Traditionally a visit to the local lighting store was the last
stop on the decorating roller coaster. Whereas new decorative carpets and curtains
took precedent, a new
Decorative Lighting was often regarded as an after
thought only if the budget would allow. However in the new millennium the fashion
of home DIY grows, consumers are now beginning to realise the benefits of lighting
as a design tool rather than an added extra. Gone are the days of a
Decorative
lighting market dominated by traditional brass pendant fittings with glass
shades reminiscent of a mother's sitting room, these have now been joined by
an influx of more decorative contemporary ranges such as satin silver and chrome
finishes, table and floor lamps enabling you to complement the décor
of any room.
Catalogue
Decorative Lighting fittings should be considered as much a feature in
the home as the fireplace or staircase. When you are refurbishing a room adding
new lighting can make all the difference, mixing wall lights with centre lights
or centre lights with floor standards will allow you to change the ambience
of the room from work, to rest, to play area enabling you to achieve that desired
affect. Don't worry if you are buying a brand new house, decorative low ceilings
do not necessarily restrict your choice in light fittings. Many
Decorative
Lighting ranges can be adapted and reworked to remove ceiling chains to
alter the depth of the fitting, allowing you a greater choice.
And for the environmentally conscious, low energy fittings may be the choice
for you. Although a low energy fitting may cost slightly more than a model that
accepts ordinary bulbs the long-term benefits are far greater. Not only are
these fittings more energy efficient, the life of the bulb is much greater making
the days of up and down ladders to change light bulbs a thing of the past. Unfortunately
many pendant light fittings used in living areas will not accommodate low energy
light bulbs as they tend to stick out of the glass which is not aesthetically
pleasing to the eye. The majority of low energy fittings on offer tend to be
outdoor products, or ceiling flushes and wall uplighters. These are more than
suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways but are not popular for living
rooms with the fashion conscious public. Although the Decorative Lighting
manufacturers can be praised for being innovative in the design of new fittings
they are yet to account for the low energy factor.
With the different varieties of fittings on the market it can be a minefield
for any shopper. It is essential when purchasing lighting that you get correct,
unbiased advice allowing you to make the right choice of light fittings for
your home. Throughout the UK there are a growing number of independent lighting
suppliers who dedicate their stores purely to lighting.
