Western home decor, including western light fixtures, is characterized by the use of rustic materials like wrought iron and leather. They may be aged to look weathered. Colors tend to be darker and warmer. Hues of red (ranging from yellow to orange to dark red) are used frequently to convey the idea of a western sunset. Other colors include earth-tones like browns, beiges and blacks. Wood stains tend to be dark: deep brown and mahogany is common. Natural items play a big role in Western home decor. Rock, wood, metal and bark are common elements in a Western-themed interior.
Western light fixtures use one or more of these design elements to convey a sense of authenticity. Light fixtures can be used as subtle additions that complement the room around it. Light fixtures may also be a focal point. This is particularly true of light fixtures that incorporate artful motifs. Western light fixtures may comprise an artist-designed outdoor scene featuring forests, wildlife, horses or cowboys. Western light fixtures come in various styles that will suit any room in the house. Start with just one room, or re-decorate an entire home in a western motif with these light fixtures:
* Chandeliers. Forget crystal. Western chandeliers are works of art in metal, glass and even wild-game antlers. In fact, antlers have been used for hundreds of years for fashioning light fixtures. Of course, the earliest versions used candles instead of light bulbs. Chandeliers featuring outdoor motifs work great in entryways and dining rooms. Antler chandeliers make a catchy addition to a rec room, game room or home bar. Choose flickering light bulbs that mimic candle light for extra authenticity.
* Sconce lights. Sconce and wall light fixtures add ambiance to any decor. Fixed with a western motif, sconce lights are beautiful as well as practical. Try a metal sconce instead of the traditional frosted glass. Extra adornments like leather and wood add to the western feel.
* Lamps. Lamps are always practical because they can be moved easily when necessary. They can provide more direct light to parts of a room where it's really needed. They also create mood when overhead lights are turned off. Western-style lamps may be made of wood, wrought or brushed iron or metal, and even real horse shoes. Lamp shades may be accented with rawhide or leather.
* Ceiling lights. Even ceiling lights can contribute to the western feel of a room. Frosted glass with outdoor elements convey a more formal picture. Wood and metal components and western motifs create a more casual, cabin-like atmosphere.
Western light fixtures help to create a room that is cohesively-themed. They will tie your western home decor together to make a picture that is warm and inviting. Your home will be reminiscent of days when gallant cowboys rode gracefully into the sunset.
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.