lighting

Tips to maintaining large chandeliers

March 25th, 2013  |  Published in lighting

From GoldenageUSA.com

Tips to maintaining large chandeliers

A chandelier of any size attracts attention, regardless of its setting. Large chandeliers therefore, not only quickly become the topic of conversation but also inspire awe among guests visiting your home. Given the interest that chandeliers can create, you need to maintain their sparkle by keeping them clean.

In general, a chandelier of large size is hanged to impress – and it requires as much effort to maintain its awe-inspiring appearance as it does to select it in the first place. A well-maintained chandelier is more than just about the appearance; homeowners can also benefit from significant energy savings and reduced maintenance requirements in the long term.

Cleaning a large chandelier need not be challenging, and can be tackled as a DIY task. Some safety precautions, a tall step ladder, common household cleaners and a whole lot of patience, and you will have a gleaming, sparkly chandelier at the end of the day.

Switch off the chandelier: Safety is an important part of chandelier maintenance. Turn off the power to your chandelier at least an hour before cleaning to allow the bulbs to cool off sufficiently. When the bulbs are cool, cover each with a plastic bag and secure with a rubber band or twist tie.

Protect your floor: Place old towels or absorbent sheets on the floor to collect any drips or dust from your cleaning. The towels will also prevent any damage to crystals if they are accidentally dropped during cleaning. For additional protection to the floor, cover the sheets with newspapers.

Dry cleaning: Regular dusting and dry-wiping of chandelier components such as the crystals, glass drops, beads and bulbs as well as the arms and frames will go a long way in reducing elaborate and time-consuming maintenance. Use a soft cloth to wipe down each part. You could also use a hair dryer on low speed from above to blow down on the chandelier parts and remove stubborn dust particles from the crevices.

Wet cleaning: Wet cleaning can be carried out without taking the chandelier down. Prepare a mild cleaning solution from vinegar and water (1:3) or dish soap. Cleaning solutions specifically formulated for chandeliers are also available in the market. Just ensure you do not use any harsh detergent as it may damage the crystals and the metal components. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions on brass, chrome or gold-plated chandeliers as they may tarnish the metal parts.

Spray and wipe: Since the bulbs have been bagged, you can safely spray the mild cleaning solution on the chandelier parts. Take the chandelier by sections and clean the crystals, drops, beads and arms. Try not to rotate the chandelier as it may loosen the fixings. After letting the cleaner soak through the grime, use a soft cloth to wipe down the part till dry. Ensure there are no water spots on the crystals.

Removing deep-seated grime

To remove dirt that does not come off with wiping, you may have to take down the crystals, glass drops and beads and clean them separately in the sink or a basin, before wiping them dry and placing them back. Given that a large chandelier may have hundreds of components, it’s best to work by sections.

Cleaning the bulbs: Remove the bags from the bulbs and carefully unscrew each bulb from its socket. Wipe down each bulb with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt. Ensure the bulb’s metal base is completely dry before putting the bulb back. Blow out the dust in the sockets before fitting the bulbs.

Disassembling the chandelier: If you are planning to take your chandelier apart before cleaning, ensure you have the original assembly drawings with you. Additionally, take photographs of your chandelier before disassembly to use as reference when you are putting it back together again.

Give it a day: Let the chandelier completely dry out for a day before switching it back on.

For more home lighting ideas, visit www.goldenageusa.com/blog

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An insider’s guide to bathroom vanity lighting

March 20th, 2013  |  Published in lighting, Uncategorized

From GoldenageUSA.com

Bathroom design has come of age, transforming from a room that served a purely utilitarian function to a personal space that has atmosphere, luxury, class and soul. Regardless of whether you are designing a new bathroom or remodeling an existing one, having a clear plan for the lighting design is critical. Lighting is what turns a standard bathroom into a luxurious environment, one that you can retreat to, and one that you can flaunt to the world.

