Painting Techniques For Ceilings With Glowinthedark Stars

The addition of glow-in-the-dark stars to a bedroom ceiling can give the room inhabitant the feeling that he is sleeping out in the open and enjoying the beauties of nature, without the need to worry about the arrival of an unexpected downpour. Making this whimsical addition to your bedroom ceiling is a simple process that you can carry out in an assortment of different ways.

Instructions

1. Create the most authentic night-sky backdrop possibly by painting your ceiling a dark hue before attaching your plastic stars. If your ceiling has never before received a coat of paint, prime the surface using a primer approved for ceilings, then paint the ceiling itself a dark blue or black. If your ceiling features texture, use a roller intended for use on textured surfaces to paint this ceiling. After the ceiling has dried for 24 to 48 hours, attach plastic stars to your ceiling using adhesive putty. Most plastic glow-in-the-dark star kits come with this putty, making adding these plastic decorations a simple and inexpensive process. Even if your ceiling is textured, this malleable and sticky putty will do the trick.

2. Paint glow-in-the-dark stars directly onto your ceiling using a stencil. Purchase a plastic or cardboard stencil and add these stars to your ceiling using glow-in-the-dark paint. Because most glow-in-the-dark paints go on clear, you may first want to stencil a white star then add a top layer of glow-in-the-dark paint if you are placing these stars over a dark background so viewers can enjoy them even when it isn't dark. To complete this process, position your stencil where you would like your first star to sit, then use a sponge brush loaded with paint to create your star, taping this brush onto your ceiling to fill the hole in the stencil. Carefully peel away your stencil, then position it for your second star and repeat the process. If you want to customize your own stencil, hand-draw a star on a sheet of thick cardstock, then cut around it with a razor knife.

3. Stamp on stars. Purchase a stamp featuring a star or buy several with stars of different sizes. Paint your ceiling a dark hue to start. Fill a tray with glow-in-the-dark paint and press your stamp into it, coating the stamp surface. Press your stamp onto your ceiling firmly, then pull it away quickly to create a crisp and clear star image. As with stenciling, if using a transparent glow-in-the-dark paint, you may first want to start by stamping white stars, then go back over with your glow-in-the-dark top coat.

4. Paint constellations on your ceiling. Review diagrams of the constellations that dot the night sky, and base your star additions upon these images. Paint the stars on by hand, using a small detail brush and glow-in-the-dark paint. To make it more obvious which constellations you are trying to depict, paint thin lines connecting your stars, showing the shapes they create when combined.

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Wood Ceiling Options

Wood Ceiling Options

Wood ceilings come in a variety of patterns and installation techniques, creating different texture effects. While some are linear, others are cubed or grooved. They are installed on a metal frame or grid to hold the ceiling apparatus together and prevent falling. Some types can be suspended from the frame to achieve a dangling appearance.

Purpose

The most common application is to large, airy spaces with high ceilings where sound and atmosphere matter. Living rooms, lofts, music venues, spacious entrances and auditoriums frequently use wood ceilings. Wood slats and grids can be designed to manipulate sound as needed. Depending on the type of wood and finish used, elegant or rustic atmospheres are enhanced, adding an artistic accent to the room.

Features

One advantage of wood ceilings is the ability to insert other things into the grid system, such as lighting and speakers. Safety concerns also must be addressed with suspended apparatus. Local, state and federal guidelines consider seismic events, fire codes and structural integrity when allowing wood ceilings to be installed and specify rigid guidelines.

Structure

One method of installation that provides stability for mounting different components is a metal grid. Modular cubes laid into one create a figure of squares. They can be continuous or have a gap in between for a disjointed effect. Also popular are strips clipped to a ceiling grid side by side or, to create a recessed look, fabric strips alternated in between to achieve an optical illusion of depth. Coffers, although less common, are recessed and often have molding trim to add depth.

Considerations

A suspension installation method works effectively with panels. Curved panels provide the best acoustics. Suspended from clips, they can be hung individually or in a unit. They are most commonly seen in theatres, but can be used in home projects as well. Panels can be filled with sound-absorbing material or stacked in layers to achieve a specific visual and audio effect. Baffles are straight separated wood slats configured and suspended.

Materials

Wood beams are the simplest and most cost effective ceiling systems to install. Plain or fancy, they can have additional pieces, like molding, attached. Some wood ceiling components are treated with chemicals to prolong life, decrease flammability and protect from insects. Recycled wood is an option for those seeking environmentally-friendly materials. Veneer is popular, relatively inexpensive and readily available in a number of colors.

Tags: Ceiling Options, Wood Ceiling, Wood Ceiling Options, wood ceilings

Fun Children'S Bedroom Information

Proper decorating can make a child's room fun and functional.

Decorating a child's room can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience for parents. Child-centric style is among the most diverse in the design world. These styles generally include lots of color and fun elements but should be both aesthetically appealing and functional. Styling a room for young family members means utilizing designs that are not appropriate for other parts of the home. Selections should be made based on the child's personality and interests but should also be adaptable to make way for growth and change.

Color

Selecting a color is usually the first step in designing a space for children. Select the ever favorite pink for girls or blue for boys. For added visual interest, paint three walls the same color, and add an accent wall in a similar or contrasting shade. For something a bit more subtle, paint the walls a neutral color; white, eggshell or beige are ideal. These colors can be accented with different colors and will more effectively grow with the child and is easier to change as that child ages. If bolder colors are desired on the wall, add a chair rail, bold-colored artwork or a mural. These things are easier to repaint or replace if a new color is desired.

Furniture

Furnishing a child's bedroom may seem daunting as the room must serve a number of purposes. If the space is small, try to find pieces that multi-task, like a bed frame with built-in storage. The room should also include a comfortable desk or table for homework, which should provide adequate light and storage options. Lighting is another important consideration, and easily can be accomplished with a combination lamp/ceiling fan. Desk lamps or tall floor lamps are also an option but may not be ideal for younger kids. Parents should include enough storage space for books, schoolwork and toys, which will aid in keeping the room clean and organized.

Texture

Adding texture to a design is an easy way to add visual interest and vibrancy to the room, which can be as simple as adding a few decorative pillows or throw rugs. Contrast hardwood floors with fluffy rugs, or add beads and tassels to accents, lampshades and bedding. Pattern is one key to creating an interesting space. Use polka dots, stripes or geometric patterns on bedding, curtains and other fabric pieces. Another option is to use solid-color bedding, and paint these shapes on the walls in complementary or contrasting colors.

Accessories

Accessories create a space that is more personal and that adds a bit about the child's interests. Borders and sticking wall murals can be a quick way to bring a personal touch to the bedroom. These are available in just about any color or theme imaginable and may be purchased from most home improvement or decorating stores. Hand-painted picture frames, wooden letters or jewelry boxes are inexpensive options that are also widely available. Complete the look with window treatments, a wall clock and some framed prints.

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Light Bulb Guide For Recessed Lighting

Recessed lights are discreet lighting fixtures commonly built into the ceiling. When they are turned off, they are hidden from view. These types of lights usually shine downward. They can be used for general illumination or specific lighting purposes, such as to perform tasks or accent a feature in the home. Different types of bulbs fit into recessed light fixtures, such as reflector or "R" lamps, halogen and LED.

Reflector

Indoor reflector bulbs, or "R" lamps, are often used in recessed lighting as task, accent, spot or general lighting. The bulb contains a reflector, which results in a warm, incandescent light. This kind of bulb works well to softly highlight art or a wall feature. It's best to use a reflector bulb with a long lifespan in recessed lights such as the MaxLite R20 LED reflector bulb, which may last as much as 50,000 hours.

Halogen

Halogen PAR bulbs emit a bright, white light. This type of light works well for tasks or directing light to a particular focal point, such as photos. Halogen bulbs come in a variety of sizes, wattages and voltages. They are made with a strong glass and may last two to five times longer than a standard bulb. PAR 38 and PAR 20 halogen bulbs are commonly used in recessed lighting.

LED

Not all LED light bulbs are suitable for recessed lighting. Those that are make for efficient recessed lights that provide general illumination. Some LEDs, like Cree Lighting's LR6 LED downlight, emit a high-quality warm or cool light. Other LEDs provide efficiency, such as Gallium Lighting's Gallium GS6 downlight. This particular model gives 40 percent more light than a standard incandescent light bulb and has a lifespan four times as long as compact fluorescent downlights. Downlights like the Gallium GS6 are often used in retail stores, healthcare facilities and educational facilities.

