Category Archives: Everything Else

This guest post is by Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s Home Expert

The incandescent light bulb was and still is a terrific invention. It transformed the way we live. However, in recent years technology developments have created lighting options that are more energy efficient and cost effective in the long run. As incandescent light bulbs begin to phase out this year, you will need to transition to energy-efficient light bulbs which may leave you asking yourself, what are my options?

Lighting Options

Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs)

When it comes to what type of bulb you should use and where, there are a variety of options to chose from. Compact Florescent Lights or CFLs are energy-efficient alternatives to conventional incandescent bulbs. On average, they use about 75% less electricity than an incandescent bulb with the same light output and last about 10 times longer. The standard spiral CFL such as the G.E.® 13 Watt Spiral CFL ($4.49), can be used in almost any fixture – vertical or upside down. However, if you do not like the look of spiral CFLs there are covered options that look like traditional bulbs such as the G.E.® Energy Smart® CFL Aline ($7.99). These cost slightly more, but the energy savings are the same. Within the CFL line you can also buy three-way units and bulbs that can be dimmed such as the G.E.® Spiral Dimmable CFL Bulb ($17.49).

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-Emitting Diodes or LEDs offer many of the same options as CFLs, but are smaller in size, dramatically more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and give off a very bright light. Additionally, they produce minimal heat and do not contain mercury.

The cost for these bulbs is considerably higher than CFL options but they use half of the electricity and will last up to 50,000 hours. LED bulbs are best for hard to reach fixtures, since they don’t have to be changed as often, like floodlights. I recommend the G.E.® Energy Smart LED Accent PAR30 ($45.99).

Energy Efficient Halogen Light Bulbs

A third alternative are general-purpose halogen light bulbs. These bulbs, such as the G.E.® A19 43W Halogen Bulbs ($3.99 for a pack of 2), perform and look most like the traditional incandescent bulb but are 25% more efficient. Many consumers are unaware that these bulbs are a great energy efficient alternative. Due to their traditional look and lower price point, they will most likely become a popular choice among homeowners making the switch.

Lumens vs. Wattages

As you transition your lighting needs in 2012, you will now buy bulbs according to the lumen output, instead of wattages. A lumen equals candle power. That means 800 lumens is the same as 800 candles burning and the light they would emit one foot away from the object or area it is supposed to illuminate. Cool right?

Approximate Standard Light Bulb Lumen Equivalencies

No matter what type of energy-efficient light bulb you choose to install you will save a substantial amount of energy to light your home or business all while reaping long-term cost savings. As you venture into new and different lighting technology, Ace Hardware is here to help light the way. With over 4,500 retail stores across the country, Ace offers a full selection of new lighting options, including the ones suggested above, and helpful associates to guide you to the right bulbs. For more lighting and home maintenance tips, visit www.acehardware.com.

In the month of December save an additional 10% off already discounted ET2 lamps. ET2 offers a wide selection of contemporary designed table and floor lamps that can be placed in any room of your home.

Popular ET2 Lamps

Sundae E20183-34 Lamp

The ET2 Sundae E20183-34 torchiere floor lamp has a mouth watering design with a chrome finish with hand blown white frosted and chocolate clear-cased opal glass.

Blocs E22030-18 Lamp  

The ET2 Blocs E22030-18 contemporary one of a kind table lamp features a chrome finish with clear cube glass with inner cylinder frosted diffuser glass.

Passion E22314-03 Lamp

The ET2 Passion E22314-03 floor lamp has a contemporary design that will complement any modern home design. Passion E22314-03 lamps feature a satin nickel finish with hand sewn red drum style red fabric shades.

Orbit E20012-11 Lamp

The ET2 Orbit E20012-11 table lamp has a design that elevates the normal boring desk lamp. Orbit E20012-11 lamps feature satin nickel finish with frosted glass triangular base.

ET2 table and floor lamps are is available in a wide variety of designs to complement or update any room in your home. Check out Del Mar Designs large selection of comtemporary ET2 lamps and save an additional 10% off in the month of December on already discounted lamps.

Also check out Del Mar Designs Facebook page to be the first to know about upcoming sales and giveaways.

For a limited time only, Del Mar Designs is offering 28% off ET2 lighting fixtures. Their selection of contemporary light fixtures are available in a variety of finishes and sizes to match any home decor.

ET2 offers a wide assortment of quality light fixtures for all areas of your home in an array of designs to match any decor or budget. From chandeliers to lamps you are certain to find a ET2 light fixture to meet all your lighting needs.

Bloom E22064-26 Chandelier

The ET2 Bloom E22064-26 chandelier has an elegant, highly decorative design and is perfect for a dining room center piece. This chandelier features an antique bronze finish with elegant amber floral shades with gently curving stems and hanging crystal teardrops.

Solara E20005-03 Pendant

The ET2 Solara E20005-03 lighting pendant has a one of a kind design that will stand out in any room. Solara E20005-03 pendants feature 8 hand pulled spiral red glass arms with lights on the inside. The exposed inner halogen lights sparkle brilliantly against the bright red body.

