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Archive for the ‘Helpful Tips’ Category

Pink and Teal Interiors

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

If a room in your home needs new life, why not try the vibrant, exciting color combination of pink and teal? Both of these colors are complementary to each other, and represent romance, playfulness and lively sophistication. If you’re not feeling quite so bold, try mixing in a few accent pieces with your existing décor. I hope you enjoy these colorful rooms and vibrant table lamps!

Pink and Teal Living Room

This particularly modern and sophisticated living room feels fresh and bubbly courtesy of brilliant pink curtains and varying shades of light teal. White and gold accents help balance the color scheme.

Teal Table Lamp

A hot pink chair and beautiful teal lamp make this simple guest room vanity fun and eye-catching. The stunning color combo really gives this space life.

Brass Table Lamp

Intricate patterns cover almost every surface in this bedroom, but varying shades of teal make everything cohesive, rather than overwhelming. The bold pink chinoserie patterned blanket is so feminine and bright.

Glass Chandelier

An eclectic mix of old and new make this vibrant dining room fun and funky. A gorgeous dark teal wall color helps brighten the pink curtains and accessories. I love the unique ceiling light.

Teal Table Lamp

An easy way to incorporate a new color into a room’s color scheme is by adding bouquets or potted flowers. The single branch of orchids with the softest shade of pink becomes a striking focal point in this dark teal and green bedroom.

Shimmering, reflective fabrics and accents give this bedroom a perfectly luxurious atmosphere. The rich teal and pink take on an emerald quality against the white furniture.

Teal Retro Bedroom and Table Lamp

The faded quality of the teal walls and pink blankets in this room give it a warm, vintage feel. The graphic patterened ceiling is an unique accent.

Crystal Chandelier

The velvet and fur fabric in this glamorous bedroom add to the fun, adventurous atmosphere. The brilliant chandelier and zigzag rug add a modern twist.

What do you think of this energetic color combination? For more color inspirations and light fixtures, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Lighting website!

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Trendy Kitchen Looks: Track Lighting

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

In recent years, many people have felt that recessed lighting has been overdone. These light fixtures have been found in just about every room including bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. With this in mind, these same people are also looking for different ways to add lighting to their kitchen spaces. Track lights are just one of the many trendy light fixtures out there being used in modern kitchen lighting schemes of today.

All About Track Lights

When you hear the words “track lights” you probably think of those dated, ugly and bulky light fixtures from the 1980s and the 1990s. Fortunately, huge advances have been made in track lighting and track lights today are modern, clean and beautiful. You’ll also find track lights to suit just about any style of decor from traditional to ultra modern and sleek, contemporary to industrial and everything in between.

Track Lighting

 

Track lights also come with a number of different light bulb options, so you’ll find that not only are they more visually appealing, they’re also more energy efficient in comparison to their past counterparts. Don’t be surprised to see LED lights or CFL versions, with incandescent varieties practically non-existent today.

Uses for Track Lights in Kitchen Spaces

Kitchen Track Lighting

Track lights are an extremely versatile type of light fixture, and in kitchen spaces they can be used for just about any lighting need. One of the more popular uses for track lights in kitchen spaces is accent lighting. Track lights are great for highlighting specific areas of the room such as wall art, open shelving with beautiful (and organized) dishes or beautiful cabinetry.

 

Kitchen Track Lighting

With that in mind, track lights can also be used for task lighting. By positioning them overhead and toward the cabinets, they can help light up the interiors of cabinets, aiding you in finding the right items when you need them. When positioned over an island or peninsula, they can also be used as task lighting for preparing food for meals. The same rings true for track lights installed over a stove or oven area, as they can be used to help brighten these areas while you are cooking.

Track Lighting

Finally, track lights can also be used to highlight the entire room and add to the overall general light of the space. While a single set of track lights are not typically enough to highlight the entire space, they can add to the general ambient glow.

Track Lighting

Finally, track lights can also be used to highlight the entire room and add to the overall general light of the space. While a single set of track lights are not typically enough to highlight the entire space, they can add to the general ambient glow. Consider pairing them with other trendy fixtures such as pendant lights or wall sconces, which are especially trendy when used in kitchen spaces. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Be sure to check out our wide variety of track lights to suit your kitchen needs!

