Children's Lighting

I have to say that when I enter a room and see at least one amazing, stand-out, unique piece of décor, it truly transforms the entire house into an exciting, think outside the box kind of place. When I talk about unique décor, there is one designer in particular that I think of, and absolutely adore. The vision behind Stray Dog Designs is so fantastic that if I could, I would claim it as my own! Their collection includes lighting, furniture, and accessories that are distinct and a little eccentric, but eccentric in a good way. You know, the way that makes you turn your head and take a second look, then walk up closer and look at it again; the way that makes you think, wow, wish I had thought of that; the way that necessitates owning a piece for your home. Okay, well I guess it is obvious that I am a huge fan, and now I will highlight some of their pieces so that you too will fall madly in love with their work. I have to tell you though, that for me to only highlight a few is not an easy task by any means, so once you get a little taste, you have to go to their complete collection…it is well worth the time!

White Bird Mirror -
Oh, where to begin with this?! Just look at the design! The elegant and ornate scrolling is contrasted with the large, simple silhouette of a bird that is perched proudly on top. The mix of ornate and simple, the hammered iron, the white color all make this mirror a piece of decor that will beautify the room in which it hangs.

Birdcage Chandelier -
As if the name itself wasn’t enough, I have actually seen this in person at the (soon to be open) Rosenberry Rooms’ Design Center and it is (for lack of better words) just so cool! The pink is just perfect…bright and cheery and not at all like the dreaded Pepto Bismol tone we all fear. Plus the concept of having a birdcage as a lighting fixture is just so fun and what a focal point for the room! Not only that, boy is it big. This is one chandelier that will not just blend into the background – it will up and smack you on the side of the head in a way that will make you giddy like a child.

Bright Color Box Set -
For those who love to organize, like myself, these are a treasure found. They are so bright and cheery, not to mention made of tin so they are nice and sturdy. Who wouldn’t want these in their home, even if you can’t think of anything to put in them?! I think for a playroom, these are a fantastic way to sort toys, all the while looking absolutely amazing! Perhaps in the nursery or bedroom…heck, they really can go anywhere you want to make a daring and bold statement.

Well, there are many other lighting fixtures and accessories by Stray Dog that I love, but you will just have to shop their line yourself! Have fun and bring something truly special and unique into your home with this incredible designer. Happy Decorating!

Adriana M Dehring

You desperately need to remove that old ceiling fixture in your child’s room – you know, the one that came with the house that does nothing for the décor not to mention the fact that you aren’t even sure what finish it originally was. Maybe it is even a lovely (sarcasm) ceiling fan with a pretty brass finish (my apologies to anyone who finds this a good thing). I am actually looking at my own ceiling fixture as I write this, thinking it really is time for change! Anyway, back to my point. Everyone has the moment when they realize the lighting just isn’t working anymore, so now what? There are a few things that you want to keep in mind when purchasing a kids chandelier or any other piece of kids lighting online. Most lighting will be custom made, and non-returnable so it is important to make a smart and practical decision. I will go through some simple steps to follow that should help you narrow down your options and make the best kids lighting purchase that you can. I know many of these will seem like no brainers, however don’t forget how we all tend to “forget the basics” when we are in the middle of a major shopping decision!

1. Measure Measure Measure…
You really need to do your prep work before even beginning to shop for a ceiling fixture. Just looking at the room won’t really help you decide how large or small you want the ceiling fixture to be. You should also think how much light you need as well. The larger the fixture, the more light because more arms and thus more bulbs. If you need it as the main source of lighting you probably want to go with a 3- 4- or 5-arm chandelier. Avoid pendant lighting which is one bulb and will not offer much in the way of light. Double check what the designer lists as the maximum wattage also – this varies greatly from one brand to the next and will also be a factor in how many arms / bulbs you will need. Also be sure to clarify what the measurements actually mean – this will also vary from one lighting line to the next. Most chandeliers will come with standard 3’ of chain, but some are hard-wired and others are plug-in style. Know what you want before shopping and then you will be able to ask all the right questions.

2. Decide the Details: Metal or Wood, Color & Finish, Shades or Not
This part is definitely the more creative aspect to choosing the right lighting fixture for your child. This is where you decide if you want the ceiling fixture to match your child’s room in color and style or stand out as a focal point in the room. Personal opinion again. The only thing I would add to this would be to take into consideration how permanent the current décor truly is. If somewhere down the line, the colors or purpose of the room may change, then you might want to stay with a neutral color or style. Otherwise, you can go with something that really fits the room as it is. Finish is another thing to double check on – the word “antique” has different meanings in the world of design, so find out how each designer is using it. Shades or not is another personal decision that you need to make. Shades are an easy way to update and change the look of a simple chandelier giving you many different looks for seasons, occasions or just to freshen up the room every so often. Personally I think shades do give a more polished and complete look, however it will also limit the wattage you will be able to use. And keep in mind some chandeliers will not even allow for shades in the way they are made.
3. Consider These Things as Well
Some random things to remember or ask would be what the return policy is – this is so important and should not be assumed by any means. Also, what is the completion time for the fixture you are interested in if you order today? Don’t think that will remain the same a few days or weeks from now…always ask availability right when you are ready to place your order.

