2012 Lighting Trends: Learning to Layer

If anything, the recent economic downturn has taught many of us one simple way to save our hard earned dollars: do it yourself. DIY is no new concept, but it’s also one that many of us are relearning and while you might think that lighting and light fixtures are best left to the professionals, that’s actually not entirely true. While you probably shouldn’t go about rewiring your home, there’s no reason you can’t teach yourself how to create an elegant and modern layered lighting scheme. Besides, for 2012: layering is in.

How To Guides: Learning to Layer Lighting

Fortunately, learning to layer your lighting isn’t as difficult as it sounds. If you start small and work you way through things, you can do it. To do this, you need to learn about the different areas of lighting and light fixtures in the home. Before you do this, however, be sure that your room is complete: fully decorated. This way, when you start working with your lighting, you’ll know exactly how it will look rather than having to readjust the lighting once everything has been brought into the room.

Once you’ve got your general lighting down, it’s time to start the actual process of layering. The first area you should stop and look at task lighting. Task lighting is the lighting you would use when performing focused tasks, such as reading a book in a comfortable chair in the living room or chopping vegetables on your kitchen countertops. Light fixtures that work great for this particular layer of lighting include table lamps or floor lamps, under cabinet lights, pendant lights for over kitchen islands and so forth.

When working on this particular area, stop and ask yourself who does what, where, how often, and would they benefit from a bit of extra light? This will help you figure out where you need to place your task lighting.

Once your task lighting is in place, you can move on to the next two stages: accent lighting and decorative lighting. Though they may sound similar, they are actually two different lighting concepts. Accent lighting is used to highlight certain areas, such as an architectural feature like a fireplace. This could be a wall sconce flanking a fireplace, or perhaps a doorway or large picture window.

Decorative lighting, on the other hand, is purely decorative. It does not highlight or accentuate anything. It is there purely for decorative purposes, not for use. This can include tiny accent lamps or other decorative light fixtures. Just be wary not to confuse decorative lighting with how the light fixtures themselves look, as a chandelier may be elegant and decorative, but it can be used for task lighting and for general lighting and thus, is certainly not a decorative light.

Once you’ve learned the different layers of light, it becomes significantly easier to go through and recreate a layered lighting look in your own home. Layering may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be! Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Make sure to grab some pendant lights and start layering the lighting in your own home.

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

Decorating With Lamps

Everyone loves a shapely lamp with a wonderful finish. It doesn’t matter if it serves as a bathroom light, illumination for the bedroom, or even a quirky kitchen light, lamps are one decorating item that follows form and function! Lamps are light fixtures that can be placed on a side table, a desk or any flat surface to bring light to a dark corner, or to add light when you need it for reading, crafts or for a quiet evening of popcorn and moving-watching. They can be found at any home goods store, but also at antique marts and lighting stores as well.

A fabulous way to decorate with a set of lamps is to flank a desk with them:

If you don’t have room for an office, but need a space that functions like an office, consider using your dining room table. It’s the lamps that make it a desk.

Need a little light in the kitchen? Consider one on the kitchen island:

This bright lamp makes a bold statement in an otherwise neutral environment and brings a vibrant color to this sink area. What a great idea when you are entertaining for the weekend and you are worried that your guests won’t be able to see in the dark when they go for that second plate of late-night leftovers. Lamps have more character than, say, pendant lights.

The lamp in the foyer is always a staple in any home, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain and boring:

This lamp is made of a natural antler and has unique interest. It works in this space because the vignette shows a natural table and an elegant wallcovering behind it. If one were to describe this lamp, it might be the same words – natural and elegant. Images 1 | 2 | 3

For more wonderful lighting fixture options, check out our versatile inventory today!

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

Posh Pendants

Pendant lighting is light that hangs from overhead. Pendants are popular as kitchen lights, bathroom lights and can even be found hanging above nightstands in master bedrooms. Whether made of blown glass, porcelain or another material, lighting fixtures in general can be a work of art in itself. We found some pendant lights that are just that in fact:

Porcelain Pendant Light

This porcelain pendant, in black and white, almost looks like leather. The seams of this lighting fixture, and the cut outs, really lend an elegant look to a simple silhouette. The white of this fixture would look fantastic in a powder bath, hovering above a porcelain sink, or above a kitchen sink that is placed in front of a scenic window.

