Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Benefits of Buying Used Store Fixtures

The difference between antique or vintage store fixtures and used store fixtures is simple: antique fixtures have a classic look and style. In many cases they are brand new but manufactured in a style of the past such as deco or minimalist. Used store fixtures are just that –- they’ve been used before. They may be only six months old, purchased by a retail store owner who failed quickly. They may be in good shape and being they’re not new, if they are what you are looking for, they’re probably cheap.

Imagine you want to open a bookstore and you learn that in a nearby town a bookstore is having a going out of business sale. Chances are, once he finishes selling his inventory of books to as many people as he can, he’ll sell his fixtures to you at a substantial discount. Keep your eyes open for going out of business sales anywhere near you. They don’t even have to be in the same business for the fixtures to suit your needs. Remember, slatwall panels and gridwall panels can be used to display almost anything.

Buying them at 25 cents on the dollar from a store whose owner may have died, or who may be moving to a new location is far better than ordering them new from a catalogue as long as they are in good shape. If you buy your gridwall and slatwall panels used, you can still accentuate them with modern, state of the art accessories to display your products in the best light possible. When you’re happy with the total look of your store, sit down with your receipts and your adding machine and compare what you spent with what you could have spent buying all new fixtures. Then, take the difference and regard it as the first profit you made in your new store.

Store Fixtures Info provides detailed information on metal, antique, wholesale, and used store fixtures and store fixture parts. Store Fixtures Info is the sister site of Mannequins Web.

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Using Wall Light Fixtures In Your Home

Wall lights or sconces, as they are also known by, are another way of introducing more light into a room. Sconces also tend to be quite a decorative lighting fixture and this can add to the aesthetics of the room decor.

This type of lighting offers an unobtrusive and tidy little way of providing light. Wall lights do not take centre stage like a hanging pendant or the more opulent chandelier. Nor are they big and tall like floor lamps with their trailing flexes. Instead, they are neatly installed onto a wall surface although the wiring aspect can present problems as many homeowners are reluctant to drill into the wall surfaces in order to install the necessary wiring. An alternative is to have trailing cables on the wall rising from skirting board outlets.

What height to hang a pendant light is a frequently asked question. Given that wall sconce lighting can function in different ways, you need to ascertain what purpose your wall lighting will serve. If you intend to use wall lighting as reading light in a bedroom or as task lighting in bathrooms, then the lights will need to be positioned at a height that enables you to carry out those required tasks. If you are planning on having the light from your wall lights bounce off the ceiling then you will have to install the sconces at a high enough height near the ceiling.

A lot of the wall sconces have simply evolved from other types of light fixtures. You can find wall-mounted downlighters in stores and these are simply off shoots of non-recessed ceiling downlighters.

Similarly, most designs of wall-mounted uplighters have come from the normal floor-standing uplighters. They are very similar in design, with both sharing tungsten-halogen bulbs and lamp shades made from thick glass or metal. The only differing factor is how they are mounted.

Because wall lighting is fixed to the wall, it is worth bearing in mind the sort of beam and light pattern the sconce will throw onto the wall behind it. This light pattern can vary greatly simply because there is such a large range of designs and styles of wall lights available. From flamboyant turn-of-the-century Globe lights, so vividly reminiscent of smoky, hot cafes, to the more sleek and sophisticated hemispherical chrome fittings - different sconces will give off different patterns.

Also, if you have a translucent shade for your sconce, this will act as a diffuser for the light emanating from the light source. Otherwise, wall fittings that have the shade placed very close to the wall will mix direct, indirect and diffused light in such a way that the direct light will give a wall washing effect below whilst the ceiling above and the area of the wall behind the light will reflect light back into the room.

All of these factors need to be considered if you want to make the most of the light capabilities of your wall sconces - assuming that you are not merely installing them for decorative purposes.

Wall sconce lighting is a simple way of adding an indoor lighting fixture to your home. Sconces come in many styles and designs and it is just a matter of finding something that will fit in with your home decor.

