Lighting industry articles
Lighting industry articles. Whether you are an interior designer, a vendor, or a residential consumer, you can find what you are looking for here. A functional source of information, news, and advice for all levels of lighting knowledge. From advice on what light fixtures fits best in every decor to information on how to know when you need ADA compliant fixtures, the-light-fixture.com can answer your lighting industry questions.
- Last build:
- Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:44:52 -0800
- Language:
- Feed URL:
- http://the-light-fixture.com/articles/lighting-industry-articles.xml
RSS FEED IDEMS: Lighting industry articles
- Kitchen Lighting Design
lighting industry articles - Residential kitchen lighting includes general lighting from the ceiling, under cabinet light above the counter, pendant fixture above the breakfast bar or island, accent light for artwork, closet light and the stove lighting. The stove lighting is usually an integral part that comes with the stove or venting fixture. It meets special safety standard for withstanding high heat and high moisture in the cooking area. For the general illumination from the ceiling, the choices are very personal. It ranges from recessed or concealed fixture, surface mounted decorative fixture, pendant or chandelier, cove lighting, to luminous ceiling above translucent glass panels. It all depends on the size of the space and the effect you want to achieve. The "less is more" philosophy is usually true and a simple or minimal design will avoid competing with many other elements going on in a kitchen. And it is easier to update when your taste changes in the future. But if there is a specific style in you mind, by all means pursuit the design and let the distinctive characteristic shines. It is often overlooked for the kitchen countertop lighting. An under cabinet light can be installed easily to provide enough illumination for the work surface. It can be fluorescent, incandescent, or low voltage halogen, and usually comes in a strip or small round disks to be mounted on the underside of the kitchen cabinets. For the breakfast table, the bar or the island in a kitchen, many people prefer pendant fixtures. The pendant itself becomes a decorative art, and the light will be focused on the surface of a table for a cozy and homey atmosphere. Many modern pendant fixtures imitate the design of the old time classic kitchen pendants from different periods and different countries. We can easily recreate the period look if it appeals to you. Big industrial style pendants above the island or a row of small modern pendants with bright colored shades above the bar are popular trends in the urban apartments these years. It is nice to have accent lighting for the artwork or the message board on kitchen walls. It can be wall mounted picture lights above the artwork, track fixtures from the ceiling, or adjustable ceiling fixtures. The adjustable recessed ceiling fixture is the most versatile choice and it keeps the simplicity of a space. Each fixture has a different range of adjustability, usually from 30 to 45 degree. That will determine where to mount the fixture in the ceiling for the best effect. Track fixtures have the most flexibility and it's easy to move around when you change art work or message board displays. Picture light brings classic elegance to a space and their style choices are limitless. A pantry or a closet needs enough lighting for easy viewing of what is stored inside. Depending on the size of the pantry, we can add a ceiling light or low voltage shelf light in a strip or round disk form. Adding a jam switch or a sensor to the fixture can turn the light on automatically whenever the door is opened. Sometimes just a simple fluorescent fixture in the ceiling or on the wall might be the best choice of storage area for its energy saving, long lamp life and bright output of the lighting.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:42:59 -0800 - Ceiling light fixtures
lighting industry articles - Ceiling lighting fixtures can be categorized in many ways. By different lamps, they can be fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, metal halide, LED and so on. By the mounting methods, they can be recessed, semi-recessed or surface mounted. By the voltage types, there are low voltage, line voltage (standard 120 volt in the US.) and high voltage fixtures. In a loose definition, pendant, chandelier, track fixtures, neon, and cold cathodes can also be part of the ceiling fixtures. Fluorescent lighting is popular in offices, schools and many public areas when the main concerns are energy saving, bright lighting output, inexpensiveness and long lamp life. The most common fluorescent types are the fluorescent strips and the 2'x 2' or 2'x 4' modules that fit into the standard ceiling tiles. They come in recessed, semi-recessed, surface mounted, and chain/pendant mounted versions. Even though the lamp color choices are available for warmer tones; most fluorescent fixtures we see today still keep the same pale blue lamps that are usually harsh and blinding. Recessed fluorescent fixtures are more common now with the invention of the compact fluorescent lamps. Many of them have the same screw bases as our household lamps. Compact fluorescent has high initial cost but the lamp life is long so it saves energy in the long run. It is easy to replace a regular household incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent, but most compact fluorescent can not be dimmed. Only special dimmable compact fluorescent lamps can be used with dimming control, or the lamps might flicker and burn out quickly. Incandescent