Inca E21300-10PC Flush Mount

The ET2 Inca E21300-10PC is a unique, sophisticated flush mount lighting fixture. Inca E21300-10PC flush mount light fixture features a gold glow of light sparkles through a laser cut metal sheath with precision, illuminating the beautiful crystals and beads that adorn the fixture.

Cilandro E53006-11 Wall Sconce

The Et2 Cilandro E53006-11 wall sconce has a stylish modern design that features a satin nickel finish with frosted glass.

Steps E30406-18 Wall Sconce

The ET3 Steps E30406-18 wall sconce has architectural patterns that bring a modern design to a classic design. Steps E30406-18 features precisely stacked beveled glass symmetrically positioned in a linear design.

Orbit E20012-11 Table Lamp

The ET2 Orbit E20012-11 table lamp has a design that elevates the normal mundane desk lamp. Orbit E20012-11 lamps feature satin nickel finish with frosted glass triangular base.

Zenith II 21051-61PL Outdoor Light

The ET2 Zenith II 21051-61PL outdoor lighting fixture has a contemporary European design that combines style, durability, and energy efficiency. This outdoor light fixture features a die cast metal frames painted with a polyurethane powder coat, finished in a platinum finish.

Contemporary ET2 lighting is available in a wide variety of designs to complement or update any home décor. Check out Del Mar Designs large selection of ET2 light fixtures that are at great discounted prices.

Also check out Del Mar Designs Facebook page to receive a coupon code off your future purchase and the latest trends in the lighting and fan industry.

Del Mar Designs is offering up to 47% Off list prices on all their contemporary chandeliers. Their large selection of contemporary chandeliers are available in a variety of finishes and sizes to complement any modern home decor or add an updated look to your traditional styled home. Some popular contemporary chandeliers are…

Minka Lavery Raiden 1186-357 Chandelier

The Minka Lavery Raiden 1186-357 chandelier has a architectural design with meticulous details and features an iron oxide finish with venetian scavo glass.

Del Mar Designs Price $459.90

MSRP Price $689.85 Save 33%

Crystorama Hampton 5625-CH Chandelier

The Crystorama Hampton 5625-CH chandelier has a fashion forward design that will complement any modern home design. This chandelier features a silver silk shade with elegant crystal accents and a polished chrome finish.

Del Mar Designs Price $495.00

MSRP Price $632.50 Save 22%

LBL Confuzion HS2011205MCSC Chandelier

The LBL Confuzion contemporary chandelier has a vibrant, wild design that will stand out in any room. It features bendable arms tipped with multi-colored glass teardrops along with a satin nickel finish.

Del Mar Designs Price $912.00

MSRP Price $1,710.00 Save 47%

Crystorama Solaris 9225-OS Chandelier

The Crystorama Solaris 9225-OS chandelier has a sophisticated sphere shaped design with clean lines. It features a hand-painted olde silver finish with gold, silver highlights and a lead crystal ball for extra elegance.

Del Mar Designs Price $196.20

MSRP Price $250.70 Save 22%

ET2 Passion E22315-03 Chandelier

The ET2 Passion E22315-03 chandelier features hand sewn red fabric drum-style shades that are accented with wire frames, a satin nickel-finished body, aluminum canopy and elegant chrome stems.

Del Mar Designs Price $358.20

MSRP Price $497.50 Save 28%

ET2 Belleza E20716-18 Chandelier

The ET2 Belleza E20716-18 chandelier is a hand-blown masterpiece that will make a statement in any home. The tendril shapes are finished with Egyptian crystals and steel-made chrome plated tubing. The tubing is hand formed into elaborate scroll work to complement the conical glass lamp sheaths.

Del Mar Designs Price $538.20

MSRP Price $747.50 Save 28%

Metropolitan Camer C7056-12 Chandelier

The Metropolitan Camer C7056-12 is a one of a kind chandelier that will add character to any room. This contemporary chandelier features eye-catching, vibrant multicolored murano glass that will illuminate your home with color.

Del Mar Designs Price $12,591.00

MSRP Price $18,886.50 Save 33%

ET2 Elegante E20705-20 Chandelier

The ET2 Elegante E20705-20 is a modern take on a classic design with sweeping french curves in sparkling chrome. It features elegant metallic tapers that are topped with flame shaped lamps and accented by lead crystal bobeches. This chandelier is crowned by crystal disks and detailed by black crystal inverted cones.

Del Mar Designs Price $718.20

MSRP Price $997.50 Save 28%

Contemporary chandelier lighting is available in a wide variety of designs to complement or modernize any home décor. These chandeliers have taken on a more complex, elegant look that will create a fashionable romantic ambiance to any room in your home.  Check out Del Mar Designs large selection of contemporary chandeliers that are at great discounted prices.

Also check out Del Mar Designs Facebook page to receive a coupon code off your future purchase and the latest trends in the lighting and fan industry.