to illuminate but also what you don’t want to illuminate. If your light spills over onto utilities, air conditioners, power lines and the like you’ll be calling attention to elements that only serve to destroy the mood you want to set. A tiki torch will rarely cause this problem as it will only cast light so far, but a low-voltage landscape light should be placed and aim as much with shadow in mind as light.

Solar Lighting Works for Home Security

Perry Latham — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:47:20 +0000

Solar lighting technology has come a long way in recent years, making it more versatile than ever before. For those homeowners that are safety conscious and want to use additional security methods to secure their home may use solar lighting for this purpose. Just as with any other security lighting system, solar powered lights can provide the same function with added benefits.

The benefits of having security lighting around your home are that when the outside of your home is dark, it will make it easier and more convenient for a burglar to gain entrance to your property without anyone in the surrounding areas taking notice. Illuminating the surrounding areas of your home will significantly deter burglars from your home. The security light is attached to a motion detector and once this detect0r is triggered the lights will automatically come on, flooding the area with light and alerting those that are in your home that there is someone outside. It will also make the person outside of your home visible to those around your home.

The issues with other security lighting systems is that they require wires running from inside of your home to power them or they need a batter source and that will continually need to be replaced. Wires can be an eyesore as well as frustrating to install, and batteries frequently need to be replaced and if the light is too hard to reach it makes it even more difficult.

A solar security light faces none of these issues at all. It is self powered by sunlight and so that eliminates the need for wires or batteries and it can easily be installed and used without any structural alterations. You easily put it up, set it up and it will continue to run day after day, charging during the day and running all throughout the night. The power and range of these lights will differ from model to model, so do a little online research to find the best solar light to suit your needs.

Enlighten Your Patio with Solar Patio Lights

Perry Latham — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:00:22 +0000

Lately there has been an increase in consumer demand for solar patio lights because more and more families are searching for ways to live a little greener and to reduce pollution. Solar lights are able to collect energy from the sun and enlighten your driveway or patio when it is dark.

Solar lights are able to reload themselves over and over again and that is why they are highly preferred over wired lighting. Not only will they prevent the depletion of earth’s natural resources, they will also lower your electricity bill.

There are many advantages, both environmental and economically, to enlighten your patio or driveway with solar patio lights. They form a practical solution because it is very easy to lit your patio with solar lights. Illuminating your house is not only an aesthetic aspect, it will also reduce the chance that trespassers will rob your house.

But you don’t have to limit yourself only illuminating your patio with solar lights because you ca use them for any location around your house. They are great to create a romantic effect around your swimming pool or garden landscape and they also form a solution to enlighten you pathway or driveway.

There are many different types of solar lighting and the most popular ones are: umbrella spotlights, wall scones and string lights. Especially string lights are very popular because you can buy them in many shapes and sizes.

If you want to sit outside late at night during hot summers than you also want some proper lighting so you can still see each other when you are talking to your partner. Patio umbrella lights form an excellent solution and they are available as tiny string lights which you can easily attach to your umbrella.

If you need proper outdoor lighting because you want to work late at night in your garden than solar spotlights are the best way to achieve just that.

An important notice is the fact that you do need to live in areas with a lot of sun because if there is not frequently sunlight to load your solar lights than they can not shine at night. Also prevent placing the lights on shaded areas for the same reason.

The Outdoor Sconce

Perry Latham — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:35:50 +0000

Lighting the home’s front entrance is the best way to give a warm welcome to the guest and this offers a feeling of safety to them. Outdoor lighting also enhances the home’s features and adds style to the particular area. Outdoor sconces are the best option for lighting the home and it comes in limitless finishes and designs that express the taste of homeowners.

The most important factor that should be considered while buying an outdoor sconce are budget, size, architectural finish of the home, and the lighting capabilities. But, before selecting the outdoor sconce, one must first decide upon the lighting they would like to use such as candles, electric, or battery sconce. An outdoor sconce is very important in the areas that are too dark in the evenings. One should not get carried away with the style and colors of the outdoor sconces, and they should always keep the purpose of these lighting in their mind.

Most of the outdoor sconces can be fitted with some low energy lamps that lights for ages and therefore one need not have to worry about the electricity bills on long summer evenings. One should only buy outdoor light fixtures that are weatherproof. Also, there is no point in buying the cheap outdoor lights if they have to be replaced frequently over time. Gas effect lamps go very well with the antique outdoor lighting and bring the illusion of old age.

