Style Illuminated

On a previous post, reader Karen asked this about mini chandeliers: "Question about appropriate height for mini chandeliers...for over bed in bedroom?  Any tips?"

It's a good question, so we thought we'd share some of our response.

For starters, mini-chandeliers are a great idea for the bedroom. They offer glamour and glitz (see our crystal mini chandeliers for extra bling), but on an intimate scale appropriate for the bedroom space.

Mini chandeliers are commonly installed to the overhead junction box of the bedroom. This box is normally located in the center of the room where a flushmount ceiling light would go.

The problem is, this location is dead center in the bedroom. So if you use this spot, go with a mini-chandelier that's not too high, something around the neighborhood of 15 to 22 inches. Leave a foot or so of hang height so you don't bonk your head.  

To hang a mini-chandelier centered over the bed, I’d suggest using a swag chandelier instead. They install on hooks, can be easily adjusted for height, plug into any wall outlet (no wiring hassles!), and can also be used over a bedside table in place of a table lamp. 

Thanks for the question, Karen! See this post for the full reply.

I'm definitely digging this desk light design which features track lighting technology. The head attaches magnetically anywhere on the length of the pole making it infinitely adjustable. Three LED bulbs in the bullet head offer bright light and energy efficient operation. This desk lamp only uses 4 watts of energy!

The perfect modern addition to your workspace, this task light will help you get "on track". Ahem, sorry.

Check it out: Adjustable Magnetic Arm LED Desk Lamp.

Post Update 12-12-11 - this item has sold out. We'll leave an update here if it comes back in stock.

We blogged last week about a video showcasing the Holtkoetter dimming system; see Holtkoetter's Punkt1Dimming System.

Here's another Holtkoetter lighting video, this time a company overview from President Paul W. Eusterbrock.

What caught my eye in the vid, apart from the cool examples of the dimming system in action, was the close-up shot of this Holtkoetter adjustable pendant (at 0:37 of the video).

I've always loved the idea of an adjustable height chandelier or light fixture, so it was neat to see this in action. Click above to take a look for yourself!

We are constantly adding to our giclee art shade lighting collection. Here are a couple of my favorite new shade patterns.

Go mod with this 1960s inspired pattern by interior designer Stacy Garcia (see above). Stacy Garcia Rain Table Lamp. The pattern is also available on this swag style chandelier. Stacy Garcia Rain Swag Chandelier.

For a bold black and white look, try this vine and leaf pattern ceiling pendant (below). Swirling Vines 4-Light Pendant.

Finally, I love the look of the giclee printed shade below. It has the look of natural materials and fabric, but is actually a giclee print shade. Woven Tapered Lamp Shade.

Some of our art shades can be customized with your own color choices. Take a visit to our Design Your Own Custom Lighting page for more details. 

Something fun for Wednesday! This fascinating piece is the work of British artist Patrick Hughes, and hangs in the lower reaches of the British Library, in London. It's a regular wall painting, but a trick in perspective makes it appear 3D as you move around it.

Click the image above or this link to view a Flicker video clip of the 3D perspective trick in action; it's pretty wicked! (Warning: the camera work is pretty shaky!)

You can read more about the artist on his website. For a fresh perspective for your home, browse our wall art product sort.

The color white offers a refreshing, simple and smart decorating accent.

Lighting fixtures and home decor in classic white show off their basic forms and profiles in a crisp and clean manner. They speak for themselves, without having to rely on color to make a statement.

With that said, here are a few white furnishings that offer elegant freshness!

Up first, a white chandelier (see above) with a lovely shape and form. White Flower Pendant Chandelier.

Next, a neat, fluid-shaped white table lamp. White Moderne Droplet Table Lamp. Find more to love in our contemporary white table lamp collection.

A contemporary chair, such as this Zuo White and Chrome Frame Chair, offers white freshness with playful geometry.

Pair the chair with these snow white finish nesting tables. 

White finish home decor items offer graceful room accents. Try this White Floral Vase for a touch of the traditional...

...or go with this classic Ivory Gazelle Ceramic Sculpture from the Haeger Potteries ceramics collection.

And finally, the Raganoodle White Shag Rug adds softness underfoot. Find more rugs to love in our complete area rug collection.

Looking for more color? Take a look at some of our older Color Chart blog posts.

With round links, oval rings or interlocked squares, these products have an elegant motif that will link-in and lift your current decor. Here are my favorite ways to get linked in!

Let's start with a floor rug. The Elm Park Addison rug  (see above) has a soft and cool look, and an ivory background with sets of interlocking rings.

Pair the rug with furniture like this oval ring side table that has an open and airy look.  

Accent with a table lamp like this Blue and White Links Lamp from our giclee art shade lamp collection.

For more link action, accent with this Gold and Silver Links candle holder...

...then add some wall interest with a mirror, such as this Intersecting Rings Mirror design. 

For a dining room, a chandelier with links, such as this Cirque Collection Pendant makes an elegant statement.

Carry the theme into a hallway or bedroom, with a wall sconce. This plug-in wall sconce design comes in a sleek brushed nickel finish. Possini Euro Circles Wall Sconce.

And, finally, if all these links are making you dizzy, accent pillows will give you a place to rest your head. Surya Linking Circles Pillows. 

This Sunset Magazine photo feature proves that you don't need to have a big home to have big style.

The home in question is a tiny, cottage-style 900-square-foot home in Santa Monica. Starting with the 1930s floorplan, owner Julie Hart raised the roof, added new windows and created bright, loft-like rooms.

The white-themed living room looks open and bright. It's anchored by an colorful floor rug and has leather ottomans scattered about for extra seating.

Barstools and recessed lighting streamlines the kitchen's style.

A contemporary swing arm wall light beside the bed makes the most of the small bedroom space. We like it all!

Photos thanks to Sunset Magazine. Photography by Lisa Romerein.

It's that time already, back to school days are here! Here are some lighting ideas that'll make your student more productive no matter if they are in high school, college, or kindergarden. One day they may even thank you!

Up first, from our desk lamp collection, this classic architect style halogn desk lamp (above) pivots, moves and adjusts as needed. The perfect accessory for computer desks and more.

Next up, this design offers sleek, streamlined style with an energy-saver bulb and an adjustable, gooseneck arm. Ideal for budding tech millionaires. The Espo Black and Chrome Desk Lamp.  

Our third idea is this Gooseneck Clip Lamp from the Pro Track lighting collection. Use the clip to attach to bed headboards, sleeping lofts and more. If you need a different color or style, try browsing our entire clip light collection.

Looking for something more fun? Send 'em a lava light to keep them entertained! 

The banker's style desk lamp is a classic of form and function. It's been a mainstay in banks, offices and public buildings for a century or more.

Now it gets a high-tech makeover!

This new design, the LED Banker's Desk Lamp, comes with energy efficient, long-lasting LEDs.

It has the same line and profile, however, of the classic banker's lamp. Like older designs, the top light bar swivels and can be easily positioned to shield your eyes from the light throw. 

It's a great choice for energy efficient lighting, and can be used to replace an older halogen desk lamp on your office desk.