Showing posts with label Home & Garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home & Garden. Show all posts

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Benefits of installing a Blink Wired Floodlight Camera in Your Home

The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is a home security device that combines a motion-activated floodlight with a high-definition camera. It is designed to provide both illumination and surveillance for the outside of your home.

The device connects to your home's electrical wiring and requires a wired internet connection for operation. Once installed, it can be controlled through the Blink Home Monitor app, which allows you to view live video feeds, receive motion alerts, and adjust settings such as motion sensitivity and recording length.

The camera records in 1080p HD resolution and has a 110-degree field of view. It also features infrared night vision for clear footage in low-light conditions. The motion-activated floodlight can be customized to turn on for varying lengths of time, and can also be turned on manually through the app.

In addition to the camera and floodlight, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera also includes two-way audio, which allows you to speak to visitors or potential intruders through the app. The device also includes free cloud storage for up to 7200 seconds of video clips, and supports additional storage options through the purchase of a Blink Sync Module.

Overall, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is a versatile and easy-to-use home security device that provides both illumination and surveillance for the outside of your home.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Benefits of Using the SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds

SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds is a home automation device that is designed to make it easier to control your window blinds. It is a small motorized device that can be attached to your existing window blinds and can be controlled using a smartphone app, voice commands, or a physical switch.

With SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds, you can open or close your blinds, adjust the tilt angle, or set a schedule for when you want them to open or close. It is compatible with most types of blinds, including vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, and roller shades, and is easy to install without the need for any special tools or equipment.

The SwitchBot app allows you to control your blinds from anywhere, at any time, and also allows you to set up custom routines and scenes. For example, you can schedule your blinds to open in the morning and close in the evening, or set up a routine that adjusts the blinds based on the time of day or the weather.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds are also compatible with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to control your blinds with voice commands.

Overall, SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds are a convenient and easy-to-use home automation device that can help make your life easier by allowing you to control your blinds with just a few taps on your smartphone or a simple voice command. It can be a great addition to any smart home setup, especially for those who want to automate their daily routines and save time and energy.

Benefits of a roll stamp with roll dispenser

A roll stamp with roll dispenser is a type of stamp that is used to quickly and easily mark documents, envelopes, or other materials with a pre-set message or design. The stamp is designed to be used with a roll dispenser, which holds a roll of pre-inked stamps that can be quickly and easily applied to documents or other materials.

One of the main benefits of a roll stamp with roll dispenser is its ease of use. The pre-inked stamps are ready to use right out of the dispenser, and the roll design allows you to quickly apply the stamp to multiple documents or materials in a short amount of time. The stamp can be customized with a pre-set message or design, allowing you to easily mark documents with a company logo, signature, or other pre-determined message.

Roll stamps with roll dispensers are commonly used in office settings, such as for stamping envelopes, documents, or other materials with a company logo or message. They can also be used for personal use, such as stamping return addresses on envelopes or customizing stationary with a personalized message.

When selecting a roll stamp with roll dispenser, consider factors such as the size of the stamp and dispenser, the type of ink used, and the design of the stamp. Some stamps may be designed to be used with a specific type of ink, while others may be more versatile and able to be used with a variety of inks. Overall, a roll stamp with roll dispenser is a convenient and efficient tool for marking documents or materials with a pre-set message or design.

Advantages of Using the OLANLY Door Mat

The OLANLY Door Mat is a popular and highly rated entryway mat designed to keep your home clean and tidy. It is made from a durable and absorbent material that effectively traps dirt, dust, and moisture from shoes, preventing it from being tracked into your home.

The mat features a non-slip rubber backing, which helps to keep it securely in place on any type of flooring. It is also designed to be machine washable and can be easily cleaned and maintained, making it a convenient option for busy households.

One of the main benefits of the OLANLY Door Mat is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of locations, including entryways, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, to help keep your floors clean and dry. Its sleek and modern design also makes it a stylish addition to any home décor.

When selecting a door mat, consider factors such as size, material, and design to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs. A larger mat may be necessary for high-traffic areas, while a more absorbent material may be necessary for wet or snowy climates. You may also want to consider mats with fun and unique designs that can add personality to your home.

Overall, the OLANLY Door Mat is a popular and effective choice for those looking to keep their homes clean and tidy. Its durable and absorbent material, non-slip backing, and easy maintenance make it a practical and convenient option for any household.

Advantages of Using a 1500W Portable Space Heater

A 1500W portable space heater is a compact and versatile heating solution for homes, offices, and other living spaces. They are designed to provide heat quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for use in smaller rooms or as a supplementary heat source in larger spaces.

One of the main benefits of a portable space heater is its convenience and ease of use. They can be easily moved from room to room and do not require any installation or special wiring. Many models also come with features such as adjustable thermostat, oscillation, and timer settings that allow you to customize your heating experience.

When selecting a portable space heater, it's important to choose a model with appropriate safety features, such as overheat protection, cool-touch housing, and tip-over protection, to ensure safe use. It's also important to consider the noise level of the heater, particularly if you plan to use it in a bedroom or other quiet space.

Another factor to consider is the type of heating technology used in the heater. Ceramic heaters and infrared heaters are popular choices because they are energy-efficient and provide even heat distribution. They also tend to be quieter than other types of heaters, such as fan heaters.

