Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Tips Accent, Recessed and Decorative Outdoor Lighting

Decorative Accent Lighting

* The most common applications of decorative accent lighting are undercabinet lighting for kitchens, accent lighting in entertainment and curio cabinets, picture highlighting, backlighting on the top of cabinets and "toe" lighting around the bottom of cabinets.

* Halogen lights are popular in this category.

* Newer, more decorative undercabinet lights are available to replace and upgrade older fluorescent fixtures.

Outdoor Lights

* Outdoor lighting makes your home safer and more secure by providing necessary illumination for walkways, steps and entrances.

* The use of outdoor lighting, in conjunction with timers and photo cells, can add even more peace-of-mind by providing a lived-in look while you're away from home and insuring the area around the house is well lit when you arrive home after dark.

* The most common type of outdoor fixture is a brass wall lantern, although materials such as cast aluminum have gained popularity because they are rust resistant.

* Generally, a light mounted to one side of every exterior door is the minimum lighting for the exterior of a house. Try including a lantern or other wall fixture on both sides of the door and a pendant or a post light near driveways and walkways.

* The popularity of using outdoor lanterns indoors is growing. You can use small lanterns to accent powder rooms, small foyers, sitting areas or stairways.

Recessed Lighting

* Use recessed light fixtures for downlighting. Living areas look attractive and inviting with downlighting.

* Recessed lighting works best with other lighting and can be dimmed for special effects.

* Recessed light fixtures can be used for concentrated downlighting. This effect is perfect for lighting a kitchen counter or bathroom vanity because it confines illumination to one specific area, making detailed tasks easier to perform.

* Recessed light fixtures can be used for accent lighting. You can draw attention to a painting, a plant or any other noteworthy object. This effect is ideal for any room.

* Make a room appear larger with recessed light fixtures by washing a wall in light. This technique--perfect for small living areas--adds visual depth by creating shadows and contrasts.

* For an enclosed tub or shower, use a recessed light approved for this specific application.

Courtesy by lowes.com



decorative outdoor lighting, garden lighting, accent lighting

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