Archive for the ‘Lighting Articles’ Category
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
In recent years, industrial styled light fixtures have been all the rage. Fortunately, they aren’t going away any time soon. This particular style adds a casual flair to any space they’re inserted, which makes them so attractive to homeowners everywhere. They can compliment a number of spaces both indoors and out. Here’s the low down on industrial looks for home lighting schemes.
All About Industrial Style Light Fixtures

It is important to recognize that this is certainly no “trend.” In fact, it’s worth mentioning that industrial and industrial style light fixtures have been around for decades. More than 100 years, in fact. This is because of course, these industrial light fixtures were originally intended for industrial spaces. They feature basic designs that are purely functional and today, those same basic designs are now considered more aesthetically appealing than other styles for light fixtures.

Aside from their longevity in terms of style, industrial light fixtures are also great for repurposing. If you can get your hands on an actual industrial light fixture, rather than one manufactured in the style for use for the public, you’ll find that these can add a unique flair to a variety of spaces. Plus, they can easily be repurposed for different uses. For example, a large hanging pendant light is great for replacing the ‘overdone’ chandelier.

Industrial light fixtures are also extremely functional, as their design focuses purely on function rather than on style. For example, you can easily use industrial styled wall sconces for use in bathrooms, bedrooms or kitchens. They can be used to flank doorways or mirrors, they can be used to highlight an architectural element in a room, such as a large fireplace.

Furthermore, just about any type of light fixture can come in the industrial style. There are industrial styled table lamps, desk lamps, and floor lamps as well as wall sconces, hanging pendant lights, track lights, ceiling fixtures and even chandeliers. This adds to their functionality and ease of use, as they can be incorporated into every room in the home.

Industrial styled fixtures are ideal for adding a casual elegance to just about any room. They can help make a space feel more comfortable and more lived in, which can help make it more inviting. This is great if you are looking to tone down the look or feel of a room, particularly if you’re feeling that it is too overdone or ‘stuffy.’

If you’re looking to update your space, you may find that the old look and design of industrial styled light fixtures is the key for your space. As mentioned earlier, these versatile light fixtures can compliment a number of different spaces, which makes them perfect for updating any home. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
Love what you see? Visit our lighting fixture area for more inspiration and ideas on how to update the lighting in your home!
Posted in Desk Lamps, General Lighting Questions, Lighting Articles, Table Lamps & Floor Lamps, Wall Sconces | No Comments »
Tags: Industrial Floor Lamp, Industrial Kitchen Lighting, Industrial Pendant lighting, Industrial Table Lamp
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
Lighting and new light fixtures are one of the quickest and easiest ways to update a home, almost instantly. In fact, if you haven’t recently updated your light fixtures or updated your lighting scheme, you might want to consider it. Sure, purchasing a few new fixtures can be a bit on the costly side, but it doesn’t have to be. Furthermore, if you opt for trendier looks, such as more sculptural pieces, you’ll not only have better lighting, but you’ll enjoy them for years to come.
All About Sculptural Light Fixtures

So, what exactly defines a light fixture as being ‘sculptural?’ Well, the answer can vary from person to person as everyone has different views on design and appearance. With that in mind, consider this: a sculptural light fixture is unlike the other light fixtures you may have seen before. For example, if you’re looking at chandeliers and you come across one that is unique, not quite like the rest in its overall shape or style, then you may consider it a more sculptural piece.

Of course, it also goes without saying that there are thousands upon thousands of different styles for each and every individual type of light fixture. This includes different styles for wall sconces, chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, pendant lights, various types of ceiling fixtures, outdoor lighting fixtures and so forth.

Sculptural light fixtures tend to be more visually appealing than the same light fixture in a more standard shape or style. For example, a wall sconce may feature a woven texture rather than the standard blown glass style that many people are so familiar with today. This same concept applies not just to pendant lights, but to all different types of light fixtures, so keep this in mind as well.

Some of the more commonly referred to sculptural light fixtures may feature fluid lines and elegant styling that is unique but unusual. For example, a pendant light that features a flexible shade (or perhaps a glass shade) molded in multiple directions or into a unique shape can quite easily be considered a sculptural lamp.
Shape or style is not just the only way to define a sculptural light fixture. Other examples could include a laser cut chandelier made from plexiglass with crystal or faux crystal accents. While it is true that these mimic the traditional chandelier shape more closely, it is also true that their laser cut styling makes them more sculptural in appearance. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that certain traditional shapes or styles can be recreated in a more sculptural style.

Sculptural light fixtures are not unlikely to go away any time soon. These stylish light fixtures are ideal because they compliment a variety of looks and styles, which makes them perfect for the modern homes of today. So, if you’re considering updating your interior space, you may find that a sculptural light fixture is exactly what you need to update your space. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
Like what you see? Don’t forget to check out our home accessories and decor section for more inspiration and ideas!
Posted in LED Lighting, Lighting Articles | No Comments »
Tags: Lighting Fixtures, Pendant Lights, Sculptural lighting fixtures, Wall Sconce
Thursday, March 15th, 2012

We are pleased to announce and celebrate Hinkley Lighting’s 90th anniversary! As a fourth generation company, this is a memorable milestone for Hinkley Lighting, Inc. They have made their imprint on the lighting industry as a rising leader through their impeccable ability to deliver quality and innovative products since 1922.