Overall, a 1500W portable space heater can be a convenient and efficient way to add extra warmth to your living space. When selecting a model, consider factors such as safety features, noise level, and heating technology to ensure you choose the best heater for your needs.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Five features and benefits of a telescoping snow broom

A telescoping snow broom is a type of snow removal tool that is designed to help you clear snow from your car, truck, or other vehicles quickly and easily. Here are some features and benefits of a telescoping snow broom:

  1. Telescoping handle: A telescoping snow broom typically has an adjustable handle that can be extended to reach the roof of your car or truck, making it easier to remove snow from hard-to-reach areas.
  2. Broom head: The broom head of a telescoping snow broom is typically made of a soft, non-abrasive material that will not scratch or damage your vehicle's paint.
  3. Ice scraper: Many telescoping snow brooms also come with an integrated ice scraper, allowing you to easily remove ice and frost from your windshield and windows.
  4. Lightweight and easy to use: Telescoping snow brooms are typically lightweight and easy to use, making them a great option for anyone who needs to clear snow from their car or truck on a regular basis.
  5. Compact and easy to store: When not in use, a telescoping snow broom can be compacted down and stored in your trunk or back seat, taking up minimal space.

Overall, a telescoping snow broom is a convenient and efficient tool for anyone who needs to clear snow from their vehicle during the winter months. With its telescoping handle, soft broom head, and integrated ice scraper, it can help you remove snow and ice quickly and easily, while also being easy to store when not in use.

Benefits of Using Anti-fatigue Mat

An anti-fatigue mat is a cushioned mat designed to reduce the strain on a person's feet, legs, and back while standing for long periods of time. They are commonly used in workplaces where employees are required to stand for extended periods of time, such as factories, warehouses, and retail stores. Anti-fatigue mats are also used in home kitchens, workshops, and other areas where people stand for prolonged periods.

The mats are usually made of rubber, foam, or gel materials, which provide a cushioning effect that reduces the impact of standing on hard surfaces. This can help to relieve pressure on the feet, legs, and back, reducing fatigue and discomfort. Anti-fatigue mats also help to improve circulation by encouraging the muscles to contract and expand, which can help to prevent muscle strain and soreness.

In addition to reducing fatigue and discomfort, anti-fatigue mats can also provide a non-slip surface that helps to prevent slips and falls. Some mats also have beveled edges, which reduce the risk of tripping.

To care for an anti-fatigue mat, it is important to clean it regularly with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and debris. Some mats may also be machine washable. It's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the mat's surface. It's also a good idea to rotate the mat regularly to ensure even wear and tear.


Friday, October 2, 2020

How to Choose the Best Bathroom Lighting?

Good bathroom lighting requires a mixture of task and ambient lights. When planning the lighting for your bathroom, be careful not to fall in to the shadow trap. Recessed lighting fixtures are very popular these days and are usually recommended. A dimmer switch for versatility should control bathroom lighting.

There are three general types of bathroom lighting; general lighting provides overall illumination; task lighting provides light for a specific task, like reading, homework, and computer work; and accent lighting puts the spotlight on a piece of art, plants, or other favorite possession.

Place bathroom strip lights to either side of the mirror rather than above to improve visibility for shaving and applying make-up. If using vanity strips with globe bulbs, choose frosted instead of clear to help minimize shadows. Use light sources like fluorescent's to enhance appearance of skin tones and decor.

Choose fluorescent bulbs for the vanity area for energy savings, long life, and good color. Select a pair of decorative wall sconces to flank the mirror in a powder room. Dim all incandescent and halogen sources to help the eyes adept in the morning from dark to light. Bathroom lighting should be a combination of task lights for specific areas and supplementary lighting for overall background light. 

A good designer should be able to create zones, which can be operated independently, creating different moods. Working areas such as the food preparation surface counter-tops and sink should all have high wattage independent task lights to illuminate the area without creating a shadows. 

For low-level background lighting, choose under-cabinet strip lights, plus a light over the table on a dimmer switch to create the right ambiance for dining. Now you can use Progress Bathroom Lighting to add elegance and functionality to any bathroom application. When it comes to interior lighting, bathrooms are probably given the least thought of all the rooms in the house.

What Are the Benefits of Task Lighting?

A major problem with central room lighting is that it is often not bright enough to illuminate the task you are trying to perform. There is often something between you and the source of the light, casting a shadow over what you are trying to do, making everything more difficult. The easiest way to eliminate this problem is to increase the light emitted by your current room light fixture by putting in a brighter bulb. Unfortunately this permanently increases the light in the room and can be oppressive when you do not need to see things close at hand. The solution is task lighting.

The most common form of task lighting is found in kitchens. Undercabinet lights are installed behind a facia panel and provide direct light onto work surfaces. This eliminates the problem of shadows falling across food preparation surfaces and greatly reduces the risk of accidents when using kitchen implements. Undercabinet lighting is available to purchase both online and at regular “offline” outlets.

Task lights are also extremely useful in other rooms of the house. A clip-on spotlight can be moved around a room to whoever needs it and wherever it is needed. An angle-poise lamp can be positioned differently depending on the particular task you are undertaking, whilst a floor standing lamp can be more permanently positioned to provide backlighting to compliment the primary source of light in a room.

Many manufacturers offer bathroom task lighting, mainly in the form of a light above a mirror with a shaver socket incorporated in the design. Be aware that these need to be fitted by a qualified person, water and electricity are notoriously bad bed fellows and there are many regulations governing light fittings in bathrooms.

