Paint An Outdated Chandelier

Add paint to a dated chandelier for a modern, updated look.

Change an outdated chandelier into a modern light fixture with a bit of paint. Use a variety of paints -- from solid latex paints to metallic paints. A variety of metallic colors will transform outdated chandeliers made of brass or other material into modern bronze and platinum finishes. Don't forget to always practice your paint technique on a practice board before painting the chandelier. Remember, once painted, the coating is difficult to remove.

Instructions

1. Clean the chandelier thoroughly by wiping down with a damp sponge or rag. Ensure all dust, dirt and debris is not visible on the surface. Paint will not adhere well if the chandelier is dirty. Use small cotton swabs or toothpicks to pick out grime from hard-to-clean crevices. Wipe dry with a towel.

2. Sand the chandelier's surface with fine- to medium-grit sandpaper. Roll the sandpaper into a small section to sand tight corners. Wipe down the chandelier with a soft cloth and remove all sanding dust.

3. Find a large cardboard box large enough to hold the chandelier. Cut open one side of the box with a razor blade. Set the chandelier inside. Using a can of black or white primer spray paint, shake the can for about 30 seconds. Choose black when the final look involves dark or any shade of metallic colors. Choose white when painting the chandelier a final coat of white or pastel shade.

Design Recessed Lighting For A Room

Recessed lighting should be placed several feet from a chandelier.

High-quality homes are constructed with recessed lighting nowadays. The beauty of this type of lighting is that it functions as track lighting, in a sense, but it's less obtrusive in a room's design. Recessed lighting works well in the kitchen area to focus light on a sink or stove area. It also works well in a long hallway, bedroom or bath area. Even the most formal living room with an elegant light fixtures looks inviting with recessed lighting installed in certain ceiling areas.

Instructions

1. Obtain home design books and magazines to view recessed lighting in upscale homes. Learn where this type of lighting looks best, and how it is intended to function. Sketch the rooms of your own home to duplicate some of these ideas. Consider placing three of four recessed lights above a sink area, for example. Imagine these light units around the perimeter of a large family room, also.

2. Design lighting for artistic appeal and functionality. Keep in mind that recessed lighting should target lighting to areas that windows or main light fixtures cannot. Use them to create focused lighting for a desk area, whilrlpool tub in the bathroom, or over a vanity cabinet, for example. Design a walk-in closet to have four to six recessed lights to assist in finding clothes easier.

3. Select styles of recessed lighting from catalogs. Plan to install lights with housing that is unobtrusive. Select recessed lights that are large enough in diameter, but not overly large. Create the lights to not stand out in any way. Choose housing for the lights that will blend with the room's architecture, cabinets or appliances. Buy very neutral colors, such as white or light bronze, for example that will blend in with ceiling colors.

4. Measure all rooms to receive recessed light. Transfer these measurments to graph paper. Keep spacing between recessed lights uniform. Place them in groups of four spaced apart 30 inches, for example. Take into account that ceiling rafters are usually installed on 16-inch centers, so keep this in mind before working out a diagram. Lights will need to be attached to rafters for support. Plan the lights to be installed from the attic side by cutting round spaces in the drywall, if drywall is already in place.

5. Install recessed lighting away from any large, elegant chandelier. Move the recessed lights to the perimeter of the living room or hallway instead. Place the lights about 18 inches inward from the side walls, since they won't look right if positioned too close to a wall. Visit homes similar to yours, if possible, before deciding on actual spacing. Figure out what works in reality before cutting drywall to install the lights.

Tags: recessed lights, recessed lighting, blend with, four recessed, four recessed lights, install lights, light fixtures

Paint A Sky On The Ceiling

Paint a Sky on the Ceiling

If you are looking to add something fun to the decor of a room, consider painting a sky on a ceiling. This is particularly appropriate for a bathroom or child's bedroom. You don't need to be an experienced painter to make the sky ceiling look attractive.

Instructions

1. Remove the furniture from your room, and place a drop cloth on the floor in case any paint drips.

2. Apply painter's tape to the edges where the wall meets the ceiling. This way, you get paint only on the ceiling and not accidentally down the wall.

3. Use an interior latex house paint to paint your ceiling. Start with a deep blue color.

4. Begin painting in the center and work your way outward. It doesn't matter what brush you use as long as you are comfortable with it. Once you get your blue applied, let it dry. This will take about two to four hours.