Lauren Tyler is a writer for LampLightWorld.com.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Looking to use Gas Lighting Fixtures Outdoors

If you are like me and like to take care of your property, then the outdoor lighting you use can say a lot about your style. Whether you are receiving people to your home or a party or anything else where you will need outdoor lighting you want your house to look as good as possible. There are a lot of things you can do with your outdoor lighting and whatever you do with it should reflect your personality. Using gas light fixtures outdoors can do just that. Gas light fixtures outdoors come in various styles and are adaptable to your outdoor situation. People will look at your house in a different way trust me.

Add Style to you Outdoor Lighting

One of the major differences in using gas light fixtures outdoor is the style. These light fixtures are very fancy, very quaint. Using gas light fixtures outdoor will make sure you portray the image of style for your house. If you like stylish decorations and you like to differentiate yourself from others, you should know that using these gas lighting fixtures outdoor is a great way to promote the idea that you are stylish and hip but most of all that you are elegant. The remind people of the eras like 1920 where everything was about style, culture and class.

Secure and Easy to use

One of the best things about gas lighting fixtures outdoor is that they are secure and very easy to use. In fact you can light them up in just a matter of seconds and once they are up you don’t have to worry about them, they are going to work quite well for a long time. Like I said, using gas light fixtures outdoor is a great way to promote the ideas of style and class. Now you can get it all without a lot of work or commitment.

What about the looks

One thing I like the most about gas lighting fixtures outdoors is the look. I don’t like using the same thing as everyone else and perhaps you are like me. Gas light fixture will do just that for you. Your house will have a look that is different from the look that anyone else is going to have in your neighbourhood. If you like to impress people or just be different but with style, than gas lighting fixtures outdoors may be the solution for you, I can guarantee you will appear like you are at the forefront of style!

If you want to know more about outdoor lighting you should visit our website at http://www.outdoor-lighting-tips.com. We provide useful information and tips about the various type of outdoor lighting. From gas lighting fixtures outdoors to solar lighting devices we help you discover the kind of lighting you want according to your needs.

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Modern Light Fixtures Serving Double Duty

Early light fixtures seemed to have a flair for the dramatic. Impossibly large ornate chandeliers greeted guests in foyers and lit large dining rooms while providing a decadent ambiance. This mindset continued with the creation of the Tiffany lamp at the turn of the century. Louis Comfort Tiffany's new lamps featured scraps of stained glass fashioned together to form exquisite shades with solid metal bases, a timeless design that is still produced today. These and other early light fixtures were a graceful combination of beauty and practicality.

This didn't continue, however. A horrible lull in lighting design blanketed a fairly large portion of time resulting in some drab and boring light fixtures. They weren't all bad, of course, but it seems like the ones that ended up in most people's houses were. Bad, that is. The time I'm referring to here is roughly from the 1950's to the 1980's. Perhaps lighting was viewed from a more utilitarian point of view during this time, or mass produced lighting was just in a funk, design-wise. Whatever the case, the bulk of the lighting produced during this time just wasn't all that impressive from a style and design perspective.

Over the last ten or so years, a shift back to artistic and innovative lighting designs has taken place resulting in some beautiful fixtures. Floor lamps are no longer defined by the standard base and shade construction, as slim tower designs and multi-headed models have become staples in many manufacturers catalogues. These contemporary fixtures are works of art as much as they are sources of light. Glass and metal have replaced ceramic and linen as the most common materials used, adding to the modern aesthetic of these fixtures.

Many of the same features listed above apply to table lamps as well. In a lot of cases, manufacturers simply make a smaller version of a floor lamp to work as a corresponding table lamp. However, there are still plenty of contemporary table lamps that employ the base - shade standard. It just works. Modern shades have begun to take on different shapes and can be found in a variety of materials, though, so these aren't your grandma's table lamps.

Check out the Eco-Lights website for a great selection of contemporary floor lamps, table lamps, and outdoor lighting.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Environmentally Friendly Low Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Most of us want to be more conscious about the environment and what we can do to protect it. It can be difficult to know what to do though, especially when you don't want to give up comfort or safety to do so. Fortunately, there are ways that we can be environmentally friendly and make you feel good about our lifestyle, too.

You may have heard from friends or family that low flow fixtures don't work, but that isn't always true if you know what you're looking for. The choices available for low flow toilets actually can provide you with a great toilet at a relatively low cost. And the best part is that you could save up to $100 a year on your water bill. Some cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas are even offering a rebate to those willing to install the toilets. So check with your city's water utility division to find out if it is offered in your area.