Glass Pendant Light

The glass on this pendant light is mesmerizing. Perhaps it is the shape of the light tube inside, or the uniqueness of the pendant itself, but this would be a wonderful lighting fixture, hanging in threes, above a kitchen counter. This pendant light could work in a classic traditional space, or one with a slightly modern edge.

Natural Looking Pendant Light

These amazing large pendant lights look natural and carefree. They are elegant, but not pretentious because of their natural color. Notice how the light, shining through the shade, casts beautiful shadows and light on the adjacent wall?

Wood Hanging Light

A great way to bring the outdoors in, without going overboard on the green, is through this hanging light fixture. In fact, this hanging lamp is actually made of 56 maple wood “scales” that cast a soft glow of light beneath. You might also consider wall sconce or wall lamps for a similar effect.

Paper Hanging Light

And this one, another DIY’ers dream, is made of paper. In fact, remember those little finger papers called “fortune tellers” you used to play with back in grade school? This lighting fixture could be made large-scale or small, depending on the space. Yes, another great hanging light fixture for almost anywhere. Images 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now wouldn’t you like to get creative with innovative lighting fixtures to boost your home? No Problem! Arcadian Lighting has a great selection to explore.

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

Know How To Get A Pasport

An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it’s also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.

Forms

New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you’ve changed your name since you last received one, but can’t legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.

Documents

You will have to fill out federal from DS-11, which you can download off a variety of government websites. You’ll find the instructions for filling it out directly on the form. This is an application, so if you want yours to be accepted, it’s probably best to fill out this form and fully and accurately as possible. Of course, you also want to be completely truthful on it as well. There’s a different form for renewing United States passport.

Forms Of ID

You’ll also be required to prove you’re you. While the passport is a good form of ID, you can’t use this process to establish your identity. There are various acceptable ways to prove your identity as part of your application but the easiest way is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. Documents that fall within this category are naturalization certificates, driver’s licenses, current military identifications or any current ID issued by the government.

Country Of Origin

The next critical piece of documentation you’ll need to submit is proof of your US citizenship. If you’re a naturalized citizen, your naturalization certificate can serve as both proof of identity and citizenship. If you’re a naturally born US citizen, a certified, long form birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or citizenship certificate will prove your citizenship.

Costs

Lastly, you’ll need to include a photo and your application fees. The photo must be color and two by two inches in size. It must have been taken within the last six months and must show your full face as a close up. The specific amount you’ll have to pay as your application fee will vary based on your specific situation. You can consult the online fee schedule to find out what you’ll have to pay.

Agency

Now that you have all the required pieces of your application packet, you’ll need to deliver it to an authorized US passport office. Don’t worry, there are so many all over the country that you doubtlessly have one near you. You can find full listing of these offices online. They are most often located in popular public buildings, such as libraries, post offices or courthouses. Once you know which office you’ll visit, call it before just walking through the door. Some offices will only accept applications by appointment.

Medical Detox Facility – Why You Should Go

You may be in an addiction stage where your body cannot function well without first taking drugs. It will therefore be more important that you join a treatment facility where your body will be detoxified and freed of the substance that you are addicted to. With that in mind, you will be better off going to a medical detoxification program where the biological dependency of your body will be reversed.

Various Addictions

You should note that if you have become dependent on substances like Vicodin, heroin, Xanax and alcohol, enrolling in a treatment center is imperative for you. Complete recovery is simply not possible apart from the services of a professional physician. This specialist will be of great help since he or she will guide you on ways of coping up with the side effects that will occur when you discontinue the use of the drugs. For mental side effects, you will suffer from anxiety, depression or confusion. The physical effects include nausea, diarrhea, headaches or sweating.

The First Priority

When it comes to selecting the best recovery institution, note that this is also an important decision. Therefore, you should base your choice on safety, privacy, comfort and above all, a center that puts your recovery first. Moreover, since everyone is unique, consider a program where your individual needs are met and where the medical staff is supportive.

Recovery Program

For the detoxification process to be convenient, find a facility that has a program customized for your particular type of addiction. It should also have a long-term program after rehabilitation is complete. This will effectively ensure that you curb you dependency for the substances now and in the future.

