Thursday, August 30th, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystorama, a family owned lighting company, is known for creating quality, very classic crystal lighting while incorporating modern silhouettes and materials into their lighting designs.
Crystorama has been designing exquisite fixtures for more than seven decades and is a company that has grown to be an expert in crystal lighting; they have compiled a very informative guide to consult when purchasing crystal lighting. Below is Crystorama’s 5 C’s to Consider when Purchasing Crystal:
Circumference: First, you need to figure out what size chandelier you need for your space. According to Crystorama, the proper scale is 2” per foot of the room. So, if the circumference of your room is 12’ by 14’ you will need to look for a chandelier with a diameter of about 26”. If this chandelier is for a dining room, the fixture should hang about 30 to 32 inches above the table. Here is a little diagram courtesy of Crystorama to help:
4-6 person dining tables: 20” to 24” chandelier
6-8 person dining tables: 25” to 29” chandelier
8-10 person dining tables: 30” to 36” chandelier
Collection: After you have considered the necessary size for your crystal chandelier, the next “C” on the list is meant for you to choose a collection that incorporates your preferred silhouette and style that will match your décor and harmonize with the surroundings within your space.
Cutting: Typically you have a choice in crystals, depending on the brand and manufacturer, so when choosing your crystal light make sure you pick your desired shape, cut and color of the crystal embellishments that will accent your fixture.
Color: The finish of a crystal chandelier is important; it’s crucial to pick the best finish to complement your space as well as one that will “reflect the true color spectrum of the crystal,” according to Crystorama.
Confidence: Have confidence in the brand and manufacturer you choose to purchase from. According to Crystorama’s 5 C’s guide, “a chandelier, whatever its shape, size or cost, is an important purchase.”
Although Crystorama began exclusively in the distribution of classical, crystal chandeliers, it advanced its common crystal designs to crafting an assortment of lighting displayed in their pendants, flush mounts, wall sconces and vanity lights, becoming one of the top industry leaders in residential lighting.
Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
by Benson Littman
The options are never-ending when it comes to lighting a child’s bedroom; you can truly go in any direction you want with the help of the child’s interests, favorite colors and current design scheme. Here are some tips when lighting your child’s bedroom:
A child’s bedroom will most likely need strong, bright lights as they tend to use this space as a play area or space to do arts and crafts and other activities; since children tend to be at ground level, playing, reading or coloring, it is smart to find a light that can be bright enough to reach the floor. Because of this, it would also be a very smart idea to install dimmers in the bedroom to modify the level of light within the room at certain times throughout the day.
It is best to consider the child’s needs when planning a lighting design for their bedroom. There are an array of unique and playful novelty lighting options out there for you to choose from; from sports themed pendants to colorfully designed flush mounts. Trans Globe Lighting has a line of lighting called Kids Korner that features playful designs in lighting just for your child’s room. Elk Lighting as well as Landmark Lighting also have some children’s themed lighting collections.
A night light is a must when a child is of a certain age and incorporating this into their bedroom will provide them with a comforting light for bedtime.
Table lamps or desk lamps are always a wonderful addition to a child’s room as they may want to read a book before bed or throughout the day if they choose to sit at their desk and draw.
Whatever you decide for a child’s bedroom lighting scheme, remember that there are plenty of ceiling lights and lamps that can match many children’s themes for their décor, from a sporty boys theme to a girly princess theme.
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystal lighting is a very elegant means of lighting your home and it adds a beautiful and stylish touch to your interior lighting design. Today, there are so many different styles and brands that are being designed and crafted and these manufacturers truly know the significance and value of the crystals they use when creating these ornate compositions of light.
Here is a brief overview of the types of crystals out there so you know what you are getting when you’re on the hunt for your next crystal fixture:
Swarovski Elements – This type of crystal is considered the most luxurious and most exceptional crystals in the world. It is a uniquely genuine and naturally pure variety of crystal out there today. It comes in countless shapes, sizes and colors and are each machine-cut and polished with precision; the logo of Swarovski Elements is engraved into each crystal, impossible to replicate.
Spectra Crystal – Is a machine-cut Swarovski crystal that was illuminates a radiant shimmer and is designed by the highest authority in crystal expertise; it is created to be an enhanced, top-quality crystal at an affordable price for customers.
Heritage Handcut Crystal – These crystals are hand cut in a method that is deep-rooted in crystal cutting history, dating back centuries. Each crystal is unique in shape and form and is cut by hand in two stages, on an iron and sandstone wheel. After, they are polished on a wood wheel with marble dust.
Optic Handcut Crystal – These crystals are significantly refractive. Optic crystal was originally solely used in scientific studies and instrumentation but Schonbek’s engineers started including them in their chandelier models.
Gemcut Crystal – Are shaped into a very sharp and precise form and are polished to create a pure and super refractive crystal.
Vintage Crystal – Vintage crystals are very whimsical droplets of beads in a very traditional shape of faceted ovals, woven into chains.
