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There is a certain pride in developing the interior decor of a home to a standard that leaves a visitor in complimentary mood. Vases, art work, rugs and suites of furniture can turn heads, but ceiling lights can also prompt the desired effect. Normally, it's a consequence of an intricate or unusual light shade, but increasingly what evokes the awe-struck pose is the presence of what was once thought to be out of the working-man's price range. There is no shame in wanting to impress someone who visits your home. In fact, arguably, it reflects a love of home. When people have settled in a house, having lived there for a number of years, enhancing their abode can be considered normal. People are willing to spend money on their interior decor, turning a simple home into precisely the type of home they've always wanted. For some, it could be a picture of stereotypical luxury, while for others it is a modern, spacious home. Two types of light in particular are perfect examples of this change. The first are chandeliers, the light that was once the lot of only the truly rich and royal. The second are downlighters, representative of the highly sophisticated young executives who loved fast cars, fast life-styles and minimalist modernism. The first of the two is really a perfect example of how money is no longer a great object for the common consumer. There has long been a sense of the aristocrat about an owner of such an intricately designed, elaborately decorated and delicately structured light. Not only could only those with money afford one; only those with money could afford to have one repaired or replaced if it were damaged. It is, therefore, a traditional status symbol and in many respects, the ultimate status symbol. Now, however, because of the development of more affordable versions, it is possible to have one in a simple home. They are available in a wider range too, with coloured and the traditional crystal versions. Of course, the most affordable are simple in design and are made from common material. A good example is the polished chrome range from Orbis, with three or five light variaties available. Despite the simplicity, Orbis retains the piece's traditional sense of delicacy by having glass features on the arms. More expensive models tend to be much more intricate in design with the classic 'tear-drop' glass beads and pendants hanging from a brass frame. Romeo's 9-light Antique Brass model provides a perfect example with its sconces cut glass to add greater elegance to what is a timeless piece. Of course, if you do have a home large enough, it is always possible to fork out for the more expensive type, with the Settate 72-inch polished chrome model boasting 60 lights, with a cost the extends deep into the thousands of pounds. The second type of lights are downlighters, which were once the stereotype of the ultra modern apartment owned by the successful young executive. These are recess lights, named so because of their position within a ceiling, giving the impression that light is coming out of a recess in the ceiling. Their more common name is earned by the fact that the light moves downwards, and is radiated around a room or beamed by a spotlight across a room. These lights are available as fixed recessed lights that are not obvious to the eye, with their position sometimes adjustable. These are often made of brass and steel with the inner 'can' housing the light needing a special ventilation design for safety reasons. They can be plated for extra effect, with crystal plates screwed above them to add a sense of class. Alternatively they come as 'eyeball lights', where a domed casing is suggestive of an eyeball in its socket. chandeliers can be expensive, that much remains true, while the 'hidden' lighting option suggests a sleek style belonging to the sophisticated modern professional. Well-made versions of both of these ceiling lights attract the eye and beautify the room or hallway, but the key fact is that no-one now needs a second mortgage to afford them. Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Litecraft, a well established retailer of decorative home lighting products in the UK. Check out their massive online catalogue the next time you are updating your light fixtures. You never know if there are bargains to be had, because there usually are. All products are sourced from leading manufacturers across the globe, so you know you are getting the best whether it is chandeliers, ceiling lights or downlighters you are looking for.
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