Archive for the ‘Home Lighting’ Category

Home Lighting Automation Systems 4 Tips To Make Your Life Safer & Easier By Tonight!   no comments

Posted at 4:33 pm in Home Lighting

You come home late at night from a hard day at the office. All you want to do is relax and put your feet up on your comfy sofa for just a second. You park your car in the driveway outside, and make your way toward your front door, when you trip HARD over a rock in your path. You tumble for a moment, and luckily catch yourself by grabbing onto your rose bush, thorns and all. You think to yourself, I guess it beats knocking out a few front teeth by falling onto the concrete.


This could have all been prevented if you ONLY had listened to your wife and gotten those home lighting automation systems. You know the kind that automatically come on when you get close to the door, or turn on when you walk into your home. They are not just very convenient, but also can make your life much safer in the long run.


What are home lighting automation systems?


Home lighting automation systems is a way of automating things in your home like the lighting, home security, electronic blinds, climate control, and home theatre systems…all from one control system. So basically all the things you use on a regular basis at home can be controlled at the touch of a button to make your life even better.


Here are 4 tips to making your life safer and easier, all by using home lighting automation systems in your home.


Tip #1: Security System Armed


Wouldn’t it be great if had an emergency situation at home where your security system gets put into the armed mode, and all of a sudden your blinds close, and all the lights turn out. That is pretty high tech, but it also would keep your family safer from any burglars, or other criminal types who may be lurking in the bushes outside looking for an easy way to get into your home.


Tip #2: Welcome Home Automatic Lights


Another amazing way to make your life just a little cozier by using home lighting automation systems is to have the lights come on in a certain way when you walk through the door. You can program your lighting to have a welcoming feel that will always come on in that way when someone enters the room. YOU CAN also program lighting for a special goodbye or goodnight type of lighting as well, that would either go completely off or be very dim n nature.


Tip #3: Is Someone REALLY Home?


What if your family decides to go on a long vacation, but you are worried about home intruders.


A wonderful tip for using your home lighting automaton systems to keep a secure environment in your home is to have the lights come on here and there on a timer so that it APPEARS to be someone at home.


The lights in the living room may be on for a few hours, then the bathroom lights may come on for 10 minutes, then the bedroom lights for a few hours, etc. It is a great little trick to keep all the intruders guessing if someone is really home…or not. They will probably skip your house and go to another, easier target instead.


Tip #4: Monitor The Home ONLINE~


With home lighting automation systems, you can even monitor all the activities in your home while you aren’t even close by. You can automatically set it up to have cameras pointing to your home or even in the various rooms in your home, and then watch these cameras online through the internet. You can be hours away in another town, at work, or even visiting a friend…but you can also make sure your home is in tip-top shape and perfectly safe.


Isn’t technology great? So you never have to wonder how everything is going at home, if it’s on fire, or being burglarized. All you have to do is log onto your account online, and VOILA! There is your home to view in all it’s granite, marble, and hardwood glory.


A smart home should be simple to use, but also…well, smart. This means that each person in the family can use it and really enjoy the process along the way. It can be a fun way to make your life simpler, safer, and enhance your quality of life in a way you never dreamt possible before.

Acme Automated Solutions is an Australian owned company who Design, Supply and Home Lighting Automation Control Systems. We operate in Residential, Commercial and Industrial markets, providing the best value solutions via products that are simple to operate.

Written by Philly Decorator on August 26th, 2010

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Recessed Lighting – Reviewing the Basics   no comments

Posted at 4:09 pm in Home Lighting

A recessed light is one which is fixed into a hole in the ceiling or wall and creates the impression that light is bursting forth from a hole in the ceiling or wall depending on where it is installed. They are perfect for creating a cozy setting while providing either directed light in the way of a focused spotlight or a wide light washing over a large area.


Recessed lighting provides an unobtrusive source of light for several uses. It can provide task oriented lighting when directed over your computer desk, or the reading desk, or provide soft and well diffused source of light for the living room, and all the while remaining discreetly out of sight in the nooks and crannies of the house.


The purpose for which you are installing the light fixture is critical as it helps determine what kind of trim you need to purchase. The trim is the part of the fixture that determines the kind of light you shall get in the end. There are three main types:


· Eyeballs: these can help you get directed lighting and are generally used where you need to generate task oriented lighting.