There are many varieties available in the market and those who cannot afford for the branded outdoor sconces can go for cheap alternatives. Irrespective of the type and style of outdoor sconces one has bought, it is very important to properly install the fixtures with the qualified professionals and also regularly check the lighting. By doing so, one could enjoy the lighting for many years without any problem.

Driveway Lighting – An Overview

Perry Latham — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:14:47 +0000

Many people are afraid of driving in the dark, especially when one has to drive up to a big house. It feels as if you are going in a haunted mansion. Driveway lights are something which not only helps in eliminating the darkness but also it can give a fresh and new look to your home. The benefits associated with driveway lights are many. It helps to showcase all of your beautiful landscape at night, provides security against intruders and gives a refined as well as elegant feel to the house. Here are few things that you should consider before going shopping for driveway light fixtures.

First thing that you need to consider is, whether you need these lights or not. Driveway lighting is always a great choice for larger houses, certainly mansions, or houses on a larger plot of land. The placement of these lights should be well thought out, even before you purchase them. You have the option to choose from wide range of patterns like skewed, symmetrical and staggered.

After placement comes the positioning of these lights. There are two main options like having the lights burrowed into the concrete or placing them just outside of the driveway’s edges. You should first study the terrain conditions in detail before installing them. Each method will have its own pros and cons and thus, you should make a solid comparison between them. Other things to consider: the height of the lamp post and lights per post – carefully asses this or get the help of a professional. The needs of different individuals can be different and so there is no universal rule regarding these decisions. For larger driveways, the light height of 3-5 feet is preferred whereas for small ones, 1-3 feet is fine. It depends on the illumination you want and the overall effect that you want to achieve. This affects the number of lanterns per post and their arrangement will also be dependent upon your requirements.

Going “green” is a hot topic nowadays, because of rising environmental concerns. This is the reason why solar driveway lighting is being used more frequently these days. Solar driveway lights are not only eco-friendly but also help to save a lot on electricity bills. Bright bulbs tend to use more electricity and burn out quicker. Thus, you should choose based on having adequate light intensity and at the same time, long life. Hopefully, this article has given you some idea of what driveway lighting is all about and its various advantages.

Purchasing Great Light Fittings for Your Home

Perry Latham — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:03:24 +0000

When the kitchen ceiling light fittings cast deep shadows in areas where you really need to see, or the chandelier light fitting in the formal dining room is too big, too small, or just doesn’t fit your personal taste, new ceiling light fitting can create a functional and beautiful space.

Balancing light fixtures on the walls, under the cabinets, or on the ceiling is an important element to setting up a new lighting scheme in the home. First, decide on the style of lighting fixtures that will fit the home’s architecture and interior decor. Any period and style are fine, as there are light fixtures for a modern home, minimalist contemporary, or a more classic and elegant home.

Regardless of what type of home you live in, consider what the most important areas in the room are that need to be lit. If this is a kitchen, the ceiling light fittings need to be powerful enough to give a bright light to the whole room, along with other lighting to get into specific areas.

For a kitchen island or bar, it is a good idea to get pendant lights that hang from the ceiling or an overhang and direct task lighting without spilling over into other areas. Pendant lights typically have a stiff rod to stabilize them, but swag lamps hanging from a chain are made in small enough sizes to fit these areas as well.

Most homeowners have at least one chandelier in their formal dining area. The chandelier is a piece that attracts attention because of its location, and should be bright enough and big enough to fit the room. Many interior designers use the height of the room to determine the size of the chandelier. For every foot in height the ceiling light fitting should be 3″ across. Therefore, a 12′ high ceiling would do well with a 36″ ceiling light fitting. A large bathroom can follow the same rule, but should always be used in conjunction with mirror lights or wall sconces to eliminate excessive shadows.

High quality and high design made of materials like stainless steel, solid brass, and cast iron do not come cheap. In fact ceiling light fittings range from $300-$3000 and more at high-end lighting stores, especially for period specific reproduction pieces. However, by checking your local home improvement store the cost can be reduced. These stores carry lower end designer brands for hundreds less.