5. Pour some white interior latex house paint in a flat pan. You can use a tin foil pan from the dollar store as long as it is flat.

6. Dip your sponge in the paint and begin to form clouds on your ceiling. The center should have the most paint, with the edges lighter and fluffier. Use one sponge for the white center of the clouds, and another to apply only a small amount of paint to create the edges.

7. Consider adding a seagull or small bird for fun. Using gray paint, paint the basic shape of an M but curvier, with the wings spanning out past the center dip. This is how birds look from a distance, and it is very simple to do.

Tags: ceiling This, house paint, interior latex, interior latex house, latex house, latex house paint

Remove A Light Kit From A Ceiling Fan

Remove or replace your light kit.

Sometimes the light kit on your ceiling fan stops working. Sometimes it quits working with the decor in your room. Whatever your reasons for wanting to remove the light kit from a ceiling fan, you can do it without removing the ceiling fan from the ceiling. This minor change can be done to your ceiling fan without interfering with the way it operates. Removing the light kit from the ceiling fan also allows you the put a new one in its place.

Instructions

1. Turn off the breaker that supplies the electricity to the ceiling fan at the main electrical panel.

2. Remove the light kit housing from the bottom of the ceiling fan. This part will be attached by three or more screws, remove it to access the wiring for the light kit.

3. Disconnect the white wires from the light kit. Locate the white wires that are connected together in the light kit wire housing. One wire is connected to the ceiling fan and the other is connected to the light kit. Untwist the wire nut that is holding these two wires together. Place the wire nut back onto the white wire in the light kit wire housing that is permanently connected to the ceiling fan. Placing the wire nut back onto the single white wire safely covers the bare end of the wire. Secure the wire nut to the white wire with electrical tape.

4. Disconnect the black wires from the light kit. Locate the two black wires that connect together in the light kit wire housing. One wire is connected to the ceiling fan and the other is connected to the light kit. Disconnect these two wires like you did with the white wires by untwisting the wire nut. Replace the wire nut onto the black wire that is permanently connected to the ceiling fan, safely covering the bare wire. Secure the wire nut to the black wire with electrical tape.

5. Remove the light kit from the light kit wire housing cap using pliers to remove the nut from the threaded rod that is holding the light kit to the cap. Pull the light kit off of the cap. Plug the knockout in the light kit cap with a ½-inch knockout plug.

6. Attach the light kit wire housing cap to the ceiling fan. Once your light kit is removed from the wire housing cap it is now used to cover the light kit wire housing. Use the screws from step two to attach it back to the ceiling fan.

7. Turn the power on to the ceiling fan by turning on the breaker that supplies the electricity to the fan at the main electrical panel.

Tags: wire housing, light wire, light wire housing, connected ceiling, from ceiling

Ideas For Painting A Low Ceiling

Make a low ceiling seem higher with paint.

A low ceiling can close in a room, making it feel cavernous and uncomfortable. If you have a low ceiling in your home and you're wondering deal with it, there are ways to make it appear higher than it actually is, using paint as your medium.

Cool Colors

Create the illusion of a ceiling that is taller than it actually is with cool colors. Cool colors reflect light and visually recede, making a space appear bigger than it is. If you want to give the space a hint of color, opt for cool shades of ice blue, pale green or even a paint that contains a tinge of lilac; these hues offer subtle color. If, however, color on the ceiling isn't your cup of tea, opt for a white that has a tinge of blue in it. Avoid warm colors as they absorb light and can make the ceiling appear lower than it actually is.

Satin Finish Paint

Another way to make a low ceiling appear taller is by using satin finish paint. This paint has a high gloss finish, which reflects light and automatically draws the eye upward and away from the floor. Just because satin finished paint reflects light doesn't mean that a darker shade of paint will work on your ceiling; you should still opt for a cool color paint. In fact, combining a cool color and a satin finish will do double duty, making your ceiling appear even taller than it is.

Vertical Stripes

Instead of painting the ceiling in this space, paint the walls. Painting tone-on-tone stripes on the walls will draw the eye upward, seemingly expanding the height of the room. Choose a color, such as blue, and select two tones of the color that are fairly similar -- light blue and powder blue, for example. Paint a base coat on the walls with one of the hues. When the base coat is dry, use a ruler and painter's tape to evenly space out lines on the wall. Use the second color to paint the stripes. When the paint dries, remove the tape and you'll have evenly spaced and straight stripes.

