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 The Minka Group was founded in 1982 by Bill and Marian Tang. Then a tiny company that made glass shades for ceiling fans and lighting fixtures, it has grown into a lighting industry giant which includes the brand names Minka-Aire, Minka Lavery, Ambiance, The Great Outdoors, Metropolitan, and George Kovacs as well as many nationally recognized private label brands.
Minka products are sold in over 2,000 showrooms nationwide. Products are made from a variety of high quality materials such as wrought iron, wood, resin, cast aluminum, and solid brass. Minka products are distributed from service centers on both the East and the West coasts. This spread of distribution centers helps the Minka Group lower costs and keep delivery times low as well.
The Minka Group produces every kind of indoor and outdoor lighting for residential homes from simple fixtures that cost only $19, to elaborate chandeliers that are fit for a mansion’s foyer that cost $10,000. The vast collection of lighting and ceiling fans that are offered by the Minka Group represent the most diverse and cutting edge styles.
President of the Minka Group, Kurt Schulzman, attributes the success of the company to its continued entrepreneurial abilities.
He says “I have the freedom to make decisions quick enough to keep pace with fast-changing trends in home décor.”
It is the freedom to change rapidly with the changing trends that make Minka Group the leader in the lighting industry.
Spotlight on Minka-Lavery Lighting
 The Minka-Lavery lighting lines are both affordable and stylish while maintaining great quality. MInka-Lavery lighting features urban lights, traditional lights, transitional lights, contemporary lighting, and everything in between. Fixtures include chandeliers, wall sconces, pendants, table lamps, vanity lights, floor lamps as well as a variety of other fixtures that are sure to make a wonderful accent to any lifestyle.
Spotlight on Minka-Aire Ceiling Fans
 Minka-Aire continues to define the ceiling fan industry. All Minka-Aire ceiling fans combine form, function, and design to offer the best in quality and workmanship that a ceiling fan has to offer. Minka-Aire fans come in both traditional and contemporary styles, many of which are Energy Star Approved. There is a Minka-Aire fan that is sure to compliment any décor.
Minka-Lavery and Minka-Aire Share Design Features
Today, in keeping up with the latest and greatest, Minka-Lavery offers lighting fixtures that share design qualities with Minka-Aire ceiling fans. The two sister companies now offer lighting and ceiling fan lines that share finishes and glass types so that matching products may be used throughout the home.
Coordinating Lighting and Fan lines include:
 The Treville lighting and ceiling fan collections features the warmth and beauty of the European countryside with a Tuscan Patina finish that is hand applied to each piece by old world artisans.
The Treville Collection features antiqued glass and embroidered shades that are sure to enhance the fixtures.
 The Salon Grand collection from the Jessica McClintock Home line features beautifully hand sculpted leaf designs throughout an array of coordinating lighting fixtures, portable lighting, accent pieces and ceiling fans. All Salon Grand light fixtures and ceiling fans share a rich Florence Patina finish. Many feature Salon Scavo Glass.
 The Lineage collection features architectural inspired elements as well as simplicity inspired by Mission artisans. The Lineage collection has an iron oxide finish and also features Venetian Scavo Glass. This extensive collection includes chandeliers, island lighting, floor lamps, vanity lighting, table lamps, ceiling fans, wall sconces and pendants.
 The Belcaro lighting collection features southern Tuscany inspirations with the craftsmanship of Old World materials. Crafted with master carvings and inspirations from the 17th Century Farmhouse Style, the Belcaro collection features details that replicate the work of the Old Masters. This collection features a walnut finish on its ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. Hearst Castle collection fans by Minka-Aire also feature the Belcaro Walnut finish.
Other Ceiling Fans with coordinating features include:
 The Adare ceiling fan (model number F706-DRB) from Minka-Aire features a Faux pen shell glass housing and shades.
Minka-Lavery, Ambiance, and Metropolitan also offer lighting fixtures that feature the pen shell glass.
 The Jessica McClintock Home Romantic Breeze fans by Minka-Aire also coordinate with many lighting fixtures that are available through Minka-Lavery, as well as Ambiance.
The Arles Gold finish is the most popular.
The Minka Group has brought quality, elegant lighting and fan products to the home for the past 25 years. The addition of lighting and ceiling fan collections that have finishes that correlate with one another make a home come together. With trendy innovation such as this, it is no wonder why the Minka Group is said to be the leader in the industry.
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 Article created on Jan 23 by colby
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The ceiling fan was first introduced to the United States during the late 1800’s, but it was nothing like the typical ceiling fan that we see in so many households today. Although Michael Faraday, the great inventor of the 1800’s, had already invented the first electric motor by the year 1820, the first ceiling fans were not powered by electricity at all. They were instead the powered by a stream of water and a turbine that drove a vast system of belts that would turn the blades of these early two blade fan models.