 

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Trendy Lighting: Oversized Light Fixtures

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Certain looks are all the rage right now, especially when it comes to light fixtures. Oversized light fixtures are just one of the few trends out there on the market. This look is a surprisingly elegant look, but it’s certainly not for everyone. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to use oversized light fixtures in your space.

Oversized Light Fixtures

Oversized light fixtures are growing in popularity because when you place one of these fixtures into any room in your home, it draws the eye in. They literally command the space around them, you can’t help but take notice of them. This is true of large, oversized chandeliers, oversized floor lamps and even oversized table lamps. These light fixtures are all about adding drama and flair to the space.

Oversized Light Fixtures

With these fixtures, it is all about size, not style. You’ll find that oversized light fixtures come in a number of different colors and styles, so there are looks to suit every person’s preferences. You’ll find large turned column ceiling lights for your living rooms or bedroom spaces, as well as large, almost bulky table lamps for these very same spaces.

Tips and Tricks for Using Oversized Light Fixtures

Oversized Light Fixtures

When using oversized light fixtures, try not to overdo it. One, maybe two are acceptable in any given space. When you start incorporating too many oversized light fixtures into your space, you’ll find that it does indeed overwhelm the space. This translates into a space that looks and feels cramped or tiny, even if it is not a small space.

Oversized Light Fixtures

In dining room spaces, the chandelier is the focal point of the room. If you’ve got a large table, you may find yourself contemplating whether or not a large chandelier would be too much. However, you will find (even if through trial and error) that a large chandelier does not quite work with a small dining table, or in a small dining space, for that matter. Large light fixtures can be used in small spaces, but you may need to experiment with different looks before you find the right fixture for your particular space.

Oversized Light Fixtures

If you’re working with a small space, consider using an oversized light fixture that is somewhat transparent: a large glass or even a mesh cover can give it the size and shape you are looking for without taking up too much visual weight. This is a great way to incorporate a large, oversized chandelier, pendant light or other overhead light fixture into a smaller space: bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms and of course, kitchens or dining rooms.

Finally, with oversized light fixtures, you’ll find that you do at the very least need a taller ceiling. If you’re stuck with eight foot ceilings, look for light fixtures that jet outward toward the corners of the room rather than light fixtures that feature plenty of their own height. By going outward instead of upward, you’ll find you can incorporate a seemingly larger light fixture into a smaller space, even with the standard eight foot ceilings.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What do you think about these oversized fixtures? Stop by our hanging lights section for a great deal on gorgeous styles.

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Black Chandeliers: Classy or Trashy?

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Unlike with interior design or fashion, trends that affect light fixtures tend to last significantly longer. In fact, light fixture trends can last upwards of several years before finally going out of style. With this in mind, many people are finding themselves drawn to fixtures they may not have considered for their space, particularly the chandelier. Within this particular category, there are actually a plethora of different trends: colored crystals, bright neon finishes and of course, the solid black chandelier. So, is the solid black chandelier trendy or trashy?

What is the Difference Between a Black Chandelier and a Regular Chandelier?

Black Chandeliers

The main difference between these two light fixtures is actually minimal: it’s just the color of the finish! In fact, don’t be surprised to see manufacturers taking your favorite light fixtures and producing them with a new crisp black finish.

Black Chandeliers

With that in mind, there are actually a few different varieties of black finishes for these ceiling light fixtures. The most popular of which tends to be a heavy lacquered black finish, which is extremely shiny and vibrant, drawing the eye up and adding to the dramatic affect of this light fixture. The next finish is a matte black finish, which is more subdued but equally elegant.

Black Chandeliers

There are also clear acrylic chandeliers that feature a black tinting. These light fixtures tend to feature a laser cut pattern that mimics the look of a chandelier but gives it a more modern, up-to-date look.

