When it comes to decor, this is believed to be a challenge faced by log homes. It is assumed to be a challenge especially when based on the design of the home and other decorative things that have been added. Due to this, many people have ended up with poorly lit log homes which can be caused by log color and richness. The solution is that you have to choose the best bulbs for this type of home so as to have good lighting and an unique setting. There are certain factors that you have to consider when you want to achieve a well-lit atmosphere in these homes.

* Ambient lighting

This is the common type of brightness that is used to illuminate a house. When you have a log home, you can achieve this with the use of single bulb or florescent bulbs. You can also use pot lights, chandeliers among other types of lighting. These types of lighting gives full amount of light without affecting the decor with some ugly fixtures which can be caused by unsightly bulbs. In order not to completely see the fixtures, you have to fix the chandeliers in the ceiling. It is recommended that you opt for small lighting for logs are known to absorb light.

* Ancient lighting

When you have a log home, you need to consider having accent lighting. This is a common feature of home lighting decor and it can also be used in setting the mood of the day in the house or at home. There is certain lighting that can be used to achieve this like wall scones which can be used to illuminate artwork. You can also incorporate overhead lighting which can be used as a spotlight on a specific area in the house.

* Task lighting

These are lights that tend to be a bit darker, hence they add their own importance in the home. These lights are ideal for kitchen lighting where you can add another light bar at the top of the cooking area. They can also be used in a cabin to offer light to the items in it. You can also select from standalone lamps, antler or rustic which can offer more light when you are cooking.

On the other hand, antlers and rustic lighting can be used in most parts of log homes like living rooms or bedrooms. You have to know how to buy these lights so as to select on those that will perfectly fit your log home lighting needs.

Brenda Travison loves to provide details on lighting for the home, visit her blog at http://europeanlightingforum.com

Outdoor garden lighting can really transform any garden. Far too many gardeners and homeowners take adequate care of how their garden looks just in the daytime and end up forgetting all about how it would look in the evening. As the Sun goes beyond the horizon, the darkness is allowed to swoop down on the garden, and all the beautiful flower beds, roses, lilies, and those amazing sculptures get lost, until the Sun rises again the next morning.

Yes, it can be a fresh discovery every morning, but then, the garden can indeed be a fascinating place in the evening too. The right garden and outdoor lighting can make it truly charming. In fact, the garden in the evening can be a place like nowhere else. Just take a stroll in the evening once you have returned from work, or after the last meal of the day, and you will realize how beautiful and peaceful your garden can appear in the evening. Of course, you must have garden lighting to enjoy its beauty. With the Moon above, the sound of water from a fountain or a slow-moving stream, and some outdoor lighting, the garden will definitely be the most romantic place in your home.

Outdoor Garden Lighting Types

There are all kinds of outdoor garden lighting. Some of them are-

* Hanging lanterns – If you are looking for patio lighting, you can definitely opt for these hanging lanterns. These lanterns will add a great rustic feel.

* Light pedestals – Create a pool of light across your garden to add a warm atmosphere.

* Recessed lighting – These are hidden lights that add that special ambience to your garden. You could light up the garden, the pathway or the driveway, and even the perimeter with these lights.

* Patio umbrella lights – Install a patio umbrella that comes with lights to make the garden really charming. This is an absolute must if you are planning a dinner party. You are sure to impress the guests with your incredible lighting arrangement and ambience.

* String lights – Another great outdoor garden lighting option. You can hang them in the shrubs, the trees and even in the doorway. Do you have a gazebo? String lights are a must have for the gazebo.

* Pond lights – Lights beside the pond or over the pool can look fantastic. If you have a pond in your garden, it can be spectacular, particularly in the evening. Just put a bench beside it, and add some outdoor, and the arrangement can be everyone’s envy.

* Security lights – Outdoor garden lighting and garden spotlights do not just beautify the outdoors, they can enhance the security of your home too. A bright flash of light can definitely put off any burglars.

Garden lighting not only creates beautiful ambience but also improves the security lighting of your home. If you are looking for garden lights, please visit the site http://www.garden-lighting-outlet.co.uk.

Nowadays we might reasonably consider ourselves hard done by, if we had to light our way around our homes and businesses by means of candles and oil- lamps. Fortunately, electric light bulbs suitable for domestic use have been around since the late 1800s (thank you, Mr Thomas Edison, et al). Many improvements were devised and applied to the basic invention until the 1960s, but, disregarding increases in efficiency, the incandescent (filament) light bulb still retains several Achilles’ heels. The fundamental weaknesses of traditional filament bulbs are: high power consumption, short lifespan, low output for power consumed. In addition, this type of light bulb will no longer be on sale after 2014 in many parts of the world.

