Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide
November 28, 2008
Proper interior bathroom lighting provides comfortable, adequate, un-shadowed light. There are several styles of bathroom lighting, and proper placement of your lighting is important for best results.
Styles of Bathroom Lighting
Bath and Vanity (also called a bath bar) has two or more bulbs and is installed over the mirror and sink. The number of bulbs you will require depends on the length of your mirror.
Adding Sconces to the sides of a mirror can help even out the light on your face and eliminate shadows during activities such as makeup application and shaving. In addition, sconces add a decorative touch to help complete your overall bathroom design.
Ceiling Lighting is used in addition to the lighting around the mirror. Ceiling lighting helps to illuminate the rest of the bathroom and can be used in the center of the room or in alcoves to improve overall conformability and safety.
Lighting Placement
The purpose of mirror lighting is to surround your face with light. A Bath and Vanity fixture is intended to cast light downward, while the sconces are intended to illuminate from the sides. The bath and vanity fixture should be about the same width as your mirror. When hanging the fixture, take into consideration the relative heights of your family and install the lighting at about average forehead height. An average height in most homes is about 66” from the finished floor. The mirror should be hung 1-5” below the bottom of the fixture. The sconces should be equal height on either side of the mirror and positioned to fill in the sides of your face with light.
Most bathrooms will also require at least one ceiling fixture to properly illuminate the remaining area of the bathroom. If your bathroom has additional alcoves you may want to consider adding small fixtures in those areas for even overall lighting.
Matching your lighting and plumbing fixtures
Consider the finish of your bath faucets when purchasing your new light fixtures. Most manufacturers offer a variety of finishes to match bathroom faucets, lighting and accessories for a cohesive overall design.
Bathroom Renovation Tips: Choosing Faucets for Vanities-Shower-Tub
August 31, 2008
Julia Ritzenthaler asked:
One of the most important decisions in a bathroom remodel project is choosing the plumbing fixtures. There are so many options today; you need to consider a few key details to make an educated decision. What fixtures are you shopping for? A typical bathroom remodel includes vanity faucets, tub faucets, and shower faucets. Begin by making a list of the faucets you are shopping for.
The next item to decide is your budget. Plumbing fixtures can vary widely in price, so setting a budget is an important first step. You should not use price as your only factor in choosing fixtures, as the quality of fixtures also varies widely. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to plumbing fixtures.
What is the style of your bathroom? Is it traditional or contemporary? Traditional style faucets include the standard 3 hole, 2 handle gooseneck, while a contemporary look would be something like the Purist line from Kohler - simple and sleek.
What finish matches your style? Here are the most popular finishes:
- Chrome: Chrome is the least expensive and is the most easily matched across manufacturers. This simply means that you are generally safe buying a chrome finish faucet from Moen and one from Kohler to use in the same bathroom and you should not notice the difference in finish color.
- Polished Brass
- Antique Brass
- Pewter
- Brushed or Satin Nickel
- Oil Rubbed Bronze: This is the most expensive finish; if you choose this finish, consider a high quality brand name, as the oil rubbed finish tends to rub off depending on the amount of use.
Quality issues to consider include:
- The fixture needs to be manufactured from metal, no plastic parts.
- The fixture should be heavy, significant of solid metal.
- The fixture should have washer less valves and/or ceramic valves.
- Does the fixture come with a warranty?
The best way to check quality is to test display models at your local hardware store. You can immediately feel the difference between a fixture that is $50 and one that is $200. This will help you determine what will fit your needs based on price and use.
If choosing a tub faucet, make sure there is ample flow rate to fill a tub in a reasonable amount of time. Some shower faucets take special plumbing requirements such as larger water lines and specific plumbing techniques for proper operations. If choosing a large shower head, you need to consider if the fixture will require a higher flow rate on the valve and larger diameter plumbing for proper operation. Also, be sure to have ample support for long stem shower heads.
Contractor Listings in LA
One of the most important decisions in a bathroom remodel project is choosing the plumbing fixtures. There are so many options today; you need to consider a few key details to make an educated decision. What fixtures are you shopping for? A typical bathroom remodel includes vanity faucets, tub faucets, and shower faucets. Begin by making a list of the faucets you are shopping for.
The next item to decide is your budget. Plumbing fixtures can vary widely in price, so setting a budget is an important first step. You should not use price as your only factor in choosing fixtures, as the quality of fixtures also varies widely. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to plumbing fixtures.