The bedroom is another location that task lighting has many advantages over central room lighting. A couple can have a task light each, allowing one to continue to read when the other wants to go to sleep. A room that contains a display of some description will benefit hugely from the addition of task lighting. Whether it is a low voltage track lighting arrangement, that allows spotlights to be directed onto a display cabinet, or a small uplighter that bathes a painting in a natural glow both will have the desired effect. They will naturally draw the eye of the onlooker to the item or items on display.

An easier way of bringing task lighting to a room that is lit only by a central lighting fixture is to change that fixture for one that is itself a task light. Many companies offer central task lighting, a three way spotlight fitting or a track light with a central feed are just two ways of changing the whole feel of a room without great cost or expense.

As with any electrical work always ensure that it is completed by a competent person, A  badly fitted light is as dangerous as no light at all.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Simple Procedure to Help Make the Right Choice Rawhide Lamp Shades the First Time

The right rawhide lamp shade can make a perfect lamp. But the wrong size shade can make a beautiful lamp look out of balance. And ordering the wrong size lampshade is inconvenient and expensive. Make the right choice the first time.

Our specialty is rustic lighting and southwestern rawhide lamp shades but the technique we use will work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. Give it a try to help choose the right shade for your lamp even before you order. Follow this simple procedure to help make the right choice the first time.

First, we need to understand how lampshades are measured. You will need three measurements, bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The height of a shade should be measured straight up and down vertically, not along the slant.

Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height up and down, "vertically" is that the height measurement of you lamp from bulb socket base to top of harp is probably the minimum vertical height you will want to cover with your shade.

Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able to use a standard shade rather than ordering a custom lampshade in many cases.

Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. You probably have an idea of the approximate size, so simply consult a list of rawhide lamp shades and select the one you are considering. Each shade's measurements should be listed as described above.

Next, make a simple two-dimensional "flat" pattern the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. For example, use the lower edge of the cardboard for the base line. Measure up the height of the shade and draw a horizontal line parallel to the base line which will represent the top edge of the shade. Now draw a vertical line straight up and down from base line or to the top edge line. If you imagine the base line, vertical line and top edge line as the capital letter "I" you are on the right track.

The next step is to mark the top and bottom dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that you get the correct slant for the edge of the shade. From the center line measure and mark the top diameter of the shade. If the top diameter is 5" then measure to the left and right of the center line along the top edge line 2.5" on both sides and make a mark. Those points are the top corners of your pattern. Repeat along the baseline using the shade's bottom diameter. If it seems confusing, it's really not, but very simple and quick. See our full color shade measuring graphic for a visual aid.

Finally, cut out the pattern and have someone hold it in place over the lamp, while you step back and look. Even though it is flat, you will be able to get a feel for how the shade will look on your lamp and order with confidence. It's not full proof but it is a quick and easy way to make sure that you are on the right track in your shade size selection. This simple idea has helped our clients save a lot of aggravation and money over the years and we trust it will benefit you too.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

How to Properly Light a Home Theater System?

The best possible location for the average home theater would be a basement room that allows very little or no natural sunlight to sneak into the room. There are so many things you can do in a basement that simply intensify the theater experience of your average home theater. From actual stadium or theater seating to rope lights that line the side of the walls (where it meets the floor) for low ambient lighting that will not distract from the screen or cause any unnecessary glare. Out of the many things you can choose to enhance your home theater, lighting might actually be one of the most important as well as the most often overlooked.

If you are fortunate enough to have a basement, this is an ideal location for a home theater but don't despair if you live in a climate that isn't exactly conducive to home basements. Even in the sunshine basement there are steps you can take in order to prevent too much light from affecting your home theater experience. Some good ideas with which to start would be to purchase black out curtains that prevent sunlight from creeping into your room. This looks much better than the old fashioned quick fix of placing aluminum foil over your windows for sure. 

Even within your room if you've taken the time to make sure natural light isn't creeping in you may find that poorly placed lighting adversely affects your viewing pleasure. When installing your home theater system you need to pay careful attention to both natural and artificial light at different times of day in order to see how they affect your ability to see the television (this is particularly important if you have a projection television) as well as in order to see if there is any glare on your television screen from light peeking through your curtains or from lamps and overhead lighting within the room. 

Recessed lighting is a good option for most home theater rooms as is rope lighting as I mentioned above. If you have this type of lighting you can see well enough to move around without interrupting what is taking place on your television screen. Additionally, low lighting in the room makes the actual television become the focal point of the room whenever it is on and the overhead lights are down. 

If you are creating a home theater themed room you might find some of the interesting film era wall sconces of great interest. These sconces prefer low levels of light that are unlikely to interfere greatly with what is happening on your television screen. You can find all kinds of wonderful sconces in a wide variety of themes. It makes sense that with home theater lighting playing such a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment of the home theater experience that many businesses are being created simply to fill this need within the lighting industry.

Some will argue that the television you choose for your home theater is wildly more important than the lighting in the room by far. I tend to disagree. If you do not take care to insure that the lighting in the room isn't appropriate it is unlikely that you will be able to fully enjoy the television you selected. For this reason I always think you should keep your current television for a while, test it out with the lighting and invest in proper lighting before making an investment in a bigger or better television to add to your home theater system. 

All things when it comes to a home theater are relative to personal preference as are all things in life. Take the time to seriously consider the affect that the lighting in the room that will become your home theater will affect your ability to see the movies or television shows that you enjoy so much. Once you have the perfect situation when it comes to lighting you will be amazed at how much more you actually enjoy your home theater.