Same Colors

Paint your ceiling and walls the same color. When walls and a ceiling are painted the same color, they are differentiated, making it apparent that the ceilings are low. To avoid this, select a light, cool color, and use it on both the walls and ceiling.

Tags: ceiling appear, cool color, than actually, your ceiling, base coat, ceiling your

How Install A Variable Speed Control On A Ceiling Fan

Controlling the ceiling fan speed from the ground level is much easier.

Ceiling fans are good for distributing air around a room without the harsh feeling against the skin of a regular stand fan. Most modern ceiling fans have the ability to control their speed at the fan base up near the ceiling. This may be awkward and dangerous to reach. Putting a variable speed controller in place of the normal wall on/off switch only takes a few minutes and average do-it-yourself skills.

Instructions

1. Adjust the ceiling fan to the highest speed setting.

2. Purchase a capacitor-stepped wall control from a hardware dealer. Do not purchase a wall-dimmer. They look very similar but the wall-dimmer is not designed for this task.

3. Turn off the electrical power for that room from the main circuit breaker box. Double check the power is actually off by trying to turn on the fan.

4. Remove the wall plate for the fan on/off switch by unscrewing the center screw.

5. Unscrew the switch at the top and bottom and pull it away from the circuit box with your fingers.

6. Unscrew the wire caps and, if necessary, unscrew the grounding wire from the circuit box. If the end cap will not come off, cut the wires away from the cap and strip a 1/4-inch of insulation away from the wires. Take the switch away.

7. Match the color-coded wires on the speed control to the proper wires in the circuit box. Hold the copper wire of the matching wires next to each another and screw the end cap onto them. Confirm that a solid connection is made by gently attempting to pull the wires away from the cap. Do this for all wires. Screw the speed control grounding wire to the proper connection in the circuit box if necessary.

8. Place the speed control into the circuit box and attach it with the top and bottom screws.

9. Hold the wall plate in place and attach it back to the circuit box with the center screw.

10. Turn the power back on at the main circuit box and test the switch to ensure it is operating properly.

Tags: away from, speed control, center screw, circuit with, from circuit, grounding wire

Repair Loosened Ceiling Fan Light Fixtures

Tighten the securing screws to fix a loose ceiling fan light fixture.

Ceiling fans with light fixtures add illumination to a room while moving the air around your home. The constant rotation of the fan blades and motor sometimes causes the fixture to wobble or shake. This is due to the light fixture or the fixture housing becoming loose. Repairing a loosened ceiling fan light fixture requires knowing where the fixture is loose. Fortunately, there are only two places it can be loose, and each involves only a minor adjustment.

Instructions

1. Find the circuit breaker to the ceiling fan in your home's electrical panel, and turn off the breaker.

2. Position a stepladder under the ceiling fan and remove the bulbs and the globes from the fixture. Depending on your fan, the globes either have three thumb screws securing them to the fixture, or you might have a single globe that unscrews from a threaded housing.

3. Shake the ceiling fan light fixture gently with your hand to determine where the fixture is loose. The bottom half of the fixture fits over a housing with three screws. The main housing connects to the ceiling fan shaft with a 3/8-inch nut.

4. Tighten the three screws around the outside of the fixture housing, using a Phillips-head screwdriver, if the fixture moves when shook but the housing doesn't.

5. Loosen the three securing screws if the light fixture housing seems to shake around the shaft that connects it to the ceiling fan. Gently twist the ceiling fan light fixture counterclockwise and lower it from the housing.

6. Hold the light fixture in one hand without causing strain on the fixture's electrical wires. Tighten the nut on the inside center of the housing where the ceiling fan shaft connects, using a nut driver.

7. Push the ceiling fan light fixture around the housing, with the notches on the fixture fitting around the necks of the securing screws. Twist the fixture clockwise to lock the fixture and tighten the securing screws.

8. Reinstall the globes and light bulbs in the ceiling fan light fixture. Turn on the circuit breaker to power the ceiling fan.