· Reflectors: these are used to maximize the light output of your recessed lighting. This is used when your objective is to get as much light intensity as possible from your light fixture.


· Baffles: these are used when you want a soft diffused light from your fixture. It is ideal when the purpose is to get a general or ambient lighting.


Recessed lights can provide a good source of light while adding a lineal feel to the room. This is because they fit into the overall lay out of the room while still being able to give directed light for highlighting certain areas of the house such as art pieces.


There are several recessed lights for your use, but it is critical that you pick the right model for the job. Some are designed for easy installation during remodeling and you will only need to cut a hole into your ceiling, while others are best used when carrying out actual initial construction.


Here are some tips to consider when using recessed lighting, add these to your personal style and need and you can’t go wrong.


· Do not use too many recessed lights in a row down a room, it takes a lot out of the cozy feel you could have created.


· Use recessed lights near walls of a small room to create an illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is.


· Take time when placing task oriented lights, so that it does not end up casting a shadow over the intended work space.


· Install lights a few inches in front of the object you want to light up, this ensures that the light falls on the object and not few feet off it.


However, it must be said that recessed lighting is not ideal for every situation, for instance walls and ceilings with ornate finishing should not be drilled into to place a light fixture. Take time to consider your needs and the overall theme of the room and house before drilling into your ceiling.

Written by Philly Decorator on August 18th, 2010

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Excellent Small Chandelier Buying Tips   no comments

Posted at 12:23 am in Home Lighting

If standard size chandelier is not an option for you, then the small chandelier fixture might just be the one you are looking for. Mini chandeliers are usually the choice when adorning cramped and small spaces. Though they might be small, it doesn’t mean that they are not capable of providing you with the elegance that a standard size chandelier radiates. The truth is, small-size chandeliers look as sophisticated and luxurious as the conventional ones but they are just more compact. Moreover, they are much cheaper and much easier to install. Remember that size isn’t the issue here, as long as you know how to pick the right chandelier style, then you’d definitely be able to implement the look that you want the room to percolate.


Thanks to constant advancements, chandelier lights are now sold in more reasonable prices perfect for frugal homeowners. Today, buying these lighting fixtures is not only limited to well-off individuals but also to those with discerning budget. With the emergence of this kind of chandelier, you can now add beauty and class to your home without worrying about spending much. You can certainly acquire these timeless fixtures for a price that everyone can afford.


When you have decided to invest in a small-size chandelier, there are things that you have to bear in mind to ascertain that you’ll end up with the best choice. On that regard, here are some tips that will help you find the perfect mini-style chandelier that will coordinate well with your home interior.


Figure out the type of chandelier that is best for your home. Keep in mind that chandelier fixtures are not only limited to ceiling installation. There are now chandelier lights that can be mounted on walls or can serve as free-standing light displays. If you do not want to put the central focus on the chandelier, then it would be best if you purchase the wall-sconce type. Wall-sconce chandelier can add character and definition to the room without overpowering other home decor.


Take note of the style that you want the room to emanate. This is very important to ensure that you’ll acquire a chandelier that will utterly blend with the design of the room. For instance, if you are aiming for classic and traditional look, then the mini brushed nickel chandelier would be the perfect choice for you. Chandeliers made from brushed nickel will render the room with vintage yet classy appeal.


Make sure to set a reasonable budget. Since these chandeliers are sold in varying price ranges, it is vital that you are certain on how much you are willing to spend for one. Doing so will allow you to manage your finances to ensure that you won’t go overboard with your allotted budget.


By keeping the aforementioned tips in mind, it will be easier for you to come up with a decision on what type of mini chandelier to purchase.

For more information check out this page on small chandelier or this page for more information on brushed nickel chandeliers.

Written by Philly Decorator on July 30th, 2010

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Outdoor Xmas Lights to Celebrate the Holiday   no comments

Posted at 8:49 pm in Home Lighting

Christmas has always been a time of joy. And one of the happiest moments I had when it came to celebrating this holiday was when my family and I would put up the decorations and Outdoor Xmas lights. The sheer joy and pride to see all that effort in putting up a hundred lights or more be repaid with the smiles and awe of the neighbors and carolers. That’s why today we shall talk about the things we did to make sure our Christmas lights were the best possible lights suited to our needs.


What is the style of your house?