Legacy Crystal – This type of crystal comes from Venice, Italy and emanates an understated shine and is known to be more affordable than the average cut crystal.
Rock Crystal – this is truly a unique kind of crystal as it can’t be manufactured and mass-produced. It is one of the oldest crystals around and are mined by skilled gem-cutters and are not created in any type on synthetic process in crystal cutting or polishing.
The design and manufacturing of crystal fixtures requires ample understanding, knowledge and familiarity with the crystals and creations made in order to produce such superior designs in lighting. An array of brands produce crystal lighting of all designs and Schonbek Worldwide Lighting is one of them; Schonbek features lighting that is bejeweled, ornamented and trimmed with an assortment of exquisite and delicate crystals. Schonbek carries all of the above crystal types and incorporated them into their designs in very distinct and unique ways.
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
by Benson Littman
Although floor lamps and torchiere’s seem similar in appearance, there are noteworthy differences between the two and assist in different functions for your interior home lighting. Here is some information about each:
Floor Lamp – Floor lamps are habitually used for task lighting, next to a chair or table for reading, sewing, homework or other similar activities. It is meant to amplify visual accuracy and prevent eyestrain while working on important tasks throughout the day. Table lamps can be repositioned accordingly and often have swing arm options and a head that is multi-directional to help with the aim of light. It has a heavy base and a thinner silhouette than a typical torchiere’s form.
Torchiere – This type of fixture is a similar shape to that of a floor lamp but can often have a thicker silhouette. The main difference between the table lamp and torchiere is the function; a torchiere is used for accent lighting or general lighting instead of task lighting. The light illuminates upward, often shining its light up against the wall to the ceiling.
Use table lamps for direct task lighting; table lamps feature a light that can be directed downward towards the task you need to complete. And use a torchiere in your home for some ambient or soft, glare-free general lighting for entertainment purposes.
Thursday, August 9th, 2012
by Benson Littman
You will need to first develop a lighting plan for you and your home; it is the best way to stay organized throughout this process.
First, you’ll want to create a lighting budget, have a good idea on your spending cap. It is smart to walk into this with some kind of financial plan. This will help you and help the designers or lighting specialists you confer with, as they will steer you towards the brands and types of lighting you can afford.
Second, take some time to research; peruse the web or interior design magazines to gather some ideas that appeal to you and harmonize with your design scheme at home. This is a very good way to be ahead of the game when it comes to beginning this whole process of creating a lighting design for your home. Walking into a showroom with some inspiration on what you want may speed up the process or at the very least give the specialists some indication on what you want. It is always good to take the initiative.
It is a smart idea to collect any samples that you can from the space you are trying to create a lighting scheme for. Paint samples, fabrics, cabinet samples or floor samples, are all prime examples on what will be helpful to you and the lighting team you work with. Floor plans and photos of various angles within the space are always helpful as well; being able to see the space in these ways is always beneficial and allows you to recall your current structural design and décor.
Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
by Benson Littman
When picking out a shade for your lamp, you should always remember that the shade should harmonize or complement the lamp without overpowering the design and shape of the lamp itself.
Typically matching your shade shape with the body of your lamp works out the best for the overall look of the lamp; a square lamp will look good with a square shade and the same goes for a round or oval lamp, you should look for a round shade. Of course, if you would rather have a less modest, more dramatic look, you can mix and match varying shapes and sizes with your shade to add a little pizzazz to your lighting scheme.
As far as size, the rule of thumb tends to say that the shade should be about 2/3 the height of your lamp’s base. Ratio is important, you don’t want a lamp that is out of balance or top heavy. The widest part of your shade should also be about a half inch wider than the widest part of your lamps silhouette.
Some common materials for lamp shades are: linen, cotton, silk, paper or vinyl. There are of course many more varying materials out there but if you are trying to go simple, those are the basics.
Here is some general information about the customary shapes of shades that are seen today:
• Empire Shade – This is the most common type of shade with lightly sloped sides (wider on top than bottom) and can be textured with pleating. These can match a traditional or transitional style décor.
• Bell Shade – Similar to the Empire shade but has more of a wave-like flair at the bottom of the shade.
• Drum Shade – These are very chic in style and can become a contemporary or retro style for your lamp. It has a flatter shape, more round than the Empire or Bell and has the same width on top and bottom and has ample light emission.
• Coolio Shade – Has a sharp, more dramatic slant, as it is small on top and very wide on the bottom. This is a very functional shade for lamps.
Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
There are many advantages to using ENERGY STAR lights; choosing more efficient bulbs or fixtures can make a difference in your overall carbon footprint, limiting greenhouse gases as well as save you money in the long-run.
ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use less energy than typical incandescent bulbs, about 75 percent less energy. According to energystar.gov, replacing the 60w incandescent bulbs with a 13w CFL will save you more than $30 in energy costs throughout the lifespan of the bulb.