Tags: recessed lighting, general illumination, Halogen bulbs, incandescent light, light This, often used

Hang Certain Teed Drywall

CertainTeed drywall is sometimes considered the perfect interior surfacing product for use on interior ceilings and walls. Once it has been installed, finished and primed, this type of wall covering can either be painted, texturized or covered with wallpaper to achieve that certain look you want in your home. Often made from recycled materials, this easy-to-install, practical wallboard product can be cut to size easily using a razor knife and features tapered edges that allow for trouble-free finishing.

Instructions

Hang CertainTeed Drywall

1. Plan how you will install the drywall. It is recommended that the drywall be installed horizontally on the wall or across the framing. Also determine what length board you will be using. Try to use the longest length to minimize joints. Do not plan to use "scrap" pieces for main areas---the finished project will look better if full pieces are used.

2. Calculate the total square footage of the area to be covered. To find the square footage, use a tape measure to measure the surface to be covered. Divide that number by the square footage of one panel. For example, if the ceiling area is 12 feet by 20 feet, it equals 240 square feet. A drywall panel of 4 feet by 8 feet equals 32 square feet. 240 divided by 32 equals 7.5, which means you'd need at least eight panels for the job. A calculator helps when computing square footage.

3. Order your materials and have them delivered to the project site. Use the calculation method above to estimate the number of drywall sheets you will need, then add at least 10 percent to account for waste and mistakes. More complicated drywall jobs may require an additional 20 percent. Don't forget to order joint tape, fasteners, corner beading, joint compound and tools.

4. Install the drywall panels to the ceiling first. This may require an additional helper or two, T-braces, and/or a drywall lift (which can usually be rented locally). Secure the drywall to the ceiling framing with screws spaced 12 inches apart. If nails are used, space them 6 inches apart. Fasteners should be slightly indented into the face of the drywall; however be careful not to otherwise damage the surface of the drywall.

5. Install the gypsum to the top part of the wall. Use a lift or helper to make the job easier. Press the drywall securely upon the framing. Make sure the top edges make contact with the drywall on the ceiling. Secure with screws spaced 16 inches apart on each framing member. If nails are used, place 6 inches apart.

6. Install the drywall onto the lower part of the wall. Do not line up joints with the upper row of drywall--stagger the seams whenever possible. Use a wallboard lifter or wedge placed on the floor to help raise the wallboard so that it will be in close contact with the upper row of drywall. Make sure seams are tight and that the board is firm against underlying framing. Secure in place with screws or nails.

7. Tape and finish the installed drywall as recommended by the manufacturer. Taping and "mudding" the first coat typically entails applying joint compound to a seam in a thin layer, laying a piece of tape over the seam, then using the knife to squeeze out any surplus compound by dragging it over the tape. When finishing, do the ceiling first, then the walls. Allow to dry completely.

8. Install the outside corner beading as recommended by the manufacturer. Always use whole pieces---do not use several short pieces or it will make a crooked corner. Secure with screws or nails to hold in place if desired. Apply one coat of joint compound to either side of the corner bead.

9. Add additional layers of joint compound as needed (typically up to three coats) to the joints, seams and corners. Each layer should extend beyond the first at least 3 inches on either side of the first. Try to keep your joint compound as level as possible. Do not apply too much mud. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next. Once all seams have been "mudded," apply at least three coats of joint compound to each screw head or nail to cover.

10. Sand all finished drywall. Be sure to wear protective clothing and a respirator. Do not sand through the facing paper of the drywall. Only sand hard enough to create a uniform surface. Prime all surfaces with a quality primer using a brush and roller.

Tags: joint compound, inches apart, square footage, with screws, ceiling first, contact with

Fix A Kitchen Ceiling With Water Damage

A smooth patch on a water-damaged ceiling will barely be visible.

The ceiling in your kitchen is subjected to more moisture than any room in the house other than the bathroom. If you've got a damaged ceiling surface in your kitchen from moisture, patching it is a much easier project than trying to replace the whole ceiling. You'll use a drywall patch, whether the existing ceiling is drywall or plaster. Take a piece of the damaged ceiling with you when you buy the drywall for the patch, so you can match its thickness.

Instructions

1. Mark around the damaged area with a square and pencil. Make the mark square, with two of the opposing sides running along ceiling joists. You can determine the joist positions by pulling down some of the plaster and looking inside the ceiling.

2. Cut around your marked line with a jigsaw. The cuts that are on the joists should expose half the joist widths.

3. Measure the dimensions of the opening and transfer them to a piece of drywall, making them about 1/8th inch smaller all around then the actual dimensions. Cut out the drywall by scoring it at the lines with a razor knife and snapping it off.

4. Lift the cut out drywall up to the hole, with two the two opposing sides of the square sitting on the half-exposed joists. Secure it by driving screws in every six inches or so along the edges that have joists behind them.

5. Lay strips of adhesive mesh drywall tape along each seam between the drywall square and the surrounding ceiling. Use a wide drywall knife to spread your joint compound over the seam, getting it smooth and flat.

6. Let the compound dry overnight. Sand it smooth. Apply a second coat of compound, let it dry and sand it. Repeat a third time. Repaint the ceiling.

Tags: ceiling drywall, damaged ceiling, drywall patch, opposing sides, with opposing, with opposing sides, your kitchen

Wire A Ceiling Fan With Two Threeway Switches

Two switches can operate one fixture.

Wiring a ceiling fan with two three-way switches sounds much more complicated than it is. A three-way circuit is simply one that is controlled by two three-way switches. Three-way switches are usually located across a large room from another with both switches operating the same fixture. If you can wire a ceiling fan on a two-way circuit, you will be able to wire the ceiling fan to a three-way circuit.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the ceiling fan at the breaker panel.

2. Assemble the ceiling fan according to the manufacturer's directions. Leave out a fan blade during assembly. This gives you a place to stand without having a fan blade stuck in your stomach while you are wiring the fan.

3. Wire together the two wires that feed straight though the ceiling fan electrical box. These are two wires that will not be connected to the ceiling fan, but will connect together and feed directly to the second switch, connecting the two switches together. In the ceiling fan electrical box, twist the two red wires together with an orange wire nut. Twist the black wire and the white wire, labeled with black electrical tape, together with an orange wire nut. Push both sets of wires into the electrical box.

4. Attach the ceiling fan hanger bracket to the ceiling fan electrical box. The hanger bracket comes with your ceiling fan, and it attaches to the ceiling fan electrical box with two screws.

5. Wire the ceiling fan to the three-way circuit. Connect the two bare copper wires from the ceiling fan electrical box to the green wire attached to the hanger bracket by twisting an orange wire nut onto the wires. Twist together the white wire from the ceiling fan to the white wire in the electrical box using an orange wire nut. Twist together the black wire from the ceiling fan and the wire labeled light kit from the ceiling fan with the black wire from the electrical box using an orange wire nut. Push all wires into the ceiling fan electrical box.

6. Attach the ceiling fan to the hanger bracket. Four screws will hold the ceiling fan to the bracket. Attach the final fan blade.

7. Turn the breaker back on at the panel to supply power to the ceiling fan.

Tags: ceiling electrical, orange wire, from ceiling, hanger bracket, black wire, three-way circuit, white wire

What Effects Do Stereotypes Have On People & Society

Female executives often complain of a glass ceiling created by gender stereotypes.

Stereotypes have powerful influence within a society. Both those who create the stereotypes and those who suffer under them are affected, often adversely. When a society accepts a set of stereotypes, its people lose the ability to genuinely value others for the unique people they are, and the contribution different groups can make to the society. Those who suffer under the weight of a stereotype often find themselves resentful because others falsely evaluate who they are and what they are capable of.

The Stereotyped Person

Those who encounter strongly entrenched stereotypes may feel locked into a set of expectations that they are not suited for, or that they can exceed if given the opportunity. Professional women often talk about a "glass ceiling" and how their progression up the professional ladder is blocked because of stereotypes about their gender. While an occasional person fights her way past societal stereotypes, may do not, and the stereotyped person can remain blocked in her personal, professional and financial progress.

Stereotypes Separate People

The persons or sectors of society who establish stereotypes are also harmed by the presence and power of the stereotypes. When one group looks at another and puts them into a collective bucket, they create walls between the groups. The resulting polarization can affect the fabric of the entire society. Individuals on different sides the stereotyped divide have more difficulty working with each other, as each party retreats into his or her own well-known corner of the world.

