Fabric Covered Light Fixtures:
Fabric covered light fixtures add a creative touch to kitchen lighting plans. One of the more commonly used fabric light fixtures if the drum pendant light. These fixtures consist of a large fabric covered shade and a simple light kit. This form of light fixture can also be very inexpensive. The drum pendant light can be created as an intermediate level DIY project.

The singular chandelier:

There are many chandelier styles available to suit a number of rooms/uses. A singular chandelier is a single tier chandelier that can be used to define space within the kitchen.
This style chandelier is functional and stylish when placed properly. In most cases, a singular chandelier works best over the kitchen island or kitchen dining room table.

Size Matters:

If looking to catch the eye of guests upon entering the room, consider oversized light fixtures. Placing stylish, large light fixtures in your kitchen is definitely outside of traditional overhead ceiling lights. There are also advantages to using a larger light fixture. Kitchens require several layers of light, two specifically, task light and general light. In most cases, a larger light fixture can simultaneously provide both task and general lighting.

If big is not your thing, consider a number of smaller light fixtures. While a single small light fixture may not provide adequate kitchen lighting, placing a number of small light fixtures in the kitchen can achieve the same results as one standard light fixture. Pendant light fixtures are usually the best option for homeowners that desire a number of smaller lights.

Sculptural:
Step outside of the box and consider a sculptural light fixture. These fixtures are usually large in size and of an abnormal shape or design. These light fixtures definitely serve as the focal point in the kitchen. Also, these lights provide proper illumination due to their size.

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There are four types of light dimmers used in residential lighting.  They are:

• Integrated dimmers
• Touch dimmers
• Slide dimmers
• Rotary dimmers

Each style offers a number of benefits to lighting any room of the home.

Integrated Light Dimmer

If you are easily amused by gadgets and automation, an integrated light dimmer may be the dimmer of choice.  With this style dimmer, different lighting profiles “levels” are programed or preset.  You then control the lighting in the room with a small gadget or wall panel.  Any previous settings can be restored with this method.

Touch Light Dimmer

I am sure we have all encountered a touch lamp.  Each time you touch the lamp, the lighting increases until it finally cuts off.  This is also how a touch dimmer would function for overhead lighting.  However, in place of touching the fixture, you would touch the power/adjust button.  This style dimmer is pretty close to an integrated dimmer in function.

Slide Light Dimmer

As the name implies, this style dimmer features a sliding button that controls the amount of light in a room.  This is a very simple and effective option.  There are some sliding light dimmers that have the ability to recall prior light settings.

Rotary Light Dimmer

A rotary light simmer combines features of touch and slide dimmers.  When the rotary dial on this dimmer controls the power and the amount of light released from the light fixture.  With this light fixture, pushing or tapping the fixture will power off or on the light.  In order to dim the lights with this style, simple turn the dial.  Again, a simple and effective option for controlling the amount of light released in a room.

We could go on about the many benefits of light dimmers.  However, the savings in utility costs alone make for a great argument.  What do you think is the best feature of light dimmers?

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First Things First: Light Fixtures for Wall Washing

Wall washing cannot be achieved with all types of light fixtures.  Recessed light fixtures are commonly used for this style of lighting.  When placing these fixtures for this style of lighting, the fixtures should be close to the wall.  Unlike general lighting which focuses attention on the center of the room for even lighting, this style focuses on the outer walls of the room.  This creates a very dramatic effect especially if these fixtures will also serve as the main lighting of the space.

When placing recessed light fixtures for wall washing, remember the following:

• Closer spacing will result in higher light levels
• Mounting and spacing distance should be 2 -3 feet  for ceilings up to nine feet
• Wall washing is different from wall grazing as the later creates more shadows.

Here are some great examples of wall wash lighting in modern homes:

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Accent lighting is lighting that is used to create a focal point in a room.  It is usually used to highlight the architectural features, wall art or furniture.  This style of lighting places concentrated light on the area or item in a specified area. If seeking a dramatic look, accent light fixtures should produce at least three times more lighting than the general lighting in the room.

Accent Lighting in Kitchens

There are many ways to incorporate accent lighting in a kitchen lighting plan.  Two of the more popular uses of accent lighting in kitchens are under cabinet lighting and cabinet lighting.  Under cabinet lighting are great for providing both accent lighting and task lighting.  These lights are hidden under the cabinets illuminating the kitchen countertops and backsplash.  However, cabinet lights are placed inside cabinets.  Usually, these cabinets are door less or have glass doors.  When combined with contrasting or colorful dishes.