Tags: light fixture, ceiling light fixture, ceiling light, securing screws, fixture housing, ceiling shaft, circuit breaker

Patina Antique Brass Finish On Steel

Antique Brass Finish on Steel

Antique Brass enables you to impart a beautiful Antique Brass finish on Steel or Iron. This process uses two different patina solutions. This process is used for Fabricator, Lighting fixtures, railings, hardware, gates, gift items, basically anywhere steel or iron need to be given a Antique Brass Look.

Instructions

1. Cleaning:

Clean the Piece(s) with Surclean-400 Metal Conditioner (use steel wool). Then you rinse with water.

2. Antique Bronze:

You can dip the piece in or brush on Antique Bronze solution for 20-30 seconds. After, the piece(s)should a have a nice antique brown look, rinse with water & wipe dry.

3. Steel Wool:

These parts may now be steel wooled, scotch brite, buffed all over or in selected areas to expose the bare steel metal. This way a "modeled" effect is produced.Rinse with water and dry.

4. Golden Steel-5:

Now, your piece(s) are either dipped into Golden Steel-5 for 20 to 45 seconds or brushed. Allow the piece(s) to dry for 1 hour or a little longer if necessary. Now the parts must have acquired a yellow brass look with a brown background. If some areas look rusty, swab on with a damp cloth on the areas that look rusty to lightened the color.

5. Protection(Acrylaq):

Protect your piece(s) by spraying (evenly) Acrylaq-1025 Semi gloss lacquer(sealer).

Tags: Antique Brass, with water, Antique Brass Finish, Antique Bronze, Brass Finish

Ada Bathroom Ideas

Floor space must be at least 30 by 48 inches to accommodate a wheelchair.

The Americans With Disabilities Act requires that all public and business restrooms, whether newly constructed or remodeled, be usable by people with disabilities. This means at least one of each type of fixture or feature must meet handicapped requirements. Mobility-Advisor states that many consumers having their homes constructed or refurbished are incorporating ADA guidelines. Having an ADA bathroom design can be a plus in the event you or a family member should become disabled.

Clear Floor Space

Floor space must be at least 30 by 48 inches to accommodate a wheelchair. Wheelchairs require 60 inches in diameter to make a 180 degree turn. Space can be positioned for a forward or parallel approach to equipment, according to the Adaptive Access website.The floor should be non-slippery, and tile or vinyl is not recommended unless it has a rough surface. Bathroom carpeting at home will be OK if a wheelchair can roll or wheel over it.

Lighting

Lighting must be bright and easy to operate from a wheelchair. An article titled "Bathroom Design for the Handicapped" on the The Home Improvement Corner website, states that lights should also have dimmer switches for people who cannot tolerate bright lights.

Controls and Operating Mechanisms

The Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) covers the construction and alteration of private and public sector facilities, including homes built for independent living. Push buttons, knobs and levers must be easily operable with one hand. The ADA Accessibility website adds that self-closing faucets remaining open at least 10 seconds are acceptable.

Showers and Baths

ADA wheelchair showers must provide a dimension of 60 by 30 inches. Controls and the spray unit have to be a maximum of 27 inches from the side wall where a seat is attached. Bathtubs and showers need to be accessed with ease, either by grab handles or full openings for wheelchair access. The Home Improvement Corner reports that manufacturers now construct bathtubs for individuals wanting ADA accessibility at home. Side opening doors allow individuals to enter without lifting their legs over a ledge.

Sinks and Counter Tops

Counter tops or sinks should not exceed a height of 34 inches. Also, avoid counter tops with sharp edges. A clear floor space in front of the sink must be at least 30 inches wide and 48 inches deep with no more than 19 inches extending under the lavatory to allow a forward approach by people in wheelchairs. Sinks installed in a counter top should be within 2 inches of the front edge for maximum accessibility. Insulate plumbing or place it close enough to the wall to eliminate any contact.

Toilets

Horizontal grab bars must be mounted behind the toilet and on the nearest wall or partition, and seat heights must be 17 inches to 19 inches above the finished floor. Flush controls must be placed on the open side of the toilet with the most clear floor space and mounted no higher than 44 inches above the finished floor.