Expectations Influence Performance Levels

Individual and collective performance levels are also hindered by stereotypes because each person has particular gifts, skills and passions. Researcher Carrie Conaway reports that if a group of people are told that they are perfectly suited for a job, they tend to excel at the position. When other test groups are told that they are substandard, or they will have difficulty at a position because they are unsuited for it, they tend to live up to that expectation. Educational researcher Joshua Aronson, with the American Psychological Society, reports that young black students who have high hopes also have consistently low performance levels. This finding supports the deleterious effects that stereotypes can have on the black student psyche.

Personal Value Versus Performance

At the core of the stereotyping message is a subtle but destructive message that personal value is based on color, ethnic heritage, gender, etc. Each person in the society has different levels of ability, which will be reflected in his job choice. Not every person can be, or wants to be a CEO, banker, baker or policeman. Yet, each person is uniquely suited for the requirements of a specific career path. Each person is valuable, and the first few amendments of the United States Constitution were written to anchor in law that every individual has basic rights based on his personhood, not on his performance or ethnic background. When individuals aren't valued for who they are, stereotypes become the accepted measure of their value.

Tags: that they, glass ceiling, performance levels, reports that, suffer under

Install A Bath Exhaust Fan

Installing an exhaust fan can help control the moisture problems often caused by high humidity in the bathroom. Mold and mildew are two of the most common problems found in bathrooms that do not use exhaust fans. The job of the exhaust fan is to get rid of humid air that is left behind after a warm shower or bath and exhaust it outside the home through the roof or other area you have designated. Every home should use an exhaust fan to avoid the potential problems mentioned as well as structural damage.

Instructions

1. Go to your main breaker panel or fuse box that is usually found in a master room, utility room or basement and shut off the power to the room. Take down the old fixture. Place the center of the electrical housing over the center of the hole where the old fixture was on the ceiling. Trace the housing with a marker to mark the location on the ceiling of the new exhaust fan.

2. Drill a starter hole in the trace you made. Place a reciprocating saw in the hole and cutout the entire trace. Connect the ductwork to the back of the housing. Push the housing through the ceiling and secure in place with the fasteners that came with the exhaust fan. Reduce noise and vibration by adding additional fasteners to the holes.

3. Recheck the wiring to be sure there is no current traveling through them with a voltage tester. Join the fan wires with the ceiling wires according to the manufacture instructions or, for example, connect green wire to copper wire, black-to-black and white to white and cover with wire caps. Fasten the exhaust fan fixture to the electrical housing.

4. Connect the grille to the fan fixture with the clamps provided. Twist a light bulb into the fixture. Snap the diffuser in place. Route the ductwork with as little turns as possible through the attic to the designated spot on the roof. Trace the spot on the roof in the attic for the vent cap and cut it out with a reciprocating saw.

5. Climb up on the roof and spread some silicone caulk on the vent cap. Insert vent into the hole. Drill in galvanized screws to secure the vent cap and add additional caulk or roofing cement around the seams to prevent leaks. Attach the ductwork to the vent. Power on the circuit breaker or fuse box and test the fixture.

Tags: electrical housing, spot roof

What Are Semiflush Mount Ceiling Lights

Semiflush-mount fixtures shine upward as well as out and down.

Semiflush-mount lights hang just below the ceiling level providing lighting for a room. They attach using common ceiling mounting hardware and require no special wiring beyond standard hard-wired light fixtures. These fixtures provide general lighting for everyday tasks and room usage, and are common in residential settings.

Flush vs. Semiflush

Flush-mount lights are mounted directly against the ceiling, so that light spreads out in a downward cone. The light fixture's upper edges meet up with the ceiling, which is why they are described as flush. With a semiflush mount light fixture, the light is generally 1 to 3 inches below ceiling level with only a limited portion of the edge level or even with the ceiling.

Example

A common semiflush-mount fixture style has one or more stems holding a glass panel or half-globe a few inches below the ceiling. The light bulbs rest above the panel or inside the half-globe a short distance away from the ceiling. This fixture type is not quite flush because its edges do not rest evenly with the ceiling, but not dropped far below the ceiling level, so it is semiflush.

Advantages

Semiflush-mount lights give more indirect light than a comparable wattage flush-mount fixture. Indirect light is light reflected from another surface before reaching you or the objects in the room. Light that shines up toward the ceiling from semiflush-mount fixtures give a room a brighter feel, thanks to this indirect lighting, particularly if the ceiling is white or light-colored so it reflects more of the light back into the room.

Uses

Semiflush fixtures are best for general lighting in rooms, such as kitchens, living rooms and dens. They are used in bathrooms as supplemental lighting, but do not provide the best light for personal grooming due to the light's angle. For bathroom mirror areas, supplement a semiflush fixture with vanity lights, which usually hang from the wall above the mirror. Semiflush fixtures provide adequate general lighting for bedrooms, but supplementing them with bedside desk lamps or other less general lighting creates a more relaxing atmosphere.

Tags: below ceiling, general lighting, below ceiling level, ceiling level, with ceiling, fixtures provide

Wire An Emerson Ceiling Fan

Emerson ceiling fans help circulate air throughout the home all year-round. Emerson fans can be operated in either direction to pull cool air up or to bring warm air down. Before wiring, the structural requirements of the installation need electrical power and the switch wires present. Wire your Emerson ceiling fan with proper tools, materials and basic electrical wiring know-how.

Instructions

1. Check the breaker at the main electrical panel to ensure the power to the fan circuit is off. Mark the circuit breaker to let others know of the work being done.

2. Test the power supply wiring at the fan box, using the voltage tester. Place one probe of the tester on the black hot wire and the other probe on the white neutral wire to conduct the test. Be sure to use a non-conductive stepladder approved for electrical work.

3. Cut 4 inches of sheathing from the power supply cable and the three-conductor cable from the switch box, using the utility knife.

4. Strip a half-inch of insulation from each of the insulated wires, using the wire strippers. The Emerson fan wires are usually stripped at the factory. The severed end of the insulation, left on to protect the stranded wiring, can be pulled off the wire ends by hand.

5. Connect the green ground wire from the fan hanger bracket to the green wire from the fan motor and the bare copper ground from the three-conductor wire from the switch box. Connect with a wire nut and tighten clockwise.

6. Connect the blue wire from the fan motor to the red wire of the three-conductor. Use a wire nut to secure together.

7. Connect the black wire from the motor to the black wire of the three-conductor cable. Secure with a wire nut.

8. Connect the white wire from the fan motor to the white wire of the three-conductor cable. Secure with a wire nut.

9. Connect the bare copper ground wire from the three-conductor cable to the copper ground from the power supply wires at the switchbox. Secure with a wire nut.

10. Connect the white neutral from the three-conductor cable to the white wire of the power supply. Secure with a wire nut.

11. Bend an open end loop in the end of the red wire at the switch box, using the needle-nose pliers. Secure the red wire to the terminal screw on either side of the switch. Tighten the screw clockwise with the appropriate screwdriver.

12. Connect the black wire from the three-conductor cable to either of the black wires on the Emerson fan control. Secure with a wire nut.

13. Cut a 6-inch pigtail length of black wire from stock with the wire cutters. Strip a half-inch from each end with the wire strippers. Bend an open end loop in one end only, using the needle-nose pliers.

14. Connect the looped end of the pigtail to the remaining terminal screw of the switch. Tighten clockwise with a screwdriver.

15. Connect the remaining black wire from the Emerson fan control and the switch pigtail to the black hot wire of the power supply. Secure with a wire nut.

16. Wrap each of the wire nuts with electrical tape. Wind the tape clockwise, overlapping onto the wires for added protection. Also wrap several turns over the switch terminal screws if a metal switch box is used.

Tags: wire from, with wire, black wire, Secure with, Secure with wire, three-conductor cable, power supply

Choose The Right Light Fixtures

Lighting can mean the difference between a relaxing or energized space.

Lighting has a significant effect on the mood and overall design of your rooms. A light fixture can change a room from bright and cheery to dark and romantic in an instant. Choosing the right lighting fixtures for your home requires that you consider your overall goal for the room's atmosphere as well as the activities that will be carried out in that room. In most rooms, using combination of fixtures gives you more flexibility in how that room is used.

Instructions

1. Examine the uses of the room where the lighting will be installed. Most rooms will require layered lighting for flexibility. For example, sconces installed next to a desk in the family room are ideal for activities that require focused lighting and create a relaxing atmosphere when installed on each side of a mantel. Overhead lighting, such as chandeliers, brightens the space when entertaining guests.

2. Choose multiple lighting sources in kitchens and bathrooms. The kitchen is where food is prepared and where family gathers, so bright overhead lighting is necessary. Fixtures installed over counters and sinks or beneath cupboards provide focused light for chopping vegetables or washing dishes.

