Illuminate the Possibilities of Home Decor
August 23rd, 2007
(ARA) - Today’s design savvy consumers want their homes to be practical, modern and, most of all, fashionable. When they envision home improvements, they picture fresh paint, new furniture and decorative accessories. Lighting rarely makes the home improvement to-do list.
Residential lighting is often considered a basic necessity, so home owners do not think of it as a stylish home décor element. Yet lighting can be so much more than a simple ceiling fixture. Accent lights enhance your existing lighting while highlighting particular areas of your home. Under-the-cabinet lights illuminate counter spaces. Picture lights emphasize art and décor. Wall sconces provide a classic, decorative light source for dining areas, hallways and bathrooms.
A recent trend in home accent lighting is replacing ceiling fixtures and recessed cans with mini pendants. Ceiling fixtures usually brighten an entire room and cannot target specific areas that need light. Recessed cans provide inconspicuous light sources in the ceilings of many homes, but these practical lights lack style. Many decorative mini pendants feature designer bodies and colorful glass. Suspended by a cord, extension rod or chain, they direct light onto kitchen counters, islands, bars and nooks. By installing several mini pendants over one area, you can create a focal point and add dimension to your room.
Many home improvement and lighting retailers offer mini pendants that include everything you need for installation. These fixtures sell for about $30 to $100. If you prefer something more customized, Westinghouse Lighting Corporation’s mini pendant kits allow you to add any 2 1/4 inch glass shade so you can design your new lighting fixture by choosing the color, shape and design of the glass. These kits retail for about $19.99.
Available in oil rubbed bronze, nickel, antique brass and white finishes, the Westinghouse mini pendant kits include a canopy, installation hardware, and a 50 inch adjustable cord that allows you to determine the pendant’s length. This cord lets you install several mini pendants at varying heights to create a designer look. The kits also contain a shade ring that simplifies glass installation by eliminating thumb screws. These mini pendants use one 60 watt standard base light bulb (not included).
Although Westinghouse offers an extensive selection of over 200 shades in a variety of designs, it’s easy to personalize the mini pendant kit with any 2 1/4 inch glass shade. The glass is significantly more affordable than a new lighting fixture, so if you tire of the mini pendant’s style simply replace the glass.
As the days of fall get shorter, brighten your home with the design and color of accent lights. A few accent lights can dramatically enhance your décor without breaking the bank on a major home makeover.
For more information about Westinghouse Lighting Corporation’s mini pendants, visit www.westinghouselighting.com/products_05.html, send an email to info@westinghouselighting.com, or call (888) 417-6222