50b8f255ec79e An insider’s guide to bathroom vanity lighting

Similar to any room in the home, a layered lighting plan that combines ambient lighting, accent lighting and task lighting is recommended for the bathroom. Vanity lights mostly serve a task lighting function and work to help you look your best, day or night. Positioning, size, type, wattage and style are some of the important factors that you will need to consider before buying them.

bath vanity lights An insider’s guide to bathroom vanity lighting

8 tips to getting your vanity lighting right

Types of vanity lights

Light bars, pendant lights and wall sconces are some of the popular choices for vanity lighting. You could experiment with some recess lighting on the ceiling, especially if your mirror covers the wall all the way to the top. Hanging pendant lights on either side of the vanity, 3’-4’ apart will fully illuminate the face. An overhead flush-mount ceiling light in the vanity area will serve well as ambient lighting for simple tasks such as washing hands.

Sizing your vanity lighting

Light bars are the most basic of vanity lighting options and usually come in two, three, four or five-bulb versions. When selecting a light bar, make sure the length does not exceed the vanity’s width. Oversized vanity lights can throw the balance out of sync. However, a light bar can extend beyond a mirror without causing any imbalance. For wider vanities, it is best to use multiple light bar fixtures to ensure even lighting throughout while also breaking the visual monotony. Strip lights such as light bars evenly illuminate the space in front of the vanity while also reducing shadows on the face. Mirrors up to four feet in width are best flanked by a pair of wall sconces or pendants. Lighting for wider mirrors can be supplemented by overhead light bars.

Position them right

Where you place the vanity lights is an important part of sensible lighting design. The first rule of effective vanity lighting is that the lights must not cast shadows. Place a single light vanity fixture on either side of the mirror at eye level to eliminate shadows on your face as you go about your everyday tasks. A horizontal light bar placed a few inches above the mirror can shed additional light from above. The light should shine directly on your face and not reflect off the mirror.

Style check

Most modern bathrooms have sleek, contemporary layouts that have swapped the clutter for a minimalist look. Vanity lights should therefore complement the style with simple, elegant and functional designs that are easy on the eye. Heavy ornate fixtures on the other hand, are suitable for more traditional bathroom designs that spell luxury, warmth and vintage.

Finish

Go with the flow. Match the finish of your vanity light fittings with the other bathroom fixtures and accessories as well as the hinges, handles and knobs. So if you have chosen chrome bath and shower fittings, try chrome-finish light fixtures. Chrome also works best with mirrors. Brass, bronze and gold are some of the other finishes you can experiment with in your bathroom. Satin nickel finishes are in vogue too. If you prefer colored light fixtures for your vanity, please consider the color theme used in the bathroom. Whatever you choose, maintain the continuity – and check for their ability to withstand high humidity and moisture.

Light bulbs for vanity illumination

Vanity lights must be bright enough to let you do your job and soft enough to compliment your appearance. Exposed bulb fittings are best avoided anywhere in the bathroom, especially in your vanity area where they can be harsh. Lights with frosted glass covers will flatter your appearance and also reduce glare. Compact fluorescent bulbs with a CRI of 80+ are recommended for vanity light fixtures for advantages such as less heat, more life and greater energy-efficiency. Colored or coated bulbs also enhance facial features. Wattage of at least 150W is recommended. Neodymium light bulbs give out light that falls within the daylight spectrum, which means that the face you see in the mirror or the color of your clothes is what would be seen when you step out. Keep in mind however, that warm lighting is most flattering to the face.

Vanity night lighting

Serving a purely practical role, a night light in the vanity area can help one find their way into and around the bathroom at night without turning on all the lights. A vanity night light also consumes very little energy.

Dimmer

Consider an electronic dimmer for absolute control over all the light fixtures in the bathroom including the vanity lights.

Bonus Tip: Choose your bulbs carefully. Vanity lighting should aim to be closest to daylight or natural lighting.

Shop Over 2400 bath vanity lights collections at Goldenageusa.com. Free shipping and no questions asked return policy. Enter Coupon code MAXIM10 (expires on April 2013) and save 10% on all maxim bath vanity lights.

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Discount offers from Goldenageusa.com on Top Lighting Brands

January 30th, 2013  |  Published in decor, lighting

From Goldenageusa.com

Goldenageusa.com is a premium online store that sells branded lighting products in contemporary designs. Elegant and yet functional, our selection of lights enhances the beauty of the home and the style of the décor.

