Decorative Fluorescent Light Panels - Diffuses Light While Looking Great!

Most people love fluorescent light panels because they are affordable to use and they provide a lot of light to an area. In addition to the good aspects of fluorescent lighting, there are also drawbacks as well. Two main drawbacks of fluorescent light panels are that they are sometimes too bright for our needs and they are not very attractive.

In order to take care of these two problems, decorative light panels were created. The difference in light panels is very distinct. A normal, clear panel for fluorescent light fixtures allows all the light to filter through from the bulbs. Often times this is very harsh light and can be overwhelming to a space. Instead of dealing with the harsh light, it can be diffused further.

Decorative

Decorative fluorescent light panels diffuse light by creating an image that uses different colors to create different effects; when this happens, the image results in something very pleasing to the eye. There are unlimited images that can be created and placed on a light panel. Many people choose to buy stock images such as clouds, flowers, flags, trees, cartoons and more while others choose to create a custom image. This image could be of the company logo if a business, a family picture if a home or anything else that the person or businesses chooses. If you can think it, they can make it!

Decorative Fluorescent Light Panels - Diffuses Light While Looking Great!

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a decorative fluorescent light panel is to deal with a company that will cut the panel to your specific dimensions- preferably at no additional charge. It is important to make sure the company has that option because fluorescent light panels, if not cut properly, have a tendency to break. In order to keep the panels looking great, be sure to leave the cutting aspect up to the professionals. If needing to make minor adjustment, be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and remember to carefully cut for your safety and the panel's appearance.

In the big picture, decorative panels are easy to install. They can take as little as 10 minutes to install. Another great perk about these items if the affordability factor; light panels are very affordable, typically about .00 each. This is a one-time cost and there is no installation fee because it is a do-it-yourself project. Options are endless when using decorative fluorescent panels because they can be changed many times throughout the year, easily, to coincide with holiday's seasons or special occasions. Create a space in the office, waiting room at a business location or even at home that is creative and expresses the individuality of your location.

Decorative Fluorescent Light Panels - Diffuses Light While Looking Great!

To learn more about decorative fluorescent light diffuser panels and the unique look they can offer a space, please visit Cool Scenics.

Decorative Rocks and Ornamental Stone - Landscaping

It's time to break out of the everyday landscaping design. What does your lawn consist of? Lots of green grass - that takes a lot of time to mow and a lot of water to look healthy, trees and shrubs. Perhaps some flowerbeds flanking the house itself.

But there's so much more you can do with your landscaping, if you just decide to do things a bit differently.

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In desert locations, of course, like Arizona and Mexico, why bother to try to force grass to grow at all? Why not simply cover your yard with attractive, ornamental rock and stone, with a few shrubs. Or as the joke has it, "I'm retired, I've mowed my last lawn!" The reason is simple - you may think water is a renewable resource - but it doesn't renew as fast as mankind is consuming it. In desert states where water comes from below ground aquifers, the level of this fresh-water source is lowering every year, and rainwater cannot replenish that level fast enough.

Decorative Rocks and Ornamental Stone - Landscaping

Even if you don't live in a desert climate, there's no reason why you can't make a rock garden - either large or small - in part of your yard. Such a garden will cut down on the time needed to mow your lawn, there'll be no need to spread pesticides around, and it will be a quiet and restful place around which to sit.

Like any other landscaping element, a rock garden does have to be planned carefully. Rock doesn't absorb water - so any rain run-off will go straight into your lawn and does need to be carefully drained off. Don't put your rock garden over electrical or phone lines, either.

You may think that a rock garden is equivalent to a Japanese garden, but that isn't necessarily the case. The Japanese garden combines three elements: stone which represents mountains or islands, water - representing purity, and plants. A Zen garden is what most people think of when they hear the term Japanese garden - a stretch of white sand with black rocks placed strategically about, and one meditates by raking the sand smooth.

There are two ways to install a rock garden...one would be to make the rock look like a natural outcropping of bedrock...used to cut off an inconvenient slope. The more usual design is to pile up the stones - both large and small - in harmonious groupings...and if you simply must have greenery, leave small gaps between the rocks into which the plants may be placed.