Accent Lighting in Living Rooms

Of all of the rooms in a home, accent lighting is used most often in the living room.  The living room is usually used for entertaining and contains many decorative accessories.  Accent lighting is often used to create a focal point or enhance the appearance of the living room.  For example, emphasis could be placed on a tile covered fireplace by placing accent lighting strategically around this area.

Accent Lighting in Bathrooms

While accent lighting is not a common thread in bathroom lighting plans, there are options for adding this style of lighting.  As with other rooms, we often place decorative items in bathrooms to enhance the overall décor.  Two options for bathroom accent lighting is over a piece of wall art or to place emphasis on architecture, such as a custom shower stall.  Many bathrooms are usually smaller spaces and do not leave much room for “extras”.

Accent lighting is a great enhancement for any lighting plan.  As you can see, there is an option for incorporating this style in just about any room of the home.  What is the most creative use of accent lighting in a home you have experienced?

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General Lighting

Whether lighting a bedroom or a laundry room, almost every room will require general lighting. This is the overall illumination in the space. This light should allow visibility when in the space during the evening or nights. General lighting may not provide enough light for special tasks such as grooming or preparing food. This type of lighting usually serves as the base of the lighting plan for any space in the home. Recessed light fixtures are great sources of general lighting. When placing the fixtures in the room, it is important to space them in a manner that provides even lighting throughout the room.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is provided by both natural light and light fixtures. This is the amount of light present in a room. Recessed lighting definitely increases ambient lighting in a room. For the most part, this is a good thing. In times where a room has too much light, it usually is the result of a large amount of natural light combined with lighting from other sources. If this were the case, we would simply turn off all light fixtures until the amount of natural light decreases. This is definitely to the advantage of those hoping to minimize their electric costs.

Task Lighting

As mentioned above, there are some tasks that require a large amount of light. These tasks usually require attention to detail and lighting in a specified area. Cooking, shaving and reading are all examples of tasks that require a great deal of light. If placed properly, recessed light fixture can be a great source of task lighting. If recessed lighting is to be used as task lighting, it is important to place the fixture directly overhead in the space to be used. While recessed light fixtures can provide adequate task lighting, this is not the best option for bathroom vanity lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, also known as decorative lighting, is a great option for adding style to a space. The overall design of recessed light fixtures has a modern look and appeal. Placing these fixtures along the wall of a room can provide an attractive glow around the room. If looking to highlight a piece of art or sculpture, place the object under the recessed light fixture. The overall after of this form of lighting can definitely enhance any room.

Of the many forms of home lighting, recessed lighting is definitely one of the more versatile lighting styles. There are several options if you desire the look of a recessed light fixture in your home. What are some ways you plan to incorporate recessed lighting in your home?

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Pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling provided lighting in many rooms of the home.  These type fixtures are very verstile and work very well in several styles of home decor.  While pendant light fixtures are great for providing task lighting, these fixtures also enhance the overall decor of the room.

Choosing Pendant Light Fixtures

As we have shared in previous pendant lighting articles, when shopping for a pendant lighting, it is important to access the space in which you will hang the pendant light fixture.  Pendant light fixtures are hanging lights and improper measurements could result in a hazard to your family and your guests.  It is also best to select fixtures that blend well with the current decor and accessories used in your home.

If your pendant light fixture requires a shade, carefully consider the amount of light needed in your space.  Some shades, such as a clear glass shade, will allow more light to past through than an opaque shade.  The purpose of installing a light fixture is to provide lighting in a space, restricting the light from the fixture with the wrong shade completely defeats the intent of the purchase.

Where to Place Pendant Light Fixtures

While pendant light fixtures are generally found in kitchens, these fixtures work very well in many rooms in the home. These lamps can be used to provide lighting within a breakfast bar area or task lighting for reading in a sitting area.  There are times that multiple pendant light fixtures can be grouped together.  However, this should only be attempted if the space allows multiple fixtures without appearing cramped.

Check out Houzz for more detail on pendant lighting and how to incorporate them into your lighting plan.

Placement of Kitchen Lighting

Before you can properly create a lighting plan, you have to determine your needs.  In order to provide adequate lighting in your kitchen, before taking any steps, access your kitchen.  Consider the tasks you will complete in your kitchen and the areas within your kitchen that will be utilized the most.  For instance, if your meals are prepared on your kitchen island, include lighting in this area that provides task lighting.  While this is not the only lighting to be included in your lighting plan, it is definitely an important piece of the plan.

