A common problem in many homes is not having enough light, especially in the main living areas.  A very practical, and often times inexpensive solution to this problem, is making use of a torchiere lamp.

Torchiere lamps throw light up toward the ceiling allowing the light to reflect throughout the room and fill the entire space with light.  The most common way to use this type of lamp is to place one in a corner of a room which will not otherwise get adequate light, or to place one beside a couch or chair. There are a multitude of vendors  who design quality torchiere lights.  In our showroom we have designs ranging from contemporary to traditional, and prices ranging from the low hundreds to multiple thousands and everywhere in between.

If you are looking to increase your overall light level in any room of your home a torchiere may be the easiest solution to the problem.

Many customers come in, not really knowing where to start when it comes to lighting a new home they are building or doing a large remodel.  Here are some things to consider when starting to think about lighting.

1. Call a lighting showroom, and set up a time to meet with a consultant. Set aside 2-4 hours for this process, any longer than that and you’ll be feeling drained.

2. Make sure to bring plans if you have them, any pictures you might have, and an idea of a budget. Keep in mind, if you haven’t shopped for lighting in a long time, prices have changed.

3. When you come in for the meeting, the consultant will most likely go over your whole plan with you, and make some recommendations of placement and types of lighting for each area, going over details with you.

4. A list will be made, for all of your lighting needs, and notes.

5. Usually, you will walk around the showroom and look at different options, and jot down any that you like or could work.

6. It will be different for every consultant, but usually you will get photocopies or emailed links of all the selections you made, and then you’ll either meet again, or work via email to make all of the final selections. Also, your consultant may want to visit your home to do a walk-through, and talk with your electrician to verify decisions and clarify any questions. The rest of the terms will be discussed at the time of ordering.

Things to Note: You will want to plan the locations before they install all of the junction boxes/wiring. Lighting is the last thing to go in, but you’d want to get it on order at least 2 months prior to your move-in date. Lighting is usually a 2-3 week lead time, but there can be unforeseen backorders. The earlier you can pick out your lighting, the better.

Watch this short 3 minute video posted by the American Lighting Association for some inexpensive ways to update your lighting and improve how your lighting works for you!

Video: How Lighting Can Update Your Home on a Small Budget

For more lighting tips, visit our website!

Have you ever thought, “I’m having trouble seeing what I am doing,” or “the lighting in this room isn’t quite right?”  If so, you aren’t alone.  The most common lighting complaints revolve around insufficient or unflattering light.  We recommend using an experienced specialist to isolate your lighting challenges and guide you through the placement and selection process. 

Following are some common challenges that you may face:

• ·         Light sources are not bright enough to provide adequate illumination.
• ·         There are too few light sources to adequately light the space.
• ·         Light fixtures may be the wrong design for the room.
• ·         Light fixtures are incorrectly placed in the room.

The amount of light you need depends on the design of the space as well as the distinct visual requirements of rooms such as a home office, kitchen, bathroom or library.  Remember that it usually takes a combination of several light sources, such as ambient, task and accent lighting to achieve your goals.  The age of the occupants and personal lighting preferences should also be considered.  Once all of these factors are considered, you will be able to select the most effective lighting solution for your home.

Dimmers are also important in any lighting design and will make your lighting selections more versatile.  Depending on a room’s usage, like a dining room table being used for homework or a romantic dinner, you can easily change the light level to accommodate each activity.  Rooms with more than one function also benefit from layering light from different lighting sources such as wall sconces, recess lighting and hanging fixtures.

Lean more on our website!

Varaluz is a lighting company which Creative Lighting has supported for many years. More recently however, we have begun to feature their styles in a much more deliberate way, and for good reason! Varaluz lighting products are assembled in the Philippians where recycling is a way of life. This being the case, when you invest in a Varaluz light you are investing in a product which is made of at least 70% recycled steel and 100% recycled or reclaimed glass. Elements that are used in their glass ranges from recycled soda bottles to pearl shells.

With the heavy emphasis Varaluz places on recycled materials and sustainability, one might come to the conclusion that they lack style. Nothing can be further from the truth. The styles which Varaluz boast range in inspiration from the organic to the industrial. This being said, if you decide on a Varaluz light you can be confident you will have a fixture that is both fresh and unique.

To investigate Varaluz further please stop into our showroom where you will be able to see many of their creative and beautiful designs.