Surf the web to get ideas for how to design your rock garden, and venture far and wide, into sites from Japan and India as well as the United States. You'll find beauty everywhere.

Decorative Rocks and Ornamental Stone - Landscaping

Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like lawn care for [http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com] . Find more publications about landscaping [http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/landscaping.html] at his website.

Ladder Shelving - A Decorative Display

Ladder shelving is exactly what it sounds like: shelving which resembles the steps on a ladder. It's a great solution for areas which lack space, but which are perfect to use as decorative feature.

Typically, ladder bookcases have up to five shelves, the lowest one being the deepest, with each shelf occupying a smaller footprint than the one beneath it.

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In fact, depending on what you plan to put on it, you could actually use a real ladder as a shelving unit by leaning it against the wall without opening it. Since there won't be much depth to the shelves if you do this, make sure you leave the ladder in a part of the room which doesn't get much people traffic. It's perfect for displaying changing artwork or photos and adding interest to a corner.

Ladder Shelving - A Decorative Display

Alternately, you can open up the ladder, turn it sideways and add three or four shelves which you balance on the parallel steps on each side. That arrangement gives you a lot of instant shelf space with no need to install anything. If you are concerned about the shelves remaining balanced, you can easily secure them to the steps of the ladder with some screws. Measure the depth of the step and the thickness of the shelf. Buy screws that will go through the step (from the bottom) and into the bottom of the shelf, without going all the way through the shelf. This way the screws won't be seen at all.

If you buy a wooden ladder you can paint it any color you wish and get matching shelves. If you prefer a more modern look, go for a chrome finish instead.

If you have the space, you might want to consider buying 2 identical ladders. You can buy long planks of wood for the shelves, and create a whole system. To really add flair, have the ends of the planks extend past the ladders on both ends. Have the planks cut so that the bottom plank is the longest, and then shorter and shorter. The end effect will look like a huge ladder!

You can also use a short stepladder as a plant stand when it's not in use.

Ready-made ladder shelving comes in a variety of designs, from basic wood to hand carved designs which add a touch of elegance. They don't hold a lot of storage, and are best used in areas where you want to display items for decoration.

Many units come both as corner and regular units so you can mix and match them to make the best use of the available space. Consider, as an example, adding ladder shelving to both corners of the fireplace wall. The effect will be to soften the impact of the fireplace, giving a sense of symmetry and balance.

Whatever you decide, keep in mind that ladder shelves are freestanding, so you can always move them around as your room design evolves.

Ladder Shelving - A Decorative Display

Joel Benstein is a Do-It-Yourself enthusiast. Over the years he has taught himself basic plumbing, electrical repair, window screen construction, gardening and landscaping. He is also an avid woodworker. You can see examples of some of his projects and get ideas and information for shelving in your home at http://www.home-shelving-guide.com

Prefer Sitting in Your Garden to Working in It? It's Decorative Gravel Time!

If you prefer sitting in your garden to working in it, it's decorative stone gravel time! There's so much you can do to any garden with gravel to make your favourite outside space a place to treasure and love.

Decorative gravel need not detract from the beauty of all your flowers and plants. It need not detract from the pristine perfection of your lawn. It will, however, enhance everything in the garden to make your leisure time there even more enjoyable.

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There's something very special about decorative stone gravel. It can and should be used as a complementary feature in your garden, and not as something that competes with every plant and flower you have. This is quite easy to achieve fortunately, for gravel is a material that naturally blends into any nature setting.

Prefer Sitting in Your Garden to Working in It? It's Decorative Gravel Time!

A garden path is probably the most obvious way to use gravel in the garden. It doesn't have to be a long winding path that sweeps majestically from gate to door. It can be something much more modest and it will still have a powerful effect through adding a central focus to your garden.

The gravel in your path doesn't have to be boring either. There are a wide range of natural stone materials that can be used in a wide range of colours too. A modest path can be transformed from mediocre to magnificent by using colours and patterns. You are really only restricted by your own imagination.

