LIGHTING YOUR STAIRWELL BROUGHT TO YOU BY WWW.LIGHTINGTHEWEB.COM

Tips for lighting stairwellsBy Randall Whitehead, IALD, Residentiallighting.com
Q: Randall, I still see electricians and architects placing recessed cans in the middle of stairways. It is very difficult for homeowners to replace the lamps once they burn out, even using long poles designed for that purpose. On a number of occasions, I have seen the base of a lamp broken off in the socket after using one of these devices.As a lighting designer and electrician myself, I always recommend that a hanging fixture be used instead or to use a can or two at the landing of the stairway for ease of lamp replacement. Is this the best way to light these areas?
A: This is a very good question that hasn’t been asked before in this column. I do see this situation all the time, and it is not the best way to light the stairs. Just as they do in hallways, recessed downlight fixtures tend to make the space seem narrower than it actually is.
Like you have suggested, I prefer hanging fixtures or wall sconces, which are much easier to reach for maintenance purposes. If the stairway is narrow, use an ADA-approved wall sconce (there are plenty out there, and all project 4 inches or fewer from the wall) or one that is actually recessed into the wall, such as Belfer Lighting’s Reflex Series. Pendants hanging from chains or cords work well for sloped ceilings.
You could also use step lights, although I do feel that they can be too commercial looking. But if your customers prefer this option, install them at 12 to 18 inches on center above the stair tread and 3 to 4 feet apart.
A few recessed adjustable fixtures (located above the landing for easier relamping) could be directed toward art and add visual interest to what is normally a pass-through area. In fact, the stairway is a great spot for illuminated family photos. I would start with the baby pictures at the bottom of the stairs and then work your way up chronologically to the present day: Maybe people won’t be so surprised by what you look like now once they have seen all that you have been through.

THIS TIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY WWW.LIGHTINGTHEWEB.COM

BATHROOM LIGHTING TIPS

THIS TIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY WWW.Lightingtheweb.com

Bathroom Lighting IdeasBy Tim Carter, Askthebuilder.com
Summary: Bathroom lighting is more important than you might think. Every bathroom lighting fixture is important as several often need to be used to create full and even lighting. Natural light can be used to illuminate bathrooms. Contemporary lighting for bathrooms can be used, and these fixtures can be changed at will in the future. Be aware that discount bathroom lighting might not always be the best investment over time.
Q: Bathroom lighting is my current project, as I have two bathrooms that are being completely remodeled. What bathroom lighting fixtures have you had success with in your jobs? In the largest bathroom, contemporary lighting might interest me. Can I install one of those nifty makeup light and mirror fixtures that I often see in hotel bathrooms, or are those only permitted in commercial buildings?
A: I don't know if there is a silver bullet when it comes to bathroom lighting and bathroom lighting fixtures. There are many wonderful options, and I think your biggest problem is going to be limiting your selections to just a few. When you visit a real lighting supply house that just sells lighting fixtures, I predict you will develop a mild headache from the mind-numbing task of looking at all of the delightful lighting fixtures.
To make matters worse, most lighting supply houses only display five or 10 percent of the light fixtures that are available. Be prepared to spend hours looking through catalogs that contain thousands of photos of bathroom lighting fixtures.
The best success stories I can share come from both personal experience, and many of the jobs I have completed over the years. Believe it or not, I am still learning how to best utilize light in bathrooms. New bathroom configurations and layouts create new bathroom lighting opportunities. The trick is to approach each job or bathroom with a new attitude.
The first thing to consider is that you have two lighting sources, and both should be considered. I think that people often underutilize and neglect natural lighting options. Windows, skylights and tubular lights that pipe sunlight into a bathroom should used whenever possible. There is no substitute, in my opinion, for brilliant sunlight streaming into a bathroom space in the morning. It is a wonderful way to start the day. Bathrooms that face away from the sun can benefit from skylights that reflect natural light from the sky and clouds. The same is true for windows, as they will let light in no matter which direction they face.
Artificial bathroom lighting is what most of us are used to. Standard light fixtures that use any number of different types of incandescent light bulbs can be found in tens of thousands of bathrooms across the land. But newer halogen and energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs should be considered, as they create a different palette of color. Be aware that different bulbs produce noticeable color spectrums ranging from a warmish golden hue to a blistering white light as you might experience outdoors at high noon on a cloudless day in the mountains.
The biggest mistake you can make in bathroom lighting is to have too little. My experience has shown that you need 300 watts of incandescent lighting per 50 square feet of bathroom. You can have more, but I think you will discover quickly that more than 8 watts per square foot could be overkill.
A combination of different lighting fixtures almost always produces a magical effect. I call this layering light. In my daughter's bathroom, I installed two recessed halogen lights over the vanity that are operated on a separate switch. Two other recessed lights, one in the center of the room and one over the tub, are operated by a second switch. When just one switch is on, the bathroom has a nice welcoming glow. When both are on, the bathroom lighting is just right for bathing or brushing your teeth.Indirect bathroom lighting is another trick that many people seem to ignore. This form of lighting forces the builder/remodeler and the electrician to hide the actual light fixture, and bounce light from it onto a wall or a ceiling. Indirect bathroom lighting is ideal if you are going for a dramatic look. It is a great way to highlight wallpaper or decorative elements in a bathroom.
You can do contemporary lighting and switch to a different style in a few years. Almost all electrical lighting fixtures mount to the same electric boxes in walls and ceiling. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough side wall and ceiling clearance for most larger fixtures. Installing those lighted makeup mirrors is easy. They connect to a standard wall electrical box. Be sure the box is firmly attached to a stud or wood blocking in the wall.
Visit model homes on weekends to get real-time bathroom lighting ideas. I also urge you to look at many of the home design and decorating magazines for other ideas of unique bathroom lighting.
Be sure all moving doors in wall cabinets and medicine cabinets are able to operate fully and not hit lighting fixtures. Some lighting fixtures can be mounted too closely to mirrors and cabinets creating huge problems once you discover they are in the way and interfere with you gaining access to a cabinet.

