Pendants light fixtures hang from the ceiling can be used to provide general or task illumination, depending on how they are finished off. The bulb can be covered with translucent globes for diffused ambient illumination that radiates throughout the room, or trained in a specific direction with shaped shades for task lighting. Small pendants can be used at various points in a room, or even grouped together, for more illumination and for their combined decorative effect. They can be all the same or related in terms of color or styling.

Chandeliers light fixtures, which are pendants with branches that hold bulbs (or in some cases, candles) as well as decorative ornamentation, are the most dramatic type of ceiling fixtures. The quality of light produced varies with the number, type , and strength of the bulbs, the style of the fixture (some have many branches or sport individual shades over each bulb), and whether or not the fixture is equipped with a dimmer. A chandelier is the focal point of the space or room it occupies and must be chosen accordingly.

Downlights are minimal ceiling light fixtures that are inconspicuously mounted on or in the ceiling to cast light directly down on a surface. They can be surface mounted, recessed, partially recessed, and used to provide all three types of lighting, but are particularly effective at focal illumination. The beam of light downlights emit can vary in width, depending on the shape of the fixture and type of bulb that is used; recessed lighting produces the narrowest beam. Downlights are often used over work counters for task lighting, or to accent or emphasize a particular area or feature of a room. While they are ideal for low ceilings where pendant lights would be unsuitable, fully recessed lighting requires a half-foot of space above the ceiling to accommodate the fixture and provide proper ventilation.

Spotlights, like downlights, are minimal fixtures that are available in a wide variety of shapes and styles, but they are extremely adjustable and are used to focus on, or emphasize, specific spots in a space. They can be installed or mounted on walls, floors, ceilings, or standing polls, set in tracks, or used individually with clips for greatest flexibility. They are best for accent lighting, as the bulb and fixture are designed to work together to give a precise, controlled beam of light that can be tilted, swiveled, or angled to wherever it is needed. However, in large, open spaces, spotlights can be used for general illumination by positioning them to create overlapping pools of light. This technique produces ambient lighting that is a bit more interesting than the uniform level of illumination provided by basic ceiling and pendant light fixtures.

Track lighting is often referred to as its own type of lighting, but it is actually a combination of spotlighs and downlights installed in a flexible arrangement on a ceiling-mounted track. Track lighting can be used for general, task, and accent lighting because it is possible to swivel, rotate, or point the individual lighting fixtures in any direction; often, the same track incorporates all three types of illumination. Track lighting comes in two forms. Some tracks are fixed and come with specific light fixtures already attached, while others are merely free-form power lines that can be used to anchor a number of types of fixtures along its length.

Uplights work best in rooms with high ceilings, where they make an ideal source for general illumination. Uplights can use the ceiling as a giant reflector to create a softly diffused ambient light in a space, provided the ceiling is painted white or a light color (dark colors absorb light). The height of an uplight determines the intensity and quality of the light it yields as it reflects off the ceiling; those close to the ceiling produce a concentrated light, while those that are lower produce light that is softly diffused. In general, the greater the distance between the uplight and the ceiling, the greater the area illuminated.

Lamps usually consist of a base or stand that supports a socket, the bulb, and a shad. The power cord is concealed by the base, and the shade and substance of the shade determine the quality and quantity of light the lamp emits. The beauty and versatility of the lamps lie in this simple design, for the base and shade can be made of myriad materials, take virtually any form, and be rendered in any decorative style. Also, the shade can direct the light of the bulb in any direction, though most focus the light downward to create a softly diffused pool of illumination. The wider the shade, the broader the pool of illumination.

Once you know the types of illumination needed in a room, it is possible to select the suitable light fixtures and lamps. While it isn’t necessary to master the complex calculations of the professional designer, a working familiarity with the different types of lights and fixtures is helpful in making an informed choice. Consider the quality of light each fixtures gives off, its aesthetic appearance, how sturdy it is, and the type of light it emits. Also keep in mind that no light can serve every purpose or meet every need.

