Lightings: By Room-Foyers, Stairways & Hall Lighting
Use The Perfect Lighting Fixture to Transform Your Home Decor
Lighting is one of the key elements that helps make your house a home. The proper lighting enables you to perform tasks easily, makes you feel safer and more comfortable, and allows you to enjoy your home at its full potential. Each room, however, has specific and unique General and Accent lighting needs. We've laid out some tips and ideas to consider when planning your lighting needs for each room in your home. If you are uncertain about what type of lighting fixture you need, or you're just looking for inspiration, take a few minutes to browse through our guide!
Foyer, Stairways, and Halls
The foyer conveys the first impression of a home's interior. Center a traditional chandelier, contemporary pendant, or transitional close-to-ceiling fixture, in your hallway to provide basic illumination and create a welcoming atmosphere. When choosing lighting for your foyer, hall, or stairway, consider the following:
For General Lighting, make sure to size the decorative fixture to the space. Not all foyers can accommodate a large chandelier, so make sure the size proportions are correct. Likewise, if you have a larger space, you'll need a larger fixture. If you'll be able to view the fixture from above, make sure to select a foyer chandelier, or pendant that looks attractive from second story viewing.
Remember that stairways and halls must have good general lighting for safety. To prevent accidents, stairs should be lit from top to bottom with switches in both places. For safety in hallways, place lighting fixtures every 8 to 10 feet. Tie in the fixtures you choose by matching your foyer chandelier or pendant with semi flush ceiling lights for hallways and smaller chain hung lights for stairways.
For Accent Lighting needs, use matching wall sconces to complement the hanging foyer pendant or chandelier. Always mount a wall sconce above eye level (approximately 66" from the center of the fixture to the floor) so that the lamp source is not visible.
Tips:
Make your artwork come to life and illuminate it with halogen light from track or adjustable recessed down-lighting
Add a dimmer and really set the tone of your room
Mirrors add a special decorative touch to a foyer
Rugs: Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning
Your rug can last a lifetime if cleaned properly. We suggest a professional cleaning every 1-3 years, depending on the traffic and location. We recommend professional carpet cleaners that use the hot water extraction method for most rugs. You should not dry clean your rugs, with the exception of silk rugs, and you should not use bleach. Always check to make sure that your rug cleaning service is familiar with your type of rug. Professionals should know the best way to clean your rug type, nevertheless here is some useful information that will allow you to select the correct method of cleaning for your area rug.
Cleaning Techniques
Oxy Cleaners- There are many oxygen cleaners on the market that are environmentally safe and work well for spot cleaning of various stains on synthetic fiber area rugs. Most of these cleaners are biodegradable and form oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and soda ash when mixed with water. Soda ash is sodium carbonate and has alkaline properties, so do not use this cleaning method on wool or silk and avoid prolonged skin contact. Carefully follow the usage and dilution guidelines for all oxygen cleaning products. Rinse the cleansed area well and be sure to test for colorfastness.
Dry Powders- We do not recommend using dry powders with plush or deep pile area rugs as the cleaning residue may be difficult to remove. For surface stains on low pile area rugs, use a dry powder to absorb dirt particles and then remove by vacuum. This is a relatively simple method that uses no water and is easy to perform without a professional. If the area rug is heavily soiled, we recommend a different procedure or using professional assistance.
Dry Foam and Absorbent Pads- Another method that uses little water is light detergent foam that is worked into the pile, then vacuum out once dry. Use care on looped area rugs that may not tolerate heavy beater bar use or other brushing.
Steam Cleaning- This method is most effective when performed by a professional, although many rug cleaning machines may be purchased or rented. The dangers of performing this method on your own are using too much detergent or water. Some cleaning agents available with rented units leave a heavier residue, so use care or the advice of a professional when choosing a product. Test the product on a small area to check for residue or a sticky feel. Do not use if a residue exists, or if in doubt about a product. Finally, do not use laundry detergents to clean your area rug to avoid possible optical brighteners.
Area Rug Stain Removal- Accidents happen! If an area rug becomes spotted or stained, work quickly. When possible, scoop up solids and blot liquids immediately after a spill occurs. Absorb as much liquid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel without scrubbing the area to prevent matting or fuzzing.
Methods of Cleaning for Various Area Rug Fibers
**The type of fiber in your area rug should be the primary consideration in selecting a cleaning method.
The majority of area rugs manufactured with synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon and acrylic may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. We suggest that you follow the area rug manufacturer's recommendations when choosing a cleaning technique and follow the directions for dilution and application. Never use laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent or any strong household cleaning products intended for use on woodwork, linoleum, laminate or tile.
Natural fibers- May require additional consideration before cleaning. Do not use oxygen cleaners on wool or silk.
Wool - Excessive agitation and heat should be avoided, but generally wool fibers may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Wool should be cleaned with neutral detergents and dried quickly. Use special care around household cleaning products, as bleaches and other alkaline products such as bathroom cleaners easily damage wool.
Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are cellulose fibers and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods. To avoid shrinking and possible browning, avoid excessive drying and agitation. As with wool, take care with alkaline products.
Silk - Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibers may be damaged by natural and synthetic acids (e.g. lemon juice), and sunlight. Consult a rug cleaning specialist for additional information about cleaning silk.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant fibers such as sisal, jute, coconut (coir), ramie and hemp have characteristics similar to cotton. It is generally safe to clean these fibers with all cleaning methods. As with any fiber, dry the area rug as quickly as possible.
Caring for your Flokati Rug
General- We recommend combing your flokati rug with a wide-toothed plastic hairbrush or a simple wood or plastic garden rake to fluff it. A good shaking will also help to substantially fluff up your new rug.
Washing- Your flokati rug should be given a good shaking outdoors periodically to remove dust. Small rugs can be put in the washing machine on the gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent, like Woolite, and air dried out of direct sunlight to prevent distorting the color. Larger rugs, 30" x 54" and above, must be cleaned in a commercial washer (35 lbs). They can be found in many laundromats. Add mild detergent as the water is filling, then add flokati only after detergent is mixed well with the water. Lay flat to dry. If the rug looks disheveled, comb it. DO NOT: bleach, wash in hot water, place in dryer, or dry clean.
Vacuuming- Although vacuuming is NOT recommended, use the attachment suction hose if necessary. DO NOT: run the vacuum over rug with the rotating brush; the long hairs of the rug will get caught.
Storage- Use a moth repellent as flokati rugs are 100% wool.