3. Select lights that are one-third the width of the vanity for bathrooms. This way the light illuminates both sides of your face while you're looking in the mirror.

4. Opt for lighting that creates an atmosphere of quiet relaxation in the bedroom, but also add focused bright spots for reading. For example, a ceiling fixture with a frosted shade evenly distributes soft light around the room and makes a good central light, but lamps or wall sconces on each side of the bed provide proper lighting for reading and relaxation.

5. Choose light shades and lamp bases in soft finishes and colors in bedrooms and family rooms to create a neutral palate. This enables you to change the decor without changing the lights.

6. Choose ceiling-mount lighting fixtures for foyers, hallways, bedrooms, stairways and high-traffic areas like kitchens to provide bright, even lighting at any time of the day.

7. Measure the room size before deciding on ceiling fixtures. To ensure ideal lighting from your fixture, the diameter of the fixture should equal the measurement in inches of the room diagonally. For example, if the room is 30 feet when you measure diagonally from one corner to the other, then the light fixture should be at least 30 inches in diameter.

8. Make note of the hanging height of ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers before making a final decision. Ceiling fixtures should fall no lower than 84 inches above the floor to allow for door swing and for taller people to pass beneath.

9. Choose wall-mounted fixtures to add accent or task lighting when you need light in a specific area of the room. Wall-mounted lights create a cozy, warm atmosphere in large rooms.

10. Choose pendant lighting fixtures, which are usually sconce or shaded lights suspended from the ceiling, to provide accent lighting over tables, countertops and work areas.

11. Create unobtrusive lighting with recessed ceiling fixtures, or can lights. These lights are more utilitarian than decorative, and serve to illuminate without dominating a room. Recessed lighting is ideal for accent lighting as well as for illuminating large rooms.

12. Install track lighting to highlight architectural details or artwork in a room. Track lighting also works for task illumination over desks.

Tags: lighting fixtures, accent lighting, activities that, ceiling fixtures, each side, fixture should

Ideas For Decorate With A Very Tall Kitchen Ceiling

Incorporate a tall ceiling into the overall kitchen decor.

Tall ceilings are generally considered an asset in any home, as they provide a sense of openness and make a room appear larger. In a kitchen, however, a high ceiling can overwhelm the rest of the room. Work with the room's general decor to create a harmonious space that incorporates the ceiling's height, rather than trying to ignore it.

Paint

White ceilings are exceptionally common in kitchens, but white paint can make a very high ceiling seem even higher. White paint also reflects light, potentially causing unwanted glare. Choose a soft, muted tone that works with the rest of the kitchen decor. If you want the look of a white ceiling without the glare, choose an off-white or ivory shade. Glossy and semigloss paints are highly reflective and create glare, while flat paint absorbs smoke and other cooking byproducts. Select an eggshell or satin paint instead. Use high-quality latex enamel from a name-brand manufacturer for easy application and durability.

Lighting

The lighting scheme that you choose can greatly impact the look of a very tall ceiling. Avoid fluorescent or bright white bulbs, which can make a high ceiling seem stark and imposing. Choose warm, soft white or yellow bulbs to give the room an inviting feel. Use large drop-style fixtures or chandeliers with bulbs that point downward to balance the ceiling height and make the kitchen feel more intimate.

Trim

Break up the sharp lines of a very tall ceiling with trim pieces. Thick, wide crown molding, decorative wallpaper borders and soaring kitchen cabinets are just a few of your options. Choose items that blend with the overall look and feel of the kitchen for a balanced, harmonious space.

Room Decor

Very high ceilings make a room seem larger, so choose bulky furniture pieces that anchor the space. Create a focal point that draws the eye down, away from the ceiling. Depending on your chosen decorating scheme, you might choose a heavy butcher-block table, a gleaming double-door refrigerator or an antique woodstove. Design your focal point first and then choose furnishings that highlight that focal point, rather than competing for attention.

Tags: focal point, high ceiling, tall ceiling, ceiling height, ceiling seem

Curtain Track Instructions

Curtain tracks are used to define areas in large rooms. Emergency rooms use curtain tracks to divide the space into cubicles. The tracks come in various lengths and have curved pieces that can be used to turn the track in different directions. Curtain tracks can be mounted to create almost any floor pattern.

Materials

Installing curtain tracks takes a great deal of planning and revision. Though a plan can be drawn on paper, there is no substitute to drawing the layout in the actual space. Use chalk so the line can be erased and redrawn several times. Other tools to be certain to have on hand when you start the project is a flexible measuring tape, carpenter's plumb string, curtain tracks, corner bend tracks, roller hooks and curtains. The curtain tracks will mount with screws so a drill and screws will be needed as well.

Tips for Planning the Project

Use the chalk to draw the curtain plan on the floor of the actual space. Even though the curtain tracks will be mounted to the ceiling, having definite lines on the floor will give you the opportunity to walk through and identify any needs or changes. Erase and redraw as needed.

If you want a curtain to turn a corner to form two or more walls, draw a curved line in the corner and continue around the wall distance. When all the lines are drawn, measure the lines. A flexible measuring tape will be helpful in measuring around the corners. Count the number of corners. Purchase a corner bend track for each corner of your curtains. Add all the measurements together and purchase this much linear footage.

Ask the supplier if they cut the tracks to length. If so, you may be able to get this work done for you before the tracks are delivered. The supplier will need the measurements for each individual wall unit.

Install the Tracks

Transfer the track line to the ceiling. Use a ladder that is tall enough to lift you within a comfortable working height of the ceiling. This is a personal preference. While on the ladder hold the end of a plumb string above the chalk line. Allow the plumb to hang down. Adjust the position of the string until the plum is over the line. Make a mark on the ceiling. Move over two to three feet and repeat until the entire line is represented.

Install one roller hook for each grommet on the curtain panel. Mount short sections of the track along the ceiling line, following the packaging directions. Continue combining track pieces until you have completed the wall section. Place one curtain grommet on each roller hook.

Tags: actual space, chalk line, corner bend, curtain tracks, curtain tracks

Cool A Room Without A/C

Run a ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction to help cool a room

According to Salon.com, approximately "85 percent of Americans have air conditioning in their homes." Turning the air conditioning on is an easy way to cool living quarters during the hot summer months. However, if your home doesn't have air conditioning, there are other ways to stay cool. There are several ways to lower the temperature in a room home without spending a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Check the thermometer. Open any windows and doors in the house when the temperature outside is cooler than the temperature inside. Make sure the screens are in good shape so you don't get invaded by insects. Open skylights and high transom windows to let out the hot air close to the ceiling.

2. Close the drapes and blinds on windows and doors that face the south and west sides of the room. This will help keep out the heat and sunlight.

3. Turn on a ceiling fan to cool a room. During hot months, turn the fan on so the blades turn in a counterclockwise direction. If there's no ceiling fan, place a portable electric fan in the room to circulate and cool the air.

4. Apply weatherstripping to drafty windows and doors to keep the summer heat out, and the cooler air in. Use caulking to seal small holes and cracks.

5. Replace light bulbs that produce heat, such as incandescent bulbs, with energy-saving, cool light bulbs, such as fluorescent bulbs.

Tags: windows doors, cool room, counterclockwise direction, have conditioning, light bulbs

Definition Of A Mezzanine Loan

Mezzanine loans can supplement the financing of large construction projects.

Mezzanine loans are a risky but potentially high-yield way for lenders to provide capital to established developers and business owners. For borrowers, the loans provide a source of capital for new projects or expansions. They are a relatively new but quickly growing form of debt.

Identification

Mezzanine loans are secured by ownership interests in a company rather than the real estate owned by a company. They are so named because of their ranking in priority of payment, below the payment of senior debt but above equity or common stock. Companies in middle stages of growth often use mezzanine loans to obtain capital for continued growth without having to surrender further equity. When in default, lenders foreclose on the securing stock or membership interests, which usually is much quicker than foreclosing a mortgage.

Features

Because they are not completely backed by equity, mezzanine loans carry high interest rates, usually around 20 percent. The agreements often include an equity component alongside subordinated debt, according to mezzanine loan provider Bond Capital. For example, a portion of the debt's interest might require cash payments at regular intervals while the remainder is financed by ownership options or "pay-in-kind' interest, in which interest owed is added to the principal. Mezzanine loans typically do not carry prepayment penalties.

Function

Mezzanine loans have three typical uses, according to real estate attorney George Blackburne III. One is to finance new construction projects, in which case the mezzanine loan supplements the loan from the commercial construction lender to lower the amount of money the developer must put up. A second use is for business owners with mortgage debt to gain access to capital when the terms or penalty of their mortgage prevents refinancing. The third use is a value-added deal. Investors can use mezzanine loans for property improvements, and because such improvements immediately increase a property's value, mezzanine lenders are willing to offer loans with a high loan-to-value ratio.