Until the invention of energy saving bulbs in the 1980s it was not feasible to significantly reduce the running costs of lighting in the home by any means other than by fitting fluorescent tube devices in every room. This solution was not a popular option though, as the light produced by the tubes was quite unattractive, being predominantly in the blue and yellow parts of the visible spectrum. This is in fact the very same technology contained in energy saving bulbs, simply miniaturised into more useful formats so that the ‘bulbs’, or more correctly, ‘tubes’, may be utilised in common household light fittings.

Initially, these low energy bulbs gave off a blue tinted light, similar to their larger cousins, but they have since been improved so that they now emit a more acceptable spectrum of light suitable for general use. However, even these low energy bulbs still consume relatively large amounts of electricity when compared to the light they give off. Enter the LED bulb! These fellows have now come of age! The new generation of LED bulbs are a complete and direct replacement for their old filament bulb counterparts. They have the following advantages: extremely low running costs (12 per cent energy consumption, when compared to an equivalent filament bulb, and only one-third that of the equivalent low energy bulb); extremely long life – around 30,000 hours operation; acceptable light emission – the colour of light output can be chosen and measured according to the KELVIN scale.

Light output at around 2700K (warm white) is perfectly suited to general lighting around the home; other colours and colour temperatures are ideally suited to mood lighting or display lighting; choice of wide or narrow beam angles on spotlights. These bulbs also run at a much lower temperature than a traditional bulb, making them ideally suited to food displays in a chilled-meat counter, for example. Back in November 2010 my partner and I decided to go with LED bulbs when our kitchen spotlights began to fail.

These were standard GU10 spotlights x 4. Well, we were very lucky because it just so happened that my favourite store LIDL were then selling just such a replacement LED bulb! These retailed at around GBP6.00 each, so the set of four cost me GBP24.00. I just want to say that savings in running costs mean that these bulbs have already paid for themselves, and now the running cost is only – wait for it… 1 penny per 5 HOURS of use! For an equivalent total of 140 Watts!

So we now call the kitchen light our ‘impunity light’ because we can leave it on as much as we like with impunity! Hey, and the light is JUST THE SAME as we were getting from our previous incandescent bulbs, yet at only 1/8th of the running cost. A further significant saving will kick in over time, because we previously had to replace at least two of the standard bulbs each year, but the LED bulbs are rated for 30,000 hours, which is equal to 15 YEARS of average usage.

Under-cabinet lighting is the best source of task lighting available for kitchen counters. Unfortunately, many people make very serious mistakes in their kitchen lighting design. In this article, I will discuss those mistakes and then discuss how it is that under-cabinet fixtures avoid all of these mistakes and provides you with the best fixtures by a substantial margin.

The number one mistake in task lighting for a kitchen is to use illumination on the ceiling above the person using the cabinet and behind. Most commonly, this is done with track fixtures, which are sold as being especially flexible. The problem with this sort of fixture is that you will inevitably cast harsh shadows on the very area where you are trying to work. This makes food preparation difficult and even dangerous. You’ll have the shadows of your own hands over every single task that you perform.

The second mistake is to have lights that are directly over the counter top. This creates shadows, but it is not the only problem. When you have lights directly over the counter top, the light will reflect off the countertop back into people’s faces. This glare makes the task of using the counter quite uncomfortable, and even dangerous.

In both of these cases, the lighting that is shone is direct light, not bounced off of anything. This means that the light is not diffuse, creating the sense that the kitchen is too bright and the shadows are too harsh, almost like an overly sunny day.

Under-cabinet lighting corrects all of these problems. First, it avoids shadows by lighting the counter top from behind the work area. This means that you won’t be dodging your own shadows in order to prepare food. Second, it is at a sufficiently low angle that the light will not bounce back into your eyes causing glare. Finally, the light bounces off the back wall, providing a diffuse light that softens your overall lighting design.

Under-cabinet lighting, therefore, is the best task lighting you can have in your kitchen, despite its current under use.

Lorne Hallett has been writing online about lighting and other subjects for over a decade. One current project is the site Cheap Floor Lamps. The latest page is about funky floor lamps.

If you have concerns about security at your home then you may want to invest in outdoor lighting incorporating motion-sensor technology. A study by the School of Criminal Justice in New Jersey, USA, has concluded security lighting is only effective in preventing crime if it enables people to notice criminal activity is taking place.

