Schonbek Lighting - A Brief History

Posted by:
Adam
January 26th, 2010
Schonbek

Schonbek

In 1870, Schonbek began as most great companies do - out of a passion for quality and customer satisfaction.  Adolf Schonbek, who was working with his family’s glasswork in Bohemia, walked away to start his own business.

It was the height of the last great era of romance and candlelight. People of means throughout Europe lived opulently in homes richly furnished and lighted by ornate crystal chandeliers. Not surprisingly, Schonbek’s business flourished.

Some of the great works created by Schonbek can be seen in places of prestige such as Buckingham Palace and the White House. The high quality of work brought by Schonbek earned respect all around the world.

Through wars and relocation, Schonbek eventually found its headquarters in the United States.

The craft of chandelier design remains a living art at Schonbek today. Drawing on their rich heritage to revitalize the great styles of the past, Schonbek is constantly reinventing crystal, as well, to be perfectly at home in contemporary rooms. As a result, Schonbek designs are probably the most-imitated chandeliers in the world.

In 2007 Schonbek was acquired by Swarovski. Swarovski is the world leader in the production of fine cut crystal, just as Schonbek is the leader worldwide in the design and manufacturing of crystal chandeliers. Together they bring a potent new mix of creativity to the world of home fashion.

Today, the team of Schonbek and Swarovski are constantly producing crystal chandeliers that are sure to fit any interior lighting scheme.

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Kichler Landscaping - Quality by Design

Posted by:
Adam
January 15th, 2010
Kichler Landscape Lighting

Kichler Landscape Lighting

Kicher Landscape Lighting Products offer an impressive array of landscape lighting solutions designed specifically for today’s distinctive homes.  Kichler has been a leader in decorative lighting since 1938 due to their passion for originality and innovative technologies.

Kichler Landscape Lighting Durability

Every Kichler Landscape lighting Product features architectural-grade materials, including marine-grade aluminum, premium copper-content brass, stainless steel fasteners and powder-coated or stainless steel transformer housing.  With the quality materials, the finishes are tested under the toughest environmental conditions to provide years of beautiful and reliable service.

These factors are why Kichler backs their materials and finishes with Limited Lifetime, 5- and 10-year warranties.

Kichler Landscape Innovation

Kichler is reshaping accent lighting using state-of-the-art LED technology for ultimate watt optimization per wire run, professional lighting quality and ever improving energy efficiency - all leading to cost-saving benefits for you, the consumer. Over 70 years of lighting expertise combined with thousands of discussions with professionals provides valuable engineering inputs that result in a comprehensive line of landscape lighting solutions, designed with an installation friendly focus to meet the emerging needs of custom landscape lighting.

Kichler’s innovation goals are simple - Provide Better, Safer, and Faster Solutions for the Landscape Lighting Industry

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Currey and Company

Posted by:
Adam
January 8th, 2010

Curry and Company has been one of the foremost leaders in the indoor lighting scene since their formation in 1988.  Currey takes pride in only using quality materials, such as handcut wood or brass.  Currey lighting has consistently been ahead of the curve in design, providing both functionality and an elegant style to fit any interior design.  Unlike many companies in the interior lighting field, Currey has taken the approach of having a broad selection; this gives customers a wide array of products to choose from, making sure that the customer will be able to select a fixture that fits the style of their home perfectly.  For example, Currey’s 5882 Traditional/Classic Cupertino Crystal Bud Wall Sconce is a very versatile fixture:

Currey's 5882 Traditional/Classic Cupertino Crystal Bud Wall Sconce

This elegant piece could fit perfectly into an antique home, such as a mountain log home, and bring an easy lighting solution along with a style that will only add to the warm comfort of the home.  Just as easily, the fixture could fit into any home with floral decor, with the crystal flowers on the sconce adding class to the house.

Currey has a wide array of versatile lighting solutions, and I would encourage you to take the time to look at all of the products they offer; with such a broad selection, you’re sure to find the perfect fixture to make your home your own.

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LED Lighting

Posted by:
Adam
December 28th, 2009

I thought I would take this post in a little bit different direction and give an indoor lighting technique some attention that it deserves, but has been lacking - LED Lighting.

This partially comes from my personal background as a musician and from the technical aspect of the stage.  Often overlooked, lighting can make or break a band’s concert, and just as in home lighting, certain trends come about and take the stage lighting scene by storm.  The most recent addition to the stage lighting expert’s utility belt is that of LED lighting.  This is due to the numerous advantages over the conventional lighting schemes (and most, if not all of these advantages transfer to your home lighting scheme as well!).

First, and financially foremost, is the fact that LED lights use drastically less energy than conventional lighting fixtures.  (see graph)

Incandescent vs CFL vs LED Savings

This sheet shows the drastic cost savings that come along with the change to LED lighting systems.  The numbers in this sheet assume you change all the lights in your home, but even a few changes can produce a difference in your energy bill over time.
Another great benefit of LED Lights is their long life-span.  Most LED bulbs last from 50,000 to 120,000 hours, and unlike common bulbs, LED lights do not “burn out”, but instead they dim once their life-span is done; this means a LED bulb could last for thousands of hours past its expected lifetime.

