Wall Sconce Lighting from Kinds of Lighting Fixtures

Large windows generously provide portals for sunlight to infiltrate your home. Natural lighting is always the best lighting, perhaps because of its abundance, and its ability to reach most rooms in your home.In the absence of the sun though, your home still needs to be alive, and that’s what lighting fixtures are for. There’s more to lighting up your home than buying a couple of light bulbs. There are d'cor considerations to be made. And this introduces us to the different types, kinds and styles of lighting fixtures we have.

Wall sconces make up a whole different category of lighting fixtures that are wall mounted. They can be designed to either cast their light downwards of upwards. Because they only provide illumination for a small area, wall sconces work well as bathroom lights, and as outdoor lights for your porch.

First off we have chandeliers and pendant lights. These are the most common in the ceiling lights category. Chandeliers have for a long time been used not only for their practicality (they can hold many bulbs, and consequently provide greater illumination) but also their aesthetic appeal. They are used in mansions, and high roofs but their popularity has made them a common feature in the average home. Pendants are also hanging lights, but they generally hold a bulb at a time. They meet task lighting needs the most, which explains their use in kitchen islands.

Recessed lights are a different category of lighting fixtures. Just as the name suggests, these lights are often recessed into the roof. They are used for general illumination, and are perfect for areas that frequently need illumination. Unlike the other styles of lighting fixtures available, these ones are desired because of their inexpensive nature. Installation is easy, and their functionality is beyond question.

There are also track lights, which are more practical when there are particular parts of a room that you want to illuminate. They can be used as task lights or for accent lighting when you have things that you want illuminated, such as pieces of artwork. Other kinds of lighting include table and floor lamps which are great for task lighting.

Semi Flush Mount Lighting

What’s the difference between the lighting in a $100K new construction starter home vs. an $800k new construction home with all the upgrades, bells and whistles? Nothing. Yes, you read that right. From flush mounts to chandeliers and everything in between, most national builders use the same brass and glass, you’ve-seen-one-you’ve-seen-them-all light fixtures in all the homes they build, regardless of that home’s price point.

It’s not something you notice right away, but, if you pay attention, you will realize that they are the same. Why bother telling you this? Simple. It is easy and inexpensive to upgrade your home’s lighting and, in turn, the overall look of your home by just replacing the builder’s standard light fixtures with more unique lights.

The easiest and least expensive lights to upgrade are the flush mount lighting. They are the lights that sit flush up against the ceiling and are typically found in hallways, bathrooms and secondary bedrooms. Traditionally, flush mount ceiling lights are plain Jane and boring. A brass ring circling a frosted glass dome. A white band of painted aluminum around another frosted dome.

It doesn’t have to be that way. A flush mount light does not have to be so boring and uninspired. Add some pizzazz to your hallway. Inject some flare into your guest bedroom. Infuse your bath with some bling.

No matter what your style, there is a flush mount, or slim profile ceiling light as they are often called, out there in the lighting world for you. If you like traditional styling but want to move away from that brass ring, try a frosted pewter or darker, wrought-iron finish. If you lean modern, there are new flush mounts on the market today that resemble fine art sculpture.

Like over-the-top glam? Think you are short on space? There are now flush mounts available with hanging crystals and glass balls to create the illusion of a chandelier. In fact, attention to style trends and detail has led to a remarkable variety of flush mounts, to suit any taste.

If you have the extra headroom, you can even replace your standard issue flush mount with a gorgeous new semi flush mount lighting. Never heard of it? It’s just a flush mount that is suspended slightly from the ceiling. Depending on the manufacturer and the design, a semi flush mount could hang anywhere from 4”-18” from the ceiling. In fact, it combines the best assets of a chandelier with those of a flush mount to add just the right touch of style where needed.

You can re-decorate your bathroom with the elegance of a Tiffany-inspired semi flush mount light or create an eclectic look in your guest bedroom, office or any this-room-needs-a-facelift space with a semi flush mount that resembles the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The sky, or rather the ceiling, is the limit.