Size

Mezzanine loans are complex, requiring heavy lifting by lenders who must sort through relevant property and entity documents. As such, lenders usually require mezzanine loans to have a principal of at least $2 million, according to Katharine Noble of the law firm Jones, Waldo, Holbrook & McDoonough. Lenders will also consider mezzanine loans only for large projects, usually at least $10 million, according to Blackburne. About 150 mezzanine lenders operate in the United States alone as of 2010.

Sources

Mezzanine lending dates back to the 1980s, when most providers were savings and loan associations and insurance companies, according to Bond Capital. Since then, many other types of players have entered the arena: limited partnerships, hedge funds, pension funds and leveraged public funds. Some banks also have established mezzanine lending practices.

Tags: mezzanine loans, Mezzanine loans, Bond Capital, business owners, construction projects, least million

Debug A Cell Phone

Cell phone issues can leave you feeling angry and irritated.

Like computers, cell phones are prone to malfunction the longer they are in continuous operation. Many people use their phones every day to make calls, send messages, download music and surf the Web, without ever performing any kind of preventative maintenance. When the phone eventually begins malfunctioning, it becomes necessary to debug the device using tools built into the operating system.

Instructions

1. Power-cycle your cell phone. This means turning it off for 30 seconds and then turning it back on. Generally, the red "End Call" key also serves as the power key, which should be held down until the phone powers off. Press this key again to turn it back on. Assess whether the issue you are experiencing is still present.

2. Remove the battery while the device is powered on. This sudden power interrupt causes the phone to dump its temporary memory cache, potentially clearing up any software related issues that came about suddenly.

3. Replace the battery and turn the phone back on. Because of the memory cache clear, it may take longer than normal for the phone to power up. Once it has done so, test for resolution. If the problem is still present, more advanced troubleshooting is required.

4. Perform a master reset on your cell phone. This will reset all settings on the device to their factory standard configuration. This is generally done by pressing "Menu," "Settings," "Initial Setup" and "Master Reset." Input your security code when prompted and then allow the device to perform the reset and automatically power-cycle itself. Note that master reset steps may vary from phone to phone, so consult your user manual for alternate steps if needed. When the device has powered back up, test for resolution.

5. Perform a master clear on the device. This will completely erase all data on the phone and re-install a fresh copy of the operating system onto your phone. Generally, this is done by pressing "Menu," selecting "Settings," "Initial Setup" and "Master Clear." Enter your security code when prompted and allow the device to reprogram itself, then test for resolution. Again, steps may vary, so consult your user manual as needed.

Tags: test resolution, your user manual, allow device, cell phone This, code when

Facts Mosaic Art

Mosaic is an art form dating back to ancient times.

Mosaic is a form of art that uses small pieces of material, such as tile, beads, paper or stones, arranged in a specific pattern. This pattern is designed to make up a larger image composed completely of the tiny material patterns.

History

Mosaic art dates back over 4,000 years. The art form initially began with the use of terra-cotta cones pressed into a background and different colored stones to create basic decoration and patterns. In the fourth century B.C., Greeks modified and improved the art form by creating images of people and animals. By 200 B.C. specially made tile pieces called tesserae, which were only a couple of millimeters in size, were used in mosaics in place of stones and pebbles. These typically square pieces were small enough to create detail and range of color.

Influences

The Byzantine Empire had a large influence on the characteristics of mosaic art from the fifth century onward. The Byzantines used tiny pieces of nongrouted glass tesserae called smalti from northern Italy that allowed light to pass through. The glass was placed at varying angles, bouncing the light off one another to create an eye-catching shimmer.

Religious Use

In western Europe, Islamic mosaic and tile art was introduced by the Moors in the eighth century. These pieces of art contained mainly mathematical and geographical images. Even though mosaic art became slightly unpopular by the middle ages, the expanding tile industry increased demand for mosaic tiling patterns in religious buildings by the 19th century. Many of the Islam and Christian mosaics still can be seen today in mosques and temples around the world. These religious institutions mixed with the introduction of mass tile production launched the trend of decorating floors with mosaics.

Variants

The Art Nouveau movement of the 1890s also showed interest in mosaic art. By the 20th century, Catalan artists Antoni Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol invented a technique called trencadis, which utilized broken tiles and shards of crockery to cover the surface of architectural designs.

Modern Examples

Today, mosaic art remains fresh with continuous new ideas and approaches from both famed artists and independent crafters. Many creative individuals use mosaics for home furnishings, interior design, gallery art projects and more. Modern artists, such as Martin Brown, have used mosaic to create portraits of famous artists and even tables inlaid with tiles.

Tags: Mosaic form

Circulate Heat Through A House Using Ceiling Fans

Set a ceiling fan so that it will circulate warm air.

Many homes have ceiling fans in one or more rooms. Ceiling fans are often used to produce a cool breeze in the summer. But ceiling fans can also be used to circulate warm air in the winter. Adjusting a fan so that it moves warm air through a room or a house can help reduce heating bills.

Instructions

Air Flow in a Room

1. Turn off the ceiling fan, if it's running, and wait for it to stop. Position a stepladder under the ceiling fan and climb as high as you need to in order to reach the fan.

2. Locate the forward and reverse slide-switch control on the side of the ceiling fan.

3. Push the slide switch to the reverse setting so that cool air will be pulled up, and warm air close to the ceiling will be forced downward.

4. Start the fan and allow it to reach full speed.

5. Adjust the speed if it's too fast for you.

Air Flow in a Home

6. Adjust ceiling fans in other rooms so that they will also pull up cool air and force down warm air that's close to the ceiling.

7. Install additional ceiling fans in rooms that don't have them.

8. Open doors to rooms that need to be warm. Open doors from rooms where ceiling fans are running. This will facilitate warm air flow from room to room.

9. Close doors to rooms that are not frequently used and do not need to be heated. This will confine warm air circulation to areas that you do use.

Tags: rooms that, ceiling fans, ceiling fans, circulate warm, close ceiling, doors rooms, doors rooms that

Decorating Ideas For Ceiling Hooks

Ceiling hooks can transform any room or event.

When decorating in the home or for a party, the ceiling is typically left untouched. While the walls and floors are adorned with fancy artwork and elegant furniture, the ceilings are bare and dull. With ceiling hooks, however, a ceiling may be transformed from bland to extraordinary.

Home Decor

Use swag ceiling hooks and soft, flowing fabric to drape a canopy overhead in a bedroom. The canopy may be placed directly over a bed, lounge chair or a vanity table. Pull the canopy back over the chosen piece of furniture using silk ribbon that matches the color scheme of the rest of the room.

You can also hang window treatments with ceiling hooks. Purchase your choice of fabric for your curtains. Sheer and see-through fabrics provide little privacy, so opt for opaque. Measure your wall from ceiling to floor, and hem your fabric accordingly, using no-sew hemming tape. Attach three swag hooks to the ceiling, and hang the fabric over the hooks. During the daytime, use a soft ribbon to keep the curtains open.

Room Accessories for Kids

Mobiles and artwork are often suspended from the ceiling to create a fun, colorful atmosphere in schools. You can achieve the same feeling by using ceiling hooks to suspend accessories from your child's ceiling. Factor in the theme or color scheme of the room before hanging any random object, and space objects out so that the room doesn't appear too busy or cluttered. Hang fishing line from the hooks, and tie the accessories to the fishing line. A few examples include fish, airplanes, hearts, stars, tropical birds or flying dinosaurs.

Seasonal and Special Events

For seasonal parties, ceiling hooks provide the host with numerous decorating options. For example, during the winter, sparkling snowflakes can be hung from the ceiling. In the fall, autumn leaves in colors such as red, brown, yellow and orange can grace the area overhead. In spring, spruce up the place using potted hanging plants.

Ceilings hooks may also be used to create a sophisticated wedding environment. If decorated tastefully, ceiling decor can provide an elegant atmosphere. Sheer fabric such as silk may be draped from wall to wall, creating a soft and lavish environment. Sleek lights that match the color scheme of the wedding also look chic and functional at a wedding event or party.

Lighting

Chandeliers, even if inoperable, provide an upscale feel to a room. With durable ceiling hooks, the chandelier may be suspended over the dining room table or in the foyer of your home. If you're seeking something more practical, Chinese lanterns blend well with functional or modern decor. In a child's room, old Christmas lights will add flair if strung across the ceiling with ceiling hooks.

