Torchieres

Over the years, we have seen how lighting fixtures have slowly evolved purely the purely functional to the highly decorative pieces. Back in the more primitive era where electricity was still unheard of, man lit fire torches to shed light to dingy and gloomy castles. Today, these particular lighting systems have developed into a more sophisticated fixture more popularly known as torchieres that provide an elegant touch in many homes as an accent lamp.

Basically, a torchiere galls under the category of floor lamps that features a bowl-shaped uppermost section that effectively directs the light in an upward direction. This particular design allows light to bounce back from the ceiling and efficiently lights up the corner of the room. With its bowl-shaped casement, the glare from bright bulbs can be significantly shielded to give of a softer and muted light, perfect in setting a more relaxing mood. Torchieres are usually available in several finishes to give to a several choices to fit every interior design requirements. There have been some modifications of torchiere lamps that also features side lamps along its body, this makes it a more practical option of having an accent lamp and task lamp in one piece. Among the popular choices are pewter, wrought iron, chrome, and brass. Some modern collections are also available in Tiffany and frosted glass that easily complements both traditional and contemporary styles. The common bulbs used in torchieres are incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Recently, there have been some issued warnings on the use of halogen bulbs in any torchiere lamp, especially in residential structures. Halogen powered lamps, although have been known to be quite efficient and long lasting, it also produces too much heat can set fire if near combustible objects around the house. With the special design of torchiere lamps, there is an estimated 40 million American homes that own this particular lighting fixture in view of its steady popularity over the years. However, some manufacturers have specified the use of halogen bulbs in their torchiere products that can actually hike up the temperature to an alarming 1,000F.

According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, tin 1992 alone there were around 270 incidents fires and 19 fatal deaths that can be closely connected to the use of halogen bulks in torchieres. In fact, the home of the famous jazz artist, Lionel Hampton was practically burned to ashes, which was later found out to have started from the halogen torchiere lamp. At a closer inspection, the reason why torchieres are especially prone to fire is because its facing upwards and can direct a concentrated heat towards the ceiling where electrical wires and drapes are the most likely causes of combustion.

However, compact fluorescent lamps are long been established as a better alternative to incandescent lighting systems, making it a top choice in many lighting fixtures including torchiere lighting. Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CPL) actually casts the same light, lasts 5-10 times longer and consumes less energy all that can efficiently provide you with a rather substantial savings. In fact, you might be a little surprised to know that fluorescent lamps actually uses 80% less energy that the halogen lamps that was highly preferred before.

So know that you know the facts, pay more careful attention to the bulb specifications if your torchiere lamps before making a purchase since there are still inarguably a number of manufacturers out there that feature halogen fittings. Choosing you lamp wisely would not just be about the having the eye for design but also cultivate an interest on the specifications of the product. A well informed shopper is definitely a better shopper than can make wiser choices when it comes to home furnishings and fixtures.