How to Prevent a Burglar Break Into Your Home With the Lighting?

As many already know, adequate lighting is a critical part of keeping your home safe. Even though lighting is very important to home safety, a lot of homeowners don’t look at their lighting as being an integral aspect of safety. No matter where you may live, you should always make sure that there is plenty of lighting in place and that the lights are out of reach for those without a ladder.

The lighting that is around the doors of your home is very important, as most burglars like to focus on doors before anything else. When it comes to the doors of your home, any lighting at all is better than no lighting. If a burglar sees lights around your home, chances are he’ll move on. If the lights are off however, the burglar will more than likely proceed as planned.

If you own a garage, you should always use an automatic garage opener. Once they have been activated, most will automatically turn on the lights. Your carport is also important to safety. If you are going to be away from home, you should always make sure that the leave the light on your carport on. You can also use motion detected lights as well. When these lights detect any type of movement, they will automatically turn on – which could easily startle a burglar.

For the exterior of your home, motion detected lights are the way to go. If you have a large backyard, you should always make sure that you use motion detected lights. To be on the safe side, you can always connect an alarm to the lights. This way if someone was to move through your yard, the lights would sound the alarm. Burglars don’t like alarms and they will normally flee the instant they hear an alarm sound.

If you are planning to use motion sensors in your front yard, you should make sure that you have planned the locations carefully. People walking by the sensor or kids playing nearby can easily trigger it. When you set the motion sensors up you should always make sure that you hook lights up to them as well. This way, those in your family will know where the motion detectors are and they can easily avoid them.

Having the right amount of lighting around your home will go a long way in keeping your family safe. Burglars don’t like to be around light, which is why it is so very important. If you don’t have a lot of lights around your home, you should do something about it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – all you need is enough lighting to make sure that a burglar thinks twice about breaking into your home.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Kitchen and Cabinets Lighting Ideas

Kitchen lighting

Kitchen lighting is a form of home lighting specifically for the functional purpose of a kitchen. In the kitchen several requirements need to be met and these must be aided by precise lighting. Thus kitchen lighting is mostly task lighting and ambient lighting and less of decorative lighting. Good kitchen lighting, from an aesthetic and functional standpoint, incorporates both ambient and task lighting.

From the perspective of a professional lighting designer, the kitchen is one of the more interesting and versatile projects one can tackle. Filled with numerous nooks and crannies, cabinets and appliances, shelves and other specialized areas such as islands, kitchens can present more lighting challenges than any other room in your home.

Start with the task areas. These are best lit with bright, shadowless light. Fluorescent tubes are particularly well suited for this. You want to get the fixture close to the task area so as to get maximum light concentrated on the area you wish to work. In kitchens this would be counters, sinks, and tables. Spot lights and directional lights also provide task lighting in kitchens. For pantries or other closets, small Under Cabinet Lights provide good illumination. They can be mounted inside the closet above the door header to provide glare free lighting on the closet contents.

Ambient light is the general, overall light that fills in shadows, reduces contrast, and lights vertical surfaces to give the space a brighter feel. Fluorescent tubes are well suited to the job of providing ambient light. They provide broad, even illumination and their efficiency makes it possible to fill the space with light without turning it into an oven. Incandescent down lights are more dramatic and give a brilliant white light but require several fixtures to avoid shadows in a kitchen.

Direct lighting is achieved by using conventional recessed lights, surface lights or light fixtures that are on a pendant or chain. These types of lights work well to provide bright lighting for work surfaces and general purpose lighting in the kitchen area. Rope lighting and small recessed lights are budget friendly.

Add a layer of accent lighting. You may be lighting artwork, architectural details, collectibles, or a food presentation area.

Kitchen occupancy sensors can be used in place of expensive complicated 3-way switches in kitchens with multiple entrances. If the sensors can "see" all the entrances from their mounting location, they will turn on the lights automatically whenever anyone enters the room from any direction.

The importance of kitchen lighting is often overlooked. The traditional kitchen has been replaced by a modern one where people interact in quietude over the counter. Thus kitchen lighting is evolving with the needs of modern households.

Cabinet lighting

Make your cabinet attractive as never before: 

When it comes to interior, cabinet décor is a matter of high attention as beautiful cabinets make the place more attractive specially kitchen. Normal type of lighting has a problem of shadows and reflections and it hampers the quality of light. There are under cabinet and cabinet lightings having different types of uses and specialties. Cabinet lighting has a variety of old and new-fashioned lights with a great variety. Polished with brass and silver the lights look more attractive and they make the cabinets look brighter. These days there are a lot of lights having a great finishing touch with a variety of colors. There is a great lighting including ambience lights and halogen lights that are used for enhancing the quality of cabinet brightness.

Types of cabinet lighting: 

The types of lights depend upon brightness, consumption of voltage, color and temperature. There are some adjustable lights that can be moved in a full circular motion. Some people have a problem of heat from the lighting so for them lights with an effect of florescence can be of a great use. Like the halogens radiate heat and create a problem for the people who cannot sustain heat these are a convenient option. There are some lights that have a brightness adjustment effect and they are very useful in each time of the day. Another good point is efficiency of energy and flickering free technology that can cut down maintenance cost. The life of lamps is more due to usage of xenon and hence they are worth of their price.  