Don't let what you've heard about low flow toilets in the past scare you. Things have changed a lot over the years, and low flow toilets are better than ever. When looking for a low flow toilet, consider a pressure-assist flush toilet, which will relieve the fear of plumbing problems because of a poor flush. TOTO USA is a great place to begin as they carry quite a few good low flow picks from under $200.00. But even though you may be able to get a low flow toilet for as low as $100, remember that you do get what you pay for. This is not the place to skimp on price. A higher quality toilet will cost you more money, but it should pay off in your utility bills in the long run.

Terry Love, a low flow toilet guru, knows all about low flow toilets and recommends TOTO's UltraMax. And anyone wanting a low flow toilet should consider reading his report for Consumer Reports as Love is considered to be the most authoritative word on leading low flow toilets.

Saving money and protecting the environment aren't the only piece of good news. Most low flow items apart from a toilet are very easy for the average homeowner to install. In fact, it can be as simple as changing your light bulbs. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLS) will only take you a couple of minutes, but will save energy in your home. If you are replacing the whole light fixture in your bathroom, look for energy efficient fixtures, as well.

Change your other fixtures in your bathroom, such as the showerhead and sink faucet to low flow versions, too. Many people worry that low flow fixtures will not provide enough water pressure. Try faucet aerators that provide pressure with velocity and can run as low as $1.50. Just because there is less water, doesn't mean there has to be less water pressure. Think about getting controls installed that will allow you to adjust the pressure so that you don't feel as if you can't get enough pressure from your showerhead. But many good showerheads on the market today will give you enough pressure while saving water.

Being environmentally friendly is easier than it seems. And once you know what products are out there, you can have a beautiful and comfortable bathroom that saves you money and protects the environment.

Chris Brown is a regular contributor to Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Modern Light Fixtures Serving Double Duty

Early light fixtures seemed to have a flair for the dramatic. Impossibly large ornate chandeliers greeted guests in foyers and lit large dining rooms while providing a decadent ambiance. This mindset continued with the creation of the Tiffany lamp at the turn of the century. Louis Comfort Tiffany's new lamps featured scraps of stained glass fashioned together to form exquisite shades with solid metal bases, a timeless design that is still produced today. These and other early light fixtures were a graceful combination of beauty and practicality.

This didn't continue, however. A horrible lull in lighting design blanketed a fairly large portion of time resulting in some drab and boring light fixtures. They weren't all bad, of course, but it seems like the ones that ended up in most people's houses were. Bad, that is. The time I'm referring to here is roughly from the 1950's to the 1980's. Perhaps lighting was viewed from a more utilitarian point of view during this time, or mass produced lighting was just in a funk, design-wise. Whatever the case, the bulk of the lighting produced during this time just wasn't all that impressive from a style and design perspective.

Over the last ten or so years, a shift back to artistic and innovative lighting designs has taken place resulting in some beautiful fixtures. Floor lamps are no longer defined by the standard base and shade construction, as slim tower designs and multi-headed models have become staples in many manufacturers catalogues. These contemporary fixtures are works of art as much as they are sources of light. Glass and metal have replaced ceramic and linen as the most common materials used, adding to the modern aesthetic of these fixtures.

Many of the same features listed above apply to table lamps as well. In a lot of cases, manufacturers simply make a smaller version of a floor lamp to work as a corresponding table lamp. However, there are still plenty of contemporary table lamps that employ the base - shade standard. It just works. Modern shades have begun to take on different shapes and can be found in a variety of materials, though, so these aren't your grandma's table lamps.

Check out the Eco-Lights website for a great selection of contemporary floor lamps, table lamps, and outdoor lighting.

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Environmentally Friendly Low Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Most of us want to be more conscious about the environment and what we can do to protect it. It can be difficult to know what to do though, especially when you don't want to give up comfort or safety to do so. Fortunately, there are ways that we can be environmentally friendly and make you feel good about our lifestyle, too.