VISIT www.lightingtheweb.com FOR GREAT BATHROOM LIGHTING.

QUOIZEL DINING ROOM CHANDELIERS

THIS TIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY www.lightingtheweb.com


Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or family bookkeeping. Dimming controls will enable you to vary the light for each occasion (see lighting controls).A chandelier is the focal point of the dining room. Suspended over the dining table, it serves as a decorative style element that enhances the beauty of your fine furnishings. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created. If equipped with a downlight, the chandelier provides task lighting for the table and accent lighting for a centerpiece.A buffet or sideboard can be flanked with wall sconces on either side. Choose fixtures that complement the style of your chandelier.





VISIT www.lightingtheweb.com FOR GREAT DINING ROOM CHANDELIERS

QUOIZEL OUTDOOR LIGHTING TIPS

This tip brought to you by www.lightingtheweb.com

Outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of your property, makes your home safer and more secure, and increases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors. And it is an investment that pays off handsomely in the value it adds to your home.A well-lighted front entrance enables you to greet guests and identify visitors. Wall lanterns on each side of the door will give your home a warm, welcoming look, while assuring the safety of those who enter. Under a porch or other overhang, you can use recessed, chain-hung, or close-to-ceiling fixtures. A separate rear or side entrance can be lighted with a single wall lantern installed on the keyhole side of the door. To conserve energy, consider post and wall lanterns that use new compact fluorescent or high-intensity discharge light sources such as mercury vapor or high pressure sodium.