So, why is it that builders choose such boring options when lighting can be so exciting? Are they trying to appease the masses by selecting such uninspired lighting fixtures? Are they being cheap? Did they get a quantity discount from the manufacturer so large that it warranted buying a 20 year supply of brass lighting fixtures? Who knows? One thing is certain; replacing flush mounts and semi flush mounts is easy and should be the first thing on any new homeowner’s list.

In fact, if you are building a new house, ask for a lighting credit and then buy your own. They say the average homeowner lives in their house for seven years. Who wants seven years of boring, lifeless and uninspired lighting?

The Avenue Bedroom Set from Parts of a Bedroom Set

When you think of it, the bedroom is not made by the room design or the facilities available; it’s made up of the bedroom set. Your bedroom set is different from the bed set- the latter refers to the components that make up a bed such as the mattress, the frame, the headboard and the foot board. A bedroom set on the other hand, is an alternative reference to bedroom furniture. So what are the parts of a bedroom set?

First there is the bed. It’s the most important furniture piece in the bedroom, with all other pieces being arranged around it. A bed works best when it’s centrally placed in a room, as opposed to being set against a corner wall. The bed could be metallic or wooden. Metal beds are often the cheaper of the two, and they’re available in more designs that you can sufficiently sample. Wooden beds are the more common, and they’re bulkier and often have more sophisticated, more contemporary designs.

Another component of a bedroom set is the dresser. It’s a storage solution, albeit not the only one used in the bedroom. There are drawers, wardrobes and armoires that all serve a related purpose. They don’t all need to be free standing pieces of furniture. Some of them can be fitted into the wall. They free up more floor space and still providing a very versatile storage solution.

Other parts of a bedroom set include nightstands, vanities and trunks. These are not a necessity, though a nightstand is exempt from that bunch. It provides some space for setting up a bedside lamp, a book, or even a mobile phone. Vanities are often a part of the bathroom set, and need not be part of bedroom furniture, though in most cases it is.

Bedroom sets are usually sold together. That’s because the importance of having matching pieces of furniture is well understood. It simply works magic for the d’cor, and provides a sense of uniformity that makes the bedroom more attractive and inviting.

If it’s not possible to find a set that uses the same wood and finish, try to find one that at the very least, offers a uniform color scheme, or has a consistent style- such as contemporary, traditional, transitional and so on. And whenever possible, try purchasing your bedroom set together, as individual pieces of it are likely to be more expensive, as compared to when they are part of one package.

There are two kinds of bed frames- metallic and wooden, but that much you probably know. But do you know the reasons why metal bed frames might be a better choice for you than wooden ones? True, wood is warmer and more welcoming than metal, but metal has its own list of desirable characteristics which make it a worthy consideration.

Why Go With Metal?

Starting off with the obvious, metal bed frames are much more affordable. Metal is a more readily available resource than wood, so it only makes sense that metal products are affordable. Metal bed frames, regardless of size, are generally less expensive than wooden ones. That price might increase if there is a lot of ornamental work done on them, or if the kind of finish used is of high quality.

While metal is generally heavier than wood, metal bed frames have a lesser weight when compared to wooden frames of the same size. This is simply because less material is needed to meet to support requirments needed in a bed frame. This particular characteristic appeals to those who move around a lot, or like redesigning their homes a lot. To improve mobility on metal bed frames, rollers are added. When you want immobility, there are casters included so you can lock them in place. Moving a wooden frame on the other hand is a seemingly impossible task, especially when it’s large, and made of hard wood.

Metal Can Outlast Wood

Metal beds last the longest. That’s in addition to the fact that they hardly ever need any repair or maintenance. When you invest in a good metal bed frame, the only reason you will want to replace it is because you want to reinvent your bedroom, and need new furniture to do that. This quality also makes metal bed frames perfect for kids who play around their bed a lot. They are sturdier and not prone to breaking as wooden frames are.

No Need to Sacrifice Style

Metal bed frames can be highly ornate when a lot of crafting work is done. In regard, if you want a metal bed frame that complements your modern decor, it is entirely possible to get one. Of course, it may cost more if there is a lot of detail worked into the frame, but the aforementioned benefits make it a worthy purchase. One last thing- remember not all metal frames are created equal.