Shopping for Kitchen Light Fixtures

Once you have accessed your space, you will have a much better idea of the type of light fixtures you need.  This will make shopping for light fixtures alot easier and less stressful.  If shopping for under cabinet lighting, it is difficult to find the perfect fixtures among flush mount light fixtures.  Create a list of your needs before heading out.  This will create an organized and less stressful shopping experience.

Layers of Light for Kitchens

When creating a lighting plan for any room, it is unlikely that only one form of lighting will be used.  An effective lighting plan inclides several types of lighting.  General lighting, usually provided by overhead light fixtures, are usually found in every room.  This type of lighting provides the general light that lights the room.  In a room that requires attention to detail, such as a kitchen, task lighting will also be important.  Task lighting, which can be provided by pendant light fixture, is usually found over the stove, sink and kitchen island.  Some kitchens also feature decorative lighting which places emphasis on special aspects in the kitchen.  Undercabinet or cabinet lighting are both great examples of decorative lighting in kitchens.

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Wall sconces are commonly seen in bathrooms, hallways and kitchens. These fixtures are a great option for adding accent lighting or enhancing your current plan for general lighting. If you are looking for versatility, consider adding dimmers to your wall sconces which would allow different amounts of light to be released based on your need.

If you are looking to add a little glamour to your home, consider a crystal wall sconce. While these fixtures are functional, crystal wall sconces are very stylish and instantly add style and glamour to any space.

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Many of the Bijou light fixtures, found at Wayfair.com, come complete with light bulbs. This makes for easy installation. Check out these super stylish and elegant crystal wall sconces.

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Main image via arcadianlighting.com

]]> http://www.interiorlightingoptions.com/elegant-wall-sconce-lighting/feed 0 http://www.interiorlightingoptions.com/room-temperature-and-effective-lighting-ceiling-fans http://www.interiorlightingoptions.com/room-temperature-and-effective-lighting-ceiling-fans#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:43:34 +0000 Administrator http://www.interiorlightingoptions.com/?p=516 Ceiling fans are a great option for controling the temperature in a room without increasing your energy costs.  While many are aware of the coolign effects of ceiling fans, few are aware that ceiling fans can also distribute warmer air in a room.  While ceiling fans are wonderful for decreasing electric bills by limiting the used of central air and heat, ceiling fans without lighting can present another issue.

All rooms need some form of light.  Rooms with lots of windows may not require must light from light fixtures during daylight hours, all homes require some form of lighting in the evening and night hours.  When selecting a ceiling fan for your home, keep this fact in mind.  If you are lighting a smaller room or a patio, it is possible floor lamps can provide adequate lighting to function in the space.

How to Install a Lighting Kit to a Ceiling Fan

If you have a ceiling fan that requires the installation of a light kit, your first decision is determining who will install the lighting kit.  There are steps outlining the process to add a lighting kit to a ceiling fan posted all over the internet.  There may also be videos which provide even more detail about the process.  Before deciding to take on a project of this nature, be sure to consider all of the steps and requirements before committing to the job.

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Ceiling Fan or Lighting Kit

When purchasing any type of light fixture for your home, it is important to take accurate measurements of your room or space.  Purchasing a ceiling fan that is too large for a small space can totally throw the entire project off task.  Also, consider the height of the ceiling.  It would not be very sage to have a ceiling fan hanging too low that it poses a risk to your family or guests.

Using Track Lighting in the Kitchen

Track light fixtures are often designed to accomodate modern or contemporary styled homes. Although many track light fixtures feature a modern or simple design, these fixtures work well in just about any style of home decor. Track light fixturesare designed to feature multiple lights. Most track light fixtures have 3 or 4 lights, at the least. This design provides designers with a great deal of versatility when decorating. For instance, track lighting can be manipulated to place an emphasis on certain areas of a room of wall or colored light bulbs can be used to generate mood lighting if designed.

Generally, track lighting installed in kitchens are intended to be used for accent lighting. As we have mentioned, a proper lighting plan includes several layers of light. While track light fixtures can provide a great deal of light, these fixtures are not ideal sources of general lighting. However, if placed over a kitchen island or counterspace, track lighting can provide excellent task lighting in kitchens.

Track lighting is an excellent source of lighting for kitchens and dining areas. While it is likely other type of lighting will be used as well, track lighting provides a great deal of light. Check out more track lighting fixtures ideas for kitchen lighting plans.

Source: home-lighting-design.com,millennialliving.com,kitchenpendantlighting.us,interior-design-portland.com