Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Outdoor Lighting Options

One of the easiest ways to get your home noticed is by installing exterior lighting. A few outdoor-lighting upgrades also provide an inexpensive way to boost your home's overall value. An added bonus is that a well-lighted home becomes a less-than-desirable target for prowlers.

If your home has a deck or a patio, you've got a party waiting to happen. But summer days can be so hot! Your best bet for outdoor summer entertaining is a late-afternoon or evening deck party - when your guests can relax and enjoy your hospitality, minus the oppressive mid-day heat. And the best way to extend the life of your outdoor gathering is to ensure the fun doesn't peter out when the sun goes down. The best way to accomplish that is with attractive, functional outdoor lighting.

Outdoor lighting doesn't just mean overhead porch lights anymore. Think creative! Think innovative. Think low-to-the-ground lighting to illuminate brick pathways and guide your guests' steps along drives and walkways.

Think inventive lighting options - perhaps in festive or whimsical complementary accent colors - to highlight particularly attractive landscape details... like the evening-blooming primroses gracing your garden.

Think striking. Nothing sets off a decorative outdoor detail (an exquisite door wreath, or an unusual shrub or tree, for instance) quite like the singular focus afforded by a well-placed spotlight.

Think romantic. Subtle outdoor lighting can give that moonlight dip for two in the pool or hot tub an extra touch of cozy ambiance.

But it's important to remember outdoor lighting isn't just inventive, striking or romantic. It's also practical and safe. It seems that not a week goes by that we're not hearing about another tragic home invasion. One of the easiest ways to prevent your family from being another heartbreaking statistic is to ensure you've got adequate outdoor lighting - to keep would-be home invaders from targeting your home in the first place.

For superior exterior visibility, invest in lighting along walkways, front and back porches and the garage. Consider installing lights along the rear of your home, as well. Prowlers won't go to a well-lighted area; and if you live in a wooded area, there's no better way to keep skunks and raccoons at bay.

If your busy schedule has you returning home after dark, a few timer-activated spotlights trained on your garage and all your entryways will prevent you from ever returning to a dark house; and they'll help eliminate potential threats to your safety. Motion-activated lighting provides another low-cost solution.

Whichever exterior-lighting option(s) you decide on, you're certain to love your home's new look - not to mention the enhanced feeling of security you and your loved ones will experience.

Measuring Crystal Chandeliers

The common concept of the masses regarding crystal chandeliers is that the home is a big factor to one's home. It is said that the crystal chandeliers give life to people's home. In some homes they spend big amount of money for their home's elegance and crystal chandelier is one important factor of one's home. It is as important as candle on a birthday cake. So when choosing a crystal chandelier you must be really knowledgeable and know your craft, because choosing one can be real tricky at times. It is important for you to be able to at least measure up some spaces on where you plan to put your crystal chandelier. The first thing you'll need to figure out is what size you need. There is a rough guide to fitting a chandelier to your room size - for each foot of your room, figure 2" of chandelier. Measurement is very important because it factors many key information for placing your crystal chandelier.

For example, if your room is 14' x 16', a 30" chandelier would be the appropriate size as well, be informed that there are different size when it comes to crystal chandeliers so you better be up well-informed about your home's basic measurements. Here are some measurements that I think would help you a lot when it comes to deciding for your home. A table that seats 4-6 people will have a 20" - 24" chandelier. For table that seats 6-8 people will fit a 25" - 29" chandelier and a table that seats 8-10 people have to fit a 30" - 36" chandelier. The size is very important you have to give it a definite attention for you to be able to determine if it fits or not.

Another important thing to consider for picking crystal chandeliers are its dimension for your home, it is very important to see if your wall is high or low to avoid having some conflicts on it when you put it. Buying a big chandelier for a low ceiling may be a little out of character, buying a small chandelier for a high ceiling will make it look like its too small and the details will be hard to see at all. There are more to consider on owning a crystal chandelier than just owning one. People have to be aware of what it can be in you home, it isn't just another décor in your home, it serves as lighting and a good décor as well. It has a lot of work not just for external look and appearance.

So when considering a crystal chandelier for your home be more aware and be more knowledgeable in considering a chandelier for your home. Doesn't just be one of the people who buy it for elegance and style; rather be one of those smart owners who purchase them for their functions. Measurements are very important and knowing your home is very important, don't waste time, effort and money for nothing. Be smart and be informed. Have a glamorous home and take advantage of its functions.