Sunergy Solar Powered Umbrella

Perry Latham — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:32:18 +0000

Have you ever wanted to break free of the typical outdoor lighting you see in every home improvement store? So many lighting products have been over commercialized to the point of dullness. Path lights, spotlights and more have become so commonplace that it seems difficult to stand out against the crowd. A lighting method that is quite enthralling but has not become main stream is the lighted patio umbrella. These umbrellas serve to not only protect users from the rain, but from the sun as well. Even without built in lighting, patio umbrellas are a stylish way to spruce up your yard. The convenience of a lighted umbrella is that you can use your backyard even at night. One particular model I recommend is called the Sunergy solar powered umbrella.

The Sunergy umbrella is special in that it gets all the electricity it needs from the sun. A special solar panel built into the umbrella captures sunlight during that day which it uses for the light at night. For your convenience, the light automatically turns on at dusk. Sixteen built in patio umbrella lights not only provide a surreal effect but give users the light they need to see at night. Batteries inside the lighting unit keep the lights on for many hours. The best part is that users don’t need to lift a finger for the system to work. The lights are attached to the veins of the umbrella, allowing it to be folded up if needed.

A powder coated finish on the support structure ensures a long life even in harsh weather conditions. The innovative umbrella mount can be placed anywhere around the yard to serve you and your guests as needed. The mount can be tilted to adjust for changes in the sun’s angle during the day. The lightweight polyester that makes up the shading portion can withstand many years of use if cared for properly.

Home Decorating with Outdoor Lighting

Perry Latham — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:52:33 +0000

Home decorating with outdoor lighting is increasing in popularity. More and more homeowners are looking to add to the value of their homes while adding their own personal touch of style. The choices for available outdoor lighting are growing as well. There are a myriad of different options and types of outdoor lighting fixtures available to accent your home and increase outdoor safety at the same time. There are so many different choices to consider that at first the task of choosing just one light fixture may seem daunting.

Increasing the light available on the outside of your home helps to deter theft and home break-in crimes as thieves will choose to go for the easier pickings first. One thing you should take into consideration when installing outdoor lighting is the additional energy consumption that the outlets will add. Many different options exist to reduce the monthly electric cost of outdoor lights from solar options which don’t add to your bill to low voltage lighting that will not add a huge draw. Lights can also be installed with timers as well to increase security and insure the lighting is only available during the times the homeowner specifies.

With such a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to begin shopping for outdoor light fixtures. One brand that stands out is Minka Lavery outdoor lighting. Minka is well known for its quality and craftsmanship. Minka lights are available in a wide variety of materials, but they are definitely on the high end of the spectrum as far as cost is concerned. For the budget minded who still want good quality products with a wider selection, Hampton Bay outdoor lighting is an excellent alternative to consider. No matter what the architectural theme of your home, you are sure to find something that fits perfectly with one of these two brands.

Choosing Patio Umbrella Lights

Perry Latham — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:47:36 +0000

Patio umbrella lights are not difficult to affix and emit all the light necessary for conversation, lounging, reading or dining. The investments or improvements which you put into your home ought to be used often to get the full advantage. The use of patio umbrella lights gives you and your family and friends the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during the evening hours for any occasion whatsoever.

One type of patio umbrella light is affixed to the central pole support and is adjustable to whatever height is desired. This type uses long-life LED lights which generally have built in battery power. Some of them even are designed with rotating light pods which may be turned to concentrate the light wherever desired. Another kind of light is made of clusters of strands which affix to the umbrella veins. This kind of lighting is stronger than the first type mentioned and will normally use a wall outlet as its power source. A small problem with this is that you do need to carefully route the power cord such that it does not present a hazard.

The lights are available in a multitude of colors to suit every taste. For purposes of dining, talking and reading, one should probably choose yellow, white or blue lights. For your get-togethers, birthday parties or pool parties, one may want to select some of the more exotic colors to add style to your occasion. The guests will certainly enjoy the creativity you show with such utilization of the lighting.

Light kits which attach easily may readily be found to fit any size umbrella. The cluster strand lighting is affixed to each umbrella vein by means of clips. Every strand is then plugged into a central port on the pole right under the umbrella. And the main power cord runs from the power port to a wall outlet. The umbrella must be removed from the table stand when utilizing the pole light fixture. The light unit is attached to the pole, adjusts to whatever height you desire and then clamps hold it secure. Further, there ought to be some adapters included with these lights so that you may achieve a snug fit given the specific diameter of the pole support.