fixtures include many different sizes and styles. They can be recessed down light, surface mounted decorative fixtures, decorative pendants or track lights. They come in different styles such as classic mission, art and craft, art deco, Tiffany, oriental, country, urban and so on. The lamps can range from four watts to several hundred watts, and the lamp shapes include flame, candle, globe, and more. Incandescent fixtures are always the popular residential choices for creating a warm, inviting glow, and their cheap, easy to replace light bulbs. Halogen fixtures give a bright white light and are usually used in retail stores, galleries or showrooms. Because of the smaller lamp size, it is a good choice as recessed ceiling fixture for smaller cutout of ceiling holes. A lot of adjustable ceiling accent lights are halogen fixtures for the flexibility of the light beam control and the choice of having lenses or louvers added on for different effects. Halogen lamps are popular in track lights too for the same reason. They come in different sizes, beam spreads, wattages, and can produce strong heat in a very short time. Metal halide fixtures are much brighter and bigger than the fluorescent or incandescent ones. They often come in the style of industrial down lights or pendants, and are used widely in warehouses or high ceiling supermarkets. The lights are blue white so it can be used to imitate the natural day light sometimes. There are many other types of ceiling fixtures such as neon, cold cathode and LED. They can be custom designed to any shapes, lengths and colors with color changing abilities programmed by a computer. With the help of the technology, new types of lighting are developed constantly. It is up to us to apply the knowledge to light a space for the best comfort, function and style.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:42:29 -0800 - Bathroom Lighting Design
lighting industry articles - There are many components for residential bathroom lighting. Typically, there are general light sources from the ceiling, the vanity lights, the shower lights, and closet lights. The general bathroom lighting fixture in the ceiling can be recessed with or without trim, surface mounted in various styles, or it can be a small decorative pendant. Sometimes cove lighting is also a good option for ambient light in a bathroom. The cove light can illuminate the whole room softly without any harsh glare. The recessed ceiling fixture is the most concealed type and can easily fit into many styles of bathrooms. Surface mounted or pendant bathroom fixtures come in many different shapes, finishes and styles. It can be utilitarian and clean or any style of your choice to accentuate the theme of a bathroom. One important thing to consider when choosing a bathroom light fixture is the UL listing for dampness and waterproof. For light fixtures above a shower, a waterproofed UL listing is required in America. For other areas in a bathroom when direct water splash is not common, only the damp listing is required. Because of the high moisture, a regular light fixture might not function properly and is can be dangerous being used as a bathroom lighting fixture. Some bathroom light fixtures are combined with the ventilation fans to be hidden above the ceiling. It is a convenient choice when updating an old bathroom. For the vanity bathroom light fixture, common designs include the bath bar or light strip with a row of lights above the mirror, or sconces on either side of a mirror. The purpose of the lights is to illuminate the face softly but with enough intensity to see the activities such as teeth brushing, shaving or puttin on make up. The intensity can be easily achieved with proper wattage light bulbs and a dimmer. To evenly light the face without any shadow, the light should not be directional. The bathroom light fixtures can be positioned symmetrically on both side of a mirror, or use a multiple lamp strip fixture above the mirror. The shade of the light fixture must be translucent enough to allow light glow in all directions. This will reduce the shadow and glare. An incandescent light is always more flattering on the skin than a fluorescent one. Incandescent light fixture is also easier to dim and adds luxury to a space. Many bathrooms include linen closets. A bathroom closet light will let you see what you are looking for clearly. The closet light can be small rounded down lights mounted below each shelf, small light strips hidden below the front part of each shelf, or ceiling light fixtures to light the front of shelves. All of them can be wired to a jam switch or a sensor so the light turns on automatically when the door is opened and turns off when the door is closed. It is a convenient, energy saving and inexpensive design that can upgrade our life quality instantly. Not all types of the bathroom light fixtures should be used at the same time. It depends on the size and design of the bathroom. For a kid's bathroom, maybe one simple ceiling fixture will give enough illumination. On the other hand, you can always add decorative table lamps, candle lights, or even antique chandeliers into your own dream bathroom.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:42:06 -0800 - Chandelier lighting
