Sunday, March 30, 2008

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about. But, the way we light a room can cause us to feel a certain way or enhance what we want to accomplish in that room. There are many types of light fixtures for all areas of the home and even outdoor lighting fixtures for landscaping designs.

Planning to remodel a room? Consider light fixtures as one element to change. For instance, bathroom lighting fixtures can be changed from a bulb in a ceiling light fixture to lights sockets over the vanity and recess lighting throughout the room. The effect can be stunning. And all from just changing the bathroom light fixtures. You may wish to change the lighting in your home from dull, standard light to contemporary lighting fixtures thus changing the theme and style of the room instantly.

To find styles and ideas about your lighting fixtures, try checking into them at your local home improvement store. They often have many, many options and can special order things that they do not regularly carry. Or, you may wish to check out the online retailers that offer even more options for all lighting needs. You will find them by doing a simple web search for lighting fixtures using your favorite search engine on the internet. Youll find many, many different websites to look into.

So, whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor lighting, contemporary or old style traditional, you will find many options to choose from. From different colors to different sizes and styles, there are many. You can find them online or in home improvement stores. And, when you do make the changes, you will notice that your home looks a little different. It may be subtle changes that make you see your home in a different light.

http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com

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Friday, March 28, 2008

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor ordered to brighten up a dark and gloomy bathroom. House lighting is important in every room in your home, but especially in the bathroom. House lighting using too few lights in any room, especially your bathroom not only makes the bathroom look gloomy, but also may be a potential health hazard. On the other hand, too many lights may make your bathroom seem harsh. Fortunately, a bathroom light fixture will provide your bathroom with the perfect amount of light.

There are many bathroom light fixture styles to choose from, including Modern, Craftsman, Tiffany, Classic, and many others. Regardless of what lighting style you choose, be sure that it will be able to adequately light the bathroom. Also be sure to choose a bathroom light fixture that will be easy to clean, so bathroom maintenance wouldnt be too much of a chore.

Tips on finding the perfect bathroom light fixture.

Considering that there are so many different styles and types of bathroom light fixtures, it may be difficult to choose the one that is right for you. Many people are turned away from light fixtures because of their price; after all, it is sometimes challenging to find the correct house lighting for any room. However, be aware that there are many discount light fixtures available. Also be sure to choose a bathroom light fixture that fits the style of the rest of your bathroom.

As installing a bathroom light fixture is often a complicated and difficult job it would probably be a good idea to hire a professional to get them installed, unless you have some experience in house electronics. Some other bathroom light fixture considerations are discount light fixture, bathroom supplies, bathroom fixture, lighting, bathroom, bathroom maintenance: all areas of importance when lighting up your bathroom.

http://www.a1-bathroom-4u.com

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Microsoft Great Plains Furniture & Fixtures implementation & customization highlights

Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Software Dynamics / eEnterprise was introduced in 1993 as first Microsoft Windows and Macintosh based graphical accounting/ERP application for Mid-Size businesses.  Considering the history of furniture retailer and custom assembly lines they showed up on the market about five decades ago and they have automated their business operations with Unix-based businesses in the late 1960th and earlier 1970th. 

Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Software Dynamics / eEnterprise was introduced in 1993 as first Microsoft Windows and Macintosh based graphical accounting/ERP application for Mid-Size businesses.  Considering the history of furniture retailer and custom assembly lines they showed up on the market about five decades ago and they have automated their business operations with Unix-based businesses in the late 1960th and earlier 1970th.  You can find such furniture resale systems as Storis, which is Unidata based application, automating furniture retail outlets.  Lets consider the options.

  • General Ledger.  There is no need to immediate replacement of legacy retail stores automation software.  It is reliable and proved to work over years.  They usually sit in very reliable Unix hardware such as IBM AS/400 or RS6000.  You would need just import General Ledger transaction to the system, where you would have flexible and quick financial reporting.  In this case you need Unidata export and feed it into Great Plains General Ledger.  Use Great Plains Integration Manager or heterogeneous SQL queries.
  • Payroll.  Great Plains would be reasonably priced payroll solution if you process payroll inhouse.  If you have less then 500 employees then Great Plains Standard douse excellent job and software price would be around k$10.  You will have to pay annual maintenance program and receive Payroll taxes and federal magnetic media updates to keep you safe from the payroll taxation errors and miscalculation.  If you cross over 500 employees line Great Plains software price will be around k$30 and you could find cheaper solutions with unlimited number of employees look at Accpac.
  • eCommerce.  If you are replacing your legacy system, then you could build eCommerce upon Microsoft Great Plains Inventory Control (IV) and Sales Order Processing modules.  Looking into the future you should expect increasing portion of you business to come from eCommerce ordering.  Here you deploy eConnect and have your or contracting developers do the job.  If eConnect is too expensive you could appeal to experienced developers, who has set of custom stored procedures to work with SOP10100, SOP10200 and IV00100 tables
  • Commission Reporting.  In Furniture outlet shift manager commission is based on her/his employees-salespersons performance.  And it is usually tiered.  We saw very complex and proprietary formulas.  Our suggestion is to realize it in SQL Stored Procedure and then you could create Crystal Report with parameters to calculate and report commission amounts

We encourage you to analyze your alternatives.  You can always appeal to our help, give us a call: 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918, help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer at Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), serving Microsoft Great Plains, CRM, Navision to mid-size and large clients in California, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, UK, Canada, Brazil. Mexico

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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Outdoor lighting fixtures - Great selection available online!

The way we look at outdoor lighting may never again be the same, illuminating your property with designer fixtures that look just as nice as the ones inside your home, makes it possible to light up the outdoors in style. Take a drive through your town, homes are being showcased with not just one outdoor lighting fixture, instead they are illuminated in a concert of security fixtures, pathway lights, outdoor pendants, exterior sconces and barbeque lights. What's the big to do here? Decorative outdoor lighting has come of age!

Don't be the last landscape on the block to take advantage of the growing trend of solar and low voltage outdoor lighting fixtures. If you like to spend time entertaining in the backyard or patio at night, consider the many decorative low voltage fixtures you can use to create safe step and pathway lighting. For outdoor accent lighting, fixtures can be used to highlight and accent beautiful points in the garden and create mood. see: http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com/low-voltage-landscape-lighting.htm

Fixtures by lighting manufacturers such as Kichler and Arroyo Craftsman enable you to include both, walkway accent lighting as well as beautiful entryway lanterns, post mounts and outdoor ceiling fixtures. Arts and Crafts style fixtures by Arroyo Craftsman are made from solid brass or copper, and can be left to weather naturally otherwise are factory finished with acid patinas in true verdigris, pewter black or mission brown. Both Arroyo Craftsman and Kichler, design fixtures for use with low voltage and 120-volt house current, offering you many choices.

For the best design and quality low voltage fixtures, choose from: Focus, Unique, Rockscapes, Nightscaping, Hadco, Kim Lighting, FX Luminaire, Lumiere, Arroyo Craftsman and Kichler. So well crafted, you will find many of the brands include manufacturer warranties for 3, 5, 20 years and lifetime. Take a look online!
 

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.coman comprehensive resource that provides you with extensive information, articles of interest and reviews of best selling chandeliers and lamps online.

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Switch Plates - A Small Fixture That Can Make Or Break The Look Of Any Room

As your eyes travel through your friend’s new living room, you become pretty impressed by what you see, until you come to the switch plates on the wall. As beautiful as everything else is in the room, these fixtures just are not getting the job done. Really, even though they are a small detail, it is usually the small details that make or break a project.

So, to help your friend out, all you need to do is just drop a hint and let her know that with all the switch plates selections out there, she can easily fix the problem and bring the look of her room together. For example, maybe your friend has a traditional looking living room, filled with antique furniture, a paint job to match, and fabulous woodwork. The ones that she currently has on the walls just clash because they are made from plastic and have that ugly cream color to them. Well, those are just not going to work with her motif and ones that will are some that are crafted from copper that have a vintage finish and intricate detailing pounded right into them. Or, another nice option for a room that has an antique feel are ones crafted out of porcelain or ceramic that have lovely hand painted designs all over them.