Patio umbrella lights allow you to be creative in giving depth and elegance to the lighting of any outdoor area of your home. The ease with which this lighting may be implemented makes it an attractive solution for any event. Transforming an unused outdoor area into a place that may be enjoyed for many types of occasions is made simple with the use of patio umbrella lights. Enjoy yourself as you shop for patio umbrella lighting fixtures which accommodate your individuality.

Your Solution to Patio Lights

Perry Latham — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:59:18 +0000

Finding the best home solution to patio lights involves a lot of complicated factors. Knowing all of the different types of outdoor patio lights that are available at your disposal is the best way to make an educated decision when it comes to providing light for your outdoor space. The number one concern people have and take into account during their decision making process is how much electricity and extra power it is going to cost them to power their outdoor lighting configuration.

Outdoor patio lighting solutions can be devised easily enough once you have your heart set on a specific kind of light. Another one of the most important facts to take into consideration is the obvious thing: how will the lights you choose impact the way your home looks?

Solving the answer to that question isn’t going to be easy and it means that you can’t settle for any simple kind of outdoor lighting solution. Small details such as the color of the bulbs and the kind of casing they are inside of all plays a huge visual role in massively impacting how your home will appear.

If it is at all possible, you should begin to search for specific color light bulbs and casings to match not only the color of your home but your entire outdoor area also. A great simple solution would be to get LED patio lights as they provide the most amount of light at a price that is cheaper then even conventional lighting solutions.

If all of this is still not enough to help you make your decision then you need to bring in the big guns! Start by asking other people for their opinions on what they believe will be the best solution to your patio lighting problem. Over time, you will slowly notice that patterns of preference develop and you can begin to weigh the input of others against your own to decide which patio lights are going to be the best match for you and your home.

Using Table Lamps To Bring Modern Flair To The Rooms

Perry Latham — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:43:32 +0000

Lighting unit is now a significant element associated with home decorations. Table lamps offer lighting as well as fashion to a space. A huge range of lamps in most recent designs can be purchased to bring contemporary sparkle to every room within your house.

Contemporary table lamps went through numerous alterations in appearance as well as styles. A mixture of older patterns and innovative components has lent a fresh charm to ornamental settings.

A number of current modern table lamps provide complex look. These are excellent resource to dress up the house. You can obtain illumination while studying, writing or even executing other chores having an ambient light in the room.

Every single room has distinct specifications and the table lamp brings about ideal style of atmosphere to the area. A specially selected table lamp can offer needed impact inside a room meant to be relaxed and tranquil. You might want your friends to appreciate the antiques within the rooms by simply placing lighting fixtures that could emphasize those merchandise. However, if you are interested in improving your garden layout and appearance, getting outdoor table lamps can be a good addition as well.

When searching for table lamps, do take into account a couple of crucial factors.

Choice the right table lamp must be dependent on factors such as the area where it could be utilized and also the ambiance which you would like to produce. It’s also advisable to take into account whether only you or a few other people would be utilizing the lamp and choose based on the user’s requirement. You could possibly need table lamp that is brighter for studying and gentle lighting for warm surrounding within the living room.

A small table lamp is certainly not appropriate for a large room with bare walls but is going to be completely suitable if placed on a book shelf.

Take note of the material of the lamp. Make sure that it is durable and do bear in mind about the uniqueness when selecting any kind of table lamp.

The Origins of the Lamp

Accessorize Your Home’s Exterior with the Perfect Outdoor Sconce

Perry Latham — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:48:02 +0000

The outdoor sconce is not only a home’s favorite exterior accessory, it’s also a prime security feature with which every house should be equipped. When it comes to lighting up walkways, entrances, garage areas and back patios, outdoor sconces allow homeowners to achieve exterior beauty while providing themselves and their guests with a welcoming, well lit, safe and secure environment upon approaching the home.

Choosing the right outdoor sconce is only tough because there are limitless options from which to choose. The good thing is, no matter the style, era and design of a home and no matter it’s age, size or architectural lines, there is the perfect outdoor sconce lightingto enhance and beautify it. Also, if for some reason a homeowner has trouble finding exactly what he or she is looking for, there’s always the option of having custom made outdoor sconces to fit his or her taste preferences and particular lighting needs. Of course, choosing to have a custom wall sconce created will be a greater monetary investment than choosing a standard model.

