How a light fixture looks in the pages of a catalog or displayed in a showroom can be very deceiving. What appears to be “the perfect light” may end up being a source of frustration and disappointment once you bring it home. It’s important to look beyond aesthetics and consider how the fixture will hold up for many years to come.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind during the selection process. – The Effects of Gravity: Any fixture with suspended elements may succumb to gravity over time. How many chandeliers have you seen with drooped arms or candles that are out of plumb? Make sure your lights are engineered correctly to withstand gravity before having them installed in your home. A large dining light may look great in a catalog, but its ends may eventually bow if the fixture weight is not supported correctly. – Changing Light Bulbs: Hard-to-remove diffusers can make bulbs impossible to change without a lot of sweat and frustration. Avoiding this problem is easy – just double check to ensure that fixtures allow for hassle-free bulb changes. – Daily Wear & Tear: Always reflect on what kind of activity your light fixture will be exposed to. Fixtures installed in high traffic locations, such as near doors that are frequently opened or closed, should be built to withstand any vibration that occurs. We’ve all seen wall sconces with diffuser panels that have shifted out of place or are missing entirely. And, of course, child-friendly rooms require durable lights that keep little hands from coming into direct contact with hot bulbs. – Exterior Locations: Fixtures subjected to the elements should be properly treated and finished for longevity. As we’ve mentioned before, outdoor fixtures can quickly lose their luster in unforgiving climates if they haven’t been finished to withstand their environment. When it comes to lighting, style is just the starting point. The fixtures you choose can make the difference between a truly functional lighting solution that lasts and one that leads to disappointment. Contact your Hammerton representative with any questions.