lighting industry articles - Chandelier lighting fixtures are the ultimate lighting fixtures to make a big statement. Just look at those multi-layer crystal chandeliers in the lobbies of some fancy opera houses. It says luxury, glamour, drama, and upper class living. Many families like to hang expensive chandeliers in their formal living room, dining room or master bed room. It is like a status symbol that reminds people of the old world charm. A really good chandelier can also be a piece of antique art that will be treasured from generation to generation. Today there are countless choices of chandelier lighting fixture styles available, from traditional to contemporary style, historical periods to different regions or country to urban. The finish and material choices are endless too. The wide variety is one of the reasons why a chandelier can be the most decorative element that creates a character of a space. Since a chandelier is all about making a statement, some points to consider are: 1. How many lamps (light bulbs) are in one chandelier? 2. What kind of lamps are they? 3. What type of shades does it have? 4. How big is the chandelier? 5. How high should you hang it? 6. Can it be dimmed down? Many small light bulbs together usually create glitzy sparkling effect, especially when the shade material is glass or crystal. If the chandelier has only one lamp, the lighting is more flat or concentrated in general. So if you like to create a rich, lavish atmosphere, a multi-lamp chandelier can add multiple dimensions to a space. Most of the chandelier lamps are incandescent, including the regular household light bulb (Type A lamps), the candle shaped light bulb with a smaller lamp base (candelabra base), or the low voltage halogen such as "MR16" or "MR11" lamps. Regular household lamp is easiest to replace since it is available everywhere. It has a yellowish tone so it is best if you want to create a nostalgic feeling. Candle shaped lamp is a modern version of the real candle lighting. You can add shades on each of the candle lamps to reduce glare. MR16 or MR11 (smaller than MR16) is more modern with its crisp white light. Fluorescent chandeliers are also available. It is a good choice for energy saving ambient lighting. The light quality changes with different shades. Opaque shade has a different effect from translucent or transparent shade. They also create different shadows and patterns. Depending on the style you want to achieve, simply changing the shade can change the whole feeling of the room. The size of the chandelier light fixture should be in proportion to the size of the room. Many chandeliers have choices of one tier or multiple tiers. Some comes in different size versions for different size rooms. Check the dimensions first will prevent many problems in the future. The hanging height of a chandelier also depends on the scale of the room. It is always safe to put it down in elevation first to see how it works visually. Avoid hanging it too low that people might bump into the light. And remember the natural eye level for an adult is about 5'-5" to 5'-7" tall. Then you can decide the most appropriate height for your chandelier. Finally, adding a dimmer or dimming system gives you the control of the light level for different occasions. Most incandescent light fixture can be dimmed easily and inexpensively. It's a good investment to let you fine tune the chandelier lighting and create versatile moods.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:41:40 -0800 - Pendant lighting
lighting industry articles - Pendant lighting is a general term referring to a lighting fixture that is mounted on a pendant or stem. At the end of the stem, there is usually a round disk shaped canopy attached to the ceiling so sometimes it is also called canopy mounted lighting fixture. One great advantage of the pendant light fixture is the flexibility of the stem length. For example, in a sloped ceiling, you can have the stem length adjusted so one row of the lighting can shine from the same level. And many of the pendant fixtures are designed for the sloped ceiling, the angle of the pendant can be adjusted with a special canopy so the pendant is always vertical no matter how slope the ceiling is. Pendant is also a great tool to create a special focus or character of the room. By the lowering of the light source, it emphasizes more on a human scale and the result is usually a homier and more intimate space. For residence, many people like to use a row of pendants or mini pendants above the breakfast bar or kitchen island. Restaurants use pendant lighting above each dining table and clubs or lounges use pendants of certain styles to create special atmosphere. The style choices for pendant lighting fixtures are basically unlimited. There are traditional, contemporary, art deco, art and craft/ mission, tiffany, country, Victorian, or transitional styles. Also available are pendants designed for kid's room or custom designed pieces to fit your personal style. The finish and material options are endless too, including satin or brushed chrome/nickel, polished chrome, polished brass, black cast iron, alabaster stone, acrylic, wood and so on. The best style and finish is the one that matches or accentuates the style of your room. More and more people prefer very modern, clean lined or minimalist design because it easily fit in most of our modern environments. It is not too obtrusive and shows an understated beauty and taste. So what is the best height for a pendant fixture? It depends on the area you are going to put the fixtures. For the pendant above a dining table or desk, the most important thing is to make sure you can get in and out of a chair naturally without hitting your head on the fixture. And be sure the fixture is not too low that it blocks your view of the person across the table when you sit down. Also consider the area you want the light to cover. If it is too close to the table, it might create a small hot spot and too dark outside the round spot. If it is mounted too high, the light is too ambient and general. You might not like it either. The best way is to try playing with different heights and see the lighting effect on site. Another important consideration is the size of the fixture. It will not look right to put an oversized fixture into a small room or a small fixture in a huge room. This is one thing many people forget to check before buying a pendant fixture. If you get all measurements and draw a simple elevation with your furniture in it, you can easily decide the best size and the best height to mount your new pendant fixture.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:41:20 -0800 - Wall sconces