When it comes down to it, there are a lot of switch plates to choose from and those just mentioned are only a few of the choices. You can get ones made out of wood, like maple or ash, that come in a wide variety of finishes, including plain or cherry. Others that are available include ones made from different types of metal like steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome or silver that can have a brushed, even oil dipped finish. There are some that are even made out of decorative stone and many others crafted from plastic, but instead of just being a cream color, are available in all types of colors and a slew of fabulous looking patterns. You can even get ones crafted out of brass that are hand crafted, featuring eloquent scrollwork and patterns. Really, there are just so many options to choose from and for an easy way to check them all out, just hit the Internet and do some online shopping. You, and especially your friend, do not have to leave the comfort of your home to see what you could get and in no time you can find the perfect one to match the motif of any room in your home.

If you want to bring the look and feel of any room together, you need to make sure that you have everything in place, particularly the little things. You saw how not having them in place ruined the look of your friend’s living room, so do not let the same thing happen to you. Switch plates so happen to be one of these small details, and with all the available options, you can easily find ones that will cap off the look of any room in your, or your friend’s, home.

As an owner of many indoor and outdoor home furnishing and design sites, Jennifer Akre, discusses valuable product information and comments on switch plates and switchplate covers. Learn how to decorate your home or garden with style. Click today - Shop for: light switch plate.

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How To Find The Right Lamp Or Ceiling Light Fixture For Your Child's Bedroom

Before hitting the closest lighting retail outlet in search of the perfect child lamp or ceiling light fixture for your child's bedroom you need to first become familiar with the basic concepts of effective lighting. In any kid room you need to consider ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient light is the kind of light that fills the whole room. Be sure to add a sufficient amount of ambient light for the safety and comfort of your child. A ceiling light fixture is a great source of ambient light.

Task lighting is the kind of lighting that brightens a particular area. Such lighting is ideal for desktop use as it doesn’t cause glare and eyestrain. A decorative child lamp is most often ideal for both desktop and bedside use.

Accent lighting should be ideally situated to add to the room’s comfort level. It is purely decorative in nature and can be used to highlight treasured accessories.

In an infant nursery situation lighting is just as valuable to the parents as it is to the newborn. Since you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in your baby’s room it’s important that you have an effective ceiling light fixture as well as a decorative child lamp or two that gives off sufficient light. Such light is important when it comes to changing your baby or reading stories.

A dimmer switch is another good feature to have in a kid room. Such a switch allows you to brighten the room when required and then lower the light at bedtime.

The safest kinds of ambient light fixtures to use in your child’s room are wall scones, recessed fixtures and track lighting. The advantage here is that these types of fixtures won’t get damaged if your kids start rough housing whereas another type of child lamp may. Also keeping any light sources out of your child’s reach is always a good way to prevent burns.

A ceiling light fixture is an ideal alternative as you never have to worry about lamps being knocked over.

For the rooms of younger kids consider general ambient lighting that comes from a ceiling light fixture. Over time you can add localized task lighting into the mix as your child begins using her room for more refined activities like reading or arts and crafts.

Now let’s move from the benefits of a ceiling light fixture to that of the child lamp.

When it comes to selecting a child lamp for a desktop consider one that not only compliments the décor of the room but is angled in such away that it avoids unnecessary stress on your child’s vision. Positioning a child lamp so it shines directly on your child’s desk or work area can cause glare and eyestrain.

Before purchasing a child lamp be sure to look for one’s that won’t tip easily, produce too much heat or is too heavy in the event that your child does manage to knock or pull it off her desk or table top.

A good child lamp is well-balanced and able to be fastened securely onto a desk.

If your child has a computer in her room, you’ll want to ensure that she has ambient as well as task lighting that’s compatible. The trick here is to use task lighting to illuminate what is on the monitor and use an ambient light source to eliminate any contrast.

If your child likes to read in bed consider an adjustable child lamp near her bedpost. What better way to encourage your children to wind down their day than to read? Reading will become more appealing to your child if you make the experience as comfortable as possible.

If you wish to place a child lamp next to the bed make sure it lines up with your child’s shoulder when she’s sitting up ready to read. Lighting that comes from behind her shoulder and slightly to the side will be the best for her eyes.

Proper lighting is only one element to creating a kid room your child will love and love to spend time in. For more kid room decor and accessory tips visit http://www.decorating-kids-rooms.net In addition to being co-owner of the site, Sherrie Le Masurier is a professional organizer and lifestyle columnist who specializes in decorating and organizing kid room articles.

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Monday, March 24, 2008

Western and Rustic Lighting: 3 Great Fixture Choices!

The spirit of the Wild West lives on in rustic inspired Western lighting. Light fixtures come adorned with pinecones, antlers and bears, as well as wildlife: trout, deer, elk, and buffalo. For the sportsman or woman, inspirational themed lamps decorated with croquet, snowshoes, bow and arrow, fishing reel, and boat paddles can enhance the décor of a country cabin, farmhouse, or home in the mountains. For a step back to frontier days, wagon wheel chandeliers and tin punched lighting offer unique turn of the century decoration. To get you going on your Western lighting décor consider these three fixture options:

Bear lamps and chandeliers

Generally speaking, these lamps, sconces and chandeliers capture a bear scene: you will find bears and cubs climbing trees or walking among pine trees. Capturing the spirit, bear figures tend to be either 3 dimensional; or one dimensional, decorating the lamp’s shade, base, or both. Look for sconces, vanities and chandeliers with decorative bear scenes cut out of metal. These art fixtures are wonderful and tend to include soft rust finishes and amber mica shades. Bear lamps often include shades made from faux leather.

Wagon wheel chandeliers

These fixtures tend to be made as either authentic or reproduction chandeliers. The difference is obvious: the materials. Authentic wagon wheel chandeliers (up light or down light models) will be made from true antique wagon wheels, whereas reproductions are typically made from a lightweight durable material such as medium density polyethylene. Reproductions (up light or down light models) should come with all the necessary parts: chain, globe or hurricane lights, and light fixture. So what’s the difference? Price! An authentic wagon wheel chandelier will certainly cost you more: could be as much as 4 times the cost of a reproduction. However, with an authentic fixture you gain a true haunt from the past and a great conversation piece.

Antler lighting

Similar to the wagon wheel chandelier above, an antler light fixtures can be purchased as reproduction or authentic. Absolutely no harm is caused to a deer or elk in the creation of an antler lamp or chandelier. Antlers are typically collected on the deer trails where annual antler shedding occurs. If you are choosing an authentic antler fixture expect to spend considerably more than for a reproduction. (Each fixture is unique and handcrafted). Reproduction antler fixtures are made from molds of actual antlers. These pieces tend to be more lightweight (an advantage in many homes).

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com an online resource providing you with information, articles of interest and reviews on chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and outdoor lighting.

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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Selecting the Right Ceiling Pendant Lighting Fixture

Pendant lighting is a relative newcomer to the market of home lighting fixtures. Although it has been around since the 1940’s, this type of lighting is just coming into its own as homes are built with higher ceilings. Although there is no evidence of this, the development of the pendant light was probably a reaction to finding a form of lighting that was less elaborate than the chandelier but that served basically the same function and purpose.

The description of the typical pendant light is a single fixture that hangs from the ceiling from a chain or other kind of supporting device such as a metal rod. They are far less elaborate than the chandelier and rather than having its lights exposed (like a chandelier), the pendant employs a shade of sorts at the end which, in fact, is described as the pendant.

One of the appealing factors of the pendant is its versatility. Pendants can often be found in hallways, small foyers, kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Narrow areas that need lighting are ideal candidates for a pendant light. The pendant itself is generally completely enclosed, hiding the light fixture itself to avoid glare. Because of its simplicity, the pendant is usually made of a neutral substance employing white or opaque glass.

A slight contradiction in design is worth noting here. One of the more appealing uses of the pendant during the past decade, is in the kitchen. These fixtures are often suspended over a kitchen island or other food preparation area and feature an open-ended bottom through which a soft light is emitted. This is a very attractive feature in the right kind of kitchen because of the even lighting it provides. This type of pendant fixture is also finding its way into other areas of the home.

During its earliest days, the pendant featured a blown glass shell, which eventually evolved into a wide variety of styles. Today, the variety of styles used in pendant lighting is as varied as the styles used in other forms of lighting fixtures. Take a look online or at a fine lighting store or even in a home and garden periodical to see the extent to which this type of lighting has evolved.