While it’s true that many outdoor sconces are created with true artistry and feature fabulous finishes as well as high end materials, their most important attribute is the light they cast on the path, driveway, and front and rear entrances of a home. Whether you’re remodeling, refreshing your home’s exterior or starting from scratch and building a new house, be sure to take your time and consider both the style of your home as well as it’s interior décor as both should blend cohesively.

To locate the right outdoor wall sconce for your home and to find the best pricing options, start your search online. Many online outdoor lighting retailers offer free shipping, clearance prices on discontinued styles and expert advice on size, style, lighting range and installation techniques.

Light Up The Outside Of Your Home

Perry Latham — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:43:43 +0000

There are many types of outside lighting that can be used to brighten up the exterior of your home after dark. You can install lights on the front of your home, the back of your home, the side of your home, in the flower beds pointing up at the house, along walkways, and even along your driveway, among other places.

One type of outdoor lighting that not only adds interest to how your home looks when the sun goes down but that also adds to the safety of your home is driveway lights. These outdoor light fixtures are placed along the edges of your driveway to help guide you down the path so you don’t wind up on the grass. Some types of lights are embedded directly in the driveway itself, so they aren’t an obvious reminder of where the edge of the driveway is, but more subtly notify you if you are about to drive too far to the side.

You can also find landscape lights that can be placed within your landscaping to add an interesting look to your home. The lights can shine on trees, can light up flower beds or an interesting shrub, or can shine on the front of the house or driveway. This adds visual appeal to your home after dark, and also makes it safer to walk at night.

Other lights to consider are those that are placed along walkways, in front of your garage, along the back of your house, including the deck and patio, and on a front porch. These options not only brighten up the look of your home but keep would-be intruders away, since they can more easily be seen.

All of these different types of lights for outside your home come in a large variety of different styles. Many of them are also very energy efficient, using solar power or LED bulbs.

Choosing Chrome Pendant Lights

Perry Latham — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:50:24 +0000

When deciding on pendant light fixtures for your home, or any other style of chrome ceiling light, there are a lot of things to consider before making a purchase. These aren’t the type of things where you find yourself in the hardware store and make an impulse buy! This takes thought and planning to make sure that the entire process makes sense and goes smoothly. This post will walk you through the planning process so you can make the best decision for your home.

The first step in deciding which chrome pendant lighting you should choose is to take a measurement of your ceiling’s height. Standard height ceiling usually cannot accommodate pendant lights, but if you hang them in a corner or far enough down to where they can replace a lamp they can be used. Most lights hang around the 7 to 8 foot point, so if you have enough space above that, you have plenty to work with.

Also, figure out if you’re going to be replacing a light or are going to need an electrician to come and wire up your new lights. This is going to put a huge dent in your budget if you have to hire a pro to wire up your lights. Replacing existing lights is very easy, and most people can do it on their own.

The style of light you choose is completely up to you, but there are two different schools of though when it comes to chrome pendant lights. Either the light is highly functional and serves as a central or accent light to the room, or it’s a center piece all its own. The high end pendant lights are replacing chandeliers in the modern home. Be sure to figure out exactly what you want from this light before making any sort of decision on which you like.

Planning out your new lighting isn’t a tough job, but if skipped it can lead to you being very unhappy with your lights, or having to spend a ton of extra money because you didn’t factor the electrician into your budget. Spend time on this part so you can enjoy many years with your new pendant lights!

No related posts.

All About Reproduction Antler Chandeliers

Perry Latham — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:59:59 +0000

So what exactly is a reproduction antler chandelier? Well, it is a chandelier lighting fixture made from fake antler and is supposed to imitate the ever popular antler chandelier. Most of these home lighting fixtures are used in lodges, cabins, and homes that are attempting to achieve a rusting look. Another common name for fake antler is cast antler. Throughout the rest of this article, I will be discussing several different reasons why I think that more people should go with cast antler chandeliers rather than real ones.

In order to understand why I feel this way about them, you need to understand that they are not cheap. These reproductions are made mainly from polyethylene. Polyethylene is both strong and durable. Another question that many skeptics have on this matter has to do with the appearance. Folks, these units look as good if not better than the real thing. There is no question about that. Most who make these chandeliers are very skilled at what they do and do a really great job. Usually, you can even check out what they look like online before you go ahead and make a purchase.