You may have heard from friends or family that low flow fixtures don't work, but that isn't always true if you know what you're looking for. The choices available for low flow toilets actually can provide you with a great toilet at a relatively low cost. And the best part is that you could save up to $100 a year on your water bill. Some cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas are even offering a rebate to those willing to install the toilets. So check with your city's water utility division to find out if it is offered in your area.

Don't let what you've heard about low flow toilets in the past scare you. Things have changed a lot over the years, and low flow toilets are better than ever. When looking for a low flow toilet, consider a pressure-assist flush toilet, which will relieve the fear of plumbing problems because of a poor flush. TOTO USA is a great place to begin as they carry quite a few good low flow picks from under $200.00. But even though you may be able to get a low flow toilet for as low as $100, remember that you do get what you pay for. This is not the place to skimp on price. A higher quality toilet will cost you more money, but it should pay off in your utility bills in the long run.

Terry Love, a low flow toilet guru, knows all about low flow toilets and recommends TOTO's UltraMax. And anyone wanting a low flow toilet should consider reading his report for Consumer Reports as Love is considered to be the most authoritative word on leading low flow toilets.

Saving money and protecting the environment aren't the only piece of good news. Most low flow items apart from a toilet are very easy for the average homeowner to install. In fact, it can be as simple as changing your light bulbs. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLS) will only take you a couple of minutes, but will save energy in your home. If you are replacing the whole light fixture in your bathroom, look for energy efficient fixtures, as well.

Change your other fixtures in your bathroom, such as the showerhead and sink faucet to low flow versions, too. Many people worry that low flow fixtures will not provide enough water pressure. Try faucet aerators that provide pressure with velocity and can run as low as $1.50. Just because there is less water, doesn't mean there has to be less water pressure. Think about getting controls installed that will allow you to adjust the pressure so that you don't feel as if you can't get enough pressure from your showerhead. But many good showerheads on the market today will give you enough pressure while saving water.

Being environmentally friendly is easier than it seems. And once you know what products are out there, you can have a beautiful and comfortable bathroom that saves you money and protects the environment.

Chris Brown is a regular contributor to Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.

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How To Choose Great Bathroom Light Fixtures

Everyone has different tastes; that’s why there are so many different types of bathroom décor. But one thing is constant despite your décor: the need for clear, sharp light. For bathroom lighting, fixtures can make all the difference in the world.

When choosing your bathroom light fixtures styles, keep in mind that your real goal is to make yourself look great, not to make your bathroom look great. You have a practical job to do – grooming and looking your best – and this is what your bathroom light fixtures are to help accomplish.

1) Realize That Vanity Counts

Vanity lighting or mirror lighting in the bathroom is crucial; everyone’s walked into the bathroom where the lighting makes anyone look greenish or pale.

Without good un-shadowed light in a bathroom, it’s impossible to look your best outside the bathroom also, because you can’t see yourself properly when you’re putting on make up. This need for clear, un-shadowed lighting is what makes bathroom light fixtures so important. When choosing fixtures, bear in mind that the clearer your lens or shade is, the more light it will release into the bathroom.

2) Place Fixtures To “Support” Your Face

Placement is a second, important consideration for your bathroom light fixtures. Ideally, you should surround your face with the best light possible, minimizing shadows under the chin and eyes, and illuminating your cheeks and forehead properly.

You don’t have to use Hollywood strips with a half-dozen lights down each side of your mirror, but you should definitely use more than one bathroom light fixture. Ideally, you should have at least one on either side of the mirror.

Don’t place them above your head; instead, take into consideration the relative heights of your family, and try to place your bathroom light fixtures at about average forehead height. This will minimize shadows on all sides of the face.

Keep bathroom light fixtures at least two and a half feet apart; this shouldn’t be a problem, since the average bathroom mirror is at least this width.

If you want to mount your bathroom light fixtures directly on your mirror, that’s fine too; but look at them against a mirror before choosing to do this, as some fixtures just don’t look good in this setting. You may want an additional bathroom light fixture on the ceiling if you have a large or a dark bathroom.

3) Choose Good Lighting - Match Your Fixtures To The Lighting

When choosing your bathroom light fixtures, you should always consider what kind of lights you plan to use. In general, fluorescent is not a great choice; it tends to make people greenish or washed out. Instead, go for incandescent bulbs, or bulbs that advertise their similarity to daylight. Remember that the wrong bulb can make anyone look terrible. If you know of a place with bathroom lights that make you look terrific, see if you can find out what kind of lights they use, and go for these.