Hinkley Lighting began by primarily creating outdoor lighting fixtures made of solid copper. Their attention to detail and precision has been evident from the beginning.

Since then, Hinkley Lighting has transformed with their use of innovative materials, designs and LED technology. In addition to new product creations and technology advancements, Hinkley Lighting is promoting their new Dallas Showroom Redesign to display their continuing tradition of excellence.
Congratulations Hinkley Lighting!

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Tags: Hinkley Lighting, 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 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

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.

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.

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.

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!
Posted in Helpful Tips, Home Decor, Lighting Articles, Track Lighting | No Comments »
Tags: Pendant Lights, track lighting
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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Tags: bare, bulb, fixtures, home decor, Industrial, light, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, Modern, Pendant Lights
Friday, February 17th, 2012
Slim lines are in when it comes to light fixtures on the market for 2012. These light fixtures are clean and stylish, perfect for complimenting a variety of styles or rooms. They also come in a number of different looks from pendant lights to wall sconces, table lamps to ceiling fixtures and so forth. Here’s the low down on slim lined light fixtures for 2012.
All About Slim Lined Light Fixtures

Slim is in, especially when it comes to light fixtures. In 2012, expect to see a small surge in light fixtures that feature clean lines and slim looks. The reason for the popularity is simple!
If you’ve got a small space and you’re like many urban dwellers, you want to savor every inch of your home. With this in mind, you’re probably always on the look-out for items that will actually fit into your home. Slim lined light fixtures are a perfect fit, every time, everywhere. With this in mind, slim lined light fixtures can even make a small room look and feel bigger.
Furthermore, slim lined light fixtures are visually appealing. They’re clean and modern, which is perfect for the contemporary style of many homes today. They also come in a number of different shapes and styles, so even if contemporary isn’t your thing, there’s a thin lined light fixture to suit your needs.

Just about any light fixture will come in a slim lined version in the next few months, especially as they grow steadily in popularity. Keep an eye out for slim lined table and floor lamps, ceiling lights, pendant lights, track lights and more.
Slim Lined Light Fixtures: What To Look For

With slim lined light fixtures, you’re looking for exactly that: slim lines. It is important to remember that “slim lines” does not necessarily always translate into a small lighting fixtures. After all, a large chandelier can feature many slim lines and still suit this particular trend.

With these light fixtures, you want to opt for one of two looks for the finish: a silver tone or a warm oil rubbed bronze tone. Silver tones, such as brushed nickel or aluminum, compliment the modern look and clean lines. Oil rubbed bronze tones, on the other hand, are trendy and can add a warm touch to the light fixture.

Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to the actual lines of the light fixture. Obviously the line should be slim in style and size, but they don’t necessarily have to be straight. Soft curves, exaggerated curves, hard angles, all of these are acceptable with this style. However, the most popular looks will be straight lines and lines that are more fluid or organic in appearance.
Slim lined light fixtures will compliment a variety of spaces, so don’t be afraid to incorporate one into your own space. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Where would you place these slim lined light fixtures? Find a wide selection of light fixtures to personalize your own space!
Posted in About Pendant Lights, Lighting Articles, Table Lamps & Floor Lamps | No Comments »
Tags: bronze fixtures, Contemporary, Modern, slim lined, trends
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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
Posted in Ceiling Lights, General Lighting Questions, Helpful Tips, Home Decor, Lighting Articles | No Comments »
Tags: light fixture, Light Fixtures, minimalist, minimalist light fixture, minimalist lighting fixture, minimalist lighting fixtures, minimalist style, minimalist style light fixture
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
Everyone has them: that go-to light fixture for their general lighting needs. Most of us never think twice about our ceiling lights, but they’re actually the heart of our lighting schemes in almost every room of the home. So if you’re thinking of updating the light fixtures in your home, why not update your ceiling lights? Here’s the low down on ceiling fixture trends for 2012.
Lantern Light Fixtures

Light fixtures that feature a basic lantern shape are growing in popularity. The lantern shape compliments a variety of popular and trendy home decor styles including industrial, rustic and American themed spaces. Furthermore, hanging lanterns come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors so you’re sure to find the right look for your space. Keep an eye out for rustic looking hanging lanterns, as these will be most popular when it comes to this particular lighting trend.
Eco-Friendly Light Fixtures

Going strong for another year in a row, ceiling fixtures that are also eco-friendly are staying strong in the world of trendy lighting; whether it’s an Energy Star rating or simply swapping out the existing incandescent bulb for a CFL (compact fluorescent light).
Drum Shades

Long gone are the days where a square glass plate cover was the go-to choice for ceiling fixtures in bedrooms, kitchens and other spaces. Today, we’re finding more and more ceiling fixtures to compliment different styles of decor and the drum shade trend is no exception. In 2012, except to see more homes opting for stylish drum shade flush or semi flush mount ceiling lights.
Crystal Light Fixtures