FOR MORE GREAT OUTDOOR LIGHTING VISIT www.lightingtheweb.com

HOW TO PICK YOUR CRYSTORAMA CHANDELIER

Guide To Crystal Chandeliers Types of Crystal Crystal may be machine-cut, handcut or molded. A description of crystal types follows: (S)STRASS CRYSTAL : Absolute perfection.Considered the finest crystal in the world. Strass is manufactured by Swarovski AG in the Austrian Alps. Strass is an optically pure crystal, clear as spring water, totally free of flaws, unique in purity and brilliance. Strass crystal is characterized by razor-sharp cutting of facets with the lead content in excess of 30 percent. Cutting and polishing are done by machine to achieve perfect optical clarity. Strass crystals are treated with an invisible coating, which eliminates dust attraction and makes it easier to clean and maintain. (SAQ)SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL : A beautiful value.A passion for perfection has made Swarovski the world leader in the production of cut crystal. Swarovski & Co., manufacturer of Strass Crystal, has created a new alternative quality crystal. Swarovski has used advanced technology with olde world knowledge to produce a brilliant crystal with precision cutting and superior light reflection. This crystal type is designed for a crystal connoisseur demanding quality at an affordable price. (MWP)MAJESTIC WOOD POLISHED: The choice of traditionalists.Our majestic Wood Polished crystal is cut by hand in two stages on an iron and then a sandstone wheel. Each crystal is then polished on a wood wheel with marble dust. These methods go back centuries. If you look closely you will notice faint traces of the wood-wheel attesting to the concentrated labor of the artisan. This is a mark of authenticity. Each piece is a unique and original masterpiece. (I) ITALIAN CRYSTAL : Venetian heritage.Venetian crystal (from the glass-making regions in and around Venice ) is molded, not cut. You will notice a rounding of edges that comes from fire polishing. Molded crystal though never as brilliant as cut crystal, has a subtle charm and is an exceptional value. It is an ideal budget crystal for heavily dressed and/or commercially oriented chandeliers. MURANO CRYSTAL : Imaginative form.Each hand blown piece is an original work of art. No two crystals are alike. When color is added, the crystal takes on a whimsical form. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Including fruit, spheres, tear-drops and flowers. The 5 C's of Crystal Chandeliers Circumference:Understand the right size chandelier for your room. Proper scale 2" per foot of room. If circumference of room is 12' X 14', a 26" diameter chandelier is correct. Additional Guidelines4 - 6 person dining table: 20"-24" chandelier6 - 8 person dining table: 25"-29" chandelier8 - 10 person dining table: 30"-36" chandelier Height above dining table: 30"- 32". Two story Foyer: 10'-11' above the floor. Collection:Select the desired shape and style to fit your lifestyle and taste. Cutting:Select your quality cut of crystal (refer to above "Types of Crystal"). Buying a crystal chandelier is similar to buying a diamond. Choose your preferred shape and style of the chandelier. Next, the cost of the chandelier will depend on chosen quality of crystal. Color:Select desired finish. Glass arm chandeliers are available in Gold or Silver.Silver: The authentic color. Will reflect the true color spectrum of crystal. Works in all interiors.Gold: A dramatic color. Works well when complementing furniture and hardware in brass. Confidence:Crystorama Lighting has earned confidence with our 40 years of experience and worldwide reputation for quality and professional service. A crystal chandelier, whatever its shape, size, or cost, is an important purchase. We encourage you to seek the help and advice of experienced personnel before choosing the chandelier that will become a part of your personal history, future and lifestyle.
About Crystorama Lighting - Our Story
Abraham Kleinberg founded Crystorama Lighting Group in Brooklyn, New York in 1958. As a family owned company their concern for excellence is expressed in their styling, detailing and sincere caring for their valued customer. The company was initially founded as a primary importer of crystal chandeliers from Bohemia - Northern Czechoslovakia - and offered the finest selection of classical crystal designs. The rich heritage has continued by sourcing out the best quality crystal worldwide. Its unique resources have allowed Crystorama Lighting Group to remain a dominant producer of Crystal, Brass and Wrought Iron chandeliers that remains unsurpassed in North America. Crystorama chandeliers are of traditional designs and use authentic molds and patterns to maintain the tradition of our forefathers. In a world of mass production, Crystorama Lighting Group continues to offer traditional chandeliers that require years of experience and specialized craftsmanship.
We welcome you to the world of Tomorrow's Antiques. Crystorama Lighting Group takes great pride in presenting our new vision. We hope that you will share in our enthusiasm and passion for design and superior quality. Thank you for your support. The Family at Crystorama Lighting Group
Mission Statement
To create a brand of decorative lighting designed for today's interior spaces. We strive to exceed industries standards for innovative styles, value, service, and valued relationships.

You Can Find Crystorama lighting at www.lightingtheweb.com