So, what does all of this information say about reproduction antler products? What this means is that products made from this material are going to be cheaper, lighter, and look just as good as the real deal. If you are serious about getting a chandelier made form antler, then after you do your research, you will find that they usually cost a lot of money. We are not talking about a couple hundred dollars folks, more like thousands. It really depends on how cool you want it to look. You want more cascades of antler – its going to cost you more money. I also believe that, due to the fact that they are lighter, the shipping and handling costs would be much less. I hope you found this information useful, thanks for reading.

Solar Lights: A Green Investment

Perry Latham — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:38:08 +0000

Going green could be thought of as putting money into green investments. The good news is that renewable energy sources will never be depleted. For example, solar energy comes from the sun, while geothermal energy actually taps into the Earth’s internal heat for a variety of uses such as heating and cooling of buildings and electrical power production.

There are many benefits of renewable energy. The more renewable energy we utilize, the less fossil fuels we need. Choosing renewable sources of energy can save you money, but, better yet, it can save the environment.

Solar lights are a good first step to going green. Solar lighting can be used along driveways, sidewalks, patios and gardens. You can select motion activated lights or floodlights for outside security. All they require is direct sunlight for power. Although they are initially more expense then traditional lighting, the expense can be recouped by the fact that you are not required to install underground wiring. Since there is no wiring required, they are very easy to install. Also, since they are powered by the sun, they won’t drive up your electric bill.

Often thought of as outdoor lighting only, there are also ways to utilize solar lights inside your home. Solar tubes channel light through the roof directly into your home. They can light up any room with natural daylight. The light is captured by a small dome on your roof and channeled down a tube through your attic and into the room. This reduces the need for lighting during the day thereby saving power and reducing your electric bill. They work great in bathrooms and hallways.

So if you have decided to save the environment, choose solar lights. Solar light fixtures are easy to install, maintenance free, stay cool so they are safe for children, and there is not an electrical shock hazard.

Solar Patio Lights For Spring

Perry Latham — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:45:16 +0000

With spring on the way, many people begin to look forward to outdoor BBQs and other evening get-togethers. Such events usually take place in backyards or patio areas. If you are planning on having people over for a gathering, you will need to consider the importance of having enough light in the are to make the experience more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. Installing solar patio lights can make all the difference in this case.

How is your patio lit now? Most people have a single light, mounted to the wall outside with a switch to control it from the inside of the house. It is not rare to see people actually cooking on the BBQ while holding a flashlight, so they can actually see what they are cooking! Even worse, is seeing backyard or patio areas being lit with the help of an electric extension cord. A cord running along the ground is a major hazard in dark areas. The cord could become easily trip someone causing serious injury. There has got to be a better way!

That batter way is with solar patio lights. These lights can be mounted just about anywhere and have so many styles and options to choose from that it is super easy to find the combination of lights that will give you exactly the light you need, where you need it. You can choose to mount several lights around the perimeter of your patio that give a soft glow to the entire area, setting a subtle and romantic ambiance. You can set up spot lights that cast more focused lights to highlight certain areas of your patio (even the BBQ!). You can even choose from different colors of light and different intensities to further develop whatever theme you want.

The best part about solar powered lights is that they require no electrical supply source. You should mount them in areas where they can receive direct sunlight to their solar panels during the day and when night falls they automatically switch on. They even come in a wide array of decorative styles that allow you to mix and match them to fit into your existing patio landscape. With solar technology continuing to grow and solar lights becoming less and less expensive, there is really no reason not to light up your backyard with solar patio lights.

Selecting Indoor Lighting

Perry Latham — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:53:56 +0000

Selecting indoor lighting can be a very confusing thing. One of the first things that you should consider is the overall decorating theme that you are looking for. This is important so that you can begin to narrow down some of the choices for your room. You should also understand the different functions of some indoor lighting.

There seems to be a different style of light for each area of your home. Often we will use chandelier light in our formal dining room, or even perhaps in our entryway. A chandelier will add that touch of class and elegance that we may be looking for. You can choose from the Crystal traditional chandelier or you can choose from one of the many modern designs. It is important that you select the correct size based on height of your room. You certainly do not want a large chandelier in a small space. To better plan your budget, you should know that the prices would vary depending on your selection. You can expect to spend between $200 to more than $1000 for a new chandelier.

To complete your overall design, there is nothing better than to match wall sconce lighting to your chandelier. This is a great way to provide indirect lighting for any room. You can find many selections that will compliment your chandelier as well as other lighting options. There are some that also use the Crystal design as well as some of the more modern metal designs. You can incorporate the design of your room by using this type of lighting. Sconce lighting prices will also vary depending on the style that you select. You can find some the cost less than $100 and of course, you can find those that are much more expensive.