lighting industry articles - How to find the best wall sconces for your spaces "Wall sconce", by simple definition, is a lighting fixture mounted on a wall. Sometimes a wall sconce is the best choice of lighting when you want to highlight a column or a wall, creating a certain atmosphere, or when it is difficult to install light fixtures in the ceilings. For example, the ceiling is too high to reach. There are many types of wall sconces. By the mounting methods, there are recessed wall sconces, semi-recessed wall sconces, or surface mounted wall sconces. Recess mounted fixtures need enough space behind the wall for housing, transformer, socket and wiring, while the surface mounted fixtures only require very little space behind the wall for the wire to go through. By the position of the lamps (light bulbs), wall sconces can be categorized as "up light" (light shines up), "down light" (light shines down) and "up/down light" when the lighting shines both up and down from the fixture. By the selection of the lamps, most common ones are regular incandescent, fluorescent and MR16. Incandescent lamp is the regular household light bulb which has a yellow toned light. Fluorescent lamp has a pale white color of light in general. Different choices of "color temperature" (K) in fluorescent lamps are available today. Higher color temperature is bluer and lower color temperature is more yellow. For example, a 5000K fluorescent lamp is bluer than 3000K lamp. MR16 lamp is a low voltage lamp that requires a transformer. It's commonly seen in retail stores and it gives out a crisp, white light. MR16 lamp comes in different wattages and beam spreads. So you can choose among flood, narrow flood, spot or very narrow spot lamps. MR 16 lamps also gives you a more dramatic and modern effect because of the beam control. In comparison, incandescent gives a homey, old world feeling. Fluorescent lamp is the most efficient light that emits the most brightness, mostly used for general illumination. Most of this information can be found in a lighting manufacturer's catalogs. So you can take your time thinking about what features you need in your unique space and what are available in the market. Another important consideration is the choice of the wall sconce shades. That's the part people see everyday. The choice of the style is totally up to you. Depending on the design concept of the space and the owner's preference, it can range from the modern geometric shape with high-tech material to the antique handmade bamboo and rice paper fixture. The opaqueness of the shade is another factor to consider. A translucent shade emits an even glow for the area, while the solid shade blocks some light and only shines in certain directions. If you can not find the perfect wall sconce for your space, you can always have it custom made. Many lighting manufacturer will work with you to modify their fixtures according to your ideas. There are also many custom lighting studios that can design from scratch for you and get the fixture UL listed too. With custom design, it usually costs more and takes much longer to see the final product. But it will be the exact one you want. If you are not working with a designer who has a library of lighting catalogs, you can request a copy from most lighting manufacturers directly. Some have online catalogs with detailed information you can download. Most has customer service department to answer your questions. By now you have enough knowledge to know that besides looking for a beautiful picture of wall sconce you like, it is a good idea to also check the dimension, recessing depth of the fixture, lamp type and shade material. It will save you a lot of time and frustration in finding the best wall scones for your interior spaces.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:41:05 -0800 - The history of light fixtures
lighting industry articles - Since early man discovered fire, there have been countless advances in the way humans harness light. Animal tallow has been replaced by electricity to power these lamps. Crude light fixtures made of mud and stone have given way to artistic pieces providing both light and beauty. From brightly colored paper to prismatic lenses, diffusing the light we create has provided an atmosphere of comfort to add to the basic necessity of lighting. Four hundred thousand years after man discovered light, the methods of providing it can still be fascinating, even slightly mystical. Lighting fixture methods The methods of powering lamps and light fixtures have changed over the years, inspired by new technology and the need for aesthetically pleasing lamps. The first lamps were powered by animal or vegetable fats. These fuels were used for thousands of years, and in fact, are still used in some parts of the world. The discovery and harnessing of electricity provided a smokeless, odorless light source. The standard light bulb has been in use with only minor changes in efficiency and brightness for a century. Recent developments, such as halogen lamp fixtures, have provided a heatless light