Consider the choice of metal used for the metal bed. As a general guide, you can never go wrong with wrought iron or brass. Also, ensure you get the most appropriate and most appealing headboard to go with the metal frame.

Saffron Platform Bed from Types of Beds

In the post Platform Bed Vs. Box Spring Which Is Better? and Beds A Style Primer: From Box Spring & Mattress to Canopy, Platform Beds and More the importance of the bedroom is well understood. For a room that’s meant for resting, we spend more time in it than we are aware of. Besides the obvious sleeping, it’s a room one finds solace in after the end of a long day. It’s the room we sometimes use to read a book in, drink some wine, or even watch TV. But what makes a bedroom the room that we come to know it as is the furniture. Think of it, without the furnishings, it would be just another room in the house.

There are different kinds of beds- Box Spring and mattress  a stylish canopy beds or contemporary platform bed. The kind you go for will be dependent on what your tastes are, though they each have their pros and cons. For instance canopy beds such as the Ibiza Canopy bed introduces a European style into your bedroom, while a bedstead such as the Avenue bed enhance a contemporary d’cor, essentially transforming your bedroom into something awesome. Make sure you go for something with the right color scheme and finish to match the rest of your bedroom.

There are so many different kinds of furniture meant for the bedroom. They each serve a unique function. The pieces that can be accommodated depend entirely on the size of the room (and to some degree your preferences as well). Armoires, dressers, chest of drawers, chair, desk (for the home office) night stands, vanities, and so on.

Each of these furniture pieces plays a functional role, and their arrangement really matters. It is sometimes not possible to have all of them, perhaps in a bid to keep the bedroom tidy and free up a lot more floor space. Ultimately, your need for them will determine whether you bring them in or not. The one last piece of bedroom furniture not previously mentioned, the one that is the centrepiece, is the bed.

It is important to have a budget when shopping for your bed, but spending more on a good one is forgivable. The bed has to be comfortable, and there’s just no two ways about that. For a place that is supposed to keep you warm and rested throughout every night, it has to be everything you want it to be. Bed sizes are different, and so are the designs and styles. If there’s a d’cor pattern you’re trying to retain in your entire home (perhaps going for a contemporary home), you can buy a bed that retains this consistency.

6 Tips For Decorating Your Living Room

You stressed and planned and measured and analyzed and agonized about your new living room furniture but you did it. You bought that brand new sofa you have always wanted and it is utterly perfect. The right color, the right shape, the right size, the right everything. Unfortunately, you can’t stop there. You are not even close to being done.

Why, you ask? Why can’t you just quit while you’re ahead? Well, for one, where will you set your drink when you are relaxing on your fabulous new couch? You can’t spend your time on the edge of the seat cushion clutching your drink in your hands. Well, you could, but it wouldn’t be very comfortable.

So, we start the process all over again. The hunt. The search for the rest of your living room furniture, that needs to be as good as, if not better than, your lovely new sofa. It won’t be too difficult. There are a number of options to round out your seating arrangement.

1. The Coffee Table: Averaging 16-18 inches in height, standard coffee tables sit directly in front of your new sofa and should be in proportion to it. You do not need to choose the typical wood one; however, there are a variety of different shapes, styles and materials to choose from. Grouping several smaller tables together creates a modern vibe while mixing either wood tones or styles creates an eclectic look.
2. The Sofa Table: Traditionally, the sofa table or console table sits directly behind a sofa to give you and your guests another option for your resting you glass. In these busy modern times, however, a sofa table is often pulled into service as office space with the addition of a chair and a laptop. When selecting your new sofa table, make sure that the height is just slightly lower than the back of the sofa. Some modern couches have a lower profile and the height of the sofa table needs to be adjusted accordingly.
3. The Side Table: Side tables can be placed around your living room, near living room chairs or next to a chaise. They are small in comparison to the rest of the pieces in your room. You could choose traditional nesting side tables or you can take the opportunity to add a little flair to the room, a little surprise by selecting an end table that is more of a conversation piece. Have fun with it.
4. The Ottoman: Think of the ottoman as the ‘do anything’ piece of living room furniture. It works great at the foot of living room chairs when you want to settle down with a good book in front of the fire. Hidden under a sofa table, ottomans can be pulled into service for extra seating when needed at parties. You can even choose to use an ottoman as your coffee table. The sky’s the limit.