One of the mistakes some homeowners make is to try and use a Tiffany style lampshade on a pendant fixture. Don’t get me wrong; Tiffany definitely has its place. Floor lamps and table lamps often add a dramatic flair when used with a Tiffany lampshade. The pendant, on the other hand, is designed to be slim and sleek and putting a Tiffany fixture on the end of one defeats the purpose, in my opinion, because you are really mismatching functional styles. I suggest that you stay with the more traditional style of pendant lighting such as something called the Colonial. This impressive fixture features a shade that gives one the appearance of a lantern with a candle inside.

Unlike the chandelier, the pendant doesn’t need a long lampshade and an understated look is what to go for.

With all of its advantages and eye appeal, you may be ready to head out to buy one. They are stylish, have a simple elegance, are functional and provide illumination in hard to light areas. There are some things to think about, however, before you make that purchase.

First and foremost, it is essential that you consider what you are planning in terms of the overall decorating of the home’s lighting. Pendants can be used as stand alone lighting for a particular area or can be used in combination with other lighting fixtures, particularly in larger areas. Many stores and online dealers offer other lighting fixtures that coordinate with a pendant. These include wall sconces, ceiling fixtures and decorative table lamps.

Pendants are an eye catcher in it’s not something you want to cut corners on when considering a purchase. There are tons of styles and configurations available today and with a little persistence, you can find just the right fixture for both your décor and your budget. An inexpensive pendant gives you what you pay for and if it wears out, replacing it can be a chore that you won’t relish.

Because of their increased popularity, the pendant can be seen in many modern homes. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the neighbors or to the model homes, etc. in the area (trust me, many of these model units will use the pendant in a variety of attractive and ingenious ways).

LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for ceiling pendant lighting fixtures. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount pendant lighting fixtures , visit us at LightnBreezy.com.

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Bathroom Fixture: What Is It? Where Should I Get It?

What exactly is a bathroom fixture? Is it just the lights? The faucet? Where can you get them? An item permanently attached to the bathroom is a bathroom fixture. Not just the lights! Stay with your bathroom’s style and theme when picking out bathroom fixtures. Make sure to stay within budget too. It is very tempting to get all the cool gadgets and latest bathroom fixture inventions. I still want the towel warming rack I saw. Most bathroom fixture manufacturers have collections, so you can buy all the fixtures at one to make sure they match.

When you hear "bathroom fixture" you may immediately think of just one thing such as the bathroom lighting. At least that’s what I used to do. The term bathroom fixture actually encompasses quite a few things such as bathroom sink, bathtub, shower, faucet, toilet, bidet, lighting, vent fan and cabinets.

When searching online for a bathroom fixture, it’s best to search for the specific item instead of a general term. The more specific you can get the better the search results. So instead of bath lighting or bathroom lighting search for bathroom vanity lights or hanging bathroom spotlight.

If you’re a guerilla shopper, you like to get in, grab the stuff and get out as fast as you can. That’s exactly how I shop. I suggest going to a large home improvement store or bathroom store that will have the bathroom fixture for you to order at once. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes are perfect for this. These stores will carry bathroom fixtures that coordinate all the from the same manufacturer and they can be installed too. But if you can do it yourself, these stores are the cheapest way to remodel your bathroom.

If you like to shop around, find unique items then I recommend going to specialty bathroom fixture stores. There are stores devoted entirely to lighting, plumbing, faucets, sinks and cabinets. These stores would have a wider variety of fixtures. But you would have to go to each store to get your bathroom fixture picked out. I have found though that the specialty store salespeople really know their bathroom fixtures. If you are not sure what you want, or can't find something in your price range, I would definitely consult with them. That specific bathroom fixture is their specialty!

Interested in do it yourself installation of a bathroom fixture? Building a new house or planning to remodel the bathroom? Find out more at Bathroom Supply

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Friday, March 21, 2008

A Look at Store Fixture Parts

Products for sale need to be displayed in a manner which best presents them in the customers’ eyes. For example, clothing needs to be folded on shelves, hung from racks or displayed on mannequins. Books need to be displayed in shelves, spinning racks and organized bins. Videos need shelving and racks to properly display titles. All products lend themselves to some form of acceptable display. Even if you are an innovative decorator and you want your display to be revolutionary, you’ll still need some variation on the display techniques that are already being used to distinguish your product from all the others.

The single most popular starting place for displaying wares in most retail stores is known as the slatwall panel. Slatwall panels have been universally accepted as the most versatile presentation system on the market today. Made of medium-density fiberboard, slatwall panels easily adapt to your retail display needs and require minimum maintenance. When used in conjunction with Lucite or metal accessories, a slatwall can effectively be used to present any product including clothing, giftware, ceramics, books, jewelry, house wares and much more.

Available in a variety of colors and finishes, you can create a unique look for your store in a short time by selecting the slatwall that’s right for you. One choice would be to use the all white, modern look for a retail appearance that’s open, clean and high-tech. Choosing a darker, wood-grain look would evoke a quieter, more formal ambiance. The choice is yours and with slatwall panels and accompanying accessories you can create the look you think will best showcase your merchandise.

A second display technique involves the use of Gridwall panels. Unlike slatwall panels, gridwall panels can be used as either self-standing or wall-mounted display units. Gridwalls are a lightweight, durable fixture, constructed of quarter-inch-thick wire and finished in baked-on, semi-gloss lacquer for a professional look. With the proper accessories, gridwalls can function as lightweight shelving or hanging displays as long as the products displayed on them are not too heavy. Use your imagination and you’ll find gridwall panels may do the job for you.

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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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Store Fixture Materials

Retail store fixtures come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so narrowing the search for the right store display fixtures for your retail store might seem daunting. A great way to narrow this search is by first considering the different store fixture materials. When you decide on a material that works well with your design, products, and budget, you can move on from there with a more focused approach. This will also keep your store coordinated with one type of material, rather than cluttering your sales floor with random fixtures of completely different materials. Wood fixtures next to plastic ones, and pressed wood next to metal displays are not usually appealing, so try to keep it simple with the right materials.

The main choices of store fixture materials are metal, wood plastic, and conglomerates. Metal fixtures of course come in a large variety of styles and qualities, from custom fixtures to gridwall displays. Years ago, metal fixtures were considered too heavy and over priced, and they were primarily used for large industrial settings. However, the advancement in technology has allowed for the production of lighter products at cheaper prices with many more store fixture styles to choose from. Metal displays are now extremely common for check-out displays, garment racks, shelving systems, and even display counters. Metal usually brings a slick, modern look to a retail environment, while remaining extremely durable and easy to clean.

Wooden store fixtures have been a long time favorite in retail garment and merchandising displays. Perhaps the most appealing quality is the general appearance of wooden fixtures. Depending on the wood and quality of crafting, wood fixtures are often used in boutique and higher end retail displays. As you might imagine, the prices can be higher. Consider the difference in price of metal desk and that of a solid cherry desk. The difference could easily be $500 for the same functionality. At the same time, there is a large variable in wood fixture prices based on their quality and craftsmanship. Solid wood displays are beautiful, but the quality of merchandise and store budget are huge factors in deciding to outfit a store with wood. Wood must also be cleaned and polished frequently to keep it looking nice and new.

Plastic and conglomerate displays are obviously the cheapest store fixture options. They are light-weight and come in an enormous variety. However, this is at the sacrifice of durability and commonly, visual appeal, but they work perfectly for a new store or for someone selling inexpensive products. Plastic and conglomerate (such as pressed wood) displays serve extremely well as temporary displays being light-weight and economic.

By deciding on the right store fixture materials, you have completed half of the search for the right store fixtures. Be consistent with your decision and match your products and customer base to the appropriate fixtures.

Ron Maier is the Vice President of S & L Store Fixtures, a leading online provider of slatwall displays and gridwall panels. For more information, please visit http://www.slstoredisplays.com.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Store Fixture FAQs

The store fixtures are vital part of any business and the best way to display merchandise. Many types of fixtures are used in a retail store to maximize the floor area, the daily sale rate, and minimize disruptions in business operations. Systematically installed store fixtures impress the customers. Standard store fixtures are constructed with aluminum front and top frames and accented with wood grain vinyl base or hardwood. Pure wood store fixtures are also available. Most stores house custom-made fixtures to display their products.

1. What are the available store fixtures?

Display cases, gondola shelving, wire displays, cardboard displays, revolving literature racks, display stands, changeable letter signs, slat walls, stanchions, furniture, portable desks, window signs, CD and DVD displays, poster frames, sign holders, brochure holders, magazine racks, trade show displays, and ballot boxes are some of the commonly used fixtures in a retail store.