Tags: ceiling hooks, ceiling hooks, color scheme, from ceiling, fishing line

Mount Outdoor Speakers

Outdoor speakers let you take your music to your favorite outdoor spaces, including patios, decks, gazebos and yards. It's important when installing outdoor speakers to mount them properly so that you can count on them to stay put through the seasons and ensure good sound reproduction when you're outdoors.

Instructions

1. Choose a location for your speakers. Space the speakers out so that you'll get full coverage of the area. Most outdoor speakers come with mounts that swivel, so it's possible to make some adjustments in coverage after you've mounted them.

2. Place your mount against the wall you'll be putting the speakers on and mark the locations of the screw holes with a pencil or marker. Take your drill, and with a very small bit, sink a hole into those spots to test the wall.

3. Place the mount onto the wall with the appropriate mounting hardware. If the mount lines up with a stud or solid wood, a wood screw is appropriate. If the wall is hollow, use hollow-wall mounting hardware, which is available at your hardware store. Check the ratings of the hardware to ensure that it will hold the weight of your speaker. Mounting into cement or other surfaces also requires specialized mounting hardware--consult your hardware store for the correct screws or anchors.

4. Screw the mounts into the wall using your mounting hardware. Test that it's securely fastened by pulling on it firmly.

5. Place the speakers on the mounts. Consult the manual for your outdoor speakers for the exact method to be employed--the specific hardware and method will vary from speaker to speaker and from brand to brand.

Tags: mounting hardware, hardware store, outdoor speakers, your hardware, your hardware store

Decorative Metal Ceiling Tiles

Decorative metal ceiling tiles were popular during the middle to late part of the nineteenth century. The three original manufacturers continued making these tiles and two of them still exist today. Modern companies have discovered how popular the pieces are and began making them in more elaborate and complex designs. Today, shoppers can find vintage, faux vintage and contemporary styles.

Style

There are typically two styles associated with decorative metal ceiling tiles. The first is known as vintage ceiling tiles. These were taken from historic or older buildings before they were demolished or during a remodeling project. There are also contemporary styles available that tend to look more modern. Additionally there are a few companies making replica tiles that look like the original metal tiles used during the nineteenth century, but were created during modern times.

Pattern

There are far too many patterns associated with decorative metal ceiling tiles to list them all here, but there are a few variations. The first type is the tiles that work together to create a larger design. These typically have an open design on the sides, which allows them to fit together. They may also have a larger random pattern that allows it to work alone or as a group. There are also patterns that are considered stand-alone styles. These have an outer edge and a central design so they still look beautiful even if there are only a few grouped together.

Metal

Tin is the most popular choice in terms of decorative metal ceiling tiles. Tin was used often in the creation of vintage tiles and it is still used by many companies. However other companies are using different types of metal, which allows building owners to find something that fits the style of the building. Stainless steel and aluminum are used because the materials tend to be flexible and lightweight. Other companies use copper because of its unusual color.

Uses

Decorative metal ceiling tiles have far more uses than just the standard ceiling. These tiles can be used along one wall to create an unusual looking area or a focal point to a room. They can also be grouped together to create a wainscoting effect in a room. There are also some businesses looking to these ceiling tiles because of the clean, yet unusual design they produce. These businesses place the tiles along the ceiling to give the room a more elaborate feel.

Size

Decorative metal ceiling tiles come in three standard sizes: 6-inch, 12-inch and 24-inch. Size applies to all sides, making each piece a perfect square. Shoppers can cut down the pieces to fit smaller spaces or abnormally shaped rooms. When the design of the tile is raised, this area of the tile is less than one inch tall, to create a an easy to see design, but without making the tile look heavy.

Tags: ceiling tiles, metal ceiling, metal ceiling tiles, There also, tiles used, associated with

What Are The Benefits Of Cfl Daylight Light Bulbs

Compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) have grown in popularity over the past few years. CFLs not only save homeowners money, but they also help save the environment. It is time to throw traditional light bulbs out the window (not literally), and jump on the eco-bandwagon.

What Is a CFL Daylight Bulb?

A CFL, or compact florescent light, is a type of light bulb that uses an electrically excited gas rather than a metal filament to create light. Most people are familiar with florescent tube lights common in offices and schools, but now CFL bulbs are becoming more popular and have found their way into the home. CFLs can be identified by their unique shape, usually a spiral or tube, and by their large base, which contains the electronics needed to run the bulb.

CFL Daylight Bulbs vs. Regular CFL Bulbs

CFL daylight bulbs create more light and more heat than regular CFL bulbs. CFLs are available in four intensities: soft white, bright white, cool white and daylight. Soft white bulbs produce a light that is softer (toward the red end of the light spectrum), while daylight bulbs create a brighter blue light (toward the blue end of the light spectrum). The type of CLF bulb you choose will also affect the amount of energy, or electricity, needed to create light. Soft white CFL bulbs use less energy per hour than do daylight CFLs.

Benefits of Using CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs not only last up to 15 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs, but they also use much less electricity, saving both energy and money over the lifetime of the bulb. Some estimates place the energy savings for a household that replaces all traditional light bulbs with CFLs at 12 percent a month, or $22.00 a year per bulb. Although CFL bulbs are typically more expensive than traditional light bulbs, the energy savings and increased life span of CFLs balance out the cost in the long run.

Helping the Environment

CFL bulbs not only use less energy per hour than traditional light bulbs, but they also produce light much more efficiently. One way you can test this is to compare the heat produced by a traditional incandescent light with the heat produced by a CFL. Traditional light bulbs waste up to 80 percent of the energy needed to make light by producing heat. In turn, only 20 percent of the electricity used by the bulb is transferred into light; the rest is wasted making the bulb dangerously hot.

Safety Concerns

CFL bulbs, like all florescent light bulbs, contain a small amount of mercury vapor within each tube. Although each bulb contains a very small amount of mercury (4 mg to 5 mg), concerns have been voiced about the disposal of CFL bulbs in landfills, and the possibility of CFLs contaminating the environment. On the same note, homeowners should also be aware of the presence of mercury in CFL bulbs, taking care not to drop or break CFLs indoors, and making sure to follow EPA recommendations for the proper disposal of CFL bulbs.

Tags: light bulbs, florescent light, than traditional, they also, amount mercury, blue light

Select A Ceiling Fan For A Bedroom

A ceiling fan not only cools your home in summer. During cold seasons it can trim your heating bill by redirecting the hot air that collects at the ceiling down toward the floor. To help you choose a ceiling fan for your bedroom, follow the simple steps below.

Instructions

1. Look at the ceiling in your bedroom. If there is a central socket or light already installed, consider buying a lighted ceiling fan. If you don't need light from the ceiling, then look for a fan without lights.

2. Measure the room size and determine whether you need a large fan or a small one to be effective. Chances are you'll need a smaller fan for your bedroom.

3. Factor in the width and length of your bedroom to determine the fan blade size. Small blades in a big room will do no good, and if the blades are too big, the fan will be too much.

4. Browse online for ceiling fans of various shapes, sizes, brands and models (see Resources below). Or visit a home lighting or hardware store in your area to see what's available, and then make your choice.

Tags: your bedroom, ceiling your, ceiling your bedroom

Portable Fan Vs Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan and portable fans differ.

Do you want to save money on your utility bill? A portable fan or ceiling fan will help you save on your energy bill. Raise your air conditioning unit a few degrees and use either a ceiling fan or a portable fan. This decreases your monthly utility bill with no impact on your comfort level. Ceiling fans and portable fans provide a cool comfortable environment by circulating cool air and reducing heat from the home. However, both have advantages, as well as disadvantages.

History

The ceiling fan appeared on the US market around 1860 to 1870, powered by a stream of running water, along with turbines that operated a belt system. Today, ceiling fans use electric motors as their power source. Portable electric fans arrived on the market in 1880 and were created using a blade attached directly to the fan. Both fans have evolved over the years into the type of fans we have available today.

Types

Portable fans come in various types, such as box fans, tiny battery-operated fans, pedestal fans, window fans, floor fans and stand-mounted fans. They are versatile and can be placed on a desk, table or chair. You control your cooling options by setting the fan in an oscillating motion or in a stationary position. Ceiling fans, on the other hand, are always stationary. Some feature lights or no lights. Additionally, ceiling fans come in varying sizes from small to large. Large ceiling fans produce more air and are appropriate for larger areas up to approximately 10 feet. On the other hand, small- and medium-sized fans cool smaller areas averaging between four to six feet.