 Early ceiling fans were seemingly expensive and not ideal for homes. They were mostly seen in restaurants, stores, and offices in the southern United States where temperatures were the hottest. It was during the late 1970’s, after the energy crisis, that the ceiling fan became increasingly popular within the United States. Ceiling fans became more popular at this time because they consumed far less energy than air conditioning. During this time, companies such as Casablanca Fan Co., which still dominate the ceiling fan business today, began increased production of ceiling fans to be marketed to the United States as well as other countries around the world.
Over time, air conditioning became more available and affordable, and the use of ceiling fans as the primary home cooling source declined. However, due to the recent rise in energy costs, and an increase in consumer awareness to the need to conserve energy, ceiling fan use is once again on the upward slope. With the many efficiencies that are produced by just one ceiling fan, it is no wonder that this appliance has become a staple to most households.
The Ceiling Fan Wind-Chill Effect
“Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due to the combination of air temperature and wind speed.”
We often think of wind chill only in terms of winter weather issues such as, the wind chill factor making the temperature outside “feel” like it is freezing, or factoring in the wind chill to develop a new idea of outdoor temperature. We don’t typically think about a wind chill in a positive way such as that which is caused by using a ceiling fan during the warm summer months. However, a ceiling fan creates a wind chill factor that is both comfortable and desirable during the hot and often sticky summer months.
When operated in the NORMAL direction (counter-clockwise), ceiling fans move the air which helps to evaporate moisture from the skin. The evaporation of moisture from our skin helps create a cooling effect, otherwise known as a wind chill effect. In essence, this wind chill effect makes us “feel” like the air is much cooler than it actually is by cooling off body temperature.
The use of a ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect that can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler than the air around you. This means that in a room with a stifling temperature of 78 degrees which is not very comfortable, the use of a ceiling fan could increase comfort by making the room feel like a cool 70 degrees. In return, the air conditioning thermostat can be set to a higher temperature and the room will continue to feel cooler thanks to the air circulation caused by the ceiling fan.
Lower Heating and Cooling Costs
By raising the thermostat during the summer months, the average American household could save as much as 40% on their air conditioning bill. However this is not the only time that a ceiling fan can help save money. Ceiling fans should also be used to reduce energy costs during the winter months.
Although we certainly do not want to create a wind chill effect during the already cold winter, with proper use a ceiling fan can help create a warming effect as well. When operated in the REVERSE (clockwise) direction on a low speed, a ceiling fan creates a gentle upward draft which circulates the hot air that often gets trapped at the ceiling. The fan pushes the warm air down from the ceiling toward the room’s occupants. Especially in rooms with cathedral type or high ceilings, the use of a ceiling fan can provide even, comfortable heat throughout an otherwise uncomfortable room.
Casablanca Fan Company suggests that “the re-circulation of warm air as caused by a ceiling fan allows you to lower the room’s thermostat setting.” The result of operating a ceiling fan in the REVERSE direction and pushing the warm air back down to floor level is a more effective use of the home’s heating system as well as lower energy consumption. This can save the average American household an additional 10% on heating costs during the winter months.
Ceiling Fans Reduce Energy Consumption
Ceiling fans are very energy efficient. In fact, Ron Rezek, an industrial designer who owns the Modern Fan Company, claims that a ceiling fan uses about the same amount of energy as the average 25-100 watt light bulb. Furthermore, the American Lighting Association as well as the Department of Energy have taken steps to assure that all ceiling fan manufacturers begin labeling products with a standard format making it easier for consumers to make smart choices regarding fan efficiency.
Beginning in January 2009, “all ceiling fan cartons, brochures, catalogs and Web sites will be required to provide the products electrical usage at high speed expressed in CFM.”(New Laws…) The labeling system will contain information for the consumer to make an informed purchase decision based on electricity use described in watts, the amount of air the fan will move described in CFM (cubic feet moved per minute), and airflow efficiency expressed in CFM/Watt (amount of air the product will move per watt of electricity). (Appliance Labeling Rule)
The use of a ceiling fan reduces the amount of energy consumed in a home by allowing us to increase the thermostat in the summer months, and lower it during winter months. Andrew Fanara of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program says that since “the energy we use in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. So the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.” By consuming less energy, fewer CO2 emissions are released into the Earth’s atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. The reduction of CO2 emissions can greatly prolong the life of the Earth by slowing the effects of global warming.
Casablanca Fan Company suggests that “there are differences one should consider when seeking quality, lasting performance and value,” from a ceiling fan. The motor is one of the most important components of the fan in terms of efficiency. An undersized motor that is poorly constructed can lead to higher operating temperatures, humming and clicking, thus drastically reducing efficiency and possibly increasing energy consumption. “The powerful Casablanca ceiling fan motors move more cubic feet of air per minute (CFMs) while using significantly less energy.”