All About Black Chandeliers

Black Chandeliers

Black chandeliers come in a plethora of styles and shapes. They come in multiple tiered versions and versions that are more modern in style. There are clean lined versions and versions that mimic the traditional look. Either way, when you opt for a black chandelier, it tends to add a dramatic effect to any room you place it in.

Black Chandeliers

Speaking of which, just like with any other light fixture, you can put a black finished chandelier in just about any space. This includes the living room, the bedroom and even the bathroom. Some people are even using these light fixtures in their walk-in closets, kitchen spaces and foyers.
Chandeliers are perhaps one of the trendiest light fixtures to hit home decor in years, so in terms of being trendy, the chandelier is in. However, it is up to you to decide if the black chandelier is classy or trashy. As with any look, this particular style may not be yours. If you are considering investing in a chandelier or any other light fixture like a pendant light,  for your space, be sure to weigh the pros and cons as well as whether or not the light fixture will compliment your space. You should choose light fixtures you are drawn to, rather than basing your choices around what’s “trendy” and “in,” versus what isn’t. Images  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

So what do you think? Trashy or Classy? Don’t forget to take a look at our great selection of wall lamps that will enhance your home.

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Industrial Lighting: Bare Bulb Light Fixtures

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Industrial style lighting can be difficult to work with. It is a style that while seemingly simple, does not necessarily always turn out the way we had hoped or planned. Industrial light fixtures are extremely trendy right now, but it can be difficult to find the right one for any given space or style. With this in mind, many are wondering if bare bulb light fixtures, in which there isn’t actually any “light fixture” present, are a better option.

Uses for Bare Bulb Light Fixtures

The most popular use of bare bulb light fixtures are pendant lights for the kitchen. This is because in a kitchen space, you want to have plenty of light to ensure you can go about your various kitchen (and non-kitchen) related tasks. Bare bulb pendant lights are clean and stylish, perfect for complimenting a variety of styles including contemporary, modern, industrial and rustic styled kitchens.

Occasionally, these pendant lights can feature a cage to add some visual weight to the light fixture. In these instances, they are no longer classified as bare bulb light fixtures, but caged pendant lights or lantern style pendant lights.

Of course, the kitchen isn’t the only location that you can use a bare bulb pendant light. Another popular locations include flanking either side of a bathroom mirror, which creates the desirable cross illumination lighting that is perfect for applying makeup or styling your hair. Other locations include in the place of table lamps on either side of a bed or sofa, in place of a chandelier over a dining table, in foyers, in closets and even in small but modern bathroom spaces.

Different Light Bulbs, Different Looks

It is worth noting that bare bulb light fixtures can actually feature different shaped light bulbs to create more visual interest. Aside from the standard incandescent shape, there are also elongated bulbs, globe shaped bulbs, candelabra style bulbs and more historically influenced styles and shapes that can vary in name based on the manufacturer or retailer.

How to Clean a Bare Bulb Light Fixture

Bare bulb light fixtures can be a bit more tricky to clean. As always, you’ll want to shut the light off and allow the bulb to cool fully before beginning any cleaning. Once the bulb is clean, you can dust it using a standard duster. If the grime and dirt has built up to a point where standard dusting does not remove it, you may need to use a damp cloth (with water only) to remove dust around the glass portion of the bulb. Never touch the metal portions of the light fixture using the damp cloth, as this can cause damage.

Bare bulb light fixtures are a great way to add a unique flair to any space. As mentioned earlier, you can use them in just about any space and their simple style allows them to easily blend in with a variety of looks including modern, contemporary, rustic, industrial, farmhouse, vintage and many, many more. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Want to have what’s trendy in 2012? For more industrial-chic lighting fixtures and lamps, check us out!

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Inspirational Roundup

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Inspiration resides wherever you look for it. Blogs, magazines, personal photos, vacations; a piece of fabric, artwork, or a light fixture can all inspire a room. Decorating is personal, so let your own passions be your inspiration when decorating. Here is a collection of inspirational rooms and suggestions on how to find your own inspiration:

Inspiring Decor

Inspiration can be found in a photo or even a project. This craft room is filled with supplies that get the creative juices flowing. Focus on the task that you wish to do in a certain room and make it a place that inspires you to get creating, working or studying.