What is the style of your bathroom? Is it traditional or contemporary? Traditional style faucets include the standard 3 hole, 2 handle gooseneck, while a contemporary look would be something like the Purist line from Kohler - simple and sleek.
What finish matches your style? Here are the most popular finishes:
- Chrome: Chrome is the least expensive and is the most easily matched across manufacturers. This simply means that you are generally safe buying a chrome finish faucet from Moen and one from Kohler to use in the same bathroom and you should not notice the difference in finish color.
- Polished Brass
- Antique Brass
- Pewter
- Brushed or Satin Nickel
- Oil Rubbed Bronze: This is the most expensive finish; if you choose this finish, consider a high quality brand name, as the oil rubbed finish tends to rub off depending on the amount of use.
Quality issues to consider include:
- The fixture needs to be manufactured from metal, no plastic parts.
- The fixture should be heavy, significant of solid metal.
- The fixture should have washer less valves and/or ceramic valves.
- Does the fixture come with a warranty?
The best way to check quality is to test display models at your local hardware store. You can immediately feel the difference between a fixture that is $50 and one that is $200. This will help you determine what will fit your needs based on price and use.
If choosing a tub faucet, make sure there is ample flow rate to fill a tub in a reasonable amount of time. Some shower faucets take special plumbing requirements such as larger water lines and specific plumbing techniques for proper operations. If choosing a large shower head, you need to consider if the fixture will require a higher flow rate on the valve and larger diameter plumbing for proper operation. Also, be sure to have ample support for long stem shower heads.
Contractor Listings in LA
Pex Plumbing Valves
August 21, 2008
John Parker asked:
PEX Plumbing Valves include all the fittings and valves needed to make connections in a PEX plumbing system. These include SSC PEX Fittings (Clamp PEX Fittings) and Expansion Style PEX Fittings(ProPEX Fittings). To make SSC Connections, SSC PEX Tool is needed, whereas to make ProPEX connections a Wirsbo Expander tool is required.
ProPEX chrome-plated PEX Stop Valves come in either straight or angle stop configurations. These PEX stop valves are used for point-of-use shut-off at the fixture. Both valves connect 1/2″ PEX Tubing to 3/8″ O.D. Risers. Compression inserts and rings for the 3/8″ riser connections are included with the valves. ProPEX Tool is required to make the 1/2″ ProPEX connections. ProPEX Rings are usually purchased separately.
ProPEX Ball Valve (brass) main features include: in-line, shut-off valve for 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ PEX Tubing. ProPEX Angle Ball Valve (brass) features are: a quarter-turn shut-off valve for 1/2″ PEX Tubing. ProPEX Tool is required. ProPEX Rings are purchased separately as well.
PEX Plumbing is the future of the plumbing industry. PEX Plumbing involves PEX tubing, PEX fittings, PEX manifolds or Plumbing Manifolds, and the PEX Tools that accompany these parts.
Renewable Energy Videos
PEX Plumbing Valves include all the fittings and valves needed to make connections in a PEX plumbing system. These include SSC PEX Fittings (Clamp PEX Fittings) and Expansion Style PEX Fittings(ProPEX Fittings). To make SSC Connections, SSC PEX Tool is needed, whereas to make ProPEX connections a Wirsbo Expander tool is required.
ProPEX chrome-plated PEX Stop Valves come in either straight or angle stop configurations. These PEX stop valves are used for point-of-use shut-off at the fixture. Both valves connect 1/2″ PEX Tubing to 3/8″ O.D. Risers. Compression inserts and rings for the 3/8″ riser connections are included with the valves. ProPEX Tool is required to make the 1/2″ ProPEX connections. ProPEX Rings are usually purchased separately.
ProPEX Ball Valve (brass) main features include: in-line, shut-off valve for 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ PEX Tubing. ProPEX Angle Ball Valve (brass) features are: a quarter-turn shut-off valve for 1/2″ PEX Tubing. ProPEX Tool is required. ProPEX Rings are purchased separately as well.
PEX Plumbing is the future of the plumbing industry. PEX Plumbing involves PEX tubing, PEX fittings, PEX manifolds or Plumbing Manifolds, and the PEX Tools that accompany these parts.
Renewable Energy Videos
Gold Plated Fixtures
August 2, 2008
Ed Terran asked:
When you think of light switches, and taps maybe you do not think of gold but it is a highly decorative item in homes today. Gold plating can add to a room’s décor. There are different styles of ceiling fans and recessed lighting that have all included gold plating for the accents. So why should a light switch be any different?