Lighting fixtures come in every form, shape, size, and style imaginable, and are made of myriad materials. In fact, the possibilities are endless; and there is no such thing as one right choice. However, all these options boil down to three general categories and, when lighting a space, it is usually necessary to choose fixtures from each of these groups to create schemes that balance function with aesthetics.

The following are a couple of popular lighting fixtures. To read more about them, you can click on the following sub-topics.

• Freestanding Lighting Fixtures
• Ceiling Lighting Fixtures
• Wall-Mounted Lighting Fixtures

]]> http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/finding-the-perfect-lighting-fixtures/feed/ 0 http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/what-to-consider-when-planning-a-lighting-scheme-for-a-room/ http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/what-to-consider-when-planning-a-lighting-scheme-for-a-room/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:18:35 +0000 Kenny http://perfectlightfixtures.com/?p=65 The following are a couple of points which you can refer when planning the lighting scheme for a room. Besides, there are also questions which you can ask yourself when planning the lighting scheme. If you can find answer the questions, then you definitely will have a clearer view of what lighting fixtures to use.

Activities: The questions you can ask are what activities are being carried out in the room, and where will each specific action take place?

Highlights: What features in the room need emphasis? Are there any stunning architectural elements, such as magnificent mantels or intricate ceilings, that should be bathed in light to show them off.

Deficits: What needs to be concealed? Faults, such as ugly architectural ornamentation or badly plastered walls, should not be emphasized with light.

Ambience: What is the desired mood for the room? Dramatic or soothing? Businesslike or cheery and bright? The choice dictates the intensity and positioning of the light sources in the room.

Balance: Should the entire room be brightly lit or would pockets of brightness and shadow be desirable? If the latter, make sure these pockets balance each other and do not detract from the from the room’s functionality.

Flexibility: To accommodate different activities in the room, make sure the level of general illumination is adequate and employ free-standing light fixtures that can be moved at will.

Variety: A lighting plan that uses all the same light fixtures or lamps can be both boring and inadequate, as it is unlikely that one type of item can satisfy all requirements. Use a diversity of light sources in a room, and choose attractive and creative options.

Decorative style: Make sure the light fixtures complement or match the decorative style of a room. If a light source is particularly stunning in itself, such as an intricate chandelier or an artist-made lamp, it can even be the focal point of the space.

In conclusion, do take your time to sort out the above mentioned points before installing any light fixtures. It’s not that complicated of a task, and the only thing you need to do is answer some questions asked above and there you go, you will have a rough idea of what to do for the lighting scheme.

]]> http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/what-to-consider-when-planning-a-lighting-scheme-for-a-room/feed/ 0 http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-light-fixture/ http://perfectlightfixtures.com/lighting-fixtures/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-light-fixture/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:27:09 +0000 Kenny http://perfectlightfixtures.com/?p=62 To get the most out of a light fixture, position it optimally with regard to its purpose. For instance, a pendant fixture intended to provide ambient or background illumination casts a broader path of light the closer it is to the ceiling, but if it is meant to provide task lighting, it must be set lower. Here are some lighting fixture guidelines in which you can follow:

Lamps used for reading: Both floor lamps and table lamps next to chairs have the same requirements. The bottom of the light fixture should be about 40 inches to 42 inches above the floor, which is slightly below eye level for a seated reader of average height. Lamps behind chairs should be taller; the distance from the floor to the base of the light fixture should be minimum of 47 inches. The lamp should be placed approximately 10 inches behind shoulder of the reader. Next to beds, the base of a lampshade should be 20 inches above the pillow.

Task lighting: The height of light fixtures and lamps varies by task, but rules of thumb are available. A pendant fixture should be about 30 inches above the top of a dining table, but if a room is over 8 feet tall, add 3 inches per foot above 8 feet to this figure. Light sources used for light-intensive tasks, such as working, writing, sewing, drawing or working with tools, should be 14 to 15 inches above the center of the work, which should be positioned 10 inches to 14 inches in front of the worker.