Lastly, LED lighting fixtures produce almost no heat.  This is convenient on many different levels - you are able to place lighting fixtures where you could not place conventional lights, you are able to cover them with thin sheets of cloth to add different lighting elements, and it will reduce your home temperature as well.

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Uttermost - A 32 Year Tradition of Quality

Posted by:
Adam
December 18th, 2009
Uttermost Lighting

Uttermost Lighting

Uttermost has set itself apart from competition by offering one of the broadest selections of home lighting fixtures in the industry.  Along with the home lighting, Uttermost offers extensive lines of decor for your home, such as mirrors, art, lamps, and other accessories to make your home your own.

From the formation of The Uttermost Company in 1975 by Bob and Belle Cooper, Uttermost has been 100% owned by the Cooper family.  This came after two generations of furniture manufacturing by Bob and Belle Cooper, and the family has not looked back; the management team, which is made up completely of the Cooper family, has enjoyed steady growth for the past 32 years.  At the Rocky Mount, Virginia factory, approximately 290 employees craft the quality products Uttermost puts its name on.  In addition, a new state-of-the-art West Coast facility was built in 2006 in order to increase distribution capacity, provide faster shipping to West Coast Retailers, and to reduce freight costs to these Retailers.

The name Uttermost is taken from the Bible.  It refers to Acts 1:8, which says “to the uttermost part of the earth”.  This influences their marketing plan in that they offer their products to all parts of the earth.  Uttermost strives to conduct its business in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.

Uttermost has built itself on a belief that everyone in the corporation and everyone they do business with deserves respect.  The Uttermost culture is founded on the concept of partners in business.  From the designer to the craftsman to the retailer, everyone is dependent on each other; they are all partners in the business of excellence.

Uttermost introduced Lamps in the Spring of 2002, which quickly became the fastest growing major Lamp line in the country.  In addition, in January 2006, Uttermost introduced a complete line of lighting fixtures.  These fixtures are exclusively available through professional lighting retailers such as ourselves at LightingSale.com.

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Minka-Aire Concept Series

Posted by:
Adam
December 14th, 2009

Both the Minka-Aire Concept I and Concept II fans offer an elegant, contemporary design suitable for nearly any room in the home. The simple design makes it easy to match the clean indoor lighting products to your room, as both the Concept I and Concept II come in quality finishes such as brushed nickel, white, or oil rubbed bronze.

The main point of difference between the two high-quality series of ceiling fans is the type of mounting. For the tighter locations, such as a small loft, the Concept II Series would fit best; it offers a flush mount to the ceiling, giving you all of the space you desire without giving up any of the efficiency. Following the tradition of superior engineering at Minka, the three, 52” blades of the Concept keep the air in your room moving just as well as competing ceiling fans that are twice the size while only using a hanging depth of 10.5”.

For those who have higher ceilings, the Concept I is a perfect fit. The Concept I comes with galvanized steel 3.5” and 6” downrods, which allow for adjustment to fit the height of the ceiling.

With the consumer in mind, Minka-Aire has constructed the Concept series to require 75% less time and labor to assemble than conventional ceiling fans. Also, the Concept series has been UL listed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for wet situations since it has been UL listed for wet locations. The included easy to use remote also makes the operation of these ceiling fans a “breeze”.

MinkaAire Concept I

MinkaAire Concept I

MinkaAire Concept II

MinkaAire Concept II

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Ceiling Fan Size Chart

Posted by:
Eric
November 23rd, 2009

Fans come in a wide range of sizes. Here is a chart to help you determine a suggested fan size based on room size.

Suggested Fan Size: Application: Room Size:
29″ Fan Bathroom, Hallway Up to 50 square feet
36″ Fan Breakfast Nook, Laundry Room Up to 75 square feet
42″ Fan Small Bedroom, Small Kitchen Up to 100 square feet
50″ - 52″ Fan Standard Bedroom, Family Room Up to 400 square feet
54″ or Larger Great Room, Large Areas Over 400 square feet

Room Size

Ceiling height is important to know when making your selection, as there should be a minimum 7 ft clearance between the floor and ceiling fan to ensure the safety of those in the room.

Low ceilings? Most manufacturers offer a variety of styles that adapt to close to ceiling installations, while many offer a truly “flush” to ceiling or “flush mount” installation – providing a lower profile and greater clearance.

For ceilings over 8 ft, additional lengths can be added with coordinating downrods.

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GK LIGHTRAIL Systems by George Kovacs

Posted by:
Eric
November 9th, 2009

Welcome to the new world of George Kovacs lighting. GK LIGHTRAIL systems represent a fresh approach to the concept of rail lighting systems. Our improved design offers all the options with a simple philosophy; make it easy. Let your imagination run wild as you invent new ways to light your home. This catalog will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your very personal GK LIGHTRAIL system.