Usage of cabinet lighting: 

Most of the cabinet lighting is used fro display of things or to provide a sufficient amount of light for normal working. Most of them are used in the office for desktops, at hospitals, studying rooms or library, bathroom closets, bedroom shelves, nooks and corners along hallways and stairways, living rooms, family rooms and anywhere else where a little brightness is required. For the kitchen installation one thing should be kept in mind that it should be in front or near the cabinet. It will be beneficial for providing the exact amount of required light with an added elegance of brightness to the kitchen cabinet. Hence by the usage of these tips you can enhance your cabinets.

How to Buy the Right Combination of Lighting for Your Home?

This guide aims to inform you on different aspects of lighting to help you buy the right combination of lighting for your home. Each one of us has individualistic taste that reflects our lifestyle and preferences. When it comes to lighting, few of us pay attention to details, whereas a thoughtful approach can help you bring to life your very own home in ways that add drama and ambience to any space just the way you imagine, right out of the home decor books.

Start with a realistic list of the lighting fixtures you need. With lighting, you need to look beyond the trend, for you don’t want to buy a fashionable lamp only to change it one year down the line. Work on the list with emphasis on,

- Interior lighting: Living room, Bathroom, Study room, Bed rooms

- Outdoor Lighting: Home & Garden Lighting

Before you decide how much you want to spend. A good lighting plan will,

• Highlight and illuminate 

• Improve on poorly lit areas 

• Bestow a room with desired ambiance 

• Personalize and enhance safety and security 

Once you have rescheduled your list and prioritized areas, you would exactly know where you stand. Maybe you are looking for complete lighting make-over or installations. Or perhaps, you would like to do it in stages, starting with the high-priority list. Here are some of the known lighting solutions, segregated for your convenience,

Ceiling: Ceiling lights and lights above can add a great deal of charm and elegance to a room.

Ceiling fixtures: Ceiling fixtures are not just decorative; they can be used to highlight important areas in the kitchen, bathroom to the ceiling. You can find ceiling light fixtures in different shapes and sizes to fill the platter. 

Pendant lights: Unlike fixed ceiling lights, pendants are hanging lights suspended from the ceiling. You can create the most interesting impressions with pendant lighting.

Low lights: Fixed directly in the ceiling, recessed lights can be used as spotlights in all rooms.

Track lighting: Track lighting consists of a light or series of lights mounted to a metal track. Just move, swivel, or rotate a light to suit your immediate lighting needs.

Wall Lamps: For highlights and accents, wall lights come in handy to add softer shades to a room decor. They can be practically used anywhere, from living area to bathroom. Indirect lighting decorates a wall space, and when used intelligently can offer the most intriguing combination of art and decor themes. When used in bathroom, you can highlight the areas you wish, like above a mirror, and opt for a shade to minimize the glare. There are great modern and combination wall lights available for a variety of interior settings like,

Wall-mounted fixtures: Wall sconces can be fixed to walls. Used to highlight paintings, art work and other decor areas, they illuminate the surface of a wall and add a touch of sophistication..

Swing-arm lamps: For study and work, swing-arm lamps offer utility and function.

Table Lamps: Table lamps, desk lamps or task lamps serve well in the study room. Used to highlight specific work areas, you get a wide variety right from architects lamps, task light, bankers lamp, dimmable and adjustable desk lamps that can swivel and swing and can be used for a variety of functions.

Floor Lamps : While buying floor lamps, you may want to ask a few questions,

1) What is the purpose of the lamp (aesthetic, functional or highlighting specific areas or a combination of all)

2) What is the styling theme at your home? Does the lamp compliment the theme?

3) What is the ideal material: Glass, steel, paper, wood, bamboo, bronze? 

Types of Floor Lamps:

a) Console Floor Lamp: It is a classic design with a single pole and a glass or cloth globe.

b) Tree lamp: Used to highlight different areas, a tree floor lamp has a central pole and have three or more branches.

c) Arc Lamps: Aesthetic and modern, it can just stand as a statement or be used to highlight specific areas .

d) Torchiere/Torch Lamps: Designed to highlight and focus on light upwards, this light offers a great ambience. 

Outdoor Lamps : Outdoor lighting is equally crucial to highlight important zones for safety and security as well as to provide right amount of illumination for outdoor life. Here are some important types of lights:

Path lamps: Important to highlight walking path that leads to home, the lighting is used to line up a path.

Light lamps: Useful in patio and outdoor areas, you can hang them on the wall next to the front door, or in an open entrance, or outside the house on walls that lead to the garden.

Floodlights: You can highlight any favorite area like sitting area in the garden, or a great looking plant for outdoor theme.

String lights: String lights are festive lights but can bring a new dimension even if you light them on a tree or a path during outdoor parties or to highlight trees and shrubs.

Lanterns: Offering an interesting contrast to modern decor, you can light up lanterns to highlight the yard, lobby, backyard, entryway, or driveway.

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Important Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling; each year millions of homeowners do it. Are you looking to become one of those homeowners?  Whether you are looking to remodel every square inch of your kitchen or just part of it, there is a decent chance that you may be in the market for new kitchen lights. The lighting found in a kitchen has a significant impact on the room’s overall atmosphere. That is why many homeowners, when remodeling their kitchens, make the decision to change their kitchen light fixtures.

