Friday, October 17, 2008

Modern Lighting: Setting the Mood

By Fabian Toulouse

Light is the medium through which sight is made possible. Eighty percent of all the information we receive is gathered through our eyes. When we have insufficient light to see, we cannot get our bearings. Our sense of security is restored at night only when we have the privilege of having artificial light. Over the centuries, light is phenomenon that has been studied by means of physics. Light is visible electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted by a source of light and travels in waves. It takes time to move from the light source to the eye. In a vacuum, it has been discovered that light can travel at a velocity of 300,000km/s. Each wavelength has a particular color.

Humans first used fire not only as a heating source, but as a source of light. Campfires and torches alike brought light and life into deep, dark caves. As different settlements developed, light found a variety of applications throughout history. Around 260 B.C., the Pharaohs in Egypt found out how to harness light to send signals. In the year 378 A.D., Antioch seemed to have street lighting in use. In 1783, oil lamps were widely used and by 1879, Thomas Alva Edison had "re-invented" the light bulb. It had been invented 25 years earlier by Johann Heinrich Goebel, a German clock-maker.

Currently, only 10% of the total electrical consumption worldwide is used for lighting. Only one-fifth of that percentage is used in private household lighting. The lighting industry has developed a number of energy-saving options available, including efficient electronic control gear, long-life light bulbs, and fluorescent light bulbs. The aim of all of these innovations is to maximize output, minimize input, and improve overall lighting quality.

A quick visit to a lighting website will unveil a selection of modern lighting fixtures. These fixtures often include multi- and mini-pendant lights, chandeliers, large pendant lights, bowl pendant fixtures, and linear suspension light fixtures (better known as pool table lights). Most reputable sites will feature transitional, contemporary ceiling lights selection features a number of different lamping options such as incandescent, halogen and fluorescent.

Some innovative designs can be found on the Lumens website. They offer a range of beautiful chandeliers from such leading manufacturers as Forecast Lighting or Fontana Arte. The best thing about Lumens is that you can get the largest selection of all of the best products from all over the world in just one place. This company is the best at carrying all sorts of modern lighting products. If you cannot find it on their website, all you have to do is contact a customer service representative and ask. Chances are excellent that you will find what you are looking for at Lumens. - 15252

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