2. Define store fixture installation and state whether it is mandatory or not?

Store fixture installation is the process of setting up infrastructures in a retail store. It is essential for any retail store to minimize the disturbances during business and offer an enjoyable shopping experience to every customer. Different types of shops require different installation strategies.

3. How to make purchase and installation of store fixtures an affordable one?

Store fixtures are available from many distributors, manufacturers, and service companies. Most of these companies offer discount store fixtures and facilities for installation. You will get proper advice from many fixture installation service companies and skilled persons to make the purchase and installation more affordable. For a small retail store, the minimum cost involved in buying fixtures would be $2,500 plus installation charge. This will increase according to the size of the store.

4. Who are the persons involved in store fixture installation?

Store fixture installation is generally handled by experienced contractors from installation companies. They can implement all of the installation programs according to customer's needs. The storeowner can even install store fixtures himself after getting advice from leading fixture installation service companies.

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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Store Fixture Hardware

Store fixture hardware is used for most fixing needs. These are specifically designed to coordinate with a lot of different store fixture accessories. These are available in different sizes for different displays and shelf support needs.

The different types of store fixture hardware items are face outs, baskets, sign holders, slat wall hardware, hooks, wall standards and brackets, fittings, and garment rails, pegboard, and shelf brackets. A wide range of heavy duty hang rods, flanges and other hang rod accessories are also included in store fixture hardware. Slat walls and grid walls are available in different shapes and styles. These are categorized according to the number of hooks. Stainless steel legs in squire type are considered as major store fixture hardware. These are available in varying sizes with insert and leveler, and a number of color patterns, including black, chrome, brass, raw, satin zinc, and white. Slotted tubing provides best support in placing store products. One to four side slotted tubing materials are available. Shelf brackets with lip, adjustable downslant bracket with locking facilities, heavy duty bracket with reverse hook, heavy duty 3-tooth bracket, and wedge bracket with legs to attach shelving (applicable in left, right, and center variations) are the major types of brackets available.

Custom designed store fixture hardware items are meant to meet the needs of every customer. These come with custom lengths, finishes, and features. These hardware items are most durable. Custom store fixture hardware items are furnished with satin zinc, satin chrome, bright chrome, or powder coated. Slotted tubing and custom hardware items are used not only at small stores, but also by rack and gondola manufacturers, retail chains, purchase display manufacturers, store designers, woodworkers, furniture manufacturers, and architects.

A wide variety of distributors, manufacturers, and service companies are available for easy sourcing of best store fixture hardware. They provide assistance to their customers in determining suitable store fixtures.

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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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Store Fixture Installation

Store fixture installation is the process of setting up infrastructure in a retail or whole sale store. Stores install numerous fixtures to minimize disruptions in business operations, maximize the daily sale rate, and as a means to attract maximum customers. An important factor of any business process is the way in which the products are displayed.

Every shop has fixtures, which include showcases, wall fixtures, floor fixtures, and cash-wraps. But, an apparel store requires additional fixtures such as clothing racks, counters, show cases, mannequins, counter tops, specialty racks, and other specialty fixtures. The type of hardware and fixtures needed varies from one business to the other.

Standard store fixtures are made of aluminum and wood and decorated with sliding glass doors and locks for security. Stores require such type of fixtures in large numbers depending upon the size. A professional touch is needed for the installation. It is important to ensure a clean and uniform appearance during installation. For this, detailed specifications, such as style of fixtures, dimensions, number of shelves per unit, and color are considered. After installation, a demographic report is prepared for carefully identifying where the products are placed and whether the placement attracts the full attention of customers entering the store.

If you are a storeowner and want to install fixtures, the best way is to approach fixture installation service companies or skilled persons who give proper advice in installation methods. Most companies in the field offer all store fixtures and crew for installation. Some specialize in installation service only, so the owner needs to purchase fixtures from the market.

Fixture installation is generally handled by experienced contractors who can implement all the installation programs according to customer's needs. Fixture installation services are essential for a variety of businesses, such as department stores, lawn and garden stores, feed and seed stores, auto parts stores, warehouses and grocery stores, and specialty stores.

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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Store Fixture Prices

Store fixture prices depend on various factors, mainly customer preferences. Among them quality and capacity are the most important ones. Quality is necessary to keep the fixtures in good condition for longer periods without damage or breakage. Capacity means the ability of store fixtures to hold more items. Fixtures with more capacity and high quality are expensive compared to fixtures of lesser quality.

Therefore, persons who are in need of store fixtures should give equal importance to quality and capacity along with prices. It is found that those persons who can balance these three factors properly and select fixtures accordingly for their stores can run business in an efficient and better manner.

Store fixture prices vary with the needs of store owners. Some store owners need large fixtures for display. Some other require small and space saving models. The fixtures are also different for different purposes. In cloth and jewelry stores, there is need for mannequins. In jewelry stores, it is necessary to have jewelry display racks and other related accessories. The fixtures to display sporting goods, books, and kitchen accessories are different. Prices vary with various models and sizes.

Another factor in determining price is the material used in making fixtures. Fixtures are made of wood, metal, plastic or conglomerate material such as fiberboard and pressed wood. Each material has its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. In addition, fixture prices are evaluated by considering weights. This weight depends on the above mentioned factors, including sizes and shapes.

With so many types of store fixtures, it is not easy to tell the exact price for a particular fixture. The fixtures are most often obtained at reasonable and affordable prices. The price can start from one dollar and can go up to thousands of dollars. There are a number of online stores for discount and wholesale fixtures.

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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Monday, March 17, 2008

Store Fixture Criteria

Cost, quality, and service are the three standards that retailers regard in all parts of the industry. This is invariably true during the process of purchasing store fixtures and creating a retail display design. The priority of these three criteria shuffles depending on the individual, but it is the goal of most to find a balance. Retailers want something that is durable and made with quality, provides excellent display service, while at a reasonable cost as well. To determine the best store fixtures that will fit these criteria for a particular store, retailers need to know what they are looking for.

Determining a store fixture according to shape, function, fit, finish, and fabrication will narrow the search dramatically and bring the purchaser much closer to meeting their criteria. The shape of a fixture describes one of six basic shapes, though it is not limited to these. Shelving, countertops, showcases, wall displays (such as slatwall displays), merchandisers, and garments racks are the most common of retail store fixtures. Usually the type of merchandise helps determine the necessary shapes. It is also important to consider the amount of products displayed by a single fixture compared to the cost of the fixture.

This brings us to function. Merchandise capacity will determine the amount of merchandise that can be displayed. If store fixtures are already at max capacity, chances are, the floor space is not totally utilized. It is extremely helpful to use larger fixtures where possible and display merchandise according to floor space rather than limited display fixtures. More efficient and functional displays will increase the number of items shown and have a direct influence on sales.

The fit of a fixture refers to the assembly, or movable parts. Units that need to move frequently must be durable and have a minimum number of moveable parts. The more pieces that separate or move, the less likely a fixture will last. However, for more stable store fixtures, smaller parts and accessories may bring a lot to the display arena. Slatwall or gridwall displays with customizable accessories are very professional and greatly enhance specific, valuable, or featured merchandise. Similarly, any fixtures with glass should stay. No manager or owner wants to be moving the glass showcase to the other side of the store once a month.

The finish and fabrication of store fixtures complete the ensemble by creating a visually coordinated sales floor. Customers see consistency as success, and making decisions like staying with wood finish or changing every thing to fit a new color scheme will keep your sales floor recognizable and appealing. It is better to get rid of an odd ball expensive fixture rather than keep it on amidst an entirely new floor design.

Keep these fixture qualities in mind and use them to create a narrowed list of desirables. This list can then be balanced according to budget, quality, and functional service, but don't be afraid to ask a few customers what they think. Not only will you often gain insightful information but most customers will get a kick out of helping in the store design process.

Ron Maier is the Vice President of S & L Store Fixtures, a leading online provider of slatwall displays and other retail store fixtures. For more information, please visit http://www.slstoredisplays.com

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Bathroom Fixtures & Bathroom Lighting Basics

Bathroom is also considered to be the most important room or living space in any home. Nowadays, bathroom is not just a place where people just have a quick wash and perform morning ablutions, but also a place where they groom themselves as well as wash away a day’s tiredness and strain. So, it is imperative that proper planning must be done in selecting bathroom accessories and bathroom fixtures. Of all the types and varieties of bathroom accessories, bathroom lighting fixtures are considered to be most important fixture in a modern bathroom.