If you have a large lawn area it can be a great idea to break it up into smaller areas by introducing small meandering paths across the lawn. These should be fairly narrow, probably no more than two feet wide, and they should not be straight. A winding effect works best in most circumstances, and can even be used for creating sheng fui chi, thereby expelling sha chi for a more harmonious space.

Another advantage in creating small winding paths through a large lawn is the fact that you will make the garden more maintenance-free. You will have less lawn to mow and therefore more time to sit in your garden, admiring the decorative stone gravel you have strategically placed throughout it.

The other obvious large area where you can have gravel in is a patio. Patios are great in any garden. They provide a space to relax in, or where you can set up a barbecue, or just sit and let the world go by, perhaps while enjoying a fine glass of wine on a splendid summer's evening.

Decorative stone gravel works really well in plant and flower beds. Apart from looking great, it helps to reduce moisture evaporation and soil erosion. This also means that you will have less garden maintenance work to do and more time to sit and admire the beauty of nature.

If you have a pond or some kind of water feature, decorative stone gravel really comes into its own. Stone and water go together as naturally as bread and butter and they look really good too. Some gravel scattered near the edge of a pond or by a small waterfall can really make it stand out, cutting down maintenance in the process and giving you something else that is beautiful to admire as you relax in your garden.

Prefer Sitting in Your Garden to Working in It? It's Decorative Gravel Time!

David A Robinson
Help and information about using decorative gravel for driveways and gardens. Why struggle at the DIY store when you can have gravel delivered to your door?

Christmas Centerpieces - Decorative Pieces That You Can Make Yourself

Christmas is one of the most eagerly awaiting occasions for one and all. This is the time when the creative juices of the people begin working overtime to ensure their homes are the best decorated during the celebrations.

People are willing to spend a lot of money on purchasing Christmas centerpieces that play a very crucial role. What they fail to realize is that with a little bit of creativity and time on hand, you can create your own Christmas centerpieces that are sure to garner attention. Flowers and candles can be used to create some of the most fascinating centerpieces that can adorn the dining table.

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Let us take a look at two beautiful Christmas centerpieces that you can make at home with minimal investment.

Christmas Centerpieces - Decorative Pieces That You Can Make Yourself

Idea #1: Poinsettia centerpiece

This is one of the many Christmas centerpieces that can be created in a very short span of time. There are four materials that you will need to have handy. You will need poinsettias that are low growing if you want fresh plants for your centerpiece or you can opt for artificial plants. You will also need a cache pot or a decorative bowl. The third requirement is Styrofoam or floral foam. And the final thing you will need handy is a little greenery, fresh or artificial.

The next step is getting them all together to form one of the beautiful Christmas centerpieces to adorn your table. Place the Styrofoam or floral foam in the cache pot. Place the cache pot in the decorative bowl such that the pot is not visible outside. Now place the artificial plants or poinsettias into the pot firmly so it does not fall off. Finally, at the base of the decorative bowl, make a trail of greenery. Now, your centerpiece is ready to be placed on the table.

Idea #2: Candlestick centerpiece

Christmas is the best time to bring your best candleholders from the cupboard. Polish the holders well till they begin to gleam. Purchase candles, either scented or non-scented ones, on various lively hues. Try finding the dripless candles so the wax does not fall and spoil the decoration. Also, get some craft wires or thin satin ribbons or French ribbons. First of all, wrap the craft wire around the candle holders. Then, use the ribbons and tie bows around them. Now, place the colorful candles securely in the holders and arrange them on either the coffee table or holiday table.

These are just two of the innumerable Christmas centerpieces that can be made at home. You can also use willow tree ornaments to come up with some centerpieces that can compliment your Christmas tree. Unleash your imagination and use simple things to come up with beautiful artifacts to adorn your house.

Christmas Centerpieces - Decorative Pieces That You Can Make Yourself

Enjoy Christmas everyday with Joan Northruple at her website, Willow-Tree-Ornaments.com, where you can see German Christmas Ornaments [http://willow-tree-ornaments.com/german-christmas-ornaments] and Babys First Christmas Ornaments [http://willow-tree-ornaments.com/babys-first-christmas-ornaments].