Best Facilities

The best of facilities should have the state of art medical equipment to facilitate the rehabilitation program. This when coupled with highly trained professionals will see to it that detoxification will be complete. The environment of the center should also be friendly, nurturing and comfortable to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms.

Factors To Consider

Remember that some factors such as drug history, addiction level, age and alcoholism are the ones, which will highly determine how long you are to stay in such a program. For this reason, you are supposed to look for a staff who will attend to your needs for 24-hours. With the help of a dedicated staff member, your well-being will be a top issue.

The Importance of a Good Staff

Since during this time you will be riddled with fear, anxiety and depression, a highly qualified staff will be able to bring you to a successful recovery. The staff of the institution should therefore guide you gradually through the whole treatment process by extending to you encouraging remarks. Nevertheless, note that you should be well equipped so you can move from one treatment phase to another with ease.

How To Guides: Light Fixtures That Multitask

Whether you’ve got a small space or you just want a smarter space, investing in light fixtures that multitask is a great way to do both. Multitasking is no new concept, especially for the modern homes of today. Unfortunately, it can be a bit difficult to determine what types of light fixtures classify as “multitasking” and which ones are just, well, there. here’s a guide on how to find and utilize light fixtures for multitasking lighting needs.

Light Fixtures that Multitask in the Kitchen

The perfect example of a multitasking light fixture in the kitchen is the under cabinet light. These light fixtures, when switched on, are great for task lighting. You can use them while cutting vegetables or doing other prep work for your meals, making them extra desirable, especially if you don’t have an island to work on. When you’re not using them as task lighting, you can easily use them for ambient lighting to add to the warm glow of your kitchen space, no extra work needed.

Another great example is recessed lighting or the pendant light, especially if chosen right. Recessed lights, when positioned properly can double as task lighting and as general lighting. Meanwhile, pendant lights that feature shades that allow them to diffuse light (rather than focus it in a general area) can be used for, you guessed it: general lighting and task lighting.

Multipurpose Bathroom Lighting

The bathroom can be a particularly tricky area to work in, but once you know a few tricks, it’s easy to find light fixtures that multitask. For example, take the wall sconce. You might not have even thought to utilize wall sconces in your bathroom, but they can serve multiple purposes. When positioned on either side of a large mirror, they can help create additional task lighting. When the mirror isn’t in use, they’re also great for creating additional general lighting.

Other Multipurpose Light Fixtures for the Home

As you may have figured out by now, wall sconces are a great multipurpose light. You can install them in the bedroom instead of bedside lamps, allowing them to double for late night tasks such as reading, as well as being great for creating additional general light in the space. Plus, they save valuable floor space or nightstand space in a small room. This same concept can also be applied to the living room.

At the same time, don’t forget about the other light fixtures in your home. For example, a well placed floor lamp, such as next to an arm chair, can easily double not only as general lighting, but can make a great light for tasks such as reading or knitting while using the chair.

In short, the trick is to find light fixtures that you can use for task lighting but that can also be used for general lighting in the space. It’s not necessarily about the type of light fixture you choose, so much as it is about how you use that fixture. Just because it’s a lamp doesn’t mean you can utilize it in multiple ways! Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Start your search for multipurpose lighting fixtures at Arcadian Lighting and enjoy perusing the variety of gorgeous interior lighting options!

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

Portable Lighting: The Basics of Lamps

Many people assume that a lamp is a lamp, but there are a surprising number of different types of lamps out there. These light fixtures serve a variety of purposes, despite the fact that they are all classified as a single type of fixture. Here are the basics of lamps, the different varieties and their purposes so that you can be sure you’re choosing the right lamps for your space.

Lamps: “Portable Lighting”

All lamps are defined as “portable lighting.” This is because these are light fixtures that you can pick up and move around on a whim if needed. For example, if you rearrange your living room, you can move your table lamps or floor lamps around, as well as any other plug-in light fixtures, but you cannot move around any hard-wired light fixtures such as recessed lights or ceiling lights.

Note: typically interior designers and other lighting professionals refer to lamps as “portables.”

That being said, despite all being categorized as the same item, each of these items are unique in their purpose and overall design. For example, table lamps and floor lamps are both lamps but they do feature the same style. One is meant to sit on the floor and features a taller base to give it more height than a table lamp. However, floor lamps and torchieres are the same in style but are still two different types of lamps.