“Casablanca Fan Company is dedicated to creating fans that work smarter, not harder, so that each element is fine-tuned to contribute to overall savings in energy costs.” There are many ceiling fans available that are also Energy Star qualified providing greater energy efficiency. With efficiencies like this it seems inefficient for a home not to be equipped with ceiling fans throughout its rooms.
Ceiling Fans produce a Calming Effect
Aside from the comfort that a ceiling can provide, and the energy efficiencies that are afforded through proper ceiling fan use, there is another great quality provided by ceiling fans: the calming sound of the air circulating. Many people sleep better with the sound of a fan humming above and the feel of the air circulating around them. The calming effect produced by a ceiling fan can evoke deep sleep.
Ceiling Fans for All Environments
Today there are ceiling fans that are suitable for most every environment. Ceiling fans are available in both indoor model and outdoor ceiling fan model types. They are made to resist weather conditions and climate issues such as salt in the air in beachside locations or moisture in the air outside or in a bathroom. Outdoor fans come with a Wet or Damp rating and can be used in areas that are covered or uncovered.
Fans come in various sizes and styles. The average ceiling fan blade span ranges from 30 inches up to 60 inches. It is important to install a fan that has a blade span large enough to move the most air within the room without being so large as to become a hazard. There should be adequate space around the fan to promote rotation that is free of obstruction.
Casablanca Fan Company offers a variety of fans that range from contemporary ceiling fan models to traditional ceiling fan models. They offer ornamental styles with a hand carved look, period classics such as the 19th century or Victorian look, as well as casual look and décor specific for the designer home. Teamed with Energy Star efficiency, elegance, and comfort, Casablanca ceiling fans to fit just about anywhere.
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Article created on Jan 16 by marylmphr
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From across the United States and around the world retailers as well as manufacturers gather semi annually at separate events known as the Dallas International Lighting Market and Las Vegas Lighting Convention to display new trends in the lighting and ceiling fan industry. Both markets are held twice annually during the summer and winter.
 The Dallas International Lighting Market is held simultaneously with various other markets at the Dallas Market Center located at 2100 Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, Texas. During the 2007 Lighting Market, exhibitors offered numerous giveaways including plasma televisions, all inclusive vacations, GPS navigational systems, and a chandelier that retailed for $4,500 from Fine Art Lamps.
During 2007 the Dallas Market Center celebrated its 50th anniversary and introduced plans for a 500,000 square foot expansion to the Trade Mart. This expansion doubles the lighting marketplace to more than seven million square feet. The Trade Mart expansion is the only building that has been custom designed for the lighting industry from the ground up. This only quantifies the reason why Dallas International Lighting Market is considered by many retailers and exhibitors alike as the “Lighting Capital.”
“The lighting fixtures display in Dallas is the biggest trade show for the lighting industry in the US.” Said Santorelli, Dina. "Dallas Center shifts to draw lighting."
Up for exhibit at the Dallas Lighting Convention are more than 260 lighting manufacturers including Westinghouse Lighting Corporation, a leading manufacturer of more than 5,000 lighting products, and Hinkley Lighting a Cleveland, Ohio based distributor of high quality, decorative lighting fixtures for both the residential and commercial markets.
A couple hundred miles away, a similar event is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas Lighting Convention is also held semi annually and attracts thousands of retail buyers and sellers from around the world.
 The Las Vegas Lighting Convention is held at the World Market Center, located at 495 South Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas, Nevada. The World Market Center is a planned tradeshow complex that is rapidly growing in size with a projected size of 12 million square feet upon completion.
Market representatives say that "the World Market Center, which debuted in 2005, will be the largest most comprehensive trade show complex in the world when complete."
In Las Vegas, from high end contemporary lighting products at moderate prices made by Adesso, to lamps made by Uttermost, retailers can view a variety of lighting products from over 150 different manufacturers under one roof. The World Market Center is renowned as a place where World Class Exhibitors and World Class Buyers come together to create a World Class Experience.
Although both markets have many of their own unique exhibitors, there are some shared similarities between the two. Las Vegas Lighting Convention and The Dallas Lighting Market both offer exhibits from some of the top names from within the lighting industry, such as Dale Tiffany, “the world’s foremost designer, marketer, and producer of Art Glass Lighting.” Dale Tiffany is just one of the many manufacturers that maintain permanent showrooms at both the Dallas Market Center and the World Market Center.
Other manufacturers that attend both markets include:
- Cal Lighting, a 25 year old company from Ontario Canada
- Genie House West, a New Jersey based Fixture Company whose products are all American made
- Glow Lighting based out of Canada and specializing in crystal lighting for both the residential and commercial markets
- Quoizel, one of the nation’s leading designers and distributors of decorative home lighting.
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Article created on Jan 12 by marylmphr
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BlogLighting.com is an information source to help people solve their lighting and ceiling fan problems. We also focus on Energy Star devices and energy efficency in general.
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