Any decorator or designer will tell you that it’s the accessories that make the room. Your seating is certainly a core part of the personality of your living room, but the right accessories are what can give the room real character. The tables you select are a key part of that character, so give them the thought they deserve.

Once you decide what is best for you and your family, write it down and take it with you when you shop to stay focused. There will always be a pretty table, showing off a little leg and trying to distract you from your goal. Staying focused on what you really need and what will work in the room is key. Happy hunting.

Platform Bed Vs. Box Spring and Mattress

Some folks, who are particular about bedroom furniture, insist that an inner spring mattress with a box spring is the only way to sleep comfortably while others vehemently prefer a platform bed. In fact, the debate over whether platform beds are better or worse than a mattress and box spring combination has plagued generations of sleepers since 1865 when the first patent was issued for the precursor to the modern mattress set. If you want to determine which is better for you and your new furniture purchase, you need to know what the key components are.

The Metal Bed Frame

For modern day Americans, the most common bed on the market and in their homes is the one that uses a metal bed frame in conjunction with a supporting box spring and inner spring mattress. The manufacturers of this sleep system purport that they provide superior support and an increased quality of sleep. Introduced with a patent application in 1865, the mattress-box spring combo became popular in the 1920’s and 30’s and continues to remain the bed of choice today.

Most metal bed frames only work with this type of mattress, which
does limit its use. They do not have slats, so need the box spring to perform this chore. Price can also be a consideration, partly because you are buying two pieces, the mattress and the box spring. In fact, some companies offer finely made mattress sets that have been hand-made and hand-sewn using silk, cashmere, mohair and fine lambswool.

The Platform Bed

A great way to keep costs down is to purchase a platform bed instead. At first glance the sleek, modern lines of a platform bed give it the appearance of being a newcomer to the
bedroom furniture game, but the truth of the matter is that platform beds have been around for centuries. In fact, ancient Romans, in their quest for comfort, created a system of woven metal slats within a metal bed frame to raise their mattresses off the ground while offering support. They just placed a mattress filled with feathers or straw on top and were quite happy to be away from the bugs, dirt and rodents.

The Vikings had a similar idea with wooden slats and the Egyptians used woven reeds and grasses. Some cultures even created an elaborate system of ropes as their support system. The same concept is used today; slats, usually wood, are used to support just a mattress. The box spring is not needed with this system. The slats are placed close enough together to prevent the mattress from sagging under the occupant's weight. And, of course, eliminating the need to buy a box spring can save a bit of money on the purchase.

The Mattress

Platform beds have no favorites; they are equal opportunity beds. Their low side-rails and lack of a metal bed frame allow them to accommodate virtually any mattress imaginable. If you prefer an inner spring mattress, the slats are built to support one but what if you want something different? People have produced mattresses made of various types of foam, including memory foam, air, feathers and even water, which was thankfully short-lived.

So…. Which is Better?

The choice is really personal; after all, it is your bed. If you have a bad back, you may want to invest in an inner spring mattress system. If you like feather beds, by all means, use one with your platform bed. Try them out when you go to the store and see which you prefer. The decision is personal; purchase whichever style suits you and your budget, except for a water bed – nobody needs to go there again.

Vanity Lighting from Bathroom Light Fixtures

Choosing light fixtures can be fun. It doesn’t have to be hum-drum or builder’s specials. In fact, think of lighting as the jewelry of your home. It should reflect who you are, your taste, your style. And not just in the foyer or the dining room – all your lighting can be stylish and beautiful.

Bathroom lighting is notoriously plain and unattractive. Why? There are so many attractive options that are reasonably priced. Why go with boring when you can have stellar, awesome or amazing? Replace that 1970’s Hollywood light strip with a set of wall sconces or even mini pendant lights. It’s a simple change that can update a bathroom in a flash. In fact, new bathroom lighting, fresh paint and some fluffy towels can create a whole new bathroom for very little money.