The important thing about selecting indoor lighting is to determine the location that you need to have lighted. It is important to remember that each kind of lighting may perform a different function. You can find many styles of chandelier and sconce lighting at a variety of home improvement stores as well as those specialty home lighting stores. There are many websites that sell regular or formal lighting fixtures as well. You can take a look at the many designs and prices at a variety of these online stores.

Enjoy the Christmas Feeling All Year Round with Patio Lights

Perry Latham — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:11:44 +0000

One of the best things about Christmas is all the lights. Some people go absolutely crazy for them and literally cover their houses in an assortment of electrical decoration. Lights shaped as reindeer, rabbits, cats, dogs and other stuff with dubious relevance to Christmas start popping up all over the place. I am not one of those people but I do love that it happens. Frankly, I am too lazy to go to all that effort for just a few weeks of the year. I am also usually too far behind with my Christmas shopping to go to such lengths. Now patio string lights on the other hand, this is more my thing.

I don’t have to climb on to my roof to put them up. I don’t need two kilometers worth to do the job, and I also don’t need to spend a fortune on cute extras (although I admit I really want to). Although there is now a huge variety, some very original, they don’t cost the Earth, they are easy to put up and, best of all, you never have to take them down. They also look just as amazing as Christmas lights, and really create a lovely ambiance. When you are looking for a little magic in your home and garden furniture store, a patio light fixture may just be the ticket.

One benefit that may not occur to people is added home security. Houses that are well lit are less likely to be burgled. This is just common sense. A burglar is always going to feel safer scouting the grounds and attempting entry to a house in darkness. Most criminals, certainly house burglars, are looking for things that reduce their risk of getting caught, and patio lights can help increase that risk by raising the possibility of them being spotted.

It’s worth remembering that if you don’t currently have a garden, but live in a property with a balcony, patio light fixtures can work just as well there. For the effort and expense involved in adding them to your home, they really are a bargain, regardless of which style you go for. Who knows, perhaps they might even trick Santa into giving your place an extra visit…

The Origins of the Lamp

Perry Latham — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:47:21 +0000

Home lighting began as soon as man learned to make fire and discovered it helped people to see after the sunlight was no longer available. This extended the hours of the day for activity. Gradually man found a need to make this wonderful source of light portable. He learned to make torches and found he could put flammable material in small containers to move about and give light to several smaller areas at once. He learned to add animal and later vegetable oil to the combustible material to get a more efficient lighting system. He became creative with what he burned and what he used to contain the light. The word lamp stems from the Greek word lampas which means torch.

Man learned to create vessels for his light which he made first of shells and stone and later of metal and pottery. At some point he learned that a wick made the oil burn in a more manageable way. Around 400 AD man discovered that using bees wax with a wick made light last longer. Bees wax was not as readily available as tallow, so bees wax was reserved for religious purposes and the common folk had to be content with the less efficient tallow light. Man created elaborate ways of holding candles and reflecting light but the basic system did not change until around 1783 when Ami Argand, a Swiss chemist, added a glass chimney to an oil lamp which in turn resulted in less smoke and a brighter light.

In the early 1800’s William Murdock used gas to heat and light his home in Scotland. At about the same time, Sir Davy Humphry invented the electric arc light which was used to light theaters and street lamps. In the 1820’s gas lighting became popular in England. The Chestnut Theater in Philadelphia first used gas lighting in 1816. The problem of production, storage and metering had been solved by the mid 1800’s and by the 1860’s gas jets with glass chimneys were common in cities in the US. In the 1850’s kerosene was distilled from petroleum found in mines and was used to fuel lamps for a cheap portable source of light.

In 1878 Thomas Edison formed the Edison Electric Light Company with a mission to produce light and heat by means of electricity. In the late 1800’s the Kliegl Brothers founded the American Lighting Manufacturer. Thus began our use of the modern electric lamp and shade. Today we use hundreds of materials to create lights that make use of a magnitude of color and texture. That means that outdoor and indoor lighting are not only functional but also a decorating tool. Lamps and their shades have become an art form in the blown glass of the light extravagances of Dale Chihuly or Tiffany lamps and as simple and utilitarian as our weather resistant outdoor table lamp shades.