Author: Sue Matthews
DIWALI – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Diwali or Deepavali is the 5 day Festival of Lights which is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. It is a seen as a new spiritual beginning, a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness and is illustrated by various stories from ancient literature and mythology. The festival happens in October or November every year – the date varies according to the lunar calendar. In 2017 Diwali takes place between 18 October and 22 October.
LIGHTING FOR TRADITIONAL BATHROOMS
We tend to think of bathrooms today as being a modern invention and in many ways they are. Bathing during Roman times was a communal affair but during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries the use of public baths began to decline and private spaces were preferred which paved the way for the modern bathrooms we are familiar with today. Wealthy households in Victorian and Edwardian Britain had splendid bathrooms but the vast majority of the people did not have that luxury, and the ‘old tin bath’ in front of the fire was the order of the day (but not necessarily every day!).
PUSH ME, PULL ME – THE FALL & RISE OF THE PENDANT LIGHTS
Rise and fall ceiling pendants, or pull up and down lights, offer super flexible lighting by putting you directly in charge. These versatile self-adjustable pendants do exactly what they say – simply pull them down for a focused downward light or push them back up for a brighter ambient spread of light.
MONOCHROME MAGIC – Black and White Light Fittings
Using black and white for interior decoration has never really been out of fashion, and with good reason. This striking combination works with both traditional and modern interiors. White has a crisp clean look, whilst black is more dramatic and bold creating a marriage made in heaven. Monochrome was originally used to describe a photograph or picture produced in black and white or in varying tones of one colour. Black and white are both ‘flat’ colours but by introducing the different shades of white, combining black with varying shades of grey and incorporating different textures and patterns there are endless ways to work this look in our interiors.
BARE NECESSITIES – EXPOSED BULB LIGHT FITTINGS
It cannot be denied that the humble light bulb is one of the modern conveniences that has changed the way we live. At the simple flick of a switch we can have instant, trouble-free illumination. I’m sure there are few among us who would care to return to using smelly, dirty animal fat candles, oil lamps or gas lighting. It has been the practice for many years to cover naked light bulbs with shades and in fact many people really did not like seeing the bulbs at all. Exposed light bulbs were only seen in industrial factories and warehouses and certainly not in home interiors. All this has now changed as we are seeing exposed light bulb fittings being used not only for hospitality lighting but for lighting in the home too.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
‘Lights, Camera, Action’ was the traditional warning used to alert film crews at the beginning of a take and, although these actual words are not used anymore, we instantly think of the magic of the movies and the glitz and glamour associated with Hollywood. Hollywood started as a small community in the 1870’s and in the years that followed a hugely successful film industry developed there that would become famous the world over.
BATHROOM LIGHTING REGULATIONS EXPLAINED
One of our most frequently asked questions is ‘Can I use this light in my bathroom?’ Bathrooms are by definition ‘wet rooms’ and we all know that water and electricity don’t mix, so to ensure our safety there are specific rules and regulations that apply to bathroom lighting. They are applicable not only in commercial situations but also in our own bathrooms at home too. These regulations are rightly rigorous, stating that bathroom light fittings must be completely encased to avoid shorting and electric shock. For your own protection please don’t be tempted to use a conventional light fitting that is not specifically designed for bathroom use.