You need to know what type of house you have in order for the outdoor Xmas lights to compliment your home. It wouldn’t be such a good idea to have an oriental house covered in Victorian style lights. Those two things just don’t mix well. If you still have a hard time understanding this concept then try thinking of your clothes as the house and the accessories you wear as the lights. It’s as simple as that, you need to make sure things match well. Also try to avoid putting too much outdoor Xmas lights on the flora. More often than not, you will see a house that focuses too much on the vegetation which makes it seem like they’re ashamed of what they’re house looks like. That is the main reason for having an outdoor lighting; you want to emphasize the look of your house. In addition, you might also want to refrain from overdoing the placement of lights. The magic and beauty of outdoor lights is in the diffused lighting it offers.


What Color Should I use?


The color depends entirely up to your taste. The numbers of colors you can choose from are as many as the colors on the rainbow. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to have some traditional colored outdoor Xmas lights. After all, Christmas is a tradition and what better way to celebrate it then to have traditional colors like green, white and red to make you nostalgic. With the advent of the LED light though one can have a very magical feel to their lights. The diffused otherworldly glow that is emitted from LED’s gives your holiday that extra pizazz it needs to compete with the neighbors. You can also try blue lights as an accent on your white snow covered bushes. The blue emitted on the white makes for a very pleasing visual. If you have the time, and the outdoor Xmas lights, you can also try to make shapes out of the lights. This will not only look really cool but this will certainly attract a lot of people and will almost certainly ensure you win that annual Christmas light competition in your neighborhood.


Christmas only happens once a year, make sure you enjoy it and not spend the entire time frustrated about how bad the outdoor Xmas lights look on your house. So take note of the things I’ve said to make sure that doesn’t happen.

David has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website that discusses products such as the best outdoor string lights and different designs of outdoor Xmas lights that can be used for all sorts of houses and workplaces that will it give it a friendly feeling. Great for Christmas barbeques and family gatherings there are a range of string light for all occasions.

Written by Philly Decorator on June 11th, 2010

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LED Light Bulbs – The Best Way to Brighten Your House   no comments

Posted at 11:37 pm in Home Lighting

LED light bulbs are really gaining a lot of popularity nowadays. Most of the people are turning towards these LED light bulbs so that they can easily save the energy. They can really prove out to be very much economical and environment friendly. These items are really very much different from the fluorescent bulbs. The most important fact related to these LED bulbs is that they do not use any kind of luminous gas or filament. The major advantage related to these LED bulbs is that they do not use much amount of energy. It is the only reason why most of the people are enhancing their bikes with the LED bulbs.


You can easily notice a large number of trucks and buses that are well enhanced with the LED bulbs. These bulbs are really one of the best ways through which you can easily decorate your vehicles. Heavy vehicles are well enhanced with these energy saver items so that they are easily visible to the other users during the nights. They are also quite environment friendly and they do not cause any kind of pollution. All these exotic features make it really one of the most demanding products in the category of energy saver appliances.


LED lightning bulbs are co9mpletely based on the advanced technology related to the semi conductive devices which are also known as diode. If a current of low voltage is passed through a diode, then all the electrons which are present within the composite substance gets agitated and this result in the radiation of light into the surroundings. The LED bulbs are cool burning and this makes them free from heat pollution. These bulbs are not at all dependent on any kind of inert gases and this is the only reason why they do not cause any kind of threat to the environment and the surroundings. The LED bulbs are made up of such substances which are unbreakable as compared to the other bulbs or lamps.


In the recent times, their prices are very much higher as compared to the CFL’s or the incandescent but it has been practically observed that they save a large amount of energy as compared to the ordinary bulbs or lamps. They are long lasting and they are also very reliable. They can also highlight much more bright colors as compared to the normal incandescent.


So, above mentioned are some of the essential facts related to the energy saver products. Make sure that you also brighten your interiors with LED bulbs.

To learn more about led light bulbs and energy efficient led in particular, visit http://www.alconlighting.com

Written by Philly Decorator on May 15th, 2010

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The Benefits of Shopping For Your Home Lighting Online   no comments

Posted at 7:18 pm in Home Lighting

There are many reasons you should buy your home lighting online. The top reasons would be for the convenience. Lets face it there is no better way to shop than kicking back and not being harassed by a sales man. By shopping online your don’t get high pressure sales tactics as well as you can browse as long as you like.