If you are interested in replacing your kitchen lights, you will find that you, literally, have an unlimited number of different options. Kitchen lights, as well as their fixtures, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. Honestly, there are some many different kitchen light fixtures to choose from, you may have a difficult time making up your mind. Despite having a difficult time making a decision, it is important that you do. As previously mentioned, the lighting in a room has a significant impact on the overall quality of that room, as well as how you may feel while inside of it. That is why it is important that you take time to research all of your choices, so that you can make the perfect selection.

One of the most popular types of lights for the kitchen are ceiling lights. Ceiling lights are light fixtures that are attached right to the ceiling. Although they are often known as the most traditional type of lighting for the kitchen, they can be anything but traditional. Whether you are shopping online or at one of your local retail stores, you should have access to hundreds of different light fixtures, many of which are ceiling lights. The cost of a ceiling light will all depend on which style you choose, but, in most cases, you will find that ceiling lights are the most affordable of all kitchen lights. If you are remodeling your kitchen on a budget, these types of lights may be best.

In addition to ceiling fans, hanging kitchen lights are quite popular. Hanging kitchen lights comes in two main styles, chandeliers or pendants. Pendant lighting fixtures are lights that hang down from the ceiling, often about a foot or more. Chandelier lights are a usually a collection of hanging lights that are all grouped together. When it comes to chandelier lights and pendant lights for the kitchen, you will often find that they are referred to as mini lights. This is because the larger size light fixtures are often too large to use in most standard kitchens.

In addition to the above mentioned kitchen light fixtures, you may also want to purchase lights that are known as under cabinet lights. Under cabinet lights are ideal for those who are looking for a quick snack in the middle of the night. If you are purchasing new kitchen cabinets, as part of your kitchen remodeling project, an under the cabinet light may be the perfect addition to your new cupboards. 

Whether you have decided that you would like to purchase a mini pendant light, a ceiling light, or a mini chandelier kitchen light, you will still need to choose the light that looks best in your kitchen. As previously mentioned, it may be a good idea to start shopping at one of your local home improvement stores, but if you are looking for a light fixture with a particular design, it may be best to shop online.

How to Improve Your Cabinet Kitchen Lighting?

Kitchen cabinets lights were once considered purely functional fixtures whose only purpose was to illuminate shelves and work areas beneath cabinets. This is beginning to change, however, as day’s larger homes and custom floor plans transform the traditional purpose and nature of the kitchen itself. 

Today’s kitchen has become more than a food storage and preparation area. It has now evolved into a central gathering place for any variety of home entertainment events. Kitchen cabinet lighting in this setting must meet more than base-level requirements to produce optimal visibility and comfort. It must address certain aesthetic concerns as well such as lighting color and brightness, color rendering of illuminated surface and interior design, and glare free light that will not hurt the eyes of homeowners and guests. 

Safety, energy efficiency, and ease of operability are also top concerns when choosing fixtures, as some under cabinet lighting fixtures should be left on throughout the night, and almost all cabinet shelves will have to be adjusted or removed for periodic cleaning.

Kitchen cabinet lights fall into two primary categories: in cabinet lights and under cabinet lights. In cabinet strip lights provide interior lighting for cubic space and shelving. Under cabinet lights provide task lighting for activities done underneath a cabinet, such as food preparation and after-dinner cleanup. 

Up until a few years ago, very specific types of kitchen cabinet lights were used for either in cabinet or under cabinet lighting needs. For most under the cabinet or task lighting applications, the puck light was a favorite fixture because it cast a bright circle of light onto the countertop that made it easy to see and work. When electric bills ran too high, fluorescent lamps were often substituted for pucks because of their lower heat output and power saving advantages. It was not uncommon in the 60’s, 70’s to see at least one fluorescent light over the stove.

However, due to more elaborate and ornate kitchen build outs, the dominance of puck and fluorescent under cabinet lights is no longer as absolute as it once was. This is because larger numbers of people are replacing generic  counter top materials with custom, more ornate granite and marble. This presents a new dynamic for cabinet lighting manufacturers because these surfaces are highly reflective. Kitchen cabinet lights must now shield the eyes from reflective glare in addition to providing the same levels of light as they did before. 

While it is true that most fluorescents are housed in frosted fixtures that minimize glare, they do not render color with enough detail to do justice to the subtle shades and variations that custom counter tops feature. Puck lights, with halogen lamps, render color better, but they are simply too intense and will almost always throw reflected light back into the eyes. 

In this type of setting, it is almost always better to go with custom cabinet lights in the form of linear strips. These fixtures add value through both their low profile design and the unique qualities of glare free light they produce as an accent lighting source.

Each custom lighting strip is custom fabricated to exact kitchen cabinet or shelf dimensions.  It is virtually invisible to the casual eye and features special shielding that reduces reflective glare to near-undetectable levels.

Linear strips, such as the ones manufactured by Phantom, accommodate a wide variety of festoon bulb options. A very popular bulb type for under cabinet kitchen lighting is xenon. Xenon low voltage lamps render colors at a level almost equivalent to that of sunlight. As a low voltage, dimmable lighting strip, it will bring out the subtlest red of granite and the multi-dimensional hues of marble like no other form of light—at a fraction of the cost of competing linear strip lights.

Linear strips fitted with incandescent festoons are ideally suited for interior kitchen cabinet shelf lighting. Incandescents produce the “whitest” form of light and make everything within the cubic interior of the cabinet clearly visible. Unlike puck lights, they consume virtually no cubic space within cabinets, leaving more room for storage and a more balanced presentation when the cabinet is opened in front of guests. 