Generally, whenever one talks about lighting a bathroom, a wall mounted fixture above the mirror props up immediately in one’s mind. Even though, this is the most common type of lighting fixture known to people since last century, there are wide varieties and styles of lighting fixtures that are now available in the markets all over the world. The different varieties of lighting fixtures include ceiling fixtures, side wall mounting fixtures, etc can be chosen as per one’s taste and requirement for his or her bathroom. Also depending on the size of the bathroom, one can choose from a single light fixture to a couple or more lighting fixtures.

Proper lighting in the bathrooms is most essential as in the case of other rooms in the home. The right type of bathroom lighting fixtures ensures that one can easily locate all the toiletries placed in the bathroom as well as have proper lighting for relaxing and reading books and magazines and also will aid a long way in shaving properly without any cuts or scars on the face. There is no rule such that the bathroom lighting should be provided only in the ceiling or is better if it is provided at the sides or on top of the mirror. One has to fix the bathroom lightings according to one’s taste and the mood that he or she wants to bring into the room. Even for a small bathroom, people, these days, go for two or more lighting fixtures. Thus, lighting is the most important factor to be considered in any modern bathrooms.

There are lots of varieties and styles of beautiful flush and semi- flush ceiling mounts of bathroom lighting fixtures available in the markets, which will go well with the mood of any bathroom. There are smaller sizes of bathroom lighting fixtures that are easily available these days, which not only requires less space but also opens up a wide array of possibilities of bathroom lighting. It is always better to use a mix of ceiling mount as well as wall sconces type of fixtures to light up a larger bathroom. Most bathrooms there days are more spacious as well as luxurious. To light up these types of bathrooms is a task that one has to carefully undertake to produce the desired results.

All the bathrooms, be it small, medium or larger ones, requires general lighting, which provides illumination to the entire room without any shadows and provides proper lighting to the floor of the bathroom. This type of lighting is often derived from the recessed ceiling bathroom fixtures that not only provide the light but also creates lesser glares when compared to the wall hanging fixtures. Natural light that is let through the windows which are made of frosted glass or glass blocks will also provide ambient lighting to the bathroom as well as privacy.

Bathroom Lighting and more about bathrooms at Bathroom Central.

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Real Estate: Small Improvements to Your Home Can Create a New Look-Change Your Lights and Fixtures

I just read a fabulous article on this subject. I’ve personally always thought of home improvements as – a major job. I can see dirt and dust flying as sanders, routers and more buzz.

Every time I have had work done to my home, the contractor told me to dump the fixtures and start over. I don’t understand why I must always eliminate perfectly good fixtures and install new ones.

Well, this fabulous article I read suggests I keep my ‘old goodies’. Wonderful, I like that idea so much better. I will save money and still spruce up the place. Where should you begin you ask? Well, here you go:

1. Try cleaning and repainting your kitchen cabinets. Change the hardware.

2. Change the bulbs in your light fixtures. Add lights to an existing ceiling fan.

3. Change the shades on your lamps. Update their appearance.

4. Try using shutters or wood blinds on your windows and eliminate your curtains.

5. Do some painting. Try something modern for a different look.

6. Change the hardware in your sinks and perhaps your bathroom fixtures.

7. Try some crown molding in the kitchen. The same effect will change the entire look of a dining area.

8. Try decorative painting or faux finish where applicable.

Even these changes will make a major difference in the overall appearance of your home. Painting a porch or front door will spruce up your entrance immensely. Just remember you don’t want to go with the new trend. Now that you are updating, do it with an eye to the future.

Nan is an Accountant and RealEstateLady with an interest in Lighting and home repairs.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Landscape Lighting With Solar Outdoor Lighting Fixtures is a Great Way to Save Money on Decorating

Would you like to save some money on electricity? Your first step would be to have a serious look at solar-powered lights. This is especially true when it comes to installing landscape lighting around your yard and home. Landscape lighting is available in hundreds of differently-designed fixtures and is extremely effective when solar applications are used. Technology has evolved over the years and so has solar lighting. Solar outdoor lighting fixtures use LED (light emitting diode) lamps and are a much more powerful light than the solar cell, which was its predecessor.

Although solar lights are not as powerful as electrically-powered fixtures, they are well suited for decorative lighting in and around your yard. These outdoor lighting fixtures feed directly off the energy of the sun and collect what they need from the sun's rays during the day through solar cell panels. When night falls, your solar landscape lighting fixtures illuminate by releasing the solar energy and thus illuminating your yard. The panels use NiMH rechargeable batteries or NiCad technology to store the power collected from the sun.

Outdoor lighting fixtures are remarkably easy to install, compared to the more traditional landscape lighting. When it comes to regular landscape lighting, you will need a professional electrician to do all the work. Solar lighting is fast to install and there is no underground wiring required, either. All you do is put the posts in the ground. Make sure that your solar landscape lighting fixture is placed in an area that receives lots of natural sunlight so it can be adequately charged for the task at hand. You will find that the amount of light given off is directly proportional to the amount of sun absorbed during the day. From each fixture you can expect nine to 10 hours of light per night. You can purchase solar landscape lighting to illuminate pathways, decks and pool areas. Have fun saving money today with your solar landscape lighting alternative!

By Terry Price - Remember to visit http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/lighting-fixtures.html for all of your landscape lighting needs. Would you like to enhance the natural beauty of your garden? http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/130-unique-landscape-lighting.html

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Do It Yourself Wiring - What You Need To Know Before You Purchase New Light Fixtures

Lighting is one of those home improvement projects that everyone loves to do. Change that old chandelier to a fancy new one, or that small lighting fixture to a larger one that adds more light in the room. And one of the most popular ones, change that small light to a nice new ceiling fan. These are all great improvements to your home and relativity easy to do yourself, but whether you decide to do it yourself or hire an electrical contractor to do the work there are some things you need to consider before you go out and buy those new lighting fixtures.

The first thing you need to consider is the power requirements of the new fixture. If you are changing an old fixture with only one light bulb to one with two light bulbs, this will most likely not be a problem. But if it is a larger fixture or a chandelier you will need to take this into account.

You can go about this by finding out what is on the existing circuit that you intend to change the fixture on. Go to your main electrical panel and turn off the breakers until you find out which circuit the fixture is on. Next you will need to find out what is on that circuit, so with only that breaker off check and see what other fixtures or devices do not work. Next you will need to add up the current draw on the existing circuit, as per code you are only allowed to draw 80% of the current provided for by the circuit breaker protecting the circuit. For example if it is a 15 amp circuit breaker you are only permitted to draw 1200 watts, which is a total of twenty 60 watt light bulbs. At first glace this may seem like a lot but I have seen people have 20 60 watt light bulbs on a single chandelier. Checking to make sure that you don’t overload the circuit is very important; you will also need to make sure that the switch or dimmer is rated for the proper current draw of the fixture.

The next thing you need to look at is the weight of the new fixture, the box you are attaching it to has to be rated for the weight of the new fixture. Different electrical boxes have different ratings as far as the weight that can hang from them. This will only come into play with larger fixtures or ceiling fans. A ceiling fan must be hung from a box that is rated for a ceiling fan. If you are installing a heavy fixture or a ceiling fan you will most likely need to change the box also.

The National Electrical Code allows you to hang up to 50 lbs. from any electrical box that is threaded to accept No. 8-32 machine screws. Make sure your electrical box is securely fastened before you hang a new light fixture from it. If your light fixture weighs more than 50 lbs or is a ceiling fan, you will need to install a fan brace box. Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support the weight of your fixture.

Considering these aspects in advance will help you be better prepared for the project before you purchase the fixture. It will also keep you safe and compliant with the National Electrical Code.

John has been in the electrical industry for over 20 years and is currently running wireityourself.com an online do it yourself home wiring site.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Lighting Fixtures – Beautiful and Stylish General Lighting

When decorating a room it takes several different types of lighting to truly complete the look. In the ideal room, general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting work in harmony to create an overall effect that is comfortable and engaging. For these reasons, serious thought needs to be given to the home lighting design process, especially when it comes to general lighting fixtures. While general lighting fixtures can be decorative and add an element of style to the room, it also needs to be practical and able to handle the majority of your general lighting issues.