Bring on the lights brightly to your home this New Year! Goldenageusa is offering a one off discount sale on its most popular brands. Get a 10% discount off on all products of the following brands -

 

Meyda Tiffany – Coupon Code ‘MEYDA10’

Meyda Tiffany products are not only contemporary but also very fashionable, an ideal choice for a modern décor. Tiffany lamps, pendants, stain glass lamps and flush mount are some of the most popular lights of this brand.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount coupon Code MEYDA10 in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

Ats Lighting – Coupon Code ‘ATS10’

Elegant and beautiful the crystal chandeliers from ATS Lighting, truly transforms the room from ordinary to spectacular. From empire size to petite, chandeliers for every room are available in this brand.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount coupon Code ATS10 in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

Maxim – coupon Code ‘MAXIM10’

High quality workmanship and great style describes Maxim Lighting the best. Shop for elegant chandeliers, wall scones, vanity lights, flush mounts, floor lamps and more.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount coupon Code MAXIM10 in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

KichLer Lighting – Coupon Code ‘GET10NOW’

Kichler Lighting specializes in all ambient, task, accent and decorative style lighting for homes and offices. Functional yet stylish, all our lighting solutions are visually appealing to senses.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount coupon Code GET10NOW in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

Crystorama Lighting – Coupon Code ‘CTR10’

 Exquisite and elegant, Crystorama Lighting offers a chic look to a contemporary room. Designed with delicate Venetian glass, semi precious stones with sterling silver, the chandeliers of this brand are truly, a work of art.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount Coupon Code CTR10 in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

ELK Lighting – Coupon Code ‘GETELK10’

Sleek and dramatic, Elk lighting can be used with any type of home décor. The colored brown glass and burnished nickel finish gives the room a refreshingly stylish look.

Available 10% off on this product by entering this discount coupon Code GETELK10 in cart. Offer open till April 30, 2013

This article is provided by Goldenageusa.com, a premier online shopping destination for home and commercial lighting fixtures and home décor.

To get more home lighting tips, advice and latest discount offers, please do visit www.goldenageusa.com/blog

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Why do you need a crystal chandelier?

January 2nd, 2013  |  Published in lighting

 

One of the factors that separate a good design from a bad one is the quality of lighting. This is true especially of interiors. A beautifully designed and executed space can feel dingy and uninteresting, if the lighting design fails.

There is an easy way, to make sure that the lighting is functional at the same time it, enhances the beauty of the space. Once the floor plan is ready on paper, imagine walking through the space with just the light factor in mind. Is there enough ambient light? Has task light been provided wherever necessary? Are the displays given prominence by spot lighting?

This exercise doesn’t have to be restricted to the functional aspect of lighting alone. Imagining light as a beautifying element could create an interesting design. A plain wall could be elevated to a different level altogether by introducing a beautiful designer light fitting. Uplighting, downlighting and concealed lighting are all great at adding to the aesthetics of the space. But if you are looking at transforming the feel of a place entirely, a chandelier would be the best choice.

Chandeliers do a great job of enhancing the beauty of a space. They become the focal point of the design in that space. They also lend a feeling of grandeur instantly. In today’s contemporary design style of straight lines, zen and minimalism, a well picked chandelier can provide the much needed relief from austerity. On the other hand, if the chandelier design has to be straight and zen-like in design plenty of options are available in the market.

Chandelier design has come a long way in terms of design and lighting thanks to technological innovations. But the opulence that a crystal chandelier lends to the space is unmatched and cannot be compared with anything else in the market.

From the French kings at the heights of their extravagance, crystal chandeliers have been a preferred choice of the elite. The refraction angles of the light, as it passes through the crystal, create a sparkle that is a sight to behold.

A long crystal chandelier becomes an automatic choice in staircase areas and any double height space. A well picked and centrally placed one in a dining or living space can never go wrong. If it has to be used in a slightly unconventional fashion, it could be placed at one end of the room, with accent on some particular piece of furniture or display. Crystal chandeliers could also be used on either sides of the bed instead of bedside lamps. Though unconventional, this could add an element of interest to the design. Modern designs have a light and dynamic feeling and could be used even in bathrooms and small rooms like the foyer intelligently as the design focus.

The biggest prohibitive factor against the use of crystal chandeliers used to be the cost. But modern day production techniques have made sure that these chandeliers are available at an affordable rate too. So if you have the taste, there is something to fit your pocket and transform your space.


This article is provided by Goldenageusa.com, a premier online shopping destination for home and commercial lighting fixtures and home décor. View wide range of crystal chandeliers at Goldenageusa.