Restaurants should consider retrofitting any existing kitchen cabinet lights strips with LED replacement festoon lamps. These lamps produce a lumens output equivalent to that of incandescent and fluorescents, but they use 80% less electricity. Although a restaurant kitchen requires little, if any, aesthetic consideration, employee comfort and cost consciousness are of vital importance. Fluorescents emit UV radiation that is never good for anyone’s eyes, and incandescent lights left on for long hours will result in expensive light bills. LED energy saving light bulbs are simply a good investment.

Replacing low voltage festoon lights with a one-time LED light bulb upgrade will bring immediate, recurring, monthly return on investment, and it will create a more comfortable working environment for cooks.

It is also good for residential homeowners to consider installing at least one LED kitchen under cabinet light as a cost-conscious safety measure. This eliminates the need to stumble through a dark kitchen to rely upon the refrigerator light as one’s sole source of illumination, and it adds a bit of comfort as well for the overnight guest who needs a midnight snack.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Essential Tips to Enhance Your Indoor Lighting

Nothing impresses us quite the way lighting does. And if you’re entertaining nothing could make your guests feel more welcome that the good lighting in you home. Create a warm and inviting feeling for your prestigious guests and let them also enjoy some good food and conversation. Designing with light has never been an easier task, and it is always enjoyable.

When is actually comes to villa lighting, the potentials are limited only by your imagination. A good lighting plan could help in making you villa more attractive by combining both style and function.

Few type of Indoor lighting are listed below:

Ambient Lighting

It provides overall lighting and a comfortable level of brightness, and allows you and your guests to see and move about safely.

Task Lighting

Task lighting helps you perform a precise activity, such as reading or playing games as well.

Accent Lighting

It creates an awesome mood and adds interest to a room by highlighting certain areas and objects, such as paintings, walls, and collectibles.

Decorative Lighting

It become essentials for chandeliers and candles

Tips for Dining Rooms

  • Use more chandeliers or just one fixture to light the room.  Layer with light from a selection of sources to get the most flexibility required for creating special moods in the same room.
  • Using dimmers and layering with light allows you to use the brilliant light you require while setting your table, and then carry the light down when your guests arrive.
  • For a stylish setting, blend candlelight and lesser levels of electric light sources all over the room.  Dim every group of lights separately to make a variety of dining moods.

Tips for Living Rooms

  • Use Layers of light, wall washers, down lights, and accent lights on dimmers to make a medley of possible effects – from spacious to intimate.
  • Place light sources at a variety of heights within the room (ceiling, table, floor) to add image interest and human scale.
  • Use translucent shades on table lamps to add to the ambient light level.

Tips for Kitchens

  • Use White fluorescent bulbs to improve cool colors like gray and blue, use White bulbs to enhance warm colors like yellow, red, and beige or to balance wood cabinets.
  • Try fluorescent under cabinet fixtures at the border of your cabinets to illuminate your workspace and decrease shadows in food preparation areas.
  • Consider dense fluorescent down-lights for universal lighting to help reduce heat and electric bills.

Tips for Bedrooms

  • Break the room into several zones by lighting and switch them separately, and then regulate accordingly for the mood you want to set.
  • Provide light for reading by selecting swing-arm or flexible bedside lamps.
  • Use night-lights to give guests the facility to see in the dark if they require getting up during the night.

Tips for Powder Rooms

  • Place strip lights to either side of the mirror other than above to improve visibility and reduce shadows for shaving and applying make-up.
  • Select a couple of decorative wall scones to flank the mirror in a powder room.
  • To make the room more inviting, try to dim all incandescent and halogen sources and keep a candle burning.

When amusing family and friends at home, lighting for safety and security is forever a priority.  Keep these tips in mind as you believe how best to protect your home – and your guests – from accidents and crime.

Things to Consider Before Deciding to Light Your Home

The interior lighting of any home space contributes hugely to the atmosphere within that space and therefore to your mood whilst you inhabit that space. Every area of your living space needs a mixture of lighting styles, different ones for task lighting, background lighting and ambient lighting. Every room that has a theme applied to it or a particular task performed in it will need as much thought put into the lighting of the room as goes into the decor, furniture and appliances within that room.

The traditional lighting of a room, a pendant and bulb from the ceiling and a wall switch is fast becoming a thing of the past. Whilst wall switches still remain in the majority of rooms many have been replaced by a dimmer switch, automatic movement sensing switch, or daylight detection systems that turn lights on automatically as dusk approaches.

Thought for the environment has also influenced many people to replace their old tungsten light bulb for a modern mini fluorescent that consumes approximately 15% of the energy for the same light output.

Halogen lighting is on the increase. Popular in kitchens and offices where more directional light is required it can also be used to highlight a painting or sculpture. It gives a brighter, crisper light than the traditional tungsten light bulb and highlights features far more clearly.

When completing the design for a room it may be beneficial to include some form of lighting display. Not complex pyrotechnics but a simple fibre optic lamp or a tried and trusted favourite such as a lava lamp, now found far more commonly as they make a come back into fashion after their hey-day in the 1960’s. Not to everyone’s taste but the lighting of an aquarium can make an interesting talking point within a room where social gatherings are held. It provides for the practical needs of the inhabitants of the aquarium whilst also providing a focal point for the room. It is also a starting point for conversation and provides ambient light within the room. There is the proven relational benefit of unwinding in front of a suitably lit aquarium.