Bathroom light fixtures should not change the color of the light inside them; instead, they should release the light clearly and brightly.

Fixtures should be easy enough to maintain and should be guaranteed. Before installing them permanently, hold them up to daylight and be certain you like what you see.

The fixture tips here are provided by http://www.lightfixturesco.com a site designed to save you time and money when you shop for light fixtures on the web. Visit now to find the latest, great deals on fixtures from all over the web.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Light Fixtures Need Attention Too!

Light fixtures are a detail that should not be overlooked. If you are decorating a new home or redecorating your current home, you should pay special attention to the types of light fixtures you choose because they play a large part in the personality of the room.

Light fixtures can basically be divided into two types. There is general lighting and accent lighting. General lighting is exactly what it sounds like. It provides the main source of light for an area or room. Accent lighting is used for more specific purposes, such as a picture light to highlight a work of art, wall sconces to illuminate a hall, or a simple reading lamp to brighten a dark corner.

General Lighting

For your general lighting you should look carefully at what the room will be used for. In a kitchen, you will want bright lighting overhead so that you will be able to see while you are pureeing, chopping, and slicing. There are many more options today than there used to be and fluorescent light fixtures can be a great solution for the kitchen. It's bright and energy efficient and now comes in not only the traditional long tubes with the stark lighting found in offices and stores, but in warmer colors and compact shapes to mimic incandescent bulbs.

In the dining room, traditional choices for light fixtures usually involve chandeliers or something similar. On the market today are great ceiling fan lighting options as well as amazingly creative track lighting that can spread the light around and give the room a warm glow.

Track lighting is also a popular light fixture choice in bathrooms. Placed over the mirror, these light fixtures give even light across the space.

Bedrooms often have overhead lights and/or ceiling fans. For kid’s rooms, there are many fixtures in fun colors and styles to suit their personality and the theme of the room. Light fixtures in the Master bedroom will tend to be more subdued.

Common areas such as the living room, family room, or den do well with lighting that is adjustable or that has a dimming feature. This way you can have low light for activities like watching T.V. or relaxing, or a brighter light for reading or doing work with your hands like sewing. You can even get a wall dimmer switch for these light fixtures.

Accent Lighting

This type of lighting is sometimes an afterthought for homeowners. As they see a need, they add a light. When you find the perfect spot for the rocker or recliner where you plan to read the newspaper or a favorite novel, you can choose light fixtures that fit in that spot. It should not be too bright, but it should be focused on the area you will need it most.

Picture lighting can be accomplished with overhead, side or underneath lighting. Lighting that clips to the frame used to be a popular choice but types of light fixtures can actually damage the picture with heat. You should also take care to choose bulbs that do not produce UV rays as these are also damaging to paintings or photographs.

Another place you might want to consider accent lighting is in the kitchen, such as over the sink, the stove or the cutting board This way, if you are limiting your activity to one area of the kitchen, you can have focused light where you need it.

The lighting you choose for your home is just as important as the paint color, the carpeting, or any other feature. It highlights all of the features you want to bring out, and it can shadow those you want to minimize.

Margarette Tustle writes for home and family. Visit Light Fixtures to find resources plus more information about lighting, mood and your home.

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Your Caravan Layout and Fixtures

The interior caravan layout and fixtures is important. There are a number of things to consider. One is the size of the bed. Double beds in caravans are often smaller than the normal one at home. Sometimes caravan beds are shaped with rounded corners, which means it is extremely difficult to use a fitted sheet. Similar problems can occur with beds in motorhomes. In campervans, beds can be even bigger than king-size so, again, sheets may be a problem. The choice of single beds versus double beds is personal and is entirely depended on what sleeping arrangements you prefer. Think also about whether you want a fold-up bed, so you can enjoy extra space during the day, and where you want the bed positioned: some travellers prefer an island bed, others are happy for it to be flush against the caravan side.

