Modern Interior Trend – Today

In traditional Chinese art, symbolism has always played a significant part, with highly regarded, auspicious symbols for births, weddings, wishes for long life and congratulations for birthdays.

Many of these symbols, either as a written character or as an artistic device have been in use in China for literally thousands of years, so that the derivation of some symbols have been lost to memory. However, even in modern China, these ancient meanings persist, still deeply rooted in the Chinese psyche. Some are archaic with origins from Imperial dynasties three or four thousand years old with others originating from Chinese Buddhism. Many symbols also relate to Taoism, but most are derived from Confusion philosophic thought with its focus on the seasons and the natural world. Many of these symbols are discreet, requiring a foreknowledge of their meaning. They are able to be read and when understood, convey a much greater depth of meaning to the observer. Some of the more popular symbols are:

Bamboo – stands for longevity and courage in adversity. As it is an evergreen and because it grows straight, it was a popular symbol for mandarins and represented an honest official.

Bats – the homonym “fu” stands for both “bat” and “happiness”, hence the bat is a popular symbol. Five bats shown together signify the Five Blessings: longevity, health, wealth, virtue and a natural death.

Crane -the crane is another longevity symbol as the bird was thought to live for two thousand years. A bird flying or looking towards the sun represents a desire to rise high in the government hierarchy.

Dragons – a symbol derived from ancient traditions. This celebrated symbol ranks first among all. The five-clawed dragon was reserved for the Emperor from ancient times until the end of the last dynasty. The four-clawed dragon associates with royalty and the three-clawed dragon with the Chinese people.

Chrysanthemum - one of the four important flower emblems signifying autumn and a contented middle age. These are just five of the traditional symbols found in Chinese classical and decorative art. The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co always has a fine selection of Chinese lamps, many with the “hidden meanings “of symbolism. The rules of thumb when buying antiques are – don’t buy for investment, buy for love. If you purchase a lamp that you love and use, then it’s a good investment. This is particularly true of antique lamps, which provide a link to another time and offer unique artistry, often no longer available.

Lighting is such an important element in interior design. Choosing quality, antique table lamps, partnered with stunning, silk lampshades will add a refined edge of elegance to the classic interior.

Lamps can be an integral part of the house decoration. As there are a variety of designs available, you can go for modern floor lamp guide to come across the best designs and deals. Before you buy a lamp, one needs to consider the functionality of the lamp. If it is going to be used for reading purposes or such minute tasks, then it should be bright. If it will be used as a decorative accessory, then you can go for the style and design in priority and it should not necessarily give your bright light.

The energy usage of the decorative home lamps is often overlooked or ignored by most of the homeowners while purchasing the lamps. People generally have a tendency to go for lamps having high wattage without considering the amount of electricity it will need for the same. Difference of even fifteen watts will add a number of dollars to your electricity bills at the month end and even more, if they are switched on or used for a long time.

No doubt, high wattage produces a brighter light, but on the other hand it also generates more amount of heat in the room. None of the electrical appliances goes well with increased heat. The lifespan of the bulb is diminished with increasing heat. So, one can try to reduce the wattage, provided you really do not need it. Another important tip to recognize how much, your need actually is. Switch on the lamp in your house and note its brightness. Take away the bulb from its electric point and note down the wattage. If this is not stated, then you can go for the current amount and voltage. Now multiply all of them together to get the exact wattage.

There are some lamps available nowadays in the market that has adjustable wattage in order to adjust the level of brightness in the room. So, one can anytime go for such lamps to give a proper lighting as well as ambiance to your house. One also needs to give consideration to the design and size of the house lamp, if that is being used to illuminate your house. If you select a very tall lamp, then your home furniture will appear weird. It is generally advised to get the lamps that have adjustable heights, possibly.

Different kinds of floor lamps can be used in varied styles to suit the home decor. You can shop for these lamps easily and instantly on online retail stores. Go through the reviews of the people who have used it. This will help you to find good deal for yourself and a beautiful lamp for your house.

Why should I be concerned about energy efficient modern table lamps?
Table lamps are an integral part of the lighting design for your room…but just like any lighting source, they cost money to run. Since your table lamps will likely be left on in your bedroom, living room and family or entertainment room more than your overhead lighting will, it just makes sense to look for features that will ease the burden on your electrical bill.

How can I make my table lamps more energy efficient?
Luckily, it’s easier than you think! Many modern lamps now take compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFL’s. In fact, CFL’s have largely begun to replace traditional incandescent bulbs. CFL’s give off the same amount of light in a room, but they do so while using less power. They also last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you don’t have to replace them as often. Finally, CFL bulbs are much better for the environment. They save roughly 2,000 times their own weight in greenhouse gas emissions.

What are CFL bulbs, exactly?
A CFL bulb is a small tube filled with gas, and attached to either an electronic or a magnetic ballast. Most CFL bulbs available now will have an electronic ballast, as they do not flicker and they illuminate right away, unlike magnetic ballasts. When you switch on your light, electricity enters the ballast and causes the gas in the bulb to glow with ultraviolet light.

Will a CFL bulb fit my lamp?
Most modern lamps that are made for tables and desks will now accommodate CFL’s. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as spiral, round or a log tube. Some even work with a dimmer switch. No matter what size or style of table lamp you have, you should be able to find a CFL that will fit. If your lamps are older, make sure you check before you buy a CFL bulb.

How much can I really save using CFL’s?
CFL’s last about 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. They use around a quarter of the energy, and they generate around 90% less heat. They also emit more light per watt. For example, a 15 watt CFL puts out the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent.

Knowing this, let’s say that you leave your table lamp on for 6 hours each day. A traditional lightbulb will last about 4-5 months. A CFL bulb, on the other hand, will keep going for over four and a half years. Imagine the cost savings, in both bulbs and utilities, if you put CFL bulbs in all your modern table lamps!