Different Types of Lamps

Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of “floor lamps.” It can be difficult to understand but all torchieres are a type of floor lamp, though not all floor lamps can be considered torchieres. These particular lights are the lamps that direct light upward toward the ceiling. Floor lamps that diffuse light or direct light downward are simply “floor lamps” and not “torchieres.”

Next, table lamps, desk lamps, piano lamps and every other variety of lamp all typically serve a specific purpose. Table lamps can be used for additional ambient lighting in a room, but they can also be used for various tasks. Meanwhile, lamps such as desk lamps or piano lamps are made for specific tasks such as working at your desk or playing the piano.

Finally, there are also armed lamps. Armed lamps are any of the above that feature a moveable arm in which you can move around to direct light where it is needed without having to move the base of the light fixture. These particular lamps come in a variety of styles from table lamps to large floor lamps, desk or wall lamps.

Despite popular misconceptions, not all lamps are created equal. Though they are all categorized as ‘lamps,’ there are actually a number of different sub categories and this is just looking at the fixtures themselves. Add in the different styles of shades, light bulbs and so forth and you could spend months learning about all the different terms associated with portable lighting. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now that you have a better understanding of lamps, are you ready to enhance your home decor? Don’t forgot to grab one of our great pendant lights to help compliment your lamp choice.

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

Exciting And Enormous Achievements With Blue Marlin Fishing

Blue marlin fishing is one of the most exciting pastimes. It is quite enthralling to hit the waters and come up with one of the most sought after species of marlin. Their superb form, the great fight they put up and their huge sizes makes blue marlin fishing a catch to be proud of.

Spawning

Blue marlin inhabit all the tropical oceans. Their population is kept at steady level through spawning. It is done in select locations including Mauritius,Hawaii, the west of the Atlantic where the Caribbean islands are and the eastern end of the Atlantic where the Guinea Gulf is.

Species

The Atlantic blue marlin and the Pacific blue marlin are the two species of this fish. Research has found that the majority of the species that inhabit the Atlantic are genetically alike to those in the Pacific. This had been related to the p-phenotype being quite prevalent in both water bodies in comparison to the a-phenotype one that is yet to be established in Indian and Pacific oceans.

Size

The male and female differ substantially. Fully grown males reach 300 pounds at the most. The female species on the other hand can grow to reach 1,000 pounds and even more. This is a fact that researchers and anglers still differ about. The largest catch ever made was in Hawaii. It was a Pacific blue marlin that weighed in at 1,805 pounds. The largest Atlantic species catch was in Brazil and it was found to weigh 1, 402 pounds.

Methods

Various techniques and apparatus are used. Method selection is based on the size of the catch being targeted as well as sea conditions. Methods have also been influenced by local marlin fishing charters and practices. Artificial lures, live bait or rigged natural baits are the three methods used.

Lures

Artificial lure fishing is one popular method because blue marlins put up a great fight at attempts to capture them. This method came from Hawaii where the first kinds of lures were pared out of wood that was encased in drinking glasses or chrome pipes skirted with rubber or upholstery made out of vinyl. Modern lures are made in various sizes, shapes and colors.

Bait

Others prefer rigged natural bait. They have been used since the previous century and are still popular today. They are widely used in the American eastern seaboard as well as in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Here, horse ballyhoo and Spanish mackerel are used to lure the Atlantic breed of marlin. These can be used in combination with artificial lures. With live bait fishing, smaller species of tuna and skipjack are thought to be the best lure. Its limitation is that the bait cannot be trolled fast so that it remains alive. This method can only be used in fairly small fishing areas. It is the method used in the fishery in Kona,Hawaii.

Precautions for Broken Light Bulbs

We’ve all been there: a broken bulb in one of our light fixtures. Sometimes it happens and when it does, it can be dangerous trying to remove it. Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, anyone can remove a broken light bulb. Here are a few precautions for broken bulbs.

Precautions for Broken Light Bulbs

It is worth noting that light fixtures that use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) contain a small amount of mercury. When the bulb breaks, whether it’s because the lamp broke or something hit the light fixture, this mercury gets released into the surrounding area. Despite this fact, it is important to remember that CFL bulbs do not contain enough mercury to have an adverse effect on human health. However, it is still important to take great care when removing and replacing a broken or damaged CFL bulb.