GK LightRail

GK LightRail

GK LIGHTRAIL are low voltage systems that offers you a complete line of components allowing you to create a lighting plan for any room in your home. It consists of flexible rail, a wide array of fixtures and glass, and a variety of transformers that will adapt to all lighting needs. A complete line of accessories are offered to allow your vision to come to light.

Let your imagination be your guide and enjoy the GK LIGHTRAIL system.

Getting Started

To begin the process of selecting what is right for your needs, it is important to answer a few questions:

  1. What is the function of the rail system; is it general room light, is it to perform a task (light a picture), or is it purely decorative?
  2. Determine the size of the room and the general path of the rail.
  3. How high is the ceiling? Is there a slope to the ceiling?

By answering these simple questions, your showroom representative will be able to assist you in designing your very own custom GK LIGHTRAIL system.

Step 1

Designing your lighting system

Use the answers from the Getting Started section to help layout your GK LIGHHTRAIL system. If there is an existing outlet box on the ceiling, your system needs to intersect at this point. Measure the space and draw the layout for the rail. Remember the rail is bendable. With all of the different connectors the only limit is your imagination.

Step 2

Designing your rail

GK LIGHTRAIL is available in 48” and 96” lengths in two finishes, Brushed Nickel and Sable Bronze Patina. Select the finish you desire and measure the length based on your initial drawing. Add the connectors to join the rail together. Be creative and have fun.

Step 3

Choose your standoffs

Standoffs should be placed no further than 3’ apart. Measure the ceiling height and where the rail is to be situated. The rail should not be placed any lower than 7’ from the floor. Use the rail standoff guide to determine which standoffs should be used. The standoffs are telescopic and come with a hang-straight swivel for higher, sloped ceilings. All standoffs, excluding the 2 and ¾”, come standard with a hang-straight swivel.

Step 4

Select your fixtures

The GK LIGHTRAIL offers many different types of fixtures. Pendants, flexible, and fixtures are available in various lengths offering many options. Choose the style and type that best fit your lighting needs.

The standard fixtures come in four different lengths; 3”, 6”, 9” and 12” stems.

The pendants fixtures come standard with 72” lead wire that is adjustable.

The flexible fixture is a standard 18”

Step 5

Choose your shades

GK LIGHTRAIL offers many shade options. You can mix and match colors and shapes to suit your tastes. All of the Series 1 shades work on all the Series 1 fixtures and all Series 6 shades work on Series 6 fixtures. The new Series 4 fixtures are compatible with our low voltage GK LightRail Systems, as well as with our Mono and Multi-Point Canopies.

Step 6

Select your transformer and power feed

Add up the total number of fixtures and the length of the rail to determine what transformer would be best for your layout. Each surface mount transformer includes a power feed for a standard 8’ ceiling. If using a remote transformer, or if the ceiling is higher than the standard 8’, you must use one of the adjustable power feeds.

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George Kovacs Design

Posted by:
Eric
November 5th, 2009

Since its inception in 1954 as a small modern design store in Manhattan, George Kovacs has remained a beacon of innovative contemporary design. The Minka Group is proudly committed to ideals embraced by the legendary George Kovacs: visionary modern lighting and outstanding quality. As Kovacs has evolved, our lighting also stands for exceptional value.

Within these pages, you will find familiar Kovacs favorites combined with many new inspired designs. You will also discover that many of our successful “families” have expanded with fresh new looks and ideas.

Enduring contemporary designs, sophisticated style with a twist, and our commitment to you, devoted fans of Kovacs, are what we present to you with this comprehensive offering from George Kovacs Lighting. Join us in celebrating the legacy that could only be created by George.

Kovacs continues to illuminate the way of modern lighting. George always had a sparkle in his eye. If you look closely, you might just see that same “sparkle” in our lamps, too.

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Casablanca Fan: Motors

Posted by:
Eric
October 23rd, 2009

Unlike most ceiling fan companies, Casablanca designs and manufacturers its own motors. Each is meticulously crafted from premium components and incorporates industry-leading design innovations that create more power while maintaining cooler operating temperatures.

casablanca fansThe XLP-2000, XLP-2100 and XLP Plus were engineered to provide more power. Increased power generates greater air movement, which adds to environmental comfort. In conjunction with Casablanca’s patented Silent-Flex flywheel, which absorbs vibration and dampens sound, XLP and XLP Plus motors run smoothly and are virtually noise-free.

Fans with XL and XLP Plus motors are ultra efficient, returning their cost in energy savings while adding value to your home. Because XLP and XLP Plus motors draw less than one amp of energy-the equivalent of a 100-watt lightbulb-the cost to operate the ceiling fan is only about 6 cents a day. This is 50 times less energy than that used by an air conditioner. Consumers can save up to 40% on cooling cost and 10% on heating cost by operating a Casablanca fan year-round.

All of these features combine to provide unparalleled power, silent performance and reliability over decades of daily use. Visit LightingSale.com for more Casablanca Fans.

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