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How to Pick a Chandelier

August 14th, 2012  |  Published in decor, lighting

by Block Lighting

Blue Dining Room How to Pick a Chandelier

The chandelier is the brightest star in the in the lighting design sky. It is generally the focal point of a room because of it’s demanding size and lovely shape. Whether dangling over the dinner table, presiding over the foyer, or hanging out in the bedroom, a chandelier should add to the decor of the room. Now how to pick the right one?

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning

  1. How high is the ceiling in the room?
  2. How big is the room?
  3. What is the design of the room?

Keep Size in Mind

How big does the chandelier need to be in the room? If you pick a chandelier that is too big, it will overpower the space and loom overhead like a precarious rock. If the chandelier is too small, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Both of these mistakes can be easily avoided with a simple formula:

Length of the room + Width of the room= Diameter of the Chandelier in inches.

(12′+15′= about 27″ in diameter )

This formula will give you the right width for a chandelier in you room. There are a few other things to keep in mind though. If you have a two story foyer, the chandelier you choose may be tall, but if your ceiling is just too short, a chandelier might not be the best option.

Note: Chandeliers that weigh more than 50 pounds will need to be mounted more securely. The weight of the fixture will need to be supported using the structure of the house.

Height

Some rules of thumb for chandeliers pertain to the height of the ceiling:

  • In rooms where the chandelier floats over a room without a table or island under it, there should be a clearance of 7 feet between the floor and the bottom of the chandelier.
  • The ideal height for a chandelier over a dining table or island is 30-32 inches above the surface of the table/counter.

HB Cottage Dining How to Pick a Chandelier

The Fun Part: Decor

The best part about picking out a chandelier is, of course, looking through all of the beautiful choices and picking the one that will look best in your home. If lighting is the jewelry of a room, than a chandelier is like your favorite necklace. You want the chandelier to take your decor to the next level, tying all of the elements of the room together.

  • In a traditional room, pick a chandelier with more detail. Metal twisted into fine swirls and crystal trinkets dripping from the tiers will always have a traditional feel.
  • In a modern room, clean lines on a chandelier is all it needs. Keep it simple, but bold.
  • Eclectic rooms are the trend, and chandeliers have been created to mimic the movement. A wrought iron chandelier with crystal elements combines a rustic and high class feel.
  • If you have a great sense of humor and reflect that in your whimsical style, don’t be afraid to throw color into your chandelier, whether in the crystal shades or in painted tiers.

HB Eclectic Dining How to Pick a Chandelier

Other Considerations

Don’t ruin the beautiful chandelier you just bought by using the wrong light bulbs. Note that clear bulbs allow for more light, and translucent or crystal shades will allow the light to spread giving the chandelier a sparkly quality. You might also want to consider putting in a dimmer to dim the chandelier. It will save on energy and change the mood of the room.

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How to Pick Recessed Lighting

July 23rd, 2012  |  Published in decor, lighting

 

by Block Lighting

Recessed light Application How to Pick Recessed Lighting

Kitchen Pictured comes from architcheturaldigest.com

Recessed lighting has become an extremely popular lighting system for just about every room of the house.  It provides great overall light as well as task lighting and accent lighting.  It can wash a room in an even flood of light, or direct light in any direction.  When choosing recessed lighting there are two main things to keep in mind: housing and trim.

Housing

The housing, or the part installed into the ceiling, is rated for either “new construction” or “remodel.”  You also need to note whether the can will meet insulation, and how many watts you’ll be using.  These technicalities taken into account early will give you just the right lights.

New Construction and Remodel

New construction housing is bulky and needs a lot of space.  Choose this type of housing for:

  1. building a new space where you have full access to the wall/ceiling/floor without sheet rock or plaster hindering your access to beams, etc.
  2. You have access to the space due to an overhead attic, a pop out ceiling panel, etc.

Remodel housings are less bulky and easier for remodel where there is little access to beams/joists/etc. and little space for a bulky housing.

IC and Non IC Rated

IC stands for insulation contact.  This is one of those technical things to pay attention to.  IC rated housings should be installed wherever there is direct contact between the housing and the insulation.  They also have  low wattage rating
(around 75 watts) because no matter what heat on insulation can be dangerous.  Non-IC rated housing means that there can be NO contact between the insulation and the housing.  There should be 3 in. of space between the insulation and the housing, and non-IC is rated for up to 150 watts.