Never forget that natural light is the most precious form of light that comes into your house. It can be enhanced using glass ornaments and reflected around using mirrors. The coverings that you use at your windows can affect the amount of natural light that is available. Blinds can help protect from direct sunlight but still reflect light into a room whilst curtains should be tied back away from windows to allow as much light as possible to enter the room.

A more traditional form of lighting is the candle. It can be used on special occasions over a romantic meal to complete the atmosphere in a room or a scented candle can be used to disguise unwelcome odours from pets, smokers and other sources. Some older antique lighting fixtures can be given a new lease of life by having them converted to use candle effect bulbs that appear to flicker in the same way that the original candles would have but do not bring with them the problem of lighting many candles and replacing them on a regular basis.

However you decide to light your home ensure that you plan it out properly before you do it and always use a competent person when carrying out alterations to lighting and electricity supply.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Lighting Accessories

On the market, you will find a wide array of lighting fixtures, which make up great bathroom accessories. The lightings include the soft touch, and the highlights. It is up to you to choose the right lighting to fit your setting. Keep in mind however that your lighting contributes to the environment. 

How to choose bathroom lighting?

It depends on your needs. Some people will restrict lighting sources, which may be inextricable wiring systems. Others may enjoy the common flexible ululation. Still, other people may enjoy lighting that enhances the atmosphere and mood. Thanks to technological advances, you can now choose light bulbs and fixtures that are suitable for your needs, no matter what those needs may be. 

How so I choose the right style for my bathroom?

When choosing a style for your bath, you must consider the selection of fixtures and light bulbs. Lighting enhances the character of a room, which is something you want to keep in mind as well. If you have a hard time seeing, you may want to choose brighter lights and fixtures. On the other hand, if your vision is good, you may enjoy fluorescent lights, which is my favorite. 

In addition, you have the option of choosing mood lights, which helps you to establish a relaxing mood. The mood lights give similar affects as does the candles. You also have the option of choosing brilliant, gentle lighting. You want to study this lighting, since it is more intense than other types of lighting. Kerosene lamps are available as well. The soft lights present an old-fashion atmosphere. Better yet, the lamps rather give you an outdoor feeling. 

How do I know how high of a beam to use with my lights?

Once you pick out your style that you want, it will be easy to decide on the right beam you will need. The different kinds of beams make up the narrow beams, which are around three to 25 degrees. Wide beams are over forty degrees, which the beam is similar to a floodlight. The forty-degree is the preferred choice for most, which casts beams as a floodlight. 

What are kind of effects do you get from lighting?

You can also choose your effect. Natural lighting is based on tone, texture, and color. Florescent lights cast a blue-greenish or black-purplish beam. Still, you can find a wide array of colors. 

Wall lights, which are mounted to the walls, are nice as well. You can find the chandeliers, pure glass, and so forth. Ceiling lights are also mounted to the ceiling, which you can find a wide array of fancy designs as well, including chandelier. Stand up lights enable you to move the lamp anywhere you please. The lights are available, which you can choose your bulbs to deliver the beam you desire. 

Online you will find a wide array of lighting, including fixtures to match. Over the Internet, you have the advantage, since you can view images of a selected lamps, lighting, fixtures, etc. In addition, you have the option of choosing other bathroom accessories to contrast your new product. Ultimately, if you are crafty you can purchase materials and invent your own bedside lights, illumination, and fittings. 

No matter what you are searching, to accomplish nowadays you have many options. At what time you choose bathroom accessories however, such as lighting and fixtures always consider the style of your bathroom first. For instance, you would not want to install a fancy stand up light and fixture in a kid’s bathroom. You would only put your children at risk. 

How to Choose Lights for Your Rooms?

Lighting is the most important element of interior decoration. It is the instrument that generates different atmospheres to the room, from intimacy to enthusiasm. But to be sure the effect of the light is the one we are looking for, it is important that we know four types of illumination.

1. Ambient lighting or general lighting

This is lighting for the entire room. It is recommended along with the use of intensity adjustments, to have more flexibility in creating effects for every occasion.

2. Local lights

They assure the light flowing around the room in order to make comfortable activities such as reading, cooking, and shaving. The intensity of the light is local and it has to be correctly measured so it won’t trouble or exhaust the eyes.

3. Accent lights

They are sources of light with ornamental purposes, usually placed to emboss an art object or a preferred corner.

4. Natural light

This one we get for free though windows and doors. Depending on the period of the day, season or weather, this one can vary in intensity and color.

A proper analysis of the everyday activities in recommended. You must know what you will do and where you will do it. Do not hesitate in using different types of illumination. Actually, this is wanted and will create very interesting effects. Also keep in mind that lighting can alter the dimensions of a room, making it look smaller or bigger.

You will discover that there are practically hundreds of ways of lighting that can be applied to a room. When deciding how to choose the lightings, think of them from two perspectives: esthetical and functional. Functionally, the lighting will assure the correct type and quantity of light need for the purpose in mind. Aesthetically, lighting can be configured to create the desired atmosphere.

For example when trying to choose lights for your living-room you can take into consideration these few notes:

  • Place a lamp behind every armchair, tall of about 1 meter.
  • Use an accent light to emboss a painting.
  • Another accent light can underline the contour of your bookshelves.
  • Be sure that the general light is adjustable.
  • Use indirect light to cover the walls with light. Place them below the floor, in little spaces behind furniture and let them illuminate the walls.