When cleaning up a broken CFL, whether it’s from a pendant light or table lamp, use a piece of stiff cardboard to pick up the glass pieces and powder. Seal these remnants into a zippered plastic bag or a glass jar with lid before disposal. Next, use a piece of sticky tape (duct tape, packing tape, et cetera) to pick up the remaining pieces of glass and remaining powder. Finally, wipe the area using a damp paper towel or a disposal wet cloth. Do not use a vacuum or broom, as this will only cause the remnants of mercury to remain in your home.

If electricity is still on, shut it off before attempting to remove the base of the light bulb from the light fixture. To remove the light bulb from the socket of the light fixture, use a potato! Cut the potato in half and insert the sliced side into the broken CFL bulb. Twist gently and remove. Never, ever use tools or your hands to remove a broken light bulb from a light fixture!

Never, ever pick up the pieces using your bare hands and be sure to wash your hands following clean up and removal of a broken CFL bulb.

The potato method can also be used for other types of broken light bulbs, including traditional incandescent bulbs in ceiling lights, halogen bulbs and other light bulbs. If necessary, allow the area to cool off prior to trying to remove the broken light bulb from the light fixture to prevent injury.

Finally, if possible, always wear protective eye gear to clean up and remove light bulbs. Avoid touching your hands or face while dealing with the broken glass, as you could accidentally get a small shard into your eye and cause unintentional damage. Safety first, as with any type of broken glass object!

Broken light bulbs of different varieties can contain different materials, such as CFL bulbs containing mercury. Therefore, always take additional safety precautions such as the ones mentioned when cleaning up a broken bulb, especially if you are unsure of what it contains. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Since a broken light bulb can be easily removed with these tips, why not add even more beautiful light fixtures to your space? Check out our selection of lovely wall lamps!

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog

What Does “Color” Mean in Lighting?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably picked up a light bulb at your local retailer and noticed it lists a “coloring,” “color temperature,” “CRI” or “color rendering” on it. So what exactly does this mean? Coloring of a light can have a big impact, not only on your light fixtures, but also on the rest of the decor on your home. Here’s the low down on light coloring for light bulbs.

What Do All These Terms Mean, Anyway?

“Coloring,” “color temperature,” or “color rendering” all refer to the different concepts with the light when the light bulb is installed in a light fixture and switched on. Typically the colors are cool, warm or somewhat neutral.

There is also the CRI Index, or “Color Rendering Index.” For the Color Rendering Index, the rule of thumb is the higher the number, the better the color rendering. For example, a ceiling light that uses a light bulb with a CRI of 90 or more will have better color rendering than a ceiling light that uses a light bulb with a CRI of 70 or 80. Color rendering refers to how accurate the color will be when this particular light bulb is turned on without taking into account the effects that different shades on light fixtures will have on the color rendering of the bulb.

However, do note that the CRI index is different than color temperature, which can make this concept a bit confusing.

Color temperature refers to the light color that is perceived by the human eye. For example, if the color temperature of the bulb is listed at 3000 to 3500, it will produce a whiter light than a light bulb that has a color temperature of 2700, which is more yellow in coloring. The color temperature of daylight is usually between 5000 and 7000.

If you are looking to add more warm lighting to your space with your light fixtures, you’ll want to opt for a light bulb that lists a color temperature range of 2700 to 2800. This is pretty typical for the incandescent light bulb, which many people feel produces the warmest, most flattering light. For a cleaner, whiter light, opt between 3000 and 3500 and for a bluer toner, look for at least 4000. If you want your fixtures, such as pendant lights, to recreate the effects of natural daylight, opt for a color temperature of at least 5000 but no more than 7000.

In short, color rendering and color temperature are not the same concepts. A color temperature does not guarantee the color rendering of surrounding objects when that light bulb is installed in a light fixture and turned on. Just as a color rendering can vary based on the color temperature of the bulb. Light coloring is a science and it may take a few tries to achieve the desired effect if you’re still unsure of what light bulbs you should use in your light fixtures. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now that you know the proper definition of color lighting, check out our wonderful array of cool, warm, and neutral lighting fixtures today!

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps Blog