Line or Low Voltage?

This is the last real technical choice that needs to be made.

  1. Line voltage operates directly off of the household 120v. current.   It does not need a transformer or a special dimmer.  It is good for high ceilings and general illumination.
  2. Low voltage is energy efficient and only uses 12v.  However, it does need a transformer and if you install dimmers they need to be rated for low voltage lights.  Low voltage is good for high contrast or for task or accent lighting.

Trim

 Size

Trim is generally an aesthetic issue, and so it often a choice based on personal preference.  There are some factors of trim that do make a difference in illuminating the room though it is slight.  Larger trim tends to produce broader amounts of light, but smaller trim is less conspicuous and more often chosen for architectural reasons.  Trim is generally 3 to 6″.

 

Types

Baffle Can How to Pick Recessed Lighting Baffle Trim:  a popular trim, perfect for just about every room.  It has uniform grooves that are designed to absorb excess light.  It is a good choice for reducing glare.

 

 

 

 

Reflector Can How to Pick Recessed Lighting Reflector trim: preferred choice for kitchens, high ceilings, and commercial applications.  It has a high polish, smooth interior to maximize reflected light from the bulb.

 

 

 

Adjustable Can How to Pick Recessed Lighting Adjustable Trim: offers a variety of applications, and is a good option for those who know their home decor and lighting needs will change often.  It can be used for generally lighting the room, or for task and accent lighting.  Whether you have to install it a little off center, or plan on lighting that painting, an adjustable trim light is the right choice.

 

 

 

Wet Location Can How to Pick Recessed Lighting Lensed Trim: used to keep out moisture.  If the recessed light is to be installed in a bathroom or shower, this type of recessed light will keep any water away from the interior of the can allowing it to be used in wet locations.

 

 

 

 

Wallwash Can How to Pick Recessed Lighting Wall Washed Trim: combines a directional reflector and a “scoop” to direct light towards a wall.  This will provide a wash of light down a wall to reflect or add light where needed.

 

 

 

Decorative Can How to Pick Recessed LightingDecorative Trim: has become a popular solution to ugly recessed lights.  It provides a polished look with a low voltage halogen light for style and practicality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures of Trim come from blocklighting.com

If you have any questions, you are always free to contact us. We are happy to help.

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How to Design a Landscape Lighting Plan

July 10th, 2012  |  Published in lighting, outdoor

by Block Lighting

Untitled3 How to Design a Landscape Lighting Plan

Maybe your yard looks a little bare.  Or maybe you want an attractive security system.  Or maybe you just want your house to be the best looking house on the block.  Either way, landscape lighting is a great addition to any home.  When it comes to landscape lighting, there are four components to keep in mind.

 

Untitled4 How to Design a Landscape Lighting Plan1. Fixtures and Light Bulbs

  • Determine which features you intend on enhancing (a tree, a pond, a deck…)
  • Determine what effect you would like to create (illuminate the tree, shadow the tree…)
  • Choose the bulb you want based on what is recommended for the fixture, and how it is rated (broad lighting, spot lighting…)

2. Mounting Method

  • Determined based on the location of the fixture (non-metallic stakes for acidic soil conditions, tree mount canopies for tree mounted fixtures…)

3. Transformer

  • Determined based on the total wattage in your plan (add the wattage used for each fixture and buy transformer rated to hold that much wattage…)
  • You may need to have more than one to support your design
  • Select a transformer rated for more wattage then you intend on using (only use 60-80% of it, good for adding later…)

Mounting the Transformer

Mount the transformer next to a grounded indoor or outdoor outlet.  If the transformer is installed outside, mount it at least one foot above the ground.  It can be mounted on a wall, fence, post, etc.  Follow the specific installation instructions provided with your transformer.

4. Cable

  •  The cable you buy also depends on the amount of wattage
  • Avoid long runs of wiring, branch out to different fixtures and avoid long straight lines

Hiding the Cable

Lay the cable out on top of the ground in the configurations needed to reach every fixture.  Then, connect all the fixtures.  Test the voltage at each fixture with your volt meter.  This allows for easy adjustments to the cable runs while they are still above ground.

Then, you might want to wait until dusk to visually adjust the fixtures to achieve maximum effect.  After these steps the cable can be buried.

