Decorating Trends: Choosing Unique Dining Room Light Fixtures

Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:40 Written by admin Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:40

The dining room light fixture serves two purposes. First, it provides light by which to dine by, but more importantly, it sets the tone for the homeowner’s personal style. A grand dining room light fixture is the first thing noticed when you enter the room.

The current trend is candle style chandeliers. They are usually made of hand forged wrought iron, and can be found in single, double and even triple tiers complemented by candle style shades. Candle style shades can vary across designers. Options include resin candle shades that have the look of dripping wax. Onyx style candle shades are unique because of the beauty of natural stone mixed with wrought iron. There is also a line of shades made from real paraffin wax. These shades have the look and feel of real candle wax, but are specially formulated to accept low voltage light bulbs for the convenience of electricity using a light switch.

Some chandeliers are designed to use with real candles. Though they can be very beautiful, they are difficult to use as you need to hand light each candle and be sure to blow out when not in use. For most people, this is not very convenient.

When choosing a chandelier, you need to choose a finish that complements the other fixtures in the room. In example, you would not mix silver and brass in the same room. It is also important to match finish with the colors of the room. Cool tones are complimented by black or silver finishes. Warm tones are complimented by brass or gold finishes.

What is your dining room style? Are you more traditional or contemporary? Or are you going for an elegant look? Wrought iron chandeliers can compliment either a traditional or contemporary style, depending on the chandelier design. A more simple wrought iron piece would go well with the contemporary style, whereas a grand multi tiered chandelier would be considered a more traditional look. An elegant look would be a glass or crystal chandelier.

Though a chandelier is used as a light source, putting the fixture on a dimmer switch allows you to choose a fixture on looks first, while providing the flexibility of how much light the chandelier provides with the dimmer switch.

Lastly, be sure to determine if the chandelier you choose requires any special light bulbs, as they can be expensive and difficult to find. Ideally, the chandelier will come with the appropriate bulbs.

Western Light Fixtures for Unique Home Decor

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 May 2010 12:41 Written by admin Tuesday, 11 May 2010 12:41

Why not indulge the cowboy or lone ranger in you? You don’t have to live in the wild west or even know how to ride a horse. Instead, simply surround yourself with western style. Western light fixtures, furniture and accessories can convey a rustic, outdoorsy charm and appeal.

Western home decor, including western light fixtures, is characterized by the use of rustic materials like wrought iron and leather. They may be aged to look weathered. Colors tend to be darker and warmer. Hues of red (ranging from yellow to orange to dark red) are used frequently to convey the idea of a western sunset. Other colors include earth-tones like browns, beiges and blacks. Wood stains tend to be dark: deep brown and mahogany is common. Natural items play a big role in Western home decor. Rock, wood, metal and bark are common elements in a Western-themed interior.

Western light fixtures use one or more of these design elements to convey a sense of authenticity. Light fixtures can be used as subtle additions that complement the room around it. Light fixtures may also be a focal point. This is particularly true of light fixtures that incorporate artful motifs. Western light fixtures may comprise an artist-designed outdoor scene featuring forests, wildlife, horses or cowboys. Western light fixtures come in various styles that will suit any room in the house. Start with just one room, or re-decorate an entire home in a western motif with these light fixtures:

* Chandeliers. Forget crystal. Western chandeliers are works of art in metal, glass and even wild-game antlers. In fact, antlers have been used for hundreds of years for fashioning light fixtures. Of course, the earliest versions used candles instead of light bulbs. Chandeliers featuring outdoor motifs work great in entryways and dining rooms. Antler chandeliers make a catchy addition to a rec room, game room or home bar. Choose flickering light bulbs that mimic candle light for extra authenticity.

* Sconce lights. Sconce and wall light fixtures add ambiance to any decor. Fixed with a western motif, sconce lights are beautiful as well as practical. Try a metal sconce instead of the traditional frosted glass. Extra adornments like leather and wood add to the western feel.

* Lamps. Lamps are always practical because they can be moved easily when necessary. They can provide more direct light to parts of a room where it’s really needed. They also create mood when overhead lights are turned off. Western-style lamps may be made of wood, wrought or brushed iron or metal, and even real horse shoes. Lamp shades may be accented with rawhide or leather.

* Ceiling lights. Even ceiling lights can contribute to the western feel of a room. Frosted glass with outdoor elements convey a more formal picture. Wood and metal components and western motifs create a more casual, cabin-like atmosphere.

Western light fixtures help to create a room that is cohesively-themed. They will tie your western home decor together to make a picture that is warm and inviting. Your home will be reminiscent of days when gallant cowboys rode gracefully into the sunset.

Create Sophistication In Your Home When Installing Wall Sconce Light

Last Updated on Sunday, 2 May 2010 06:37 Written by admin Sunday, 2 May 2010 06:37

If you desire to give your home an elegant and ambient atmosphere, I highly suggest that you make use of wall sconce lighting for additional illumination within your living space. Wall sconces are at the same time ornamental and practical. The design and illumination that radiates from them provides a warm and stylish radiance. They are appropriate for all rooms in the abode, so that you could create a calming and delightful glow for lounging, dining, bathing, and even study.

One can choose from all styles of wall sconce lighting products all over. Nevertheless, you may be certain that whatever design your dwelling may be, you can get a wall sconce that can go with it flawlessly. But, the time honored candle wall sconce is a great design to begin with. Candle light has that certain glow which cannot be replicated. Another style you may want to put up is the one that you are required to hard-wire. This type runs on electricity, and normally gives off greater brightness than its candle alternative. It is also much safer to keep running.

Wall sconces also are available in a wide range of materials. Do you fancy to give your home a country feel? Try going with sconces which are produced with wrought iron, copper, bronze, or wood. Want a more glamorous look? Try using sconces that are made out of gold, silver, glass, or even crystal.

You should want to use wall sconces in sets of two or three, never one alone. The luminosity from a single sconce might not be powerful enough, and consequently won’t be able to light the area effectively, and won’t create the stylish ambience which you are trying for. Also, a single sconce might look akward because it throws off the symmetry of the area. When you install sets of two or three, you can position them in such a way to create balance and symmetry throughout the room.