General lighting is the ambient lighting that is used to illuminate an entire room. General lighting is normally switch operated and consists of lighting fixtures installed in common rooms such as entryways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

While some lighting fixtures and other types of general lighting fixtures can be bland and virtually blend away into the surface of the ceiling, other lighting fixtures can make a bold statement or be selected to accent your décor beautifully.

There are many different styles of lighting fixtures to choose from including fixtures that are ideal for home decorating styles such as Mission, Traditional and Contemporary. You can choose from many different color schemes and patterns such as geometric shapes, floral patterns, and Tiffany styled lighting fixtures.

Changing your existing lighting fixtures is probably one of the easiest and least expensive ways that you can spruce up your home décor, and it doesn’t take a genius or a home improvement guru to get it done right. In fact, almost anyone can dramatically change the look of their interior space by changing its existing ceiling fixture, and it only takes a couple of steps.

Here’s how:

1.Shut off the power to the entire room where the fixture is located. If you’re not sure which breaker or breakers control the lighting fixture, turn off the power in the entire house to be on the safe side.

2.Remove the globe or diffuser, and the bulb(s). Remove the screws or the cap nut holding the canopy in place, and drop the fixture down. Disconnect the black and white wires. Check wires for cracks in the insulation.

3.Connect the black and white wires and the ground wire of the new fixture to the wiring in your ceiling, coil them up into the box, and push the canopy into place so the studs poke through. If the unit does not easily push up flush to the ceiling, drop it down and rearrange the wires. Secure the canopy by twisting cap nuts onto the studs.

4.Screw in the bulbs and attach the globe to the canopy. Restore power to the room.

See, changing a ceiling fixture is barely enough to break a sweat, and the effect created by your new ceiling fixture will be noticed right away. So, if you are looking for a way to inexpensively and easily spruce up your décor, perhaps you should add that special design element with new lighting fixtures.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.barnesandwagner.com. Her store offers a complete product line of fantastic Lighting Fixtures and exquisite Chandeliers, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style.

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Home Lighting – Lighting Fixtures for Specific Areas

Lighting fixtures come in some many styles. They have a multitude of functions. Lights can be plain, ornate, functional, fancy, or works of art. They lights themselves can be made of many materials. The material must be able to tolerate the heat of the light. Safety is also a factor for choosing material and the strength of the light bulb itself.

There are actually three types of lighting – general, task, and accent. Each type has a different purpose. The types with there use are:

1. General Lighting – This is the lighting that creates the general illumination. In your home, an example would be a fixture in your ceiling fan or a table lamp. Outside, you might have solar lighting that lights up the exterior of your home or lighting for a parking lot or large area.

2. Task Lighting – Examples of task lighting would be reading lights, makeup lights, and inspection lights.

3. Accent Lighting – Decorative lighting used for accents. Lighting directed toward pictures, plants, cabinets or other specific areas inside your room.

Many homes use recessed lighting, track lighting, scone, and portable lighting. All of these are a used to illuminate your home. Recessed lighting can be incandescent, fluorescent, HID or LED. Track lighting was invented by Lightolier. Track lighting is decorative and aimed at a specific area. Scone lighting is a wall-mounted fixture that shines up and sometimes down. A torchiere is a good example of this type of lighting. A table lamp is an example of Portable lighting. Another example of portable lighting would be magnified lights.

Light fixtures should be chosen based upon the area and lighting requirements. When making your choices, take the area and quality and quantity of light required into consideration. You can make your lighting stronger later if you install the proper fixtures at the beginning.

Nan is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional with an information and research site online HomeLighting and a Business Writer with a blog BusinessTips

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Get The Lighting Fixtures In The Bathroom Right - You Will Not Regret It!

They always say it’s the little things that count. Well when it comes to things like bathroom lighting fixtures, it is absolutely true, especially a few months or even years after you have moved into your home you will begin to realize how much the little things make your home livable and comfortable.

Where lighting is concerned, many people tend to overlook the importance of a good lighting scheme. Good lighting isn’t only done for concerts or theater productions, but it is an essential part of making your space functional and comfortable.

Lighting in your home should be functional, adequate, comfortable and soothing; it should make your place inviting and it should be easy on the eyes as well. This is particularly true where the bathroom is concerned.

The bathroom serves multiple purposes from being the place where makeup is applied to an all purpose grooming salon. And in many bathrooms the lighting tends to be inadequate for executing these tasks. For these tasks natural light is perfect and with all the fixtures available on the market, it won’t be hard to find a fixture that gives a soft but effective glow. Large, beaming florescent lights are never a good idea for the bathroom since they tend to give off a very bright, unnaturally harsh light.

The sun is always the best option for lighting in any house so a good lighting foundation starts with a good house design where your home itself is designed in such a way as to let as much sunlight in as possible. This can also be done in the bathroom, only it is a tad more strategic since the bathroom is a very private place. The trick is designing a private yet naturally lit bathroom.

Natural light in this way isn’t always feasible so the next best thing is to get a large fixture that can hold many bulbs. This gives off a more even glow of light instead of a beam. This type of bathroom lighting fixture is commonly seen in public bathrooms, or on television. To get a more concentrated glow of light in areas that may need it, for instance the bathroom mirror a great addition is a row of small bulbs along the top of the mirror and down the sides depending of how large the area is.

This is particularly useful when applying makeup or shaving. This sort of lighting allows you to see everything and to see things naturally. These lights may not offer a lot of light individually but when added together a great source of natural looking light comes from all directions. And it is a great addition to your overhead lighting or wall fixtures.

There are many different types of lighting available on the market and there are fixtures that you probably didn’t even know existed. Home improvement outlets offer the largest range of bathroom lighting fixtures since they have lights specifically for the bathroom. It’s always a good idea to consider fixtures you hadn’t thought about since new models are always coming on the market to fit different needs. And to be extra prepared it’s a wise idea to jump online and review these models before you head out to buy.

One Final Piece Of Advice: Get as many ideas as you can before starting any project so do visit home improvement tips a site offering resources on issues like home bar designs, bedroom decorating and even home library designs to suit any budget.

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Friday, March 7, 2008

How To Effectively Use Home Lighting Fixtures To Enhance Your Home Decor

If you are looking to redecorate or are in the mood for a new lamp or light fixture, you can just go out and buy a lamp with a light bulb in it. Or start using light as a decorative feature in your home, which can be a lot of fun. You can choose styles in home lighting that create a mood, cast shadows, give you crisp lines on a wall or highlight artwork or decorative pieces like furniture and plants.

Start thinking outside the box like a home decorator would and you’ll discover lighting products that will add comfort, safety and style to your home. The buzzword these days is flexibility (which means – layers of light controlled by numerous switches and dimmers) with the objective to control or eliminate glare. Today lights are more energy efficient and adaptable to different uses in the home. Light bulbs like fluorescents and halogen bulbs com in 100’s of colors and designs.

As far as lamps and fixtures go size does make a difference

Home lighting fixtures are becoming smaller all the time. The reason for this is unless you are showing off a particular style of lamp or light, it should appear to be invisible. There are certain styles that do this very well. Halogen pendants, wall sconces and low voltage track and rope lights are only some of the most popular. Good lighting for the outdoors has the same principals applied to them. They should highlight certain features of your property plus add security and warmth. It is particularly important to hide them as best you can.

Decorative lighting styles to think about

Task Lighting:

  • These are generally used in places where some type of work is being done like reading, sewing and craft work. This is usually accomplished by adding a reading lamp or table lamp. They should be adjustable so that you can correct any glare from casting a shadow on your work.

Accent Lights:

  • Are used to show off a certain feature wall art, plants or certain areas. They are used to set an atmosphere or create a mood and are sometimes referred to as directional lighting, wall sconces, spotlights, uplights or floor lights. You control the amount by beam spread, intensity and color or a combination of all three. This is wear dimmer switches really prove useful.

Ambient Lighting:

  • Is what you need to watch tv with or get around a room without having to turn on the main light. It gives off a soft glow or illumination and is the best light source for cutting out shadows and making a room look inviting. Another benefit is that people always look there best in this type of atmosphere. You can get this effect by using lights in valances, coves and under shelving. You can use track or rope lighting to also create this effect.

Decorative Lamps:

  • These are used when you are looking for a home accent and not overly concerned about adding more light, tiffany style lamps and chandeliers are great for this. What they do is draw attention to themselves by their look and feel. In most cases they will have a very decorative lamp shade of stained glass or unusual fabric.