Because you are working with low voltage. hiding the cable is very simple. You may choose to cover it with some soil, mulch, or other landscape dressing. Or if  you are close to bushes or dense shrubbery, you can push it underneath ans out of sight. You could also lay it along a fence or foundation nearby.

If you are crossing a lawn, you will want to slice the sod at a 45 degree angle. Pull up the sod, place the cable at least 4 feet deep (to prevent future problems if the lawn is aerated) and replace the sod firmly.

Untitled5 How to Design a Landscape Lighting Plan

TIP: layout the property and landmarks to draw the route the cables will take, where the fixtures should be placed, and where the transformers will go.  Having a good plan before beginning will make the job easier.

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Universal Design Calls for Functional Illumination

May 23rd, 2012  |  Published in design, home show, interior design, lighting

by MeCC Interiors

 

luminist picture 262 500x522 Universal Design Calls for Functional Illumination

Luminist sinks, both round and rectangular.

Lots of updates and ideas from K|BIS over the next few days,  some of which are new-to-market and some new-to-me.

Universal Design (UD) is definitely something I’ve explored before on multiple occasions.  Despite that, I think its important to begin by noting that UD is not just about accessibility and using ADA-approved products.  Rather UD is about creating environments that can be used by as many people as possible.  That might mean both seniors and very young children, abled and disabled, or even singles versus families.

One common theme from all manner of exhibitors at K|BIS was illumination.  Not brilliant daylighting or overhead lights, but more gentle, subtle systems.

Toto’s Luminist sink has been around for a while, but it is certainly not something you see on a regular basis.  Made of a toxin-free hybrid glass and epoxy resin, the sinks have great lines and are highly durable.  The LED lighting adds a subtle glow, making it a perfect night light!

illuminated stairs Universal Design Calls for Functional Illumination

Illuminating the underside of a railing not only provides a safety measure, it looks great! (Image from the 2012 K|BIS show floor, Belwith Keeler booth.)

Belwith Keeler showcased their modular lighting strip system.  Strip (or rope) lighting, in and of itself, is certainly not new.  It is commonly used in cupboards and such.  But it is the details that made the difference, particularly with regard to Light Integrated Trim (LIT).

belwith lit1 Universal Design Calls for Functional Illumination

Follow the numbers to see how the modular LIT system works.

The beauty of LIT, aside from its modularity, easy installation, high-efficiency, and 50,000 hours of light, is that it provides the same light but looks a million times better than a standard rope light!  The decorative trim comes in metal cast pieces or formed sections.  Though I would recommend against painting the cast metal, the formed sections can be painted so that they blend in with the trim work or application setting.  So you have functional lighting with no burn danger that can gently illuminate dark hallways, closets, shelves, architectural details… you can even add the strip to your backsplash.

If you’ve been wanting to introduce some elements of universal design into your home, any or all of the above are a great way to start!

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LED Lighting for the Kitchen

March 23rd, 2012  |  Published in design, kitchen, lighting

by MeCC Interiors

wac dorian pendant LED Lighting for the Kitchen

WAC Lighting: Dorian Pendant

If you’re updating or completely renovating your kitchen, and you would like to incorporate some energy-efficient, LED lighting into the mix, here are some great options to consider.

The organic, jellyfish-inspired Dorian pendant from WAC Lighting features shimmering strands of crystal which play beautifully in the light.  The dichroic glass is available in pink (shown), amber, orange, green, or blue.  At only 12″ tall and 6-1/2″ wide, it is a great size for even the smallest of kitchens!

bruck rain foscarini maki LED Lighting for the Kitchen

Maki by Foscarini (at left) and Rainbow Sunrise (top right) and Rain II Bobo (bottom right), both by Bruck

Available in white or gray, Foscarini‘s Maki pendant is made of layers of rolled lacquered aluminum.  The fixture is only 3-1/2″ in diameter and is lit with either one 4W LED GU10 or one 35W halogen lamp.

The Rain collection by Bruck Lighting System feature handblown glass suspended at varying lengths to create a cascade of light from an aluminum canopy.  There are multiple artisan glass options for the 15- or 24-lamp fixtures, including custom designs upon request.  They are lit using 20W halogens or 3W LED bulbs.

If you prefer non-pendant lighting, look towards either the Loox LED system from Häfele America or the LED L-Pad from Hera Lighting.