Tags: least inches, must least, must least inches, above finished, above finished floor, accommodate wheelchair, clear floor

Hook Up A Ceiling Fan With A Light

Ceiling fans are often installed in place of existing ceiling light fixtures. This creates a problem if the ceiling light was the only light in the room, which is why many fans come with built-in lights. Wiring a ceiling fan light isn't complicated but it's different from wiring a non-lighted fan, for which it's a simple matter of attaching the black and white wires. The light current in a fan is identified by a blue wire, which attaches to the black (``hot'') wire from the house, along with the black wire from the fan that feeds the motor.

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the existing ceiling light fixture at the house fuse box.

2. Remove the screws holding the fixture to the electrical box in the ceiling. Pull the fixture down far enough to access and disconnect the wires. Pull it away completely so the wires are left hanging from the box. There will be a black wire, a white wire and a copper grounding wire.

3. Hold the mounting bracket for the fan up against the electrical box. Line up the screw holes. Screw the provided screws through the holes. The wire ends should still be accessible through the bracket.

4. Twist the copper ground wire from the electrical box around the green grounding screw on the bracket.

5. Put the fan unit together, without installing the blades.

6. Hold the fan at the top of the ladder, by the electrical box. Connect the white wire from the fan unit to the white wire from the electrical box, twisting a wire nut over both of them to make the connection.

7. Use a second wire nut to connect the black wire from the box to the black and blue wires from the fan. Twist the nut over all three wires at once. Make sure they're securely connected.

8. Raise the fan unit to the ceiling, pushing the wire connections up into the electrical box as you do. Attach the fan housing to the mounting bracket, using the screws it came with. Turn on the power. Test the fan motor and the light. Install the fan blades as instructed.

Tags: wire from, ceiling light, black wire, white wire, black wire from, existing ceiling

The Best Rooms For Tin Ceilings

Tin ceiling tiles were designed to emulate the ornate plaster ceilings of Europe.

Tin ceilings work well in dining rooms and kitchens. The embossed tiles of rolled, pressed tin were developed in mid-19th century America as an inexpensive alternative to the fine, carved plasterwork favored by Europe's wealthy households. Today, reclaimed vintage and reproduction tin tiles add an historical reference and a note of whimsy to all but the most formal rooms.

Bedroom

A pressed tin ceiling in a bedroom lends an antique note to a shabby-chic, romantic or eclectic d cor. Old tiles with worn or distressed paint can be picked up at flea markets and urban salvage stores. One easy way to attach the tiles is on a plywood base fixed to the ceiling. This is a job for a professional installer or an intrepid do-it-yourselfer with some experience in renovations--homeowners do install tin ceilings successfully. Old tiles should be sealed with a nontoxic lacquer to prevent flaking paint from coming loose. Antique ceiling tiles date from the days when lead paint was common and that distressed finish over your bed is probably lead. Hunt for an old chandelier to install, once the tin ceiling is up, to extend the look and draw attention upward to the ornate tiles.

Dining Room

A tin ceiling can be a cool touch in a contemporary dining room. If you don't already have pressed tin tiles in place, look for the newer aluminum ones and use them with their metallic finish or with a couple of coats of shiny primary color paint. An all-white, high-ceilinged room with a glass table, mismatched reclaimed chairs painted in solid crayon-box hues, and a few pieces of modern art on the walls gets a jolt of style from a red tin ceiling. The color makes the room seem more intimate and reflects a flattering warm glow on everyone at the table. In a traditional dining room, the raised designs in tin ceiling tiles can be highlighted with colored paint to bring out their detail. And, for ultimate impact, a tiny, ornate dining room becomes a Faberg egg with embroidered chair cushions, a hand-loomed carpet and a tin ceiling burnished gold.

Kitchen

An old-fashioned kitchen is the perfect room for a tin ceiling. Vintage appliances, soft, period paint colors, a big porcelain farm sink and tile countertops are finished off with a topping of swirled and scrolled pressed tin. The ceiling doesn't have to be authentic to look as if it's always been there. New tiles that look old, especially when installed overhead and painted, are made of rust-proof aluminum or molded from PVC plastic. No matter how steamy things get in the kitchen, moisture won't affect the ceiling tiles. A nice touch for a kitchen with a secret faux tin ceiling is a backsplash behind the farm sink or the Magic Chef that's made of real, vintage tin ceiling tiles fixed to the wall.

