Updating your lighting fixtures is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to dramatically change the look of your home. But before you get started, there are a few things to consider:

Budget

Before you get started, decide how much you'd like to spend. Carrington's selection includes a variety of price points.

Amount of Light

Depending on the room you're lighting, there are a variety of things to consider - including how much light you'll need. A basic formula to find out involves multiplying the length and the width of the room (in feet) and then multiplying that number by 1.5. The result indicates how much wattage the room requires. However, some areas - like kitchen islands or bathrooms - may require stronger light. Multiply their square footage by 2.5.

Room Size

If you are lighting a large room, lighting up a few areas with pools of light can make it feel cozier. A small room can be made spacious by washing its walls with even lighting.

Room Height

In areas with foot traffic, fixtures should be at least 7feet off the floor.

Style

Start by looking through magazines to get an idea of your taste. When you come to the Carrington showroom, bring these pictures - and any colour swatches from your home - with you. When you find a fixture you like, browse the rest of the collection for matching pieces.

If you have any questions along the way, you can ask your Carrington lighting specialist.

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Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool. They're stylish, functional and more energy efficient than air conditioning. But before you buy, discuss your requirements with a Carrington specialist. Make sure that you know the ceiling height, square or cubic footage of the room and the ceiling pitch (if there is one).

Size

A fan that is 52 inches in diameter is recommended for any room over 11 cubic feet. This ensures the motor will not be taxed by too large a space and will therefore last longer.

Power Requirements

No special electrical power is required beyond what is in most homes. If your home is not wired properly, you might need an electrician to install a circuit box in the ceiling where you want the fan to hang. It is possible to plug a fan power cord into a wall outlet and hang the fan with chain from a U-hook in the ceiling. But a stable installation directly in the ceiling is preferred.

Power Controls

There are different ways to control a fan's operation. A wall switch will be the master control, with a pull chain, wall control, or remote control to adjust the speed of the fan.

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When most people think chandeliers, they think of their grandmother's house. But with Schonbek's styles - ranging from traditional to contemporary - a chandelier can now work with almost any décor. But, like any fixture, there are a few decisions you'll have to make before buying.

Types of Crystal

There are many different types of crystal and the value is determined by the its rarity and weight. Schonbek's most popular crystal types are STRASS® Swarovski® crystals and Rock crystals. STRASS® Swarovski® crystals are manufactured in the Austrian Alps, and due to their clarity and sharp facets, are considered some of the finest in the world. Rock crystals are made of natural quartz that is mined and not manufactured. Each crystal is cut and polished by hand.

Chandelier Height

If you're placing it over a table, a chandelier should hang with 60 inches from the floor to the bottom of fixture. For every foot over an 8-foot ceiling, add 2 inches. For example, with a 17-foot ceiling, your chandelier should hang 78 inches off the floor. Excluding pub tables; In this case, add 6" to final number. The chandelier's maximum diameter should be half the length of a rectangular table or half the width of a circular table.

Cleaning a Chandelier

For optimal shine and brilliance, most people dust their chandeliers every two to three months with a feather duster or make-up brush. Actual cleaning is required when your crystal appears dusty or dull. To do this, you'll need a solution of diluted isopropyl alcohol (usually, one part alcohol to three parts water). Using white cotton gloves, spray one glove with the solution and use it to clean the crystal, while using the other glove to dry.

If your crystal is exceptionally dirty, you may need to remove the crystals and wash in lukewarm sudsy water. Your Schonbek trim diagram will help you reassemble your chandelier.

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There are 4 ways to light a space using pot lights: general lighting, washing , accent and task.

General

General lighting sets the basic illumination level of a space. Uniform lighting provides minimal visual impact, while downlighting can create a more interesting visual appearance by creating pools of light.

Washing

Wall washing provides an evenly diffused illumination or walls, bookcases or shelving. It flattens out textured surfaces, and works best when your recessed lights are equally spaced and set close to the wall.

Accent

Accent lighting can highlight interesting objects in your home, such as sculptures, paintings or architectural details. To really make a statement, the lighting should be at least three times as bright as the surrounding area.

Task

Task lighting is focused on a specific area to make the completion of visual tasks easier. Obviously, visual tasks are easier to perform when the work area is well lit. Task lighting also eases eye strain when it is installed with care, which can make your work environment more pleasant. It is often used on a countertop, at a desk, or in front of a mirror.

When purchasing pot lights, please inform your salesperson of your ceiling height, colour palette and room type, as these may alter the affect of recessed lighting.

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