The Loox system won Best Green Product Award at this year’s KBIS show.  One of the fabulous things about this system, in addition to be both green and fully integrated, is that it is based on a “plug and play” system — it does not require wiring!  Switches, fixtures, and drivers are colour-coded and easily fit together for a quick and seamless self-installation in 12V, 24V, and 350mA options.

The L-pad is also an award winner: it received a reddot award for its design.  Available in both cool and warm LED versions, the low-profile LED spotlights are surface-mounted, are dimmable, and can be operated via an optional touchless IR switch — all the while using only 7.5W.  A smaller, square version, the LED Q-pad, is also available.

hafele loox hera lighting led l pad LED Lighting for the Kitchen

Loox lighting (shown in a non-kitchen setting, left) and LED L-pad (at right)

 

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HOW TO CLEAN CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS

February 1st, 2012  |  Published in decor, design, DIY, lighting

by Lights On

b w chandelier 1 HOW TO CLEAN CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS

It is very often that the visitors of our store, while admiring the beautiful play of colors on our crystal chandeliers, ask – how do you clean crystal?

Many think that cleaning a crystal chandelier is at least a very tedious task. Let us assure you – that is a myth. In reality, if you clean the chandelier the right way, then you will not need to spend much time on it at all and the process will seem easy.

It is just as easy to clean any regular lamp as it is a crystal one, but the effect of cleaning a crystal chandelier is much more noticeable.

The surfaces of a regular crystal are indeed attractive to the bits of dust, but in the surfaces of the Swarovski crystals the natural attractive force of the crystal is neutralized, using a special refining method made by Swarovski. Capillary forces do not allow water to hold on to the surface of the crystal in the same way they don’t allow dust. The dust may only lie on the surface of the cover, while water contracts itself in drops of dew, dripping from the surface without leaving a trace.

rwb chandelier HOW TO CLEAN CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS

Lighting fixtures with Swarovski crystals do not require special care. You don’t have to untangle the numerous knots of suspended crystal strings, nor do you have to take off individual crystals.

A dry antistatic wipe and a brush are enough for you to quickly clean thin dust layers without any consequences.

In order for you not to leave fingerprints on the crystals (sadly, this type of stain is the one that most often worsens the appearance of the chandelier and is the hardest to remove), we recommend to go through this process in white gloves.

But what to do if your chandelier has crystals of another type, not Swarovski ones? A little dishwashing liquid, diluted in warm water, will help conquer very dusty or very dirty crystals. In this case, it is best to use microfiber wipes, even though it is possible to use a lint-free cloth made of cotton. The thinner the cotton, the better. The cloth should be moist. Then each suspension should be wiped, from top to bottom. After wiping, we recommend drying the crystal with a clean dry cloth.

After this procedure, you will see that crystal looks like a brand new one in the hand of a master craftsman.

ADVICE: Do not leave the suspension in a moist condition for too long – this may cause the corrosion of metal parts and connection parts of the lighting fixture.

Recommendations:

  • Dry cleaning: dry cleaning is the way of cleaning your lighting fixture from dust using an antistatic duster brush
  • Wet cleaning: If the structure of the fixture allows for crystal suspensions to be taken off, that will simplify the cleaning – just carefully wash them in cool water with special cleaning agents for crystals, then dry it with cloth. If it is impossible to take of the crystal suspensions, then carefully and without pressure, wipe the crystals with wet cloth
  • Aerosol: we recommend rinsing instead, since many aerosols contain a multitude of solid particles which may leave a trace on the crystal

Also we would like to note, that if you are using any special cleaning agent for crystals, do try to make sure that the agent does not get on the armature of the chandelier, as it may be affected negatively by its chemical components.

bw 2 chandelier HOW TO CLEAN CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS

ADVICE: Another good approach is a “dual-gloves” one. Take a pair of white, cot-ton gloves, and wet one of them with a liquid used for cleaning glass. Spray the chemical specifically on the glove, not the chandelier itself, otherwise it will for sure get into some part of the armature and cause corrosion. Wipe the crystal using a wet glove and immediately wipe it with a dry one right after.

Careful care and compliance with these easy recommendations will help you enjoy the beauty of lamps, crystal chandeliers, sconces and floor lamps for long, long years.

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