Tags: ceiling tiles, dining room, farm sink, pressed ceiling

Remove Paint From Tin

When paint starts peeling from a tin item, you may wish to remove all of the paint and either leave the tin bare or repaint it. Removing paint from tin and other metals is not difficult, but it does require some time. You'll need products to strip the paint, and time--usually several hours--for the product to work. After that, a little bit of effort is really all you'll need to get unwanted paint off of tin.

Instructions

1. Supply adequate ventilation to your work area by opening windows and doors (if you are working inside). Put on protective eye wear and protective rubber gloves.

2. Dip a clean paint brush into a bucket of paint stripper. Use the brush to spread the stripper liberally over the tin.

3. Allow the paint stripper sufficient time to work. For many non-caustic paint strippers this can be six hours or longer; check the label, however, as it may vary by product.

4. Scrape off the paint, using a putty knife or a scraper. It should be easy to scrape off--if it isn't, apply more stripper and wait an hour or two longer before trying again.

5. Use the putty knife you used for scraping the paint off to push the old paint into a cardboard box or another sturdy container. Remember to contact local hazardous waste authorities for information regarding proper disposal of used paint and paint stripper.

6. Rinse the tin off according to the product directions. Usually, you will simply need to rinse it off with water.

Tags: paint stripper, putty knife

Make An Old Home Look Modern

Make an Old Home Look Modern

Making an old home look more modern is many a homeowner's challenge. Gracing a visibly dated home with a modern face lift can be as involved a process as you wish---from purchasing a new slipcover to gutting a bathroom to installing new kitchen appliances---depending on your budget of time and money. There do exist, however, a number of "tricks" that can shake your home into the next century and fortunately, you do not have to rely on the skills and talents of the professionals to accomplish the task.

Instructions

1. Employ your paintbrush. Color will have the most impact when updating a space. If your rooms are still carrying a color palette of the past---say a pale country blue or sunny 70's yellow---fear not. Today's colors run hot and cold. Monochromatic schemes continue to be the rage, with soft whites and beiges leading the pack. A burst of saturated color---red is always popular and orange is considered the "new" red---on one focal wall boasts a modern statement. Decide on your new colors; cover everything in the room and paint away.

2. Add some architectural elements for a dramatic update. Molding and trim can be applied and painted in a bright white and will accent any wall color. Columns can be added to a room, or can replace a wall, opening up a space to natural light. For those more industrious homeowners, applying a tile or tin ceiling will provide interest.

3. Reduce the number of furniture pieces that carry stained or dark wood surfaces. A whitewash applied to a lightly sanded wood finish will brighten and lighten the overall look, producing a shabby chic effect. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom commodes and any dark heavy pieces will benefit from the lighter approach.

4. Replace heavy fabrics with brighter, lighter textures and fabrics. Covering old upholstered seating with light-colored slipcovers and accenting with brightly colored or textured pillows is a sure bet on the road to modernizing a room.

5. Choose new lampshades---perhaps in patterns or colors, or tackle the lighting from the bottom up by replacing an old fashioned lamp with a new, modern base. This is a perfect place for a "pop" of color and some terrific examples are available in all colors of the rainbow.

6. Modernize your walls with some new art. This can be done with a can of paint and some canvas. Just splatter (in the manner of Jackson Pollack) on some color and watch what happens when you put it on the wall. Or try a piece of fabric affixed to stretchers---big and bold prints work best.

7. Move the furniture from room to room to get a different balance---try to offer more space as a spacious feel will give any room a younger, and therefore updated, feel. When in doubt, take it out. Clutter is aging and the more room you create, the more modern your space will feel

Tags: Home Look, Home Look Modern, Look Modern, Make Home, Make Home Look

Install Tin Tiles Over Ceramic Tile On A Kitchen Wall

Install tin tiles over ceramic tiles in the kitchen to update it.

Using decorative tin tiles for a kitchen wall decoration or backsplash is a creative way to boost the aesthetic appeal of your home. Generally, tin tiles can be installed over the existing wall material, whether that is ceramic tile, dry wall or wallpaper, as long the proper preparation steps are taken. Tin tiles can be purchased at many places, including building supply stores and home decorating shops. Choose color or pattern variations of the tiles to create a checkerboard design on the wall for a personalized kitchen wall.

Instructions

1. Clean the existing wall ceramic tiles thoroughly with a degreaser and cleaner combination. Scrub the wall well with the cleaner and a sponge scrub pad to remove all traces of grease and other debris that may be on the wall. It is important for the ceramic tiles to be clean or the adhesive of the tin tiles will not stick properly.