External lighting, such as all-night floodlights, can fail to prevent break-ins because they are often installed on areas of buildings that can’t be observed by passers-by such as round the back of building away. In fact poorly positioned security lighting can actually help the criminals by brightening up doorways, windows and other points of entry and so making it easier to see what they are doing and break in! However a burglar whose movement triggers a security light controlled by an infrared motion sensor, also known as a PIR sensor, is much more likely to be spotted or to be scared off by the lights switching on.

So if you’re thinking about installing outdoor garden lighting so you can enjoy your garden at night then think about fitting motion-sensor lights at the same time. The price of good quality lights has reduced dramatically in recent years and it is well worth the investment. Well-placed external security lighting can provide security and safety for your home and potential intruders may be put off by movement-activated lights if they enter your garden or driveway. Always remember to install security lighting out of easy reach. It’s recommended to fit them at a height over two metres and ideally under the eaves of your property.

Tiffany lamps have been admired for decades owing to their unique nature. Collectors exist throughout the world and for over a century, have grown more affectionate towards this lamp variety. Being one of the most popular designer lamps, these are loved and treasured by one and all. These have always been fascinated by interior designers and now lamps are becoming eco-friendly as well. Modern LED lamps produce a 14W power saving, thus aiding the conservation of the environment. Dale Tiffany lamps are considered priceless these days as they are very unique owing to the skilled craftsmanship that goes into their creation.

The glasses used to create the Tiffany lamps are exotic and are often hand-painted. Stained glass is also used sometimes. These glasses are inlaid with gold and silver threads, making the lamps more valuable. The lamps are of two main varieties – the upward light design and the downlight. The upward light design, as the name suggests directs the light to the ceiling, thus creating a beautiful effect in the room. The downlight focuses the light on the surface immediate to the base of the lamp and a soft light fills the surroundings. These lights are too pricey, so much so that may make you poorer by several hundred, or possibly thousand, bucks.

If you are finding it difficult to choose the right type of Tiffany lights, don’t feel sad. You are the not the only one. Thousands of people across the globe face the same dilemma when shopping for Tiffany lamps. The unique designs are prized possessions of every home-owner as they give a retro-feel to the house. People having these lamps in their house automatically draw praises from guests who marvel at their sheer design and beauty. If you are looking forward to redecorating your house and if you ready to loosen your purse-strings, then getting yourself this lamp will be an ideal choice.

The Internet has brought the entire world to our attention. Now, you can get the best of deals right from your living room. There are thousands of sites which will offer you a wide range of Tiffany lamps. You need to be sure about their authenticity. The lamps are costly and if the seller is not an authentic one, then you may be cheated. One of the premiere names in Dale Tiffany lamps is qualitylamp.com. The company offers a wide range of these lamps and the collection will surely floor you. Bring Tiffany lamps today and give your interiors, the ultimate makeover!

We spend a lot of time in our homes so we all want them to look good. A room where we spend a lot of time is the living room. There is so much that you can do with the living room so it is so easy to think of living room ideas. We will be thinking about these now.

Lighting is a big deal when it comes to the feel of the room. Subtle changes in the lighting can make big differences. There are lots of ways to do that other than the standard light that you have currently. The easiest way is through lamps, either through table or floor lamps. I prefer floor lamps because you can move them about the house easily and experiment with how they look in different positions.

Lamp shades are a great way of influencing light if you already have the right light fittings. You don’t need to buy expensive lamp shades, just think about the likely effect on the room and make your decision from there.

Don’t let the living room ideas stop there… you now need to think about the furniture. You don’t have to go out and buy new furniture; you can make use of what you have. This is your time to be creative. Start moving things around or think about painting walls.

If you are going out to buy new things then that is a lot more fun. Try to do a bit of research first to find out what styles you like and the types of prices that you will have to pay. This will put you in a much better position when it comes to negotiating.

As you can see there are plenty of different things that you can do with your room, from a floor lamp to changing your furniture. Be as creative as you can with your living room ideas but just make sure that you are comfortable with them. You have to trust yourself and believe in your ideas.

To find out more information about floor lamps then visit my new blog.

There are many elements to interior design from the choice of soft furnishings, to the selection of art and sculpture. An equally important element however is the choice of interior lighting. The way you choose to illuminate space is fundamental in the way in which looks, and feels. It is generally thought that there are 3 main types of lighting used today in design; these are ambient, task and accent. Frequently they are used in conjunction with each other in layers to achieve stunning effects.

Ambient

Ambient lighting is the illumination that lights a space. It gives the most general light in a room; an example of ambient would be overhead lights or even spotlights recessed into the ceiling. This should be thought of as your foundation for your other types of illumination, replacing the daylight that would normally come through the windows or skylights.