When adding bathroom lighting, it is essential to consider what you will be using it for. In a small bathroom, there may only be room for one light fixture. It needs to be both functional and look good. In a larger bathroom, however, there is room for a variety of fixtures. Flush mounts or semi flush mounts on the ceiling can be used for general lighting while a wall sconce or pendant lights by the mirrors can aid in illuminating grooming tasks. Placement is important to avoid shadows. Flanking mirrors with sconces or spreading a series of smaller lights across the top of a large mirror can reduce shadows. In fact, the common practice of using one light in the center of the room often casts shadows across the mirror, which can be frustrating.

If you are remodeling or building, do not forget to add recessed lighting inside the shower stall. If you have never had one, you are in for a treat. If you have, you can never go back to that dark shower again. The cost, in comparison to the price tag for the entire bathroom, is minimal. Your contractor will know what to do to comply with building code using GFCI wiring.

Your builder or contractor may offer you a choice between brass and a silver finish but one look in a lighting catalog or website will open your mind to the possibilities. Lighting manufacturers have a plethora of available options for bathroom lights. The sky, or in this case, the ceiling, is the limit. Finishes run the gamut from pewter and chrome to black and glass. Design styles include romantic, trendy chandeliers to sleek, men’s club-inspired sconces. With all the options on the market, you are almost guaranteed to find bathroom lighting that matches your décor choices perfectly.

If you like to be ecologically-minded and use compact fluorescent light bulbs, you can in the bathroom. In spite of a reputation for casting a greenish glow, which is not attractive when applying make-up or shaving, new fluorescent bulbs have been re-designed to offer accurate color representations. In fact, they no longer flicker, can be dimmed and feature higher quality materials.

In the past, bathrooms were utilitarian spaces. They were meant for grooming, not relaxing with a good book and maybe a glass of wine. In this day and age of rush-rush, we are looking for our bathroom lights to do double-duty. We need light and ambience. Service and style. We need the option to set the mood when we have extra time. Dimmer switches can help in this area. They are inexpensive and easy for anyone to install. The best part, though, is that a flick (or slide) of a switch can transform the average bathroom into another place. A relaxing one without children, spouses, bosses or bills. Yes. The right bathroom lighting can change everything, even your outlook. So, be sure to examine all your options the next time you think about upgrading.

Beds A Style Primer

Bed Styles: A Primer

So, you are buying a new bed. Yea! Have you decided on what style of bed? Do you know all your options? Once you start looking, you begin to realize that the world of bedroom furniture has many groups and sub-groups. Do you like modern or traditional? Wood or metal? High or low? Confused yet? Here is a brief primer on your options:

Four-Poster Bed

Just like the name implies, a four poster bed has four columns, one at each corner of the bed. They are usually made in a dark, traditional cherry or mahogany-stained wood with carved features and lend themselves to that time-honored style. The clean lines of a Shaker-style four-poster bed, however, can work well in both a country as well as a modern setting, especially if the wood is stained a rich red or black.

Canopy Bed

Not just for a little girl’s room, canopy beds are quite popular with adults as well. This style uses a four-poster bed as its base and builds upon the design with fabric. Sometimes fabric panels are minimal and simply draped along the column while other designs feature miles of lush fabric, drapes that close and a sheltering cover on the overhead canopy rails. Traditional in style and nature, this bed can also work in a more modern setting if the lines are kept clean and simple. Both the four-poster bed and the canopy bed typically sit higher than the average bed. In fact, a small step-stool is customary for both design aesthetic and for climbing up and in at night.

Platform Bed

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the platform bed generally sits low to the ground and appeals to lovers of modern design. The sleek design utilizes a system of bed slats to support your mattress directly, eliminating the need for a box spring. This helps keep the profile of the bed low while reducing overall cost to the consumer. Wood, particularly exotic woods, is the material of choice but platform beds also look fabulous when upholstered in neutral tones.