source. The need for light primarily as a heat source has given way to a desire for pure illumination. Lamp fuels have come a long way from smoky, flickering and smelly tallow. Fixtures have changed over time Lighting fixtures have changed drastically over their long history. The first light fixtures were crude torches, followed eventually by rocks, shells, and horns. It appears that anything that could hold burning grease without catching on fire itself was an acceptable light fixture for early man. Animals could also be used as lamps. An oily bird or fish only needed a wick to be used as a lamp. About 4,000 years ago, handmade lighting fixtures began appearing. In the palaces of the very wealthy, simple oil lamps in the shape of small bowls with a spout or lip to hold wicks were the primary source of light. Modern light fixtures are a study in the human artistic instinct. From minimalist to art deco, Renaissance to rustic, lighting fixture manufacturers cover the entire artistic spectrum in an effort to please the end consumer. Though they are now more refined, many of the same mediums are used today as were used half a million years ago. Changing the basic visual nature of light has been done since early cave painters added crude reflective backings to lamps to amplify light. The Chinese have added colored paper diffusers to lamps for many centuries. These lamps cast soft, muted light with added aesthetic warmth that is popular the world over. Stained glass became popular as places of worship became more and more artistic. While this was not originally used in lighting fixtures, the concept quickly translated itself. Modern techniques have taken many of these methods and adapted them to a more technologically advanced industry, replacing paper and glass with non-flammable, less fragile substances, such as plastic. Light diffusion is a major part of transitioning light fixtures from simple functionality to artistic ambience. Light fixtures have been around in one form or another for almost half a million years. From fish oil to fluorescent lamps, lamping options have changed drastically with growing technology. Though some of the mediums remain the same, fixtures themselves have become more and more complex, artistic and individual since early man began using shells and rocks as lamps. Diffusers, which change the ambient light of a fixture, are a true sign of the transition of light fixtures from functional to decorative.
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:40:46 -0800 - Decorative lighting
Light can provide a sense of satisfaction and joy. This is especially true of decorative lighting, so why don't we use more of it in our homes and businesses? Who doesn't get excited around Christmas time when sparkling little white lights start appearing everywhere, or when taking that first step out on to the Las Vegas strip and seeing those flashing neon signs? Light is the primary foundation for vision, and when designing lighting for our spaces vision is often the only factor taken into consideration. We forget about the potential that light has for creating ambiance, and a feeling of harmony in our environment. When lighting a space there are three types of lighting to consider, general illumination, task illumination and accent illumination. General illumination is the overall light. For example, in a home environment, this could a dome light in the center of a room; or, in an office space, a series of florescent tubes on the ceiling. It usually provides the majority of the light for a space, but attracts the least amount interest. Often you don't even notice it is there. The second type of lighting is task illumination. It is exactly what it sounds like, the light you use to perform specific tasks by. A desk lamp for paperwork, a floor lamp for reading, countertop lighting in the kitchen for cooking, and lights around the bathroom mirror for applying make-up are all types of task lighting. The third type of lighting is accent illumination. Although often overlooked, this is the kind of light that gives a home or business its personality. Most commonly created with the addition of a decorative lighting fixture, accent lighting is not so much for seeing as for being seen. With lighting available in a myriad variety of styles, shapes, and forms, finding the perfect decorative fixture to accent any place is only a matter of time. With a market full of wall sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, pendants, chandeliers, and light sculptures, the world of decorative lighting is one of endless possibilities. Decorative fixtures can spice up a space, making it more exciting, colorful, and interesting, or can create the relaxing oasis you have always dreamed of. Decorative lighting creates the mood in your space. Have you ever walked into a room and felt like there was something missing? Even if a room is well decorated it can feel a bit like it is empty if it is missing the right lighting fixtures. Decorative fixtures can add a sense of satisfaction and completeness to a room. Lighting is about opening the home or space to new possibilities. Choosing fixtures that compliment your lifestyle and taste can bring a greater sense of wellbeing to your life on a daily basis. A little ambience goes a long way in decor. So the next time you are thinking of making your home a little more homey or your office a little more stylish, consider the light in your space and how a decorative fixture could be the perfect fit for you before you go out and buy and new picture for the wall or a new piece of furniture. Lighting industry articles
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:39:45 -0800