Task

Task lighting is a fairly utilitarian form of illumination, used when there is a practical need for light. An example would be a desk lamp or a reading light; it could even apply to lighting over a kitchen worktop. Whilst task lighting has a specific purpose that does not mean that it has to counteract your accent efforts, it can compliment other forms of illumination effectively.

Accent

Accent lighting can be considered the interior designer’s most useful tool. It is typically used to illuminate architectural features or the decorative elements within a room. This could also be used with different colours to create stunning design effects. This type of illumination can also be used extremely creatively, by using moving light patterns or even candles for a cosy, romantic feel.

Ultimately the combination of accent, ambient and task lighting within a room can create amazing design aesthetics. It is through careful planning and even a bit of trial and error that it is possible to layer the three forms of lighting so that the room positively shimmers and shines once the sun goes down.

Essentially it is your choice when it comes to planning your interior lighting, by understanding how certain types of light will affect the style of the room it is possible to create a wide range of different lighting effects to showcase and emphasise your interior design features.

A shower room is a very personal space, a moment to escape the rigors of the world and embed yourself in a private space. So making that area tranquil and appealing is important and the way that your shower room is lit is a important part of success.

A dark and dingy space is not going to place you in the right mindset. There are many thoughts when considering how to light a bathroom and those can be directed by the size of the room, what fittings and furnishings are located in which places. One obvious aspect is the need to light activity areas where you need good light to see what you are doing such as the sink and shower. This would attract additional direct lighting alongside the more general ambient lighting in the room.

Where water is present you will need to present enclosed lights, usually ones that are designed for wet locations. These tend to be mounted sconces and other shaded bulbs. Then if the mirror is to be used for the application of makeup, the brushing of teeth or shaving, small purpose lights can be placed at the side of the mirror. These are likely to be the LED type.

Sunken lights help to make a general bright glow to the room and knock out those downbeat shadows. They exude chill and dissolve stress when you just want to sink into a relaxing bath. Then there are spot lights which pick up and show off shelves and cabinets in the bathroom.

They can be changed with dimers to give the user greater control to create an overall bathroom effect. Wall fixed lights are great at illustrating the colour and texture of your wall especially where there may be exposed brick or rendering. Where wall area is at a premium then the ceiling may provide more chances to use creative lights for example a light located directly over the shower to light just that area.

Bringing together good lighting with large mirrors in a small bathroom gives the look of space and light. Mirrors should be secured in positions where they reflect the incoming light from windows and bounce it round the room.

Shadows are the downfall of any tranquil bathroom spaces so its worth testing your lighting before its fixed, just to be sure that the combination of lights does everything you planned and wanted it to. Don’t forget that coloured lights can be an added dimension, not so much illuminating the whole space in a colour but adding a subtle tint light to the general white scheme to highlight a specific feature or effect.

bathroom lights

It is common for homeowner to find ways on how they can make their abode into glamorous and sophisticated place. Of course most of the homeowner wants to have a relaxing and inviting ambiance for their home.

One great idea to end up with this kind of home is to hang a different kind of lighting fixture that can make a total difference for your home. One of the best lighting fixtures is the crystal chandelier. Most of the time people think that these kinds of fixtures are for those hotels lobby and big establishments only. But because of the evolutions that happens there are already designs that will perfectly fit those homes with different structures.

Crystal chandeliers that are available today come in different designs such as modern and traditional. This is the reason why there are already a lot of people who buy one for their home. But of course it is important that you have the know-how tools in buying one for your home.

Now there are even websites that you can visit if you wish to buy this lighting fixture without leaving your home. Crystorama lighting is one of the best brands that offer varieties of chandeliers, you can check out their website if you wish to look for more options. You can browse on the different price that entail with the fixture. This crystal fixture is a little bit expensive than those ordinary fixture but it can make your home glamorous and elegant. As you visit the website you will be guided properly when choosing the perfect lighting fixture. You will be able to know the right design, size, style and place where these fixtures are fitted. So if you want to be successful in making your home different, then you have to find time in browsing with these websites.

But before you go on with your shopping, it will be important if you will check on your home first. It is important that you have to know first the dimension of your home or the place where you plan to install the fixture. Checking the measurement of the room can avoid it from getting crowded. You have to check on the accessories and other things that are already present within your home. With this you can be sure to pick the perfect design and style that will complement the theme of your home.

Being busy is not a problem in transforming your home into an elegant and sophisticated place because there are online sites where you can browse. What is important is that you have the right knowledge and information regarding the crystal chandelier that you need to buy.

Crystorama Lighting

Eliza Capili Ayson writes for Jump2top.com – SEO Company