In all the above cases you want to have balance. Remember balance is achieved by layering. A bright light will create shadows across the room so you need to add another table lamp or pole lamp that has a lower watt bulb in it to counter act the shadows. Living rooms require more than one lamp or fixture to soften different parts of the room. Where a laundry room only needs a good strong fluorescent ceiling light. If you are using a chandelier as your main lighting source for instance in a formal dining room you need to have a dimmer switch installed for it. Crystal chandeliers can be very bright and be hard on your eyes. Tone this down a bit and you create a warm and romantic place to have dinner. If you are using fluorescent bulbs you may not be able to use a dimmer switch. They are made to run full strength and not made to be turned on and off all the time.

Carry Staltz is a up and coming interior designer and now offering her tips and ideas for http://www.decormotif.com A site dedicated to home decor accents that inspire people to add items to their home that inspire conversations about your choices in home decor.

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

For Lighting Fixtures and Landscape Lighting Get Solar Power Installed

Solar power is utterly simple, and is definitely the wave of the future. A component called a photovoltaic cell collects energy from the sun and is converted into electricity. There are no moving parts, liquids or chemicals involved in the process. The cells are connected together on a solar panel, and they are hooked up in series and allowing the cells to work in unison. The energy that is generated is direct current which is then stored in a battery. A device called an inverter converts the DC to AC for household use. Since only a small amount of current is generated by each cell, there are as a rule a lot of panels required to run your entire house on solar energy.

Large-scale solar conversion projects cost about $10-$12 per watt to install. This remarkable technology can definitely be used in and around the home for landscape lighting and all your outdoor lighting fixtures. As an example, if you wanted to operate your lighting fixtures and a few small appliances around the home the solar installation would cost approximately $1000.

With escalating energy costs, this type of energy is totally renewable and is pollution-free, so there is a remarkable future ahead! It is an amazing source of power and is available all over the planet, free of charge. As technology advances, the cost of photovoltaic cells will come down, and this source of energy will become more and more economical to install and use. There are a small number of major oil companies that have committed large amounts of research capital into solar research. It is quite obvious that these companies see an end in sight when it pertains to relying on oil. The future of energy worldwide will depend upon these forward-thinking people and the innovative technology they use to improve and develop this renewable and free energy source.

By Terry Price - Find out how solar energy is taking the market by storm when it comes to landscape lighting and more! http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/solar-lighting.html -- Solar powered lighting is great for lighting backyards, docks and more =>http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/119-solar-powered-lighting.html

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Outdoor Planters - Beautiful Fixtures For Your Outdoor Space

Do you want to add some green to your deck, porch, or patio, but are not quite sure how? You love flowers, but are sick of hanging plants and you do not feel like adding any more pots that attach to your outdoor rails. If this is you, do not worry because there is another option to bring some plant life into your space. That option is outdoor planters, which are beautiful fixtures that are sure to please.

Outdoor planters are available in a number of shapes, styles, and sizes, which is great for you since you can find something that will fit nicely into your existing outdoor space without having any troubles. For example, maybe you have a deck area and just want to add some nice eye-catching accents to the space. Then, a nice option for you would be ones that are smaller in size that have a triangle design. These would easily fit into any corner in the space. Or, maybe you have a patio area and you want some privacy from those nosey neighbors that keep bother you. To achieve that, all you need to do is buy ones that are long and rectangular. You can put them up all around your patio area, plant some taller trees or shrubs in them, and you not have to worry about the neighbors trying to peek in on you anymore. Or, you might have a front porch area that is kind of boring. One nice option for that space would be tapered planter as a nice way to jazz up the look of the space. Plus, it would serve as a nice ice breaker for starting conversations when guests come over.

Those just mentioned are just some of the outdoor planters that are available, because you can get ones in the shape of circles, vases, squares, and even ones that are v-shaped. All of these are ideal for planting flowers, trees, shrubs, and a wide variety of other garden plants as well. Along with the many shapes and styles that are available, these outdoor fixtures can be crafted from a number of eye-catching materials, which gives them their beautiful appearance. Some of the lovely options include woods like Teak, Shorea, Redwood, and Mahogany and synthetic materials like resin or recycled polymer. Each is very sturdy and available in a wide variety of finishes, which would be a great way to enhance the appearance of any outdoor setting. For a stress free way to see all of the available options, instead of heading down to the local garden center, make a u-turn and head to your personal computer for some online shopping. Just by the click of the mouse you can comparison shop and find the best possible products, and prices, around.

So, if you are feeling the need to add some green to your outdoor space, but do not have the natural planting area to do so, turn to lovely outdoor planters. One, or some, would be a great addition to any deck, porch, or patio area.

Jennifer Akre, owner of many unique home and garden sites specializing in outdoor planters, gives comments and product information on planters and planter boxes. Find quality information before you purchase. Enhance the spirit of your home. Shop today - Click: garden planters.

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Solar Lights - Dress Up Your Yard With Solar Light Fixtures

Bring out the best in your yard with a solar spotlight. Solar spotlights will beautifully highlight any part of your yard. They can personalize your landscape with spectacular solar landscape light. Solar lighting is the safest and easiest way to decorate the outdoors. Whatever type of improvements you want to make, these lights will be beneficial. Whether you want to heighten the tranquility of your garden or light up the space around the garage door. There is a solar powered fixture that will meet your needs. Use these rich and soothing lights to turn it into a brilliant display. Showcase meticulous lawns and spectacular decks. Make whatever you have envisioned come true. The way you keep your yard is a reflection of who you are. So give yourself and your landscape a treat.

You can choose from an array of solar light equipment:

-Use a solar garden light to flatter your rose bushes
-get a solar spot light to bring out those dwarf junipers
-add character and tone to your terrace with a solar deck light
-or a solar security light for nights you get home well after dark.

A solar post light will accent and brighten up your property or outline the path to your pool. Maybe you are looking to boost beauty or simply illuminate. In either case, outdoor solar equipment is the way to go.

Solar light is ideal for highlighting flowerbeds, walkways, decks and much more. Use these lights around water worry free. Suitable for different climates and remote places.

Give Your Property Personality With Solar Landscape Light Turn your yard into a lavish paradise. Decorate and accentuate until you have acquired the perfect look or just brighten up the scenery a little. Achieve all of this and more with solar landscape light. Solar lighting is the easiest way to make dazzling changes to your property. Since the lights use energy from the sun, you won't need to get experts to safely arrange the units.

You also will be able to build beautiful scenes without having to try to hide wires. Add a solar dog light in one place, a solar frog light in another and yet a solar bird light in a tree.

Use your imagination and create whatever affects you desire. When finished, if you don’t like it re-arrange it. That’s the beauty of solar lighting; no re-wiring.

Solar landscape light equipment gives you the opportunity to explore endless possibilities. It does not matter if your goals are practical or aesthetic. Set it up the way you like it. Solar lights can provide the finishing touches your yard:

· Salute your flag with a wash of light
· Contour the outline of a lush lawn.
· Light up a sidewalk or circular drive with a gentle long lasting light.

Virtually anything you have in the areas surrounding your home can be illuminated with solar lights. You can arrange them in assortment in any number of ways. You can highlight stone arches, flowers and fishponds, or cast light on a secluded pathway.

Solar Light fixtures run by themselves. They silently collect sunrays during the day, charging the batteries without inconveniencing you. There are no gadgets to forget to turn on. No outlets or electrical power needed. The lights will come on whether you are home or away.

Enjoy sprucing up your yard with solar light without paying for it monthly. Neighbors will look at your property admirably. Friends and family will inquire about your delightful landscape.

To check out some cool solar lights, see http://www.solarlightspro.com

Jerome Sturgeleski started a website in May of 2005 when he decided to share his passion for enjoying his yard after hours. He thought that if his newly renovated landscaping project could be lighted after dark it would be enjoyable even in evening hours. He started small and is now offering many different types of solar lighting that would fit in in any number of applications.

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Monday, March 3, 2008

Design With Solar Landscape Lighting and Lighting Fixtures in Mind

If you are designing a new home or considering an addition or renovations to your existing home, you may want to design the home considering a solar application, such as landscape lighting or indoor track lighting fixtures. With energy costs escalating, this type of energy-saving device is growing in popularity every day. When it comes to designing your home around solar panels, it starts with the placement of your home on the lot. One of the biggest mistakes made by many people is the failure to take into account all aspects of their home heating and cooling systems. Studies done of people who have designed homes using solar heat or cooling show that the wrong placement of your home on the lot can lead to a situation where you are producing far too much solar heat and the house becomes too hot, or not enough heat and it is too cold.