Many people have used the gold plated plumbing fixtures in their bathrooms. This style can include the shower bars, enclosures, faucets, and accessories for the bathroom all in one matching gold plated look. When you use the same style throughout the bathroom it pulls the look together instead of creating a haphazard look with too man different styles in one room.
Even the plumbing can be gold plated. If you are going for an elegant look and have a claw foot bathtub, the piping, instead of being concealed can stand out with the great look of gold plating. When this is matched with your shower riser in the same look you will have a really elegant looking bathroom.
Let us not forget the sink. When you decide to go with gold for your bathroom the look can be carried right to the sink by adding faucets with the look of gold. The accessories for the sink can match as well for the all around wonderful style that this adds to your bathroom.
When adding the gold touch to your bathroom do not forget the toilet and bidet. They can also have the look of gold by using the gold plated fixtures. This will add to the look you already have started. The best thing to do when adding it to all your bathroom fixtures make sure to get all the same color gold. There is also an antique gold plate that looks great. But you do not want to mix the two. This will subtract from the look you are trying to achieve rather than enhance it.
This is a good look for the kitchen as well and carries the look through to the two most essential areas of the home. Add the gold light switches to your kitchen lights. The faucets, pipes, and even lighting accessories can be much neater looking when they all match. This never goes out of style, because it has one of its own which is timeless.
The really wonderful thing that is going on with style for kitchens and bathrooms is the use of exposed pipes. These pipes used to be the parts that everyone wanted hidden but not anymore. They have become a style that is used in high end homes as well as the moderate income homes. Everyone wants the pipes exposed.
If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing one, you cannot go wrong with this style. If done correctly, making sure that all the accessories, switches, pipes, and anything else that you want to replace with the gold plated look, this can be one awesome look.
Contractor Listings in LA
When you think of light switches, and taps maybe you do not think of gold but it is a highly decorative item in homes today. Gold plating can add to a room’s décor. There are different styles of ceiling fans and recessed lighting that have all included gold plating for the accents. So why should a light switch be any different?
Many people have used the gold plated plumbing fixtures in their bathrooms. This style can include the shower bars, enclosures, faucets, and accessories for the bathroom all in one matching gold plated look. When you use the same style throughout the bathroom it pulls the look together instead of creating a haphazard look with too man different styles in one room.
Even the plumbing can be gold plated. If you are going for an elegant look and have a claw foot bathtub, the piping, instead of being concealed can stand out with the great look of gold plating. When this is matched with your shower riser in the same look you will have a really elegant looking bathroom.
Let us not forget the sink. When you decide to go with gold for your bathroom the look can be carried right to the sink by adding faucets with the look of gold. The accessories for the sink can match as well for the all around wonderful style that this adds to your bathroom.
When adding the gold touch to your bathroom do not forget the toilet and bidet. They can also have the look of gold by using the gold plated fixtures. This will add to the look you already have started. The best thing to do when adding it to all your bathroom fixtures make sure to get all the same color gold. There is also an antique gold plate that looks great. But you do not want to mix the two. This will subtract from the look you are trying to achieve rather than enhance it.
This is a good look for the kitchen as well and carries the look through to the two most essential areas of the home. Add the gold light switches to your kitchen lights. The faucets, pipes, and even lighting accessories can be much neater looking when they all match. This never goes out of style, because it has one of its own which is timeless.
The really wonderful thing that is going on with style for kitchens and bathrooms is the use of exposed pipes. These pipes used to be the parts that everyone wanted hidden but not anymore. They have become a style that is used in high end homes as well as the moderate income homes. Everyone wants the pipes exposed.
If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing one, you cannot go wrong with this style. If done correctly, making sure that all the accessories, switches, pipes, and anything else that you want to replace with the gold plated look, this can be one awesome look.
Contractor Listings in LA
Lighting Design: Choosing Light Fixtures for a New Home
July 4, 2008
Julia Ritzenthaler asked:
Building a new home is both exhilarating and daunting. Few things are as exciting as building a home from scratch, made to spec. It’s rewarding to be able to choose everything from flooring, to plumbing, paint colors, appliances and light fixtures. Building a home is the ultimate opportunity to express style while meeting specific needs.