Many online retailer have great features that help you compare lighting fixtures. This is great because you can look at them side by side. This is hard to do from a catalog in a Showroom. The one advantage to a showroom is that you could possible see the fixture in person. But this is a very unlikely because there are so many lights to choose from and limited space in a showroom. This is another great point when it comes to shopping online is your choice are much greater. Showrooms are limited to certain lighting vendors. But online retailers typically have a larger selection.


The Second best reason to shop online is it is very easy to compare prices from retailer to retailer in minutes. You can’t do this in a lighting showroom. As well as it save a lot of money on gas not having to drive around.


Home lighting retailers on the internet also typically have better descriptions of the products and higher quality images than a showrooms catalog. This can help you see the detail of the fixture as well as make a more educate decision on what you are going to buy.


Lets face it sometimes you have an epiphany in the middle of the night about your on going kitchen remodel and you want to shop for that perfect light right now. You can do this in a showroom.

There are many online retailers that supply great Lighting and lamps for your home.

Written by Philly Decorator on May 10th, 2010

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Why You Should Change to LED Lights   no comments

Posted at 8:01 pm in Home Lighting

LED lights have been commonly available since the early 1960s yet ask most people and they’ll only be able to think of electronic calculators or Christmas lights as appliances that incorporate these types of bulb. Recently manufacturers have discovered ways of expanding their use, and it is now possible to buy super bright torches, outdoor lights, and even indoor bulbs that use LED technology instead of less efficient older style bulbs.


The biggest reason to switch to LED lighting is that the energy used compared to the light emitted is only a fraction of the power used by other light sources, and that saves money where it is needed most, in our pocket. Most light emitting diodes (LEDs) use less than 20% of the power that other bulbs use, and that can make a substantial difference over a year.


LEDs are also better for the environment since they are ultra compact meaning the amount of metal contained within them is much less that standard tungsten light bulbs, and that means we mine less of the earth’s precious minerals, and since they contain no mercury, they are easier to dispose of.


A further advantage is that most manufacturers now produce LED bulbs with traditional screw-in or plug-in connectors allowing them to be retrofitted in homes and offices without incurring expensive electrical work to modify light housings.


As well, LED lights are much longer lasting than other forms of lighting, typically an LED will last anywhere from 30,000 hours up to 100,000 hours, and at 8 hours per day that could give you 10-30 years use from a single bulb. LED lights also produce a consistent light that doesn’t fluctuate so won’t annoy your eyes, and since they don’t emit ultraviolet light they can be used effectively to illuminate precious objects such as paintings, photographs, collections etc.

If you enjoyed this article by Andy, he offers great advice about LED reading glasses on his newest project, the LED desk light shop.

Written by Philly Decorator on April 21st, 2010

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Cheap Neon Signs For Small Shops   no comments

Posted at 6:13 pm in Home Lighting

Perhaps, almost all big companies or establishments that are famous in the business industry nowadays did not really start big. Most probably, before they made their way to the top, they only started with just a few products and a small business space. These big companies made their way to the top through the use of a tactic or an x-factor that allowed them to stand out and be more memorable.


And this most utilized method is what we call advertisement which is usually done through radios, televisions or newspapers. With small establishments, it is a MUST to have an advertisement in order for the people to know that you exist, but advertising over radios or televisions is a bit costly and it is somehow impractical when you are still not gaining much profit yet.


Colorful and vibrant neon signs exist in order to help you with this particular problem. It is a popular medium utilized by most small businesses since it is effective in terms of catching the attention of customers and is very much cost-effective, since it does not consume a lot of electricity even if it lights up 24/7. Other people do not like using one thinking that neon signs are expensive since they look like that exactly.


But the truth is, they are not. Well, some of the customized ones are but not all. Advertising through the use of neon signs does not necessarily need to cost a fortune; they can come cheap as long as you are patient enough to look for one. Neon signs are a perfect match for your small shop, hanging one on your door or window will increase the number of your customers in a matter of days. Just try one and you will surely be happy with the result.

Check this website to know more about neon signs.

Written by Philly Decorator on March 21st, 2010

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Modern Track Lighting Fixtures – Adding Value to Home   no comments

Posted at 9:36 pm in Home Lighting

Modern track lighting has almost revolutionized conventional lighting systems. Now, people no more prefer those unattractive lighting tracks as sleek modern track lighting fixtures are easily available in the markets at quite affordable prices. The horizon of your choice is explicable large since there are thousands of fixtures to choose from for decorating your home. Using these fixtures, it has become easier to decorate any area at home from work rooms to dining rooms & kitchens etc.

