Picture Lights - The Most Often Asked Questions
As the manager of an ecommerce web site dedicated to the topic of art light for the past decade, I have encountered questions on every possible issue that people have discovered on the topic of artwork lighting and the methods used to provide it. I have listed the most common questionsand the responses that our team of professionals have given to them over that time. The outstanding reason for holding back this information until recentlyto publish a document such as this one is that the answers have been time proven to be effective.
Probably the most common question that we receive almost daily is that of the issue of seeing the cord. The question is always the same and people ask it as a way of determining whether or not they will purchase a picture light. The question of getting rid of the cord can be answered best by sharing the multiple ways we have discovered to eliminate the need or to hide the cord leading from the electric outlet up to the picture light.
One of the first and best ways of addressing the cord involves hiding it from sight. By installing a recessed outlet,sometimes referred to as a clock outlet, directly behind the actual picture the entire cord and circuit can be hidden from sight. Our customers typically take this one step further and then cut the cord to the proper, smaller length and then use a device called a snap on plug to allow for a convenient way to attach an electrical plug to the cord. We then will suggest to the user of the light that they put a dimmer switch on the circuit.
The use of cord covers can also be very effective. The cord covers can give the visual impression that the cord will disappear. The cord covers are also very easy to install. When customers inquire about where to locate covers for their cord we recommend that they go to their local home improvement store. The items are usually located in the painting section or the electrical section of the store.
Another inexpensive method that can be used in lessening the visibility of the cord is to simply paint it. Just about every cord on lamps sold in our online store is paintable. While I am not completely certain for the cords of other picture lights, ours are all paintable. Taking the time to make the cord become the same color as the wall it rests against will allow the cord to blend in so well that the cord will barely be able to be seen.
Another less expensive alternative that does not involve electricity is to place plants, furniture, display tables or other decor in a position to hide most of the cord. In my house we have taken this approach and it seems to work great in the longer hallway where the picture lights are installed. We have used a larger staple to directly attach the cord to the baseboard. This keeps the cord from having any curves in it and really improves its appearance.
Finally, we recommend that our customers consider using a battery powered picture light. The picture lights will offer only a minimum of light but are very good looking and will last up to 45 hours. A few models are even rechargeable.
Author Chuck R Stewart operates a series of vertical market web sites.
Posted: October 15th, 2008 under Home.
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