Lighting design may be something a homeowner has never before considered. This is particularly true if it’s the first new home he or she has ever built. Light fixtures are first and foremost functional items. They provide the illumination that is necessary to go about daily life. Nevertheless, they do not have to be purely utilitarian. Light fixtures can be both functional and decorative. They can enhance the quality of a home and even add to its overall value. Choosing light fixtures knowledgeably can pay off in terms of quality of life and resale value. The following three considerations are the most important when it comes to choosing light fixtures for a new home:
* Choose light fixtures based on need/use. Evaluate each room in terms of the type of activity that will take place there. The kitchen is a prime example of form versus function in lighting design. Smaller kitchens may be able to get away with one light fixture in the center of the room. Larger kitchens, however, may require several banks of light fixtures. Track lighting can be useful in small kitchens even though it’s more commonly associated with other rooms. Track lights allow you to adjust light positions to aim light where it’s needed most. Remember to think about those areas of the kitchen that may need directed light for working purposes. The stove is usually one of these places. Another may be countertops where food preparation will take place. Apply these same principles to all rooms in the home. This will help you determine which type of light fixtures will be necessary and how many. It’s okay to have light fixtures that are mainly for decorative purposes (such as sconce lights). However, be sure to supplement those with directed lighting.
* Choose lighting design based on the style of the home. Light fixtures should complement the style of the home’s interior. For example, a contemporary home interior features clean, straight lines. Light fixtures in a contemporary home or room should do the same.
* Think about energy costs when choosing light fixtures. The cost of energy used to be an afterthought when it came to lighting design. This trend is changing considerably. Even those with deep pockets are concerned with the impact that energy use has on our environment. Just because a homeowner can afford to be extravagant with lighting design doesn’t mean he should be. It’s possible to achieve beauty, ambiance and value without doing extra damage to the environment. Homeowners should compare their budgets with the projected cost of energy use with any light fixtures they consider. They should also strive to be as energy-efficient as possible.
Homeowners can come up with a suitable lighting design once these priorities have been identified and determined. It may seem that a lot of factors are at play. However, it’s possible even for the novice to choose light fixtures that are complementary and functional at the same time.
Renewable Energy Videos
Building a new home is both exhilarating and daunting. Few things are as exciting as building a home from scratch, made to spec. It’s rewarding to be able to choose everything from flooring, to plumbing, paint colors, appliances and light fixtures. Building a home is the ultimate opportunity to express style while meeting specific needs.
Lighting design may be something a homeowner has never before considered. This is particularly true if it’s the first new home he or she has ever built. Light fixtures are first and foremost functional items. They provide the illumination that is necessary to go about daily life. Nevertheless, they do not have to be purely utilitarian. Light fixtures can be both functional and decorative. They can enhance the quality of a home and even add to its overall value. Choosing light fixtures knowledgeably can pay off in terms of quality of life and resale value. The following three considerations are the most important when it comes to choosing light fixtures for a new home:
* Choose light fixtures based on need/use. Evaluate each room in terms of the type of activity that will take place there. The kitchen is a prime example of form versus function in lighting design. Smaller kitchens may be able to get away with one light fixture in the center of the room. Larger kitchens, however, may require several banks of light fixtures. Track lighting can be useful in small kitchens even though it’s more commonly associated with other rooms. Track lights allow you to adjust light positions to aim light where it’s needed most. Remember to think about those areas of the kitchen that may need directed light for working purposes. The stove is usually one of these places. Another may be countertops where food preparation will take place. Apply these same principles to all rooms in the home. This will help you determine which type of light fixtures will be necessary and how many. It’s okay to have light fixtures that are mainly for decorative purposes (such as sconce lights). However, be sure to supplement those with directed lighting.
* Choose lighting design based on the style of the home. Light fixtures should complement the style of the home’s interior. For example, a contemporary home interior features clean, straight lines. Light fixtures in a contemporary home or room should do the same.
* Think about energy costs when choosing light fixtures. The cost of energy used to be an afterthought when it came to lighting design. This trend is changing considerably. Even those with deep pockets are concerned with the impact that energy use has on our environment. Just because a homeowner can afford to be extravagant with lighting design doesn’t mean he should be. It’s possible to achieve beauty, ambiance and value without doing extra damage to the environment. Homeowners should compare their budgets with the projected cost of energy use with any light fixtures they consider. They should also strive to be as energy-efficient as possible.
Homeowners can come up with a suitable lighting design once these priorities have been identified and determined. It may seem that a lot of factors are at play. However, it’s possible even for the novice to choose light fixtures that are complementary and functional at the same time.
Renewable Energy Videos