Function

Ceiling fans reduce energy costs during hot summer months. Ceiling fans push cool air downward from their blades, and the air circulates to cool the room. During the cold season, turn your ceiling fan in the reverse mode by flipping the switch to the reverse position. The reverse mode creates an updraft, forces warm air downward and creates a more comfortable room. On the other hand, portable fans cool the room in hot weather, but provide no benefit during cold weather.

Ratings

Ceiling fans with an Energy Star logo indicate energy efficiency, and can reduce your utility bill. According to the Energy Star website, ceiling fans with approved lighting are 50 percent more efficient than fans without the star label. The Energy Star program does not include portable fans.

Installation

Ceiling fans require installation, an accessible electrical connection and ceiling space to accommodate the fan. Portable fans, however, come assembled or require minor assembly. When you factor the cost associated with installing a ceiling fan, it is considerably more expensive than a portable fan that less labor-intensive.

Tags: Ceiling fans, Energy Star, other hand, portable fans, utility bill, your utility bill, ceiling fans

Install Armstrong Ceiling

Armstrong ceiling systems come in a wide variety of styles. Armstrong suspended ceilings are functional and easy to maintain if they are properly installed. Proper installation includes installing the L channel that attaches to the wall level around the entire room and the ceiling wires that support the ceiling's main tees. Renting a rotating laser will speed up the installation as well as ensure that the L channels are level. Laying out the main tee locations on the floor will allow you to properly locate the suspended ceiling wires.

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the room. Divide the length of the room by the length of one ceiling tile. Add the remainder to the length of the ceiling tile. For example, if the room length is 13 feet and you are using 4 foot long ceiling tiles, you would divide 13 by 4 and have 3. Add the left over 1 foot to your ceiling tile length of 4 feet, which is 5 feet. Divide the 5 foot length by 2, to give you the length of your border tile of 2 1/2 feet or 30 inches. Perform the same operation for the width of the room, with the exception of using the 2 foot width of your ceiling tile as opposed to the 4 foot length.

2. Determine the height of the ceiling. You need to allow a minimum of three inches to install and remove the ceiling tiles. Leave an additional 2 inches of height if you are installing drop-in lights. Place a pencil mark at the finished height of the ceiling. Hang the rotary laser per the manufacturer's instructions. Turn on the laser. Set the laser 3 inches below your finished ceiling height. Place the laser guide against the wall at one corner of the room. Place a mark 3 inches above the laser line to mark the finished ceiling height. Continue marking both walls at each corner of the room. Turn off the rotary laser. Snap a chalk line between the corner marks on each wall to show the finished ceiling height.

3. Locate the vertical wall studs with the stud finder. Place a pencil mark at each stud, 1 1/4 inches above the finished ceiling height.

4. Secure the L channel to the wall by running a 2-inch wood screw into each stud, while holding the L channel on the chalk line. Cut the L channel to length with the aviation snips if it is longer than the wall that you are attaching the L channel too. Install the L channel around the entire perimeter of the room.

5. Using the tape measure and carpenter's pencil, mark the center of the room's length on the floor of both sides of the room. Stretch the chalk line between the two centerline marks. Snap the chalk line on the floor to mark the center of the length of the room. On the floor of both sides of the room, place a pencil mark four feet from your center chalk line. Snap a chalk line between the marks. Continue the procedure until you have all of the four-foot main tees marked on the floor with a chalk line.

6. Place the laser plumb bob on the chalk line at the center of the room, 2 feet from the wall. Stand the ladder off to the side of the laser plumb bob. Secure a ceiling wire clip with the drill and a 2-inch wood screw on the ceiling joist nearest the laser point of the plumb bob, but in-line with the laser mark. Pace a 1 foot bend in a length of suspended ceiling wire; feed the wire through the mounting clip. Pull the ceiling wire over itself and turn the two pieces of ceiling wire over itself 3 times with the lineman's pliers. Measure over two feet and perform the procedure again. Repeat the process until all the ceiling wires have been secured to the ceiling joists. When all of the ceiling support wires are secured, turn on the rotary laser.

7. Cut the main tees to the length of the room with the aviation snips. If the room is longer than a main tee, splice the tees together per Armstrong specifications. Lay the main tee across the L channels you mounted earlier. Cut the ceiling wires 1 foot below the tee. Attach the laser guide to the main tee. Place a 90 degree bend on the ceiling wire, 3/4 of an inch above the bottom face of the main tee. Thread the ceiling wire through the pre-punched hole in the main tee that is closed to the ceiling wire hanging plumb. Pull the wire until the laser guide shows that you are at ceiling height. Secure the wire by making 3 tight wraps as described in step 6. Perform the same operation until all the main tees are suspended with the ceiling wires.

8. Insert the cross tees into the main tees. Start the first cross tee at the border dimension that you figured in step 1. Slide the cross tee into the main tee, and slip the cross tee tabs into the pre-made slot of the main tee. Repeat the process for the other side of the cross tee. Continue installing cross tees 2 feet apart until you have all of the cross tees installed.

9. Lay the ceiling panels into the suspended ceiling. Cut the border panels to fit with a utility knife. Always mark and cut on the finished side of the ceiling tile to avoid marring the panels' finish.

Tags: chalk line, ceiling wire, ceiling height, ceiling tile, ceiling wires

Repair A Collapsed Ceiling

If your plaster or drywall ceiling has some isolated damage to it, you may be able to just patch or plaster it over. However, if one-third or more of the surface is damaged beyond repair, you're probably better off pulling it all down and drywalling the whole ceiling from scratch. It is much easier to hang drywall from bare ceiling joists than it is to hang it over partially collapsed plaster.

Instructions

1. Use your prybar and hammer to pull down any remaining plaster or drywall from the ceiling, exposing the joists completely. Pull out all the remaining nails from the joists.

2. Measure the ceiling from one end out, in a direction perpendicular to the joists. Take the measurement from the wall to the middle of the width of the furthest joist out that's within 8 feet of the wall. Standard joists are 1½ inches wide along the narrow edges of the boards, so your measurement would be 3/4 inch in from the edge of the last joist within the 8-foot section.)

3. Mark that measurement on a piece of drywall. Set a T-square on the edge of the drywall at the measurement and score along the edge of it with a utility knife. Snap the piece at the scored line.

4. Hold the cut drywall to the ceiling (with an assistant), positioned so the cut end is against the wall and the other edge is at the middle of the width of the joist to which you measured.

5. Drive galvanized drywall screws along each point where the board crosses a joist. Put the screws about every 6 inches along each joist.

6. Set a second drywall sheet at the end of the first. Screw to the joists in the same manner. Repeat the process, hanging as many full sheets as will fit. Cut the last sheet as before to go against the far wall.

7. Repeat for each row of drywall sheets, installing them side by side and covering the entire ceiling. Stagger the rows by starting each row at the opposite end of the room as the previous one.

8. Press drywall tape over all the seams of the ceiling. Spread drywall joint compound over the tape, using a drywall knife. Make the line of compound slightly wider than the tape and very flat. Spread additional compound over the screw holes. Let it dry for about 6 hours.

9. Apply a second coat of compound over the first, making it a little wider. Let it set for 6 hours. Apply a third and final coat, making the seam a little wider. Let it dry overnight. Sand it smooth with a drywall sander. The ceiling now is ready for painting.

Tags: compound over, against wall, along each, ceiling from, drywall ceiling, drywall from, hours Apply

Paint A Ceiling White

Paint, or cut in, the edges of the ceiling first.

Paint changes the feeling of an area, breathing new life and cleanliness to tired old rooms. An often-overlooked aspect of painting is the ceiling -- many people focus solely on the walls and leave the same dingy, dirty paint in place overhead. You don't have to follow the lead of the various television designers and splash a rainbow of colors across a ceiling; applying a couple of coats of basic white paint finishes the look of the room and acts as the proverbial cherry on top.

Instructions

1. To prepare the room for painting, remove furniture and other objects, including window curtains. Cover the floor with plastic sheets. Wash the ceiling with soapy water and allow it to dry. Tape the upper edges of the walls to keep paint from ending up in unintended places.

2. Use a 2- or 3-inch-wide paintbrush to apply white primer to the edges of the ceiling, a process called cutting in. Paint it along the edges to at least the width of the brush.

3. Wash and set aside the paintbrush. Dip a paint roller in the primer, wiping the excess off on the edge of the paint tray.

4. Begin rolling in one corner of the room. Apply the primer in a three-foot wide M shape with four strokes of the roller. Switch directions at the end of the M and make another M adjacent to the first, filling in more of the unpainted ceiling. Continue until the entire ceiling is primed.