Inspiring Decor

Not only does this beautiful bedroom have a gorgeous color palette, but the headboard is a very cool design element. The over-scaled size of the elegant frame can be a fun DIY project!

Inspiring Decor

The super chic design of this boy’s room is definitely a design than can age with the child, and neutral enough to transform with new hobbies and interests. The drum pendant light and ceiling fixture are perfect for this space.

Inspiring Decor

Look for rooms that use your favorite colors. Love yellow? Gold? This living room uses both in a fresh and pretty design.

Inspiring Decor

This vignette  shows that bold complementary colors can work in a room’s design without being too overwhelming. The fire engine red perfectly complements the electric yellow.

Inspiring Decor

Inspired design in the laundry room? These often neglected spaces benefit from a dash or two of design. The clean lines and simple functionality of this room might make us enjoy doing laundry more.

Inspiring Decor

Indulge in this inspiring design for a sun porch or outdoor living area. It’s vintage all the way, from the rug on the floor to the cool lighting fixtures. Add cozy throws and seasonal accents to these spaces to enjoy the festive flavor.

Inspiring Decor

When looking for rooms to inspire, remember that not every element displayed has to be used. Pick and chose to create your own unique space. This room mixes bold patterns, embellished gold frames and a cheeky phrase on the throw pillow, clearly announcing the owner’s confident sense of design. Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Examine everything that inspires you and sparks your creativity. Playful, serene, imaginative – how do you want your room to make you feel? Discover more design inspirations and browse a wide selection of lighting solutions, from wall sconces to track lighting!

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Minimalist Style Light Fixtures for 2012

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Glamorous, luxurious light fixtures are just one of many trends for 2012. However, on the other end of the scale, many people are finding that they don’t want a chandelier in every room of their house. In fact, they find that they’d much rather prefer to have light fixtures that just do their job: light the space. No fuss, no frills, no excess colors or texture or anything of the sort. Here’s the low down on minimalist style light fixtures.

What is the Minimalist Style?

Minimalist Light Fixture

Many people feel that the minimalist style is simply this: “less is more.” While that’s true, it’s also worth noting that it does not necessarily have to be stark and cold. Of course, this does not necessarily apply to the light fixtures of the style. After all, it’s kind of hard to have a “cold” light fixture. It’s seemingly impossible, after all, just flipping on a light tends to make a room feel warm and inviting.

Minimalist Light Fixture

With this style, it’s free of clutter and unnecessary details. Sure, there might be the occasional striped pattern on a lamp shade or perhaps even a chevron or zig-zag pattern.

What to Look For in Minimalist Style Light Fixtures

Minimalist Light Fixture

To start with, you’ll want to focus on light fixtures that feature clean lines and angles. You can also opt for light fixtures with fluid shapes or organic shapes. However, steer clear of ornate fixtures such as the chandelier, as these are not typical of this particular style of interior design.

 Minimalist Light Fixture

For colors, you want to choose one, possibly two solid colors. Avoid patterns if possible, as these do not compliment the look. However, it is worth noting that if you are only using these light fixtures to compliment another style in your home such as contemporary or mid century modern, then it’s usually okay to opt for larger patterns. Steer clear of small patterns, as these are too cluttered and chaotic for minimalist style.

Minimalist Light Fixture

Light fixtures that work well with the minimalist style include ceiling lights such as track lights and recessed lights. It’s hard to go wrong with recessed lights, at least when looking for minimalist style ones. Very few recessed lights feature any unnecessary ornamentation. For track lights, look for clean lines and solid shapes. Avoid track lights that feature too many details, as these detracts from the style.

Just keep in mind that light fixtures come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors. Don’t feel as though you can’t have a minimalist style chandelier. They are out there, you just have to look for them. The same goes for wall sconces, table lamps and other light fixtures. Minimalist is a style and there are a plethora of options out there for minimalist style light fixtures, you’ve just got to keep your eyes open. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Do you think you have what it takes to pull off the minimalist style? Consider our great selection of pendant lights to help you achieve the look you desire.