Make sure the caravan layout you choose has good usable storage space both inside and outside. The wardrobe should have sufficient hanging capacity. Most caravans have side door entry just some also have rear door entry. If you go for a rear door, make sure the dust sealing and scupper vent in the roof to pressurise the van is in excellent working order for minimising dust.

Many caravan layouts have built in showers, toilets and hot-water services, but if you are planning on spending most of your nights in caravan parks, you may be paying for unnecessary caravan fixtures. Showers and toilets obviously require regular cleaning and take up valuable space. They usually come as a unit, with the toilet built into the shower cubicle. Larger motorhomes may have separate toilets.

A microwave oven is probably an essential feature and if your caravan is not fitted with one, seriously consider adding one – you will use it all the time. Air-conditioning is more a matter of personal choice but it can get extremely hot in the north of Australia and if you intend heading north you will need one. Air-conditioning units are readily available.

Many new caravans are built to order, which means you have the option of customising your caravan layout and fixtures to suit your own taste.

TIP Take a tape measure with you when you go looking at caravans and motorhomes. Then you can work out what fits where. Even if you are of average height you will want to check the headroom as well. If you are taller, this may take on even more significance – you do not want to be hitting your head all the time just because you forget to check this basic caravan layout initially.

This is the sixth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.

Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours.

Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. He not only has his tour business operating from Peth in Western Australia, but his site is full of very helpful information.

Some of these includes tips on motorcycle holidays www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/motorcycle-holiday.html, driving cross-country, caravanning and generally lots of tips about having a "camping" holiday.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

The Benefits of Metal Store Fixtures

Your choice of materials for store fixtures includes wood, metal, plastic and conglomerate materials such as pressed wood and fiberboard. Depending upon your budget, the weight and size of the product being displayed and the style of your retail establishment, one of these raw materials will serve your needs well. Custom metal store fixtures have become quite popular recently due to advances in methods used to improve the look of metal and a serious plunge in its price. Previously thought of as too heavy, too expensive or too limited in style, metal was frequently passed over for other materials more easily altered to suit changing style trends. It used to be that metal was used primarily for industrial-type establishments, but metal is now sought after for modern looking point-of-purchase displays, counters, garment racks and shelving systems.

Modern metals are lightweight, easy to work with, attractive and Last much longer than most other materials used for store fixtures. Freestanding and mounted shelving units, called gondolas, are now made into merchandise display systems in a variety of galvanized metals. Gondolas are useful for displaying merchandise ranging from videocassettes to shoes and clothing to cosmetics. By using bonded coatings, custom metal store fixtures can imitate any appearance you’d like, even wood, at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, they almost never require any specialized maintenance beyond simple cleaning with a damp cloth. For price, durability and style, today’s metal store fixtures can’t be beat.

Some of the newer custom metal store fixtures are designed to imitate standard slatwall panels. Instead of pressed wood or fiberboard, strong, thin metal sheets are produced with holes or grooves that will support a variety of attractive accessories that enable hanging and shelving displays for many products. Whereas the weight of the product is factor when using slatwall panels for displays, custom metal store fixtures can support far more weight without bending, cracking or diminishing the overall appearance of the display.

Store Fixtures Info provides detailed information on metal, antique, wholesale, and used store fixtures and store fixture parts. Store Fixtures Info is the sister site of Mannequins Web.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

A Guide To Wall Lighting Fixtures

You came home one day tired from a day's work. When you opened the door, you were greeted by this romantic, subdued lighting and a smell of vanilla in the air. You were intrigued, you continued into the living room and on the table you saw a card, you opened it and it said Happy Anniversary! It is from your partner.

Lighting can dramatically affect and influence any given situation. That's why there are different types of lighting fixtures that can help you achieve a mood you want to create. Wall lighting fixtures are an essential part of establishing the mood and creating the ambiance of a room. Sconces, swivel-arms, wall cans and make-up lights are some of the most widely used wall lighting fixtures.

Sconces are wall fixtures that are based upon lighting fixtures that held candles or torches during the days of castles and palaces. Today, sconces come in both traditional and contemporary designs. There are designs which require lampshades; others cast light in all direction, still others cast light either up or down. Usually placed in pairs, sconces flank doors, windows, paintings and even the breast of a fireplace. These can also be placed over a pair of chairs. When doing so, each sconce should be centered directly over the chair. A tall narrow piece of furniture, such as a high boy, a tall secretary desk, or a grand father clock, may be flanked with a pair of sconces. A sconce is usually placed 5'6" from the floor, although it may vary depending on the specific requirement of the job. Low level lighting is usually recommended for this type of wall fixture.