Sleigh Bed

This transitional bed is designed with both a curving head board and footboard and meant to resemble an actual sleigh. While the look has been around for centuries, in one form or another, sleigh beds fit well in almost any setting. The main consideration you need to keep in mind before you fall in love with one is space. Typically, a sleigh bed can take up more space, both physically and visually, in a small bedroom. There are, however, versions that keep the curve to a minimum to allow the bed to sit as snug to the wall as possible.

Metal Beds

If you are not partial to wood beds, a metal bed may be a better choice for you. A shiny brass bed can liven up a dark guest bedroom while a black wrought-iron bed may be the starting point for an eclectic bedroom re-design. Metal beds can work in many style settings, from cottage to traditional, modern to country.

Day Bed

Typically, a day bed is available in a twin and used in a guest bedroom or office to accommodate overnight guests when space is tight. They often come with a second twin Trundle bed that slides underneath and out of the way when not in use. A unique twist on this bed is that many designers are bringing day beds out of the bedroom and proudly displaying them in the living room for a unique twist on a utilitarian sofa.

There you have it – a rundown on the basic bed styles to choose from for your new purchase. Knowing what material and style you like can make the hunt easier and more enjoyable. Good luck.

Bedroom Furniture Tips

Let’s face it – buying bedroom furniture is not something you do every day. In fact, more than any other piece of furniture in any other room in the house, bedroom furniture is an investment that we keep for years. Ok, decades. Some people may buy a bedroom set when they get married and not even replace it until their 25^th wedding anniversary. That said, you want to make smart decisions about our purchase so that it not only lasts through the years but so it also still appeals to you over time.

1. What is your style? Your spouse’s? Do you know? Take a look through some design magazines and see what appeals to you. Don’t worry about the fancy names given to each; just think about what you like. It really shouldn’t matter to you that one magazine calls a look
   ‘Shabby Chic’, while another calls it ‘Urban Country’ and a third uses the term
   ‘Island Casual’. If you like a slatted headboard that resembles a weathered shutter, it doesn’t matter what it’s called by the design professionals. You may be uber-trendy in your wardrobe but you may surprise yourself. You could fall in love with a
   ‘traditional’ canopy bed or a four-poster bed.
2. The Space. First and foremost, what will actually fit in your current bedroom? This question may conjure up thoughts of a king vs. a queen bed, which is definitely a point to consider. Don’t forget that certain styles of beds may take up more space than others, either visually or physically. For example, a sleigh bed, due to the curve in the head board, does not sit flush against the wall. In fact, it could jut out six inches or more into the room, wasting valuable real estate in a small bedroom.
3. Footboard or not? Some bedroom sets come with a headboard and a footboard. Think about how you use your bed though. If you are a sit-on-the-end-of-the-bed-and-put-on-your-socks kind of person, a footboard may not be for you.
4. No box spring? Say what? As hard as it may be to believe, a platform bed does not require a box spring. We have been trained to buy both a box spring and a mattress, but new platform beds come with flexible wood slats that allow for support and ventilation. The mattress just sits directly on top of the slats, no need for a metal bed frame. It works. Honest.
5. To match or not to match. Newsflash. You do not have to buy matching bedroom sets. You can, there’s nothing wrong with it but you don’t have to. In fact, if you have your great-grandmother’s armoire, do not stress over finding the perfect bed to match. Buy a bed that you like and do not worry about matching wood tones or style. It will all blend well, for a collected-over-time look.
6. Got pets? Another point to consider before purchasing new bedroom furniture is those furry friends. If you always let Fido sleep with you, a lower platform bed may be better than a high four poster version as he gets older. Likewise, an upholstered headboard may not be the best choice for those with cats.
7. Speaking of critters. The EPA suggests buying new bedroom furniture. That’s right. The Environmental Protection Agency is getting in on this topic. With the recent bed bug infestation, they are recommending that you not purchase used bedroom furniture. Apparently those little bed bugs can hide in miniscule cracks in the wood and live for up to a year without food. Gross!

In the end, it is your bedroom, and you and your spouse are the only ones that need to be comfortable with it. So select what you like, and enjoy it for years to come!