 

 

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Kitchen Lighting Trends for 2012

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

When it comes to updating your home, whether you’re doing a full blown remodel or just updating a few minor things, there are certain trends that you should steer clear of and others that you can easily incorporate into your space without blowing your budget. Light fixtures are one area that you can invest in because lighting trends tend to change more slowly and feature a longer life cycle than, oh say, a designer wallpaper or that trendy sofa you saw at your favorite store. Here’s the low down on kitchen lighting trends to look out for in 2012.

2012 Kitchen Lighting Trends

 Kitchen Lighting Trend

One of the biggest trends people will be seeing more of in 2012, not just in the kitchen, but throughout the entire home, are track lights.

In the past two decades, recessed lights have been the hot commodity but they have been used just about everywhere and many people feel these light fixtures have overstayed their welcome. Furthermore, many people are starting to feel that recessed light fixtures leave visual “holes” in their ceiling, which is unattractive and thus, needs to be done away with.

Kitchen Lighting Trend

However, track lights actually hang from the ceiling in the same manner as a semi flush or flush mount ceiling light. This looks more natural and thus, is more appealing to the majority of people.

Kitchen Lighting Trend

Plus, since track lights themselves are the trend; there are no “right” and “wrong” styles. Simply choose the right track lights that suit your style and your space and voila, you’re up to date while still keeping in line with your own style and decor.

Another trend is the use of both over and under cabinet lights. Under cabinet lights are great for adding much needed task lighting to any kitchen space; while over cabinet lights add a much needed additional glow, adding to the general light of the space and thus making the room feel more comfortable.

Kitchen Lighting Trend

Plus, since these light fixtures are meant to be discrete, there is no “right” or “wrong” style. They also tend to be inexpensive, making them an easy addition to an existing kitchen. Finally, many under cabinet lights and some over cabinet lights, such as rope lights, come standard with LED light bulbs. These are more energy efficient, last longer and can help cut down on the electricity bill.

Kitchen Lighting Trend

Speaking of energy efficiency, the eco-friendly trend is one trend that isn’t likely to go away any time soon. Keep an eye out for light fixtures that are made from reclaimed or recycled materials, as well as light fixtures that are more energy efficient; as these will continue to be a hot commodity for kitchen lighting. Plus, who doesn’t want to save a little money in the long run?

Remember, lighting tends to cycle longer than interior design or fashion; so investing in a trendy light fixture is usually acceptable as it tends to be “trendy” for several years, if not longer. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Visit out pendant lights section and see how you can incorporate them in your kitchen today.

 

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Renewed Interest: Crystal Light Fixtures for 2012

Friday, January 27th, 2012

In 2012, we’re starting to see a resurgence of certain items as people start to reincorporate the “finer things in life” into their homes and their lives. Crystal light fixtures are no exception, as they’re perhaps one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a grand statement in any room. Here’s the low down on what to look for with a crystal light fixture.

What is Crystal, Anyway?

Crystal

The vast majority of people recognize a single difference between glass and crystal: the amount of lead present. Crystal can have as much as 40 percent lead, though the United States will classify anything with more than 1% lead in it as “crystal.” In Europe, however, the number is higher at a minimum of around 3% lead. Crystal that contains a minimum of 30 percent lead is typically referred to as “leaded crystal.”

Crystal Light Fixtures

Typically, the more lead present in the crystal, the more weight it has and the more easy it is to cut or engrave. This is why crystal is more desirable for certain items, including light fixtures such as chandeliers.

Where Can I Find Crystal Light Fixtures?

Crystal Light Fixture

Fortunately, crystal is not a hard-to-come-by material. You will find that crystal light fixtures tend to fall into various design categories, such as the contemporary category. However, there are also crystal light fixtures that may be deemed as “traditional,” “romantic,” “classic” and so forth.

That being said, you may find crystal light fixtures at a variety of locations including warehouse stores, home improvement retailers and various home decor stores. However with home decor stores, you will need to find stores that cater to your style in order to find the right crystal light fixtures for your home.