5. Allow the primer to dry, which can take several hours. Wash the paint roller.

6. Apply white paint to the ceiling once the primer is dry, using the same techniques you used for the primer. To avoid clearly visible lines in the paint, cut in the ceiling one edge at a time if using a semi-gloss or gloss latex paint or an alkyd-based paint; don't cut in the next edge until you approach it with the roller. Continue painting until the ceiling is evenly coated.

7. Allow the paint to dry. Inspect the dry ceiling for paint strokes, even coloration and any sign of the previous color showing through the white paint.

8. Apply a second coat if necessary. Allow it to dry completely, then inspect the ceiling again. Continue adding coats until the ceiling is a smooth, uniform and clear shade of white.

Tags: white paint, edges ceiling, paint ceiling, paint roller, until ceiling

Primitive Ceiling Fan Ideas

Primitive ceiling fans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Be sure to select the appropriate one for your home.

Primitive ceiling fans provide the finishing touches for well-designed country, folk or antique home decor. By following just a few simple design guidelines, you can display an appropriately fashioned ceiling fan for an affordable price. Here are a few ideas to get you started on this rustic and rewarding design endeavor!

Authentic antiques

Restore an antique ceiling fan for an elegant but rustic look.

Antique ceiling fans offer a beautifully distressed style, with the attractiveness of historical origin. According to vintagefans.com, electric ceiling fans manufactured in the United States as early as the 1890s can be fully restored to their original form and function. Some common materials found in an antique ceiling fan include stained wood, oxidized copper, iron, sanded glass and even cast iron. These raw materials compare better in lasting quality than today's ceiling fans made from plastic and medium-density fiber board. No doubt that's part of the primitive-design appeal. Purchasing or restoring an antique ceiling fan for your home provides a historic flare for your primitive design.

Country colors

Use a crackled paint treatment for a worn appearance.

For a more affordable and homespun application, get creative with your paintbrush. When using paint, incorporate natural earth tones for a true handcrafted appearance. Painted wood fans should showcase hues such as harvest gold, earthy clay, forest green and rustic barn red. Often, country looks feature painted images of farm scenes with roosters, horses and wildflowers. These decorative images should be kept to a minimum on ceiling fans, however, since they will likely not be as visible as when applied to furnishings. One of the most popular paint treatments for rustic design, crackled paint, allows adjacent colors to complement each other in a fabulous finish. Or instead of crackle painting the fan blades, apply a neutral tone-on-tone crackle treatment to the ceiling fan's glass bowl lighting fixture.

Accents of nature

Ceiling fans with leaf designs work well for a primitive look in mountain communities.

Be sure that your primitive ceiling fan is consistent with the home's overall design. In a mountainside log cabin that features carved bear statues and autumn leaf artwork, install a ceiling fan that features accents of pine cone and leaf shapes. Found on the ceiling fan blades or as part of the lighting fixture, these images of nature will seamlessly blend with your mountain home's interior. In one particular North Carolina mountain community, the neighborhood country club's dining lounge hosts a striking three-tiered chandelier made from oak leaf shapes in an iron material. Another club room boasts a lighting fixture made from deer horns, appealing to the region's popular sport of hunting. Both of these lighting designs can be incorporated into the ceiling fan design for a unique and dramatic country environment!

Tags: ceiling fans, lighting fixture, made from, antique ceiling, crackled paint, leaf shapes

Stomp A Ceiling With Mud

Use brushes and trowels to create stomp textures into drywall mud.

Create a textured ceiling surface using drywall mud. Often referred to as joint compound, the material is used to connect drywall sheets joints. However, the gypsum-based plaster is ideal for stomping texture onto ceilings to create innovative patterns. An additional benefit of plaster mud ceilings is that they work as an acoustical sound barrier. However, once applied, the rough texture is very difficult to remove. Only install if you are willing to have a textured ceiling for many years.

Instructions

1. Clean the ceiling with a damp rag or sponge if dirt buildup is present. Suction away any cobwebs in the ceiling corner. Protect your floors by using drop cloths or large plastic sheets. All items should be moved out of the room, or completely covered in plastic to avoid any damage.

2. Place painter's tape along the edge of the walls touching the ceiling. Rub the tape down well so plaster or paint do not seep underneath.

3. Use a hand drill and stir your joint compound, or mud, to a creamy consistency. Attach a blending tool to your drill and stir the mud for about one minute. Mixing the mud ensures it is evenly moist and ready to use.

4. Roll the mud onto the ceiling using a paint roller. Use a roller with a long nap, approximately 3/4 inch. Apply the plaster in all directions. Cover about a 4-by-4-foot space.

5. Pick up your stomping brushes. Any large, bristle brushes may be used. Stamp the bristles into the wet plaster to create texture. Repeat over the entire area. Leave the texture as is, or use a drywall trowel to knock down and smooth away any peeks. Let the ceiling dry for about 24 hours.

6. Paint the ceiling using a rough nap roller. Cover the texture with one to two coats of latex paint. For darker colors, first apply a coat of grey primer. To paint the edges of the ceiling, get as close to the wall as possible with the roller. Dab in paint using a chip brush up to the edge of the ceiling.

Tags: ceiling using, drill stir, joint compound, textured ceiling

Women & Workplace Discrimination

Women at work

Women face workplace discrimination in many areas of employment. This discrimination has often been based on preconceived notions that relate to women being seen as weak and uncommitted to work. This stereotyping and resulting discrimination has prompted laws and legislation to protect women from discrimination in the workplace.

Pregnancy

In 1978, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was amended to include the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. This amendment makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against a woman because of her pregnancy, childbirth, or any medical conditions related to the pregnancy. This amendment was necessary as women being being terminated from employment and were not being hired because of a pregnancy. Employers feared that pregnant women would not return to work or may take too much time off of work.

Even with the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, women continued to face discrimination in the workplace due to a pregnancy or childbirth. Women who took time off of work to have a child or care for the child were being terminated from employment or when they returned, were placed in a lower paying position. In 1993, the Family Medical Leave Act was passed. It requires employers to allow 12 weeks of leave for the birth or adoption of a child. FMLA further required that the woman's job is preserved at the same pay, or she is returned to a similar position at the same pay.

Compensation

According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, in 2005, women's median earnings were 81 percent that of men. Although 43.6 percent of women were full time wage and salary earners, they only made up 31 percent of the highest earnings. These statistics are indicative of decades of unequal compensation among men and women. This pattern of discrimination prompted the passing of the Equal Pay Act of 1963. The EPA makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate in compensation, among men and women. More specifically, it requires that men and women who hold similar positions, possess similar skills and perform similar job duties, are given equal pay. Some exceptions are pay scales that are based on a merit-system or quantity of work.

Promotion

Women who hold professional and managerial positions have found that despite stellar professional qualifications and educational backgrounds, they are unable to advance through the "ranks" to top levels in an organization or company. This is known as the "glass ceiling" and further refers to difficulties women have rising to the upper echelons of business. Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, also known as the Glass Ceiling Act of 1991, was created because women "remain underrepresented in management and decision making positions in business." It further explains that artificial barriers exist and the there is a lack of access to "credential building developmental opportunities. Title II established a commission to research and report on the glass ceiling effect and possible remedies. Although Title II recognizes the "glass ceiling" that exists, it does not make it unlawful. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate in employment practices, including promotion, based on a person's sex. It is under this law that claims of sex-based discrimination should be made.

Sexual Harassment

Although men can be sexually harassed in the workplace, women tend to experience workplace sexual harassment in larger numbers. According to the Harris Poll, 31 percent of women and 7 percent of men reported being sexually harassed at work.

Sexual harassment constitutes gender discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which includes comments and physical contact. This conduct has to rise to a level that is constitutes a hostile working environment. In most cases, sexual harassment is not an isolated incident or offhanded remarks. However, there are instances where a one-time incident can be so egregious that it constitutes sexual harassment (i.e. sexual assault and/or groping of the genitals).

Gender Stereotyping

Women have been discriminated against for failing to conform to gender stereotypes. In Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins , a woman employee was denied a promotion because she did not behave in a feminine manner. The court ruled that taking an adverse action in employment practices because an employee does not conform to gender stereotypes constitutes sex (gender) discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Women who have children may be subjected to gender stereotyping, in the form of caregiving responsibilities. There have and can be instances where women employees with children are viewed as being less competent. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, women workers who have children are viewed as being less capable and skilled in performing the duties of their job. This is often seen in performance evaluations, where women are subjected to changes in performance assessments, even when there has not been a change of work performance.

Tags: Civil Rights, Civil Rights 1964, Rights 1964, Title Civil, Title Civil Rights, employers discriminate