Wall-mounted light fixtures: Heights vary and depend on the way the light fixture is designed and the height and size of the wall, but, in general, they should be placed above eye level. They should also be fairly flat, not protruding more than 4 inches from a wall, unless they are placed well above the level where they can be bumped by heads (which is at least 80 inches above the floor).

Track-lighting: The beauty of this type of lighting is its flexibility; the light fixtures can be moved along the track to where they are needed and positioned at any angle to become a downlight, sportlight, or accent light for art and collectibles. To accent an item on a wall, position the fixtures at a 30-degree angle.

Environmental psychologists evaluate the stimuli that must be processed in a room by those using it, which is relevant to how a space should be lit. Rooms that are crowded, asymmetrical, disorderly, unconventional or unfamiliar have a lot of stimuli and are considered high load, while rooms that are straightforward, symmetrical, conventional, familiar, and organized are less arousing and are considered low load. Tasks are gauged in the same way. Doing something demanding, such as reading a challenging book or writing a complex essay, is a high load task, while tasks that are simple or routine, such as paying bills or cleaning the house, are low-load tasks. Lower-load tasks require higher-load settings for optimum performance, and vice versa. Lighting can be used to increase or decreased stimulation by creating an emotional setting in a room that affects the performance of tasks. In fact, the proportions of the three types of lighting (background illumination, task lighting, and accent lighting) determine the emotional content of a room.

A space lighted with a large proportion of background illumination, evenly diffused, and a small amount of focused task lighting or decorative accent lighting, is a low contrast, low-stimulation space that is behaviorally neutral, as it is minimally stimulating. This type of environment is ideal for performing visual tasks such as reading or working. But too much diffuse light produces a boring, shadowless environment, which can evoke psychological reaction experienced on a cloudy day.

A space lighted with a small amount of diffuse light and a larger amount of focal light is a high-contrast environment featuring strong patterns of light and shade. This type of lighting plan increases stimulation and is intended to evoke specific moods and emotions. A room lit in this manner can also dominate the people in it; the contrast produces visual direction and focus by directing their attention and holding their interest.

Overall, people need lower-loaded settings for difficult, complex tasks or to feel contended, comfortable, and relaxed, and higher-loaded spaces for casual, pleasant activities or socializing, as a high degree of contrast encourages participation and stimulates enjoyment.

Window treatments
Window treatments have a huge impact on light and can be used to manipulate the mood in a room. Translucent drapes which filter natural light and produce a diffused effect, come in many weights and should be chosen with regard to the property. Slatted blinds offer optimum light control, ranging from total transparency to full screening and also create dramatic patterns of light and shade they are opened at various angles.

More than one light sources
If there are several light sources in a room and you are unhappy with the overall effect, change the bulbs, which may be too bright or too dim for their surroundings. If a light fixtures or lamp emits too much glare, replace its standard bulb with a reflector bulb.

Changing the light in a room
To change the lighting in a room, change the shades in a fixture. Translucent materials allow more light into a room, which makes it seem brighter, while darker shades can glow softly when the light is turned on, lending drama to the space.

To imbue a space with color
The purpose of doing this is to create a specific mood. The way to do it is to bathe a white wall with a washer fitted with a colored filter. Before doing this, research the psychological effect of the intended color. Yellow is cheery hue that promotes feelings of well-being and increase efficiency. Blue is a soothing hue that calms nerves and induces sleep. Red is stimulating and dynamic and enhances the action wherever it is used. Green is a harmonious color that reminds us of nature and can be warm, refreshing and earthy. Purple can be calming or exciting, depending on whether it leans more toward blue or red.

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Decorative Light Fixtures Tricks Page1

To make a ceiling look higher
Use floor or wall-mounted up-lights to throw light up on the ceiling or conceal lighting
behind a cornice or cove mounted high on the walls at the perimeter of the room.