Swivel-Arm wall fixtures are task lamps. These are usually the lamps you see with extended arms which swings about in any direction and provides illumination for specific activities like reading in bed or sitting in a chair, working at a desk or when playing cards at a table.

A wall can light is another type of a wall light fixture which functions as a task light similar to a swivel armed fixture. Previously, table lamps were used as task lights in the bedroom. These provide individual lights for the occupants and were placed on each of the night tables. Today, wall can lights are more often used to provide the same function as the table lamp but at the same time free the tabletops for other accessories like telephones, clocks, radios, TV controls and other paraphernalia.

Make up lights are usually incandescent bulbs outlining a mirror. A highly directional light that casts unpleasant shadows should be avoided when lighting a make-up table, a vanity or a bathroom mirror. A directional light is usually created by a ceiling light with a strong downlight shine. A make-up mirror casts a broad shadowless light. So, when you are renovating your home, don't forget to add some wall fixtures for mood and ambient lighting.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Lighting.

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Sporting Goods Store Fixtures

Sporting goods store fixtures are considered functional items to hold sporting goods, like ball, golf cup, racquet, cap or any other related item. They are available in varying color combinations, the usual color being black. Fixtures come with or without revolving bases.

Sporting goods store fixtures are specially designed to keep on grid walls, slat walls or pegboards. Some fixtures can be used for multiple functions. These fixtures can be placed on slat walls or pegboards depending on user. Store fixtures can be custom made to match with furniture and other accessories in stores. Some store fixtures are single or multiple cap displayers, golf cup displayers, floor cap racks, and racquet displayers.

Sporting goods store fixtures are useful for those who are involved in the business of selling sporting goods. It is important for retail stores including warehouses. Therefore, special care and attention must be given while arranging store fixtures. The arrangement must be based on factors such as store size, space availability, and other related issues. A store fixture arranged in a very well manner can bring an elegant touch to stores. These fixtures provide a great look to the whole environment especially for first time buyers. Attractive store fixtures create a pleasant atmosphere for customers .Sporting goods displayed on fixtures are easy to identify and select.

With such nice features, more and more customers get attracted to a particular store for shopping. The customers are even forced to buy goods because of arrangements and design patterns. This benefits sellers both in terms of money and product. However, store fixtures are an additional expense for persons who are about to start a sporting goods business. It is also an expense to individuals who want to alter or modify businesses.

Store Fixtures provides detailed information on Store Fixtures, Store Fixture Parts, Metal Store Fixtures, Antique Store Fixtures and more. Store Fixtures is affiliated with POS Systems.

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Choosing Bathroom Light Fixtures

There are many many different kinds of bathroom light fixtures, from the antiques to the modern and sleek versions. Some people use oil lamps and candles as light sources in the bathroom, and this is not only a clever and economical idea, but it adds a certain exotic and sensual ambience to what might otherwise be a boring room in your house. And there are special light for helping you see yourself in the mirror when applying make up or putting in and taking out your contact lenses, or shaving and other little tasks that require better lighting conditions. These can be installed in such a way that they are only used when you need them, and other lights, like overhead lamps, can be used for general purposes to light up an otherwise dark bathroom. Some people use skylights, in fact, to keep the level of the light in the bathroom adequate, and this is another option for you to experiment with, while looking at the various ways to add light to this room of your house.

If you have antique or older bathroom light fixtures, such as the lovely little Art Deco style lights in my own bathroom, these are wonderful, but can be problematic when you go to look for bulbs that still fit them. But don’t despair, because many modern bulbs do fit the old fixtures, and if they do not, you can often have a lighting pro retrofit your fixture so that it will accept modern light bulbs. Always check to make sure that any fixture, especially one that is old, is wired safely and properly, and that there are ground fault curcuit interruptors or other safety features added to the electrical switches and outlets that might come in contact with water, which can certainly be a safety issue.