It’s quite interesting to learn how these modern track lighting fixtures add value to our homes.

- Easily available: These fixtures are largely available at almost all leading online home improvement retailers free ground shipping to their customers. Since these have become the preferred choice of most of the people, who wish to add value to their homes, these are largely available and most retailers Also, lighting specialty stores are the best venues to get access to modern track lighting fixtures in different colors, shapes and prices.

- Unique Shapes: These fixtures are quite easy to use and install. Most modern track lighting fixtures are available in ‘S’ & ribbon style shapes, which give you a refreshing change from the traditional, monotonous straight lighting systems. Also, these are thinner & variously configured. These fixtures vary from a metal advanced appeal to a glass pendant.

- Convenient sizes: These fixtures are extensively available in small sizes, which make them easy to handle and install. They can be positioned at a convenient height so that you can easily reposition it from time to time. There are also flexible tracks that can be bent by hand to shape in the way that you want.

- Attractive colors: Modern track lighting fixtures are available in a variety of colors unlike traditional lighting tracks available in white & black shades. You can decorate your kitchen and enliven your cooking spirits with these fixtures in bright colors such as yellow, green, orange etc. Or when you’re lying in your bath tub, you can refresh yourself with low lights.

- Energy efficient: These fixtures have been developed in such a way that these consume very low voltage. These fixtures are energy efficient. With environmental & energy saving debates going all around the globe, these fixtures present a perfect example of energy use. Their use must be encouraged all around so that everyone eventually joins the bandwagon of energy saving exercise.

So what are you waiting for? Go & purchase these modern track lighting fixtures to decorate your home the way you always wanted to. Rest assured each one in your proximity would love the décor of your home this time.

I am the owner of http://www.vgklighting.com/, a well known lighting fixtures company. Best source for Commercial & Residential Lighting Fixtures at Unbeatable Prices

Written by Philly Decorator on February 10th, 2010

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Kitchen Island Light Fixtures – Light Fixtures to Showcase Your Kitchen   no comments

Posted at 9:32 pm in Home Lighting

One of the attractions inside your home is planning for your kitchen island light fixtures is one great way to have the perfect decorating feature in your kitchen. Although this is an extra work space that you can have in your kitchen, the island can also be used to showcase your kitchen and to make it look good, the light fixtures will help you present your kitchen island with beauty and usefulness. Here are some ideas on how you can have a cost effective and perfect lighting for your island.

Work with your budget

If you already have the budget for this project, stick with it and see how far you can bring the illumination and the style that you would want to have when purchasing your island light fixtures. This is the fist step that you need to make so that you can have the plan on what fixtures to buy and include the labor that might come on the installation process. Be sure that you have extra budget in case the prices of the fixtures do not fall into the original budget price.

Designs

This is another aspect that you need to look into because the elegance of your kitchen would depend on the designs of the island fixtures you may use. They do not have to be expensive, but as long as they meet the requirements and they can be placed in your kitchen island, a skilled and artful technician can do the design for you. Just make sure that the design and the color of the fixture matches or compliments the color and the design of the rest of the kitchen.

Create a Drama with the Use of Your Lighting Fixtures

There are a lot of lighting designs that you can make use of in creating a drama for your island. For one, you can choose the recessed can lighting to give your kitchen island a low level of illumination or you an also choose a track lighting which can be used as a spotlight for your island. You also need to remember that although fluorescent lamps are a cost effective choice, this is a fixture that may not suit most of the architectural design that would not contribute to the beauty that you would want in your kitchen.

The beauty of your kitchen would not depend on the lighting that you choose for your island. However, choosing the right fixture would greatly help in improving the looks of your kitchen. Just be sure that the function that you planned to have for the island is not sacrificed with the choice of lighting. You have a wide variety of kitchen island light fixtures that would give you both the functionality and the aesthetics that you need from it. It is just a matter of your choice on what you think suits the design that you have in your kitchen island.

Make your kitchen the focal point of your home, make the right Kitchen Island Light Fixtures selection to enhance your most used room.

For more kitchen lighting ideas, please visit http://www.kitchenlightingfixtures.org.

Written by Philly Decorator on February 9th, 2010

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