ENERGY STAR fixtures and bulbs are far more durable than other products out there; as indicated by energystar.gov, “pin-based fixtures must last 10,000 hours, about 10 times longer than standard. CFLs must last 6,000 hours.” And all ENERGY STAR products come with a 2-year warranty, far more than the industry norm.
Opposed to the average incandescent bulbs, ENERGY STAR CFLs produce about 75 percent less heat, reducing costs in cooling your home and making you more comfortable. Because of this lower heat production, this also makes ENERGY STAR bulbs much safer to the touch; they light up to less than 100 degrees, whereas Halogen bulbs can get as hot as 1000 degrees, causing burns and sometimes fires.
ENERGY STAR lights are one option in order to save money and be more energy efficient; you can always go another way by using LED lighting as well. Both types of efficient lighting will benefit you in the long run.
Thursday, July 26th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Basements can be a fun room to decorate with various types of lighting to be used; they are larger spaces with often very little natural light emitted throughout. Because of that, in order to light a basement adequately, you may need an assortment of lights for your space. You should look for the best ceiling lighting with styles that will match your decor. You need overall general lighting while adding that extra accent and task lighting to certain areas throughout the basement.
Track Lighting – Track lighting is easy to install and is truly a newly renovated basement’s best answer for lighting. If track lighting isn’t what you are looking for then recessed lighting always can work too. It doesn’t take up space in the room and can be extremely adaptable for your space.
Table Lamps/Floor Lamps – These are wonderful choice for that extra decorative lighting you will need in your basement. Also, if you have lower ceilings in your basement (some basements tend to have lower ceilings than other rooms in the home) then floor lamps will be a great way to make your ceilings seem slightly taller than they actually.
Pendants – You can use pendants in your basement to hang over a specific area for ample illumination – for example over a bar area, pool table, or larger game table. Depending on the style of pendants you choose, these fixtures can also offer a great focal point for the space since pendants usually come in unique shapes and colors. You can use your pendants for accent lighting, task lighting or complete ambient lighting. Dimmers are also recommended in order to set the mood for your space.
Under Cabinet Lights – Under cabinet lighting is a great way to add lighting in subtle areas of your basement. If you for instance have a type of media/entertainment viewing area in your basement, under cabinet lighting is a great touch to a space when you are trying to create that mood lighting during a movie or show. Almost under the same category as this is LED table lighting, which can be used to line the bottom of your floors for safety when walking through a dark part of the basement.
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
The Vertigo family of lights is a very unique style of lights designed by Corbett Lighting. The interesting shape of the pendants might seem to make it difficult to change the bulb efficiently; but it is a fairly easy process. There is a set screw on the bottom rim to loosen on the fixture and then the glass will slide down, allowing you to change the bulb effortlessly.
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
There are plenty of ways to add a beautiful lighting design to your home but it is of course necessary for you to know the various types, styles, sizes and shapes of lighting that are out there. First you must know the three basic types of lighting you will be choosing, depending on the space you are lighting:
• General Lighting – Supplies an area with a wide-range of illumination and is known as ambient lighting. It allows for an adequate level of light and can be achieved with track or recessed lighting, ceiling lighting, chandeliers or wall sconces.
• Task Lighting – This type of lighting helps you carry out your everyday tasks like games, reading, sewing and homework. Task lighting can be supplied with table or floor lamps, under cabinet lighting, track lighting or pendant lighting; this lighting should be brilliant enough to prevent exertion on the eyes.
• Accent Lighting – Adds a nice touch to any space. It is meant to be an accent for your current décor and tends to highlight curtains, walls, paintings, sculptures and or various possessions around the house. Use track light, under cabinet light, tape or wall sconces to create your task lighting.
Once you know the basics about lighting it is now time to choose how you will light your space. Here is a list of just some of the different fixtures you can choose from:
• Chandeliers – Add a beautiful and elegant style to your space. They usually have an ornate set of billowing arms (depending on the style) with a large amount of bulbs (depending on the size). Chandeliers are a great way to impress upon entering your home or during dinner with guests. The ever-changing designs and unique placements of chandeliers create a wonderful stylish accent to the décor in your home. Try them in your foyer, kitchen, dining room, great room, bedroom or bathroom.
• Pendants – The larger pendants are usually seen in the foyer, kitchen or great room and mini pendants can go in the kitchen over an island or above a bar area. Pendants provide your home with both task and general lighting.
• Wall Sconces – Will bring all three types of lighting into your home. They are great lights to line your hallways or accent chandeliers in dining rooms or great rooms given a matching design.
• Under Cabinet Lighting – Offers task and accent lighting and tend to be placed under kitchen cabinets to light the countertops. Under cabinet lights supply illumination in areas you can’t reach or places task or accent light is needed (either in the office, storage spaces or the shelves in your kitchen.)
There are even more ways to light your home. Don’t forget portable table or floor lamps, vanity lights, and track lighting. With this list of the basic types and kinds of lighting you are sure to shine in your home’s lighting design scheme.