Once you have found the bathroom light fixtures that meet your specs and taste, be sure to stock up on bulbs, so that if yours run out you don’t have to search all over town to find replacements, because many bathroom lights have special kinds of bulbs that are not like the ones ordinary sold in grocery stores, drug stores, and other convenient locations in your area.

For lots of information on bathroom faucets and other bathroom related topics, visit Bathroom Info at http://www.bathroom-info.com

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Friday, January 4, 2008

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor lighting fixtures should blend decorative aspects with security and durability. These lighting fixtures can be modern, traditional, casual or formal depending on personal choice. Another aspect to be considered is size and layout of area to be lighted. If area is small and surrounded by trees, bushes or artifacts then small, separate or specifically designed lights can be placed at appropriate points.

Similar to other electronic devices, outdoor lighting fixtures evolve with changing lifestyles and requirements. Lighting adds that special touch and with outdoor lighting fixtures available in different sizes and finishes we can match exterior décor with the interior the house or commercial establishment. There are different lighting fixtures for sports arenas, pathways, decks, driveways, front doors, porches, gates and garages and we should select accordingly. Another important point to consider is the weather condition. Extreme temperatures require certified and durable lights that are also tarnish and corrosion resistant. A lower quality outdoor lighting fixture can have bubbles, chips or scratches and should be checked before purchase. Similarly wrongly positioned outdoor lighting fixtures can create hot-spots i.e. pools of darkness or light.

With numerable styles it is easy to select outdoor lighting fixtures suited to your budget, location and desired level of convenience. For private residences manually operated switching models are workable and easier to use. Automatic switching models are appropriate for commercial or sports arenas but house owners are swapping the manual for automatic switching models due to busy schedules and vacations. A safe bet for absentee house-owners is motion activated lighting system with motion sensors that lights up when someone approaches. Another model is the dusk-to dawn fixture with photocells that turn on at sunset and off at sunrise automatically.

Like colors in a palette outdoor lighting fixtures create moods with different combinations of designs. Select from louvered to tiered, recessed or sunken lights, eyelids or scones for wall mounting, scooped or mushroom shaped to provide shielded lights or simple pole lights. These can be sleek contemporary lights, halogen or compact fluorescent, incandescent light bulbs, spot lights or luminaries offering unlimited choice to highlight exteriors.

Outdoor Lighting provides detailed information about outdoor lighting, decorative outdoor lighting, low voltage outdoor lighting and more. Outdoor Lighting is affiliated with Gazebos.

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

An Introduction to Store Fixtures

Everybody is familiar with the old retail chant, “Location, location, location!” It speaks volumes about making the right decisions from the start to make your retail establishment a success. Once you’ve decided what it is your store is offering to the general public, the next step you’ll take is finding the right location. Once you’ve found it, the next step is to decide how to dress up your establishment; you’ll need to decide what retail store fixtures will properly display your product. At this stage another invaluable cliché applies, “Presentation is everything!”

It’s true that how you present your products for sale is as important as the location, the timing of your venture and the pricing of your merchandise. On one hand, you wouldn’t display expensive wares in cheap, shoddy or dirty store display fixtures. An appearance that turns people off the minute they walk into your store isn’t going to help sales and, in fact, it will probably hurt them. On the other hand, you don’t want your display choices to completely overwhelm the merchandise. Dazzling displays that distract from the sales appeal of your merchandise won’t help business either.

In order to maximize your sales potential you need to decide what look and feel of the store will appeal to your target customer. Remember, no sale is complete until the customer leaves the store satisfied with his purchase, and a crucial part of that process is the way in which your products are displayed. There are many choices to make. It can be helpful to visit other stores selling similar merchandise even if your product is so unique that you have to travel to another city to find them. Even if you are selling an invention of your own that doesn’t exist anywhere else, it will still fall into a category of stores that you should investigate before setting up shop. Art stores have one look, plumbing supply stores another and clothing boutiques still another. Even if your investigation helps you decide which display perspectives don’t work for you, that knowledge can save you time and money in the long run.

Store Fixtures Info provides detailed information on metal, antique, wholesale, and used store fixtures and store fixture parts. Store Fixtures Info is the sister site of Mannequins Web.

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