Crystal Light Fixture

Of course, don’t forget that there are also a plethora of online retailers that carry crystal light fixtures, from table lamps to chandeliers, floor lamps to wall sconces, ceiling lights and so forth. You should be able to find something that suits your tastes, is the right size and hopefully, suits your budget.

How Do I Maintain My New Crystal Light Fixture?

Maintaining a crystal light fixture simply means keeping up on cleaning. To start, shut off electricity to the fixture and allow the bulbs to fully cool.

You can opt to either purchase a special crystal cleansing solution, or you can simply use a mild soap and warm water mixture. Using your chosen cleansing solution, you will want to spray the solution directly onto the crystal. If there is any chance that the solution will enter the socket, then you’ll want to spray it directly onto your clean, lint-free white towel and then use the towel to clean the dirt off the crystal (rather than spraying the solution directly onto the light fixture).

Using your clean towel, clean the fixture thoroughly. You may need multiple towels to fully clean the fixture.

It is recommended that you clean a crystal light fixture twice yearly to prevent excessive dirt, debris and dust build-up from occurring. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Let interiors gleam with the dazzle of crystal and find the perfect light fixture at Arcadian Lighting!

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What is Accent Lighting?

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Accent lighting actually got its start as a type of luxury lighting for interior spaces, particularly in hotels, restaurants and certain corporate locations. Today, accent lighting has expanded from these spaces and into the homes of people all over the United States. So, if you’ve ever been in a home improvement store, you know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different light fixtures to choose from. There are overhead ceiling lights, table lamps, outdoor lights and even light fixtures that you’re not quite sure what their purpose may be. There are lights for ambient lighting, architectural lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. But what exactly is accent lighting and do you need it for your home?

What is Accent Lighting?

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting includes any type of directional lighting or other lighting type that creates interest or highlights a feature or area in an individual room or space. Accent lighting may also be referred to as decorative lighting. However, decorative lighting can also be referred to as light fixtures that are decorative in nature and draw attention to themselves, such as chandeliers.

Accent Lighting

Typically, accent lighting is used to highlight items such as a painting or a sculpture. It can also be used to bring attention to other decorative items in the room or architectural elements of the home, such as a fireplace.

Types of accent light fixtures include track lights, recessed lights or wall sconces.

Where Should I Place Accent Light Fixtures?

Accent Lighting

As noted earlier, accent lights can be used to highlight specific prized possessions. For example, you could use track lights or recessed lights in your living room to highlight pieces of artwork. You can also use track lights or recessed lights to highlight a fireplace.

Accent Lighting

Accent light fixtures can also be used to highlight other spaces in your home as well. Consider using accent lighting to highlight your kitchen cabinetry or perhaps some bookshelves in your home office.

Other options include using wall sconces to highlight doorways or archways in your home, as well as foyers, hallways or other entryways.

Accent Lighting

Remember that these light fixtures can come in a number of different sizes, shapes and colors, so be sure to choose the options that best compliment the room’s decor. For example, a modern wall sconce would look completely out of place in a Victorian styled living room, but would work well in contemporary, modern or in some instances, traditionally decorated rooms. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Want even more light? Check out our large selection of wall lamps to illuminate the rest of your space!

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How To Guides: Light Fixtures That Multitask

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Whether you’ve got a small space or you just want a smarter space, investing in light fixtures that multitask is a great way to do both. Multitasking is no new concept, especially for the modern homes of today. Unfortunately, it can be a bit difficult to determine what types of light fixtures classify as “multitasking” and which ones are just, well, there. Here’s a guide on how to find and utilize light fixtures for multitasking lighting needs.

Light Fixtures that Multitask in the Kitchen

Under Cabinet Lighting

The perfect example of a multitasking light fixture in the kitchen is the under cabinet light. These light fixtures, when switched on, are great for task lighting. You can use them while cutting vegetables or doing other prep work for your meals, making them extra desirable, especially if you don’t have an island to work on. When you’re not using them as task lighting, you can easily use them for ambient lighting to add to the warm glow of your kitchen space with no extra work needed.