With all of this being said, don’t forget to have fun and let your creativity go. Here are some of the best lighting fixtures that you will find right here on Rosenberry Rooms. Happy shopping!

Five Arm Leaf & Flower Chandelier
Pool Velvet Pendant
White Elizabeth Chandelier
Julia Antique White 3 Arm Chandelier

I recently came across an interesting design article about lighting and it inspired me to write this entry because it touched on some very unique points and one in particular that I want to focus on. I think most of us can agree that lighting sets the mood, tone and overall feel for a room; however what I wasn’t aware of is that it is the most overlooked aspect of design. Let’s think about this for a moment – when planning out the playroom, nursery, or kid’s bedroom the top things on our list are typically the large and “must-have” pieces: crib, table and chair set, area rug, furniture and sometimes art. Rarely does this list include lighting fixtures. Somehow they become an afterthought, the last thing that we add to the completed room. The funny thing is that until we incorporate the proper lighting in a room it will lack that special something.

The lighting tip that really stood out to me was that all well-designed rooms should have multiple kinds of lights for two reasons: visual interest and practicality. Visual interest breaks down pretty simply: a hanging chandelier or pendant light will grab the eye as it travels throughout the room then a floor lamp or accent lamp will bring your eye downward, thus allowing you to take in every aspect of the room. Practicality, because we use our rooms for different things throughout the day and should have lighting to coordinate with these needs. Now lets look at all this in relation to your child’s décor, focusing on children’s bedrooms, playrooms, and nurseries…

Beginning with your child’s bedroom – it really doesn’t make sense to only have a ceiling fixture as the sole source of lighting because this will obviously be too bright when trying to calm your child right before naptime or bedtime. But, you also can’t get them ready in the dark! Here is where adding a floor lamp or accent lamp will offer a much softer glow and not over stimulate your child before climbing into bed. Also, if you are like us and read books as part of the bedtime routine, then accent lighting is just enough to see comfortably and is a great transition before “lights out”. When the lighting is not needed (daytime, for instance) these fixtures act as the accessories to the room. They should highlight the colors and other décor and be the finishing touch much like jewelry is for your outfit. Moving on to the next room…

For playroom lighting, remember the more the better. This is the one room where we need our child to be full of energy so that they can use it up and be nice and tired when bedtime rolls around! Ceiling fixtures are an obvious must – if you are lucky and already have recessed lighting, that is great, but don’t stop there. Accent lighting is just as important. A floor lamp might not be practical in a playroom but wall sconces are great – they will bring the eye upward (and away from the mess of toys!) and will not be knocked over by little hands or feet. Why add sconces since the room is bright enough, you ask? Well, I mentioned visual interest which is so important in design, but also, with accent lighting such as sconces, you have the ability to create little “stations” for certain activities. Now you are no longer staring at a large oversized toy box that we call a playroom, but your child has a place to do arts & crafts, a reading corner, train set area, dress-up station, etc. I find that lighting is just as successful as an area rug when you need to divide a room without walls, and now you have a much more interesting space.

Now, the nursery – ahhh, the place where our littlest one sleeps and sleeps and sleeps (at least, that is what we all hope for!) Obviously lighting needs here are slightly different than for the other rooms in our homes given the minimal activities of a baby. Same as a child’s bedroom, you will want the ceiling fixture for all those daytime diaper changes, sheet changes, rug cleaning, bumper stripping, etc. The accent lighting however for the first few months (at least) can simply be a nightlight. This gives off plenty of light to navigate through the room for nighttime feedings and diaper changes but won’t be bright enough to disrupt your baby’s sleep (it will be your baby’s sheer will to keep you from sleeping that will keep them awake!) As your baby grows and you begin to read to them at night or play a bit before bedtime, introduce a floor or accent lamp which will give you the necessary lighting for these activities without over stimulating them.

Be sure to take all these ideas and shop with RosenberryRooms.com for the perfect lighting you may need for your child’s bedroom, playroom or nursery. There is an amazing selection of children’s lighting to cover all design styles including modern, traditional, whimsical and eclectic. I have a few of my favorites here for you to see (I chose to go with lighting fixtures that represent different design styles, however most of the lighting on RosenberryRooms.com is available in sets so you can have coordinating lighting in the room if you choose): chandelier; table lamp; accent lamp; sconce; nightlight.

While you check out the lighting, be sure to peruse the other kids décor that RosenberryRooms.com has to offer as you create the perfect space for your child. And take your time…there is a lot to look at! Happy decorating!