Tiffany glass refers to the many and varied types of glass developed and produced from 1878 to 1933 at the Tiffany Studios, by Loius Comfort Tiffany.

In 1865, Tiffany traveled to Europe to the Victoria and Albert Museum. He admired the glass but was convinced he could improve on it. In 1878 his interest turned toward the creation of stained glass. At that time he opened his own studio and glass foundry. Today his designs are found everywhere. They  range from prairie, craftsman. art nouveav, and contemporary.

At one time when you said you had a tiffany it came from his studio. Now it refers to the style of his designs.What they all have in common are the individual hand cut pieces of glass.

How is a tiffany style lamp made?

First: The puzzled must be designed. Then actual pieces have to be designed to create the puzzle.

Second: These pieces once created have to be cut.

Third: The rough edges on each piece have to be smoothed.

Fourth: All copper foil and zinc egdes soldered together one at a time until the entire fixture is done.

This is why all tiffany lamps are so unique and individual. No two are alike. It’s like buying a piece of sculpture that no else owns and worth every penny!!

The American Lighting Association provides an easy to ready chart outlining the new incandescent bulb requirements.  Check it out if you have questions! 

http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/About-ALA/Press-Releases/New-U-S–Energy-Efficiency-Legislation-for-Light-B.aspx

Experience Hand Crafted Quality from Hubbardton Forge

A new display gallery  is currently up in our showroom featuring a variety of lighting fixtures from one of our “made in America” companies that specializes in forged iron products.

Hubbardton Forge is a company that started as a blacksmithing and metals studio in an old barn in Vermont and has grown into a well known manufacturer in the lighting industry that makes quality lighting and lamps out of hand crafted forged iron.

They have a complete line of table and floor lamps, wall sconces, ceiling and hanging fixtures, pendants, and outdoor lights.

To see the new and various Hubbardton Forge products currently showing in Creative Lighting’s showroom with the different finishes and glass choices, will give you a true sense of the exceptional quality this manufacturer strives to achieve.

For 2011, manufacturers are concentrating on producing ceiling fans that offer better energy efficiency and quieter operation. In order to achieve these goals, most manufacturers are offering more choices utilizing DC motors.

DC Motors have several advantages over the traditional AC motors commonly found in previous generations of ceiling fans.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

DC fan motors use less than 30% of the energy of a standard fan motor.  In fact, three DC fan motors running at high speed use the same energy as one 100 watt light bulb!  This, of course, leads to smaller energy bills.  If several thousand homes switched to fans with DC motors, it could lead to considerably less strain on power grids during the summer months.

In order to rotate the motor housing, traditional ceiling fans use electricity to magnetize the motor.  DC motors are permanently pre-magnetized, so no power is wasted in this process.  This is the major reason for the difference in energy expenditure between AC and DC motors.

COOLER OPERATION

Less wattage equals less heat.  Less heat equals less stress on the motor, which leads to considerably longer, more reliable operation.

EASIER INSTALLATION

DC fan motors have the wall/handheld control receiver directly on the motor housing.  This allows the manufacturer to construct the fan with a 3-wire configuration.  Older fans have the receiver near the ceiling, requiring a 6-wire setup.  Electricians will find DC fans quicker and easier to install.

Most fan manufacturers have introduced many contemporary and traditional fan styles for 2011.  Leading the way is Kichler, one of the most trusted manufacturers in residential and commercial lighting products.

Crystorama Lighting is a leader in quality lighting products.  They continue to introduce innovative  designs while staying true to the classic styles that go back to the orgins of the company.

Crystorama Lighting was founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1958 by Abraham Kleinberg. The company was initially established as a primary importer of crystal chandeliers from Bohemia-Northern Czechoslovakia and offered the finest selection of classical crystal designs. Abraham Kleinberg’s passion as an artist and designer was inspired from various cultures around the world. Through his travels he has incorporated into the product line the full hand cut crystal, the craftsmanship of decorative ironwork, and the meticulous manner by which ornate castings are hand chased to bring out their intricate detailing. Crystorama’s rich heritage has continued over the last 50 years by working with design communities in Europe, India, Asia, and North America. The classically designed chandeliers continue to use the authentic molds and patterns to maintain the traditions of our forefathers. In a world of mass production, Crystorama Lighting continues to offer classical chandeliers that require years of experience and specialized craftsmanship.

At Creative Lighting we appreciate the impact a great lighing fixture can have in any space.  Visit our showroom to see some of the latest Crystorama designs like these shown here.