Ceiling lights that feature crystal accents are extremely trendy. Look for light fixtures with spherical crystal accents, as these are clean and stylish with a look that will easily blend into a variety of home decor styles.
Other crystal light fixtures that are growing in popularity, aside from chandeliers and other basic ceiling light fixtures, include wall sconces and table lamps. So keep your eye out, just because you don’t find the right crystal ceiling light fixture doesn’t mean you won’t find the right crystal piece to compliment your home.
On a side note, keep in mind that colored crystals are also growing in popularity. Don’t be afraid to mix and match trendy colors, such as jewel tones, for a unique look.
Old World Glamour

Finally, ceiling light fixtures that feature plenty of ornate detailing and old world charm. These fixtures can actually vary in exact style depending on preference. Some people will opt for more rustic pieces, while others will opt for large, glamorous crystal encrusted chandeliers. There is no wrong choice with this particular trend, as ‘old world’ means different things to different people.
These are just a few of the many different home lighting trends out there for 2012. Don’t feel you have to follow these trends either, as there are other options out there! Keep your eyes peeled for the right ceiling fixtures to suit your home. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Which of these is your favorite ceiling fixture trend? Choose from a wonderful assortment of lighting fixtures to enhance your interiors today!
Posted in Ceiling Lights, Energy Efficient, Lighting Articles, Track Lighting | No Comments »
Tags: Ceiling Fixtures, crystal lights, eco-friendly lighting solutions, lighting trends, trends
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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Posted in General Lighting Questions, Helpful Tips, Home Decor, Kitchen Island Lighting, Lighting Articles, Track Lighting, Under Cabinet Lighting | No Comments »
Tags: kitchen, kitchen island lighting, kitchen lighting trends, Light Fixtures, lighting, Lighting Fixtures, trends, under cabinet lighting
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?

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.”

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?

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.

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!
Posted in Chandeliers, Helpful Tips, Lighting Articles, Table Lamps & Floor Lamps, Wall Sconces | No Comments »
Tags: Crystal, crystal chandeliers, crystal table lamp, crystal wall sconces, how to clean
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
If anything, the recent economic downturn has taught many of us one simple way to save our hard earned dollars: do it yourself. DIY is no new concept, but it’s also one that many of us are relearning and while you might think that lighting and light fixtures are best left to the professionals, that’s actually not entirely true. While you probably shouldn’t go about rewiring your home, there’s no reason you can’t teach yourself how to create an elegant and modern layered lighting scheme. Besides, for 2012: layering is in.

How To Guides: Learning to Layer Lighting
Fortunately, learning to layer your lighting isn’t as difficult as it sounds. If you start small and work you way through things, you can do it. To do this, you need to learn about the different areas of lighting and light fixtures in the home. Before you do this, however, be sure that your room is complete: fully decorated. This way, when you start working with your lighting, you’ll know exactly how it will look rather than having to readjust the lighting once everything has been brought into the room.
General lighting is key and the area you should start with first. It’s typically regarded as a single light fixture on the ceiling, such as a flush mount or semi flush mount ceiling light. This is the type of lighting that the vast majority of people use on a day to day basis, they flip the switch to ‘on’ and go about their day.

Once you’ve got your general lighting down, it’s time to start the actual process of layering. The first area you should stop and look at task lighting. Task lighting is the lighting you would use when performing focused tasks, such as reading a book in a comfortable chair in the living room or chopping vegetables on your kitchen countertops. Light fixtures that work great for this particular layer of lighting include table lamps or floor lamps, under cabinet lights, pendant lights for over kitchen islands and so forth.
When working on this particular area, stop and ask yourself who does what, where, how often, and would they benefit from a bit of extra light? This will help you figure out where you need to place your task lighting.

Once your task lighting is in place, you can move on to the next two stages: accent lighting and decorative lighting. Though they may sound similar, they are actually two different lighting concepts. Accent lighting is used to highlight certain areas, such as an architectural feature like a fireplace. This could be a wall sconce flanking a fireplace, or perhaps a doorway or large picture window.

Decorative lighting, on the other hand, is purely decorative. It does not highlight or accentuate anything. It is there purely for decorative purposes, not for use. This can include tiny accent lamps or other decorative light fixtures. Just be wary not to confuse decorative lighting with how the light fixtures themselves look, as a chandelier may be elegant and decorative, but it can be used for task lighting and for general lighting and thus, is certainly not a decorative light.
Once you’ve learned the different layers of light, it becomes significantly easier to go through and recreate a layered lighting look in your own home. Layering may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be! Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Make sure to grab some pendant lights and start layering the lighting in your own home.
Posted in General Lighting Questions, Lighting Articles | No Comments »
Tags: Lamps, layering, light fixture, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixture, Lighting Fixtures
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 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.

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?

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 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.

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!
Posted in Helpful Tips, Lighting Articles, Track Lighting, Wall Sconces | No Comments »
Tags: accent lighting, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, track lighting, Wall Sconce
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