To make a ceiling look lower
To make a ceiling look lower and give a room an intimate demeanor, keep light away from the ceiling by placing wall lights fairly low and using shades or pendant fixtures with closed tops that won’t throw any light back on the ceiling. Also draw attention to items placed at a low level, such as pictures or wall hangings positioned low on the wall or groups of accessories placed on low surfaces, by lighting them from above or with a lamp standing on the surface.

To make a long narrow space seem wider
You can focus attention on a feature on one of the end walls, such as a window with an elegant treatment or an interesting piece of art, by highlighting the wall with a spotlight and wash the other walls in the room with an even but less intense light.

To make a space seem larger
Wash opposite walls with light to make them seem farther apart. Alternatively, combine lighting with mirrors and reflective surfaces to increase the illusion of space. Use recessed cans or track-mounted spots, pointed downward, above a large wall-mounted mirror or position lamps to be reflected in a mirror.

Surfaces with sheen
Glass, metal, tile and gloss paint reflect, heighten and amplify light, while matte or textured surfaces absorb light rather than reflect it. The darker in tone, the more light is absorbed. Use matte surfaces in an overly bright room to cut the glare from too much sunlight.

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Fist of all, the basic in light fixtures planning is to use a floor plan to formulate the type of lighting required in every space. The rule of thumb is to have each room consists of three types of lighting: general or background illumination, focal or task lighting and accent or decorative lighting.

General or Background Illumination
General illumination is also called background or ambient lighting; it is usually the foundation of a lighting plan. It should be used to compensate for lack of natural light during the day and it should provide uniform illumination throughout a room at night. This uniform illumination is usually provided by ceiling fixtures, but can also be created with a variety of light sources placed around a room that form overlapping pools of light, such as floor and table lamps; up-and down lights; or side-lights, sconces and spots. While it can be dull and flat or harsh and glaring, overall general illumination should be shadowless, not accentuating anything particular about a space. Instead, it should project a sense of homogeneity in a space and be reassuring and restful.

Focal or Task Lighting
Focal or task lighting is directive in a sense that it creates a bright spot that draws our attention, tells us what to look at or orients us toward an important element of activity center in a space. Task lighting is bright, concentrated and directed to allow activities to be accomplished with safety and ease, such as preparing food, reading, working, or playing n instrument. However, task lighting also creates shadows around the objects in its field because of the intensity of illumination it throws off. Make sure that the shadows don’t fall over the work area. Situate the light sources in front of or to the side of a person rather than behind him or her. Lamps with long, flexible heads, necks or arms are usually relied upon to create this type of lighting. If shades that open at the top and bottom (as opposed to highly targeted and closed) are used, focal lighting can also supplement the general illumination in a room.

Accent or Decorative Lighting
Accent or decorative lighting is any bright light directed into or onto a specific area for aesthetic rather than utilitarian effect. It is used to enhance or emphasize significant features or furnishing such as architectural elements, shelves, armoires, collections of objects, decorative accessories, and art. Accent lighting can have an unwavering focus to highlight with glamour and drama or it can wash over a broader area, such as an entire wall or architectural element, for an emphasis that is obvious but more subtle. It can also comprise the accent itself, such as the drama and glitter provided by a chandelier or torchiere. Simply put, accent lighting should be at least three times brighter than the room’s general lighting. Any fixtures that can be trained to shine light in one specific direction can be used for this type of lighting. However, if it is too bright, the purpose of bringing nuance and contrast to a space is defeated. For this reason, it is advisable to outfit accent lights with dimmers s they can be adjusted if necessary.

In conclusion, it is critical to utilize all three types of lighting in a comprehensive plan.

Regardless of whether we are starting from scratch or backtracking to address inadequacies in the way a space is illuminated, it is critical to develop a lighting plan for each room that addresses both substance and style. The lighting should fulfill the utilitarian objectives of everyday life and at the same time complement a specific decorating style. In addition, a good lighting plan relies on a combination of natural and artificial lighting. It takes into account the available natural light, balancing it with the function, architectural components and decorative features of a room or space.

Start with Natural Light