Here are a few tips to consider. One important consideration, even before you purchase the lot is to make sure that the southern side of the home is going to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight in the middle of the day. It is believed that there are certain parts of the United States that receive more sun exposure than others but this is false. There is sufficient sun exposure everywhere, although there are some areas that have fog and cloud cover more than others. Regardless of where your home is located, you must have the required amount of sunlight on a daily basis. Designing the yard for outdoor lighting fixtures and landscape lighting is all important.

Your home must be situated in such a way that your longest wall will receive the most sun exposure. The more surface you have facing the sun, the more heat and light you are going to be able to generate in your home. However, if you orient the short side of your home to the sun, it is going to produce less heat and be harder to circulate it throughout your home. To adequately produce heat, a large number of windows on the south side of your home is essential. Unless you have solar panels built into a wall, it simply makes sense to orient your home correctly to take advantage of the sun's rays. You also should minimize the use of windows on the north side of the home to keep your valuable heat from escaping. Keep this balance in mind when you're considering the placement of the structure on its lot. Without careful thought and planning to combat excessive heat or cooling, your home will be uncomfortable and it could prove to be one of the most costly mistakes you ever make!

By Terry Price - Learn more about solar lighting and more at: http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/pool-table-lighting.html - Consider solar powered path lights for your home or cottage! http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/139-solar-powered-path-lights.html

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How To Select The Ideal Lighting Fixtures For Your Home Woodworking Shop

Shop lighting is such an important aspect of the woodshop, but rarely given the amount of thought that it needs. Typically the shop owner will go out and buy a couple of strip fluorescent light fixtures and hang them up. That might be all that is needed to light up the workshop. But as you set up the tools in your woodworking shop you might find that you are casting a shadow over the tool or worse there is a dark spot where a fixed tool is sitting. Now you have to reposition the lights or purchase more light fixtures. The most common home woodworking shop light fixture is the tube fluorescent lighting. They are energy efficient, low cost and easy to install.

Before making a plan for the lighting fixtures in the workshop, plan and layout where all of the woodworking tools will be arranged in the workshop. This will make planning the lighting needs much easier and will help prevent dark zones and casting shadows over the work surface of the tool.

The type of tool and the tool's working area will help determine how much light is needed. Table saws need to have at least their table top well illuminated. The out feed table needs some light but not as much. For a table saw a four foot fluorescent tube light over the table saw table will provide plenty of light. A drill press needs much less light, but it needs to be more focused onto the drill press table.

Garage workshop

A woodworking shop in the garage has its own specific needs. The space is multiuse space that is used as a workshop and a place to park the family vehicles. The woodworker's tools must be portable so that they can be rolled out of the way to make room for the vehicles. For a typical two car garage that measures approximately twenty two feet by twenty four feet, two to four two tube fluorescent fixtures will provide ample lighting of the work space.

Celler workshop

Having a woodworking shop in the basement is nice and allows for a more permanent setup of the shop tools. A basement shop does present some interesting challenges. Most basements have a low ceiling height. The typical basement ceiling height is 7 feet. This makes lighting a challenge since suspending lights from the joists leads to potential head banging and being struck when moving material around the woodshop.

Basement ventilation is typically poor at best where heat from the lighting fixtures can make it uncomfortable to work in.

Hang fluorescent light fixtures in between the joists. Attach a light weight chain to the sides of the adjacent joists and suspend the fluorescent light from the chain. Hang the fluorescent light fixture so that it is flush with the bottom of the joists. This will help keep it out of the way and still provide ample light. It might be necessary to use an additional light or two because of the shading caused by recessing the light.

Freestanding shed

The typical barn style shed design creates a large open space. Fluorescent light fixtures are the simplest and cost efficient choice in illuminating the work space.

A typical twelve by fourteen foot workshop two four foot fluorescent light fixtures are more than enough. Additional task lighting may be needed if there is overhead storage over the work bench.

Task lighting

Task lighting gives you the light you need right where you need it. A work light with a built in ten or thirteen watt light bulb is a popular choice. These lights require a hook, nail or something else to hang on. However you are limited to the brightness of the light based on the model. Clamp on reflectors are very effective task light. Use compact fluorescent light bulb in the clamp on reflector. You can use bulbs ranging from thirteen watts to 24 watts. This yields an illumination from 60 watts to 150 watts, with very little heat from the bulb.

Determining the right amount and type of lights the woodworking shop is a very important choice that if done incorrectly will result in frustration and possibly injury from a power tool. If done incorrectly it will require you to redo the lighting to correct any deficiencies.

The wood working hobbyist contains additional articles on the different types of http://www.wood-working-hobby.com/2006/12/08/what-type-of-shop-lighting-should-i-use/">shop lights and which is best for your woodworking shop.

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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures are a Top Priority for Night Safety

There is no better way to give your home or business premises a boost in value and increase its aesthetic appeal than by the proper placement of outdoor lighting fixtures. There are two types of commonly-used outdoor lighting fixtures, low-voltage outdoor lighting is used for landscape lighting, and other types of uses around the home. High-intensity commercial lighting is used for illuminating the exterior of shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and tennis courts.

Solar applications have come a long way, but are generally used in low-voltage landscape lighting applications. Low-voltage and high-intensity lighting can be used for a variety of different applications, and when you strategically place it around the outside of your commercial or business establishment, it can provide great, aesthetic ambiance.

If you are in the market for decorative or commercial lighting, one of the first major considerations obviously is the amount of capital outlay. Determine first of all what requirement you would like your outdoor fixtures to fill. Is it to provide safety or provide accessibility? Remember, the size of the fixtures should complement the function. When you know the outlay of your building, you can select fixtures such as spotlights, floodlights, accent lights, back lights, or decorative outdoor lighting fixtures on the outlay of your building alone.

There are also numerous outdoor lights that can be automatically triggered by motion, and are moderately effective in safeguarding your property. Motion detectors are commonly used outside of residential homes or for illuminating backyards. They can be connected as well to alarms, cameras, and other security devices in a commercial establishment. Remember, when you overlight an area, there are always health hazards and an unnecessary waste of resources. If economy is your number one priority, you should definitely consider solar lighting as a commercially-viable alternative to traditional outdoor lighting fixtures in and around your business premises. Keep economy in mind when purchasing your next lighting package.

By Terry Price - Remember to visit http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/kitchen-lighting.html for some great ideas on kitchen lighting! http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/204-progress-lighting-fixture.html The folks at progress lighting can offer you an impressive selection of decorative lighting.

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Ceiling Fans with Lighting Fixtures are Functional and Fashionable

If you have a stuffy room, one of the best ways to circulate the air is by using a ceiling fan. Air conditioning can cost a lot of money, especially if you have it built into your existing HVAC system. In the summer, the heat can sometimes be unbearable, but the heat can also build up on the inside of your home on cold winter nights. Ceiling fans can be used year round and are more commonly used in warmer climates. Not only will a ceiling fan improve the circulation in a room, but with adding lighting fixtures, you can do a tremendous amount for your room's decor as well.

Depending on the theme of your room, you will find that a ceiling fan is comparably priced in many different types of lighting fixtures. Several different designs are available, including drop fans with extensions and ceiling huggers. Many fans come equipped with built-in lighting fixtures as well. When it comes to attaching a light to your fan, consider the following. How much light do you need in a specific area of a room, task lighting or mood? The size of the fan blades is important as well, and you will need to measure the distance between adjoining walls to ensure there is adequate space, because fan blades vary in length.

Installing the pull chain, and having it electrically wired goes a long way for adding convenience. If you want to install a ceiling fan on your porch, there are sealed fan units available. Remember to purchase an energy-efficient bulb as this will save you money in the long run. Many lighting fixtures do not come with energy-efficient bulbs. A good, powerful fan can pull heat up the stairs into an entrance or return hot air from the ceiling back to a room. Remember as well to ensure that your product complies with all safety standards, matches your decor, and ensure all screws and parts are included. Better still, after the job's all done, sit back with a cold one and enjoy being cool!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/ceiling-fans.html - If you have a certain light design in mind that you particularly like, there is a good possibility that you can find that exact ceiling fan light you are looking for. http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/108-ceiling-fan-light.html

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