Pendant Lighting

Another great example is recessed lighting or the pendant light, especially if chosen right. Recessed lights, when positioned properly, can double as task lighting and as general lighting. Meanwhile, pendant lights with shades that allow them to diffuse light (rather than focus it in a general area) can be used for – you guessed it – general lighting and task lighting.

Multipurpose Bathroom Lighting

Bathroom Wall Sconce

Bathroom Design by Candice Olson

The bathroom can be a particularly tricky area to work in, but once you know a few tricks, it’s easy to find light fixtures that multitask. For example, take the wall sconce. You might not have even thought to utilize wall sconces in your bathroom, but they can serve multiple purposes. When positioned on either side of a large mirror, they can help create additional task lighting. When the mirror isn’t in use, they’re also great for creating additional general lighting.

Other Multipurpose Light Fixtures for the Home

Bedroom Sconce

As you may have figured out by now, wall sconces are a great multipurpose light. You can install them in the bedroom instead of bedside lamps, allowing them to double for late night tasks such as reading, as well as being great for creating additional general light in the space. Plus, they save valuable floor space or nightstand space in a small room. This same concept can also be applied to the living room.

Floor Lamp

At the same time, don’t forget about the other light fixtures in your home. For example, a well placed floor lamp, such as next to an arm chair, can easily double not only as general lighting, but can make a great light for tasks such as reading or knitting while using the chair.

In short, the trick is to find light fixtures that you can use for task lighting but that can also be used for general lighting in the space. It’s not necessarily about the type of light fixture you choose, so much as it is about how you use that fixture. Just because it’s a lamp doesn’t mean you can utilize it in multiple ways! Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Start your search for multipurpose lighting fixtures at Arcadian Lighting and enjoy perusing the variety of gorgeous interior lighting options!

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Portable Lighting: The Basics of Lamps

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Many people assume that a lamp is a lamp, but there are a surprising number of different types of lamps out there. These light fixtures serve a variety of purposes, despite the fact that they are all classified as a single type of fixture. Here are the basics of lamps, the different varieties and their purposes so that you can be sure you’re choosing the right lamps for your space.

Lamp Basics

Lamps: “Portable Lighting”

All lamps are defined as “portable lighting.” This is because these are light fixtures that you can pick up and move around on a whim if needed. For example, if you rearrange your living room, you can move your table lamps or floor lamps around, as well as any other plug-in light fixtures, but you cannot move around any hard-wired light fixtures such as recessed lights or ceiling lights.

Note: typically interior designers and other lighting professionals refer to lamps as “portables.”

Lamp Basics

That being said, despite all being categorized as the same item, each of these items are unique in their purpose and overall design. For example, table lamps and floor lamps are both lamps but they do feature the same style. One is meant to sit on the floor and features a taller base to give it more height than a table lamp. However, floor lamps and torchieres are the same in style but are still two different types of lamps.

Different Types of Lamps

Lamp Basics

Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of “floor lamps.” It can be difficult to understand but all torchieres are a type of floor lamp, though not all floor lamps can be considered torchieres. These particular lights are the lamps that direct light upward toward the ceiling. Floor lamps that diffuse light or direct light downward are simply “floor lamps” and not “torchieres.”

Lamp Basics

Next, table lamps, desk lamps, piano lamps and every other variety of lamp all typically serve a specific purpose. Table lamps can be used for additional ambient lighting in a room, but they can also be used for various tasks. Meanwhile, lamps such as desk lamps or piano lamps are made for specific tasks such as working at your desk or playing the piano.

Lamp Basics

Finally, there are also armed lamps. Armed lamps are any of the above that feature a moveable arm in which you can move around to direct light where it is needed without having to move the base of the light fixture. These particular lamps come in a variety of styles from table lamps to large floor lamps, desk or wall lamps.

Despite popular misconceptions, not all lamps are created equal. Though they are all categorized as ‘lamps,’ there are actually a number of different sub categories and this is just looking at the fixtures themselves. Add in the different styles of shades, light bulbs and so forth and you could spend months learning about all the different terms associated with portable lighting. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now that you have a better understanding of lamps, are you ready to enhance your home decor? Don’t forgot to grab one of our great pendant lights to help compliment your lamp choice.

 

 

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