2. Sand the ceramic tiles gently with 80 grit sandpaper to scuff the surface. This allows the adhesive to form a better bond with the ceramic tiles, ensuring that the tin tiles won't fall off the wall later. If there are any obvious bumps on the ceramic tiles, you need to sand them down level with the surrounding surface. Wipe the wall with a dampened sponge to remove the sanding dust and allow the ceramic tiles to dry.

3. Measure and cut the tin tiles to fit in the space where you are planning to install them. Cutting the pieces beforehand will ensure that there are no unsightly edges. Use tin snips to cut the tin tiles in smooth, straight lines.

4. Apply a thin layer of construction adhesive to the back of the tin tile and place it against the ceramic tile already on the wall. Press the tin tile firmly against the wall, holding it in place for about 30 seconds so the adhesive can form a good bond. Continue working in this manner until all the tin tiles are installed on the kitchen wall. Allow the tin tiles to rest for 24 hours so the construction adhesive can cure properly.

5. Nail the tin tiles to the underlying wall using a pneumatic pin nailer. This piece of equipment is a high powered nail gun that ensures small nails can penetrate the underlying surface. Use caution when working with the pneumatic pin nailer to avoid injury. After you nail the tin tiles to the wall, tap each nail with a nail set to push the nails below the surface of the surrounding wall, making them virtually invisible.

6. Wipe the tin tiles down thoroughly with a sponge dampened with denatured alcohol. This will remove the protective coating that is put on the tin tiles by the manufacturer. The tin tiles can be painted with oil based paint or left unpainted.

Tags: ceramic tiles, kitchen wall, adhesive form, construction adhesive, existing wall, pneumatic nailer, that tiles

Plan A Suspended Ceiling

Plan a Suspended Ceiling

Installing a suspended ceiling will require planning and careful measurements. The layout will deal with straight lines forming a pattern to support either 2 foot by 4 foot tiles or 2 foot by 2 foot tiles. There are several considerations that must be taken into account when planning your ceiling and estimating the amount of materials you will need for construction.

Instructions

1. Determine if you will use 2 foot by 4 foot tiles or 2 foot square tiles for your ceiling. The installation process will be slightly longer for 2 foot square tiles, but the strength and durability will be almost identical. The major difference will be in the appearance, which is a matter of personal preference. This decision must be made before the planning process can begin in earnest.

2. Take exact measurements of the space where you intend to install the ceiling. Transfer these measurements to paper, creating a scale drawing of your room. Total the measurements for the perimeter of the room. For example, in a 12 foot by 10 foot room you would have a total of 44 feet. This is the amount of wall angles your project will require. These normally come in 12 foot lengths, so in this case you would purchase 4 sections of wall angle. The extra 4 feet may be needed if you have any posts or obstructions to work around.

3. Draw the main tees that will run the full length of the room. These will be spaced on four foot centers. In our sample 12 foot by 10 foot room, our main tees would travel the full 12 feet across the room. To cover the 10 foot span we would need two runs, one at 4 feet, the second at 8 feet. These main tees will be supported by hanger wires secured to the ceiling joists above. These wires should be installed every three feet along the main tees. You will need to install additional hanger wires for any light fixtures or fans you may wish to install. In our example we would need only two 12 foot sections of the tee angle.

4. Mark the locations of the cross tees. These will be located every 2 feet along the main tees. For our room there would be five rows of cross tees for each 12 foot run. These tees will be four feet in length for the first two sections, and 2 feet in length for the last section to cover our distance of ten feet. Our sample room would require 10 of the 4 foot cross tees and five of the 2 foot cross tees.

5. Count the number of ceiling tiles you will need to fill the grid you have just drawn. Our sample room would require six tiles 2 feet by 2 feet as well as 12 tiles 2 feet by 4 feet. If you must purchase these tiles in bundles, you can cut a 2 foot by 4 foot piece in half and achieve the same results without the need to purchase a bundle of tiles you do not need.

Tags: foot foot, main tees, cross tees, foot foot tiles, foot tiles

Decorate A Small Windowless Bathroom

Free up space by replacing cupboards with unobtrusive shelving.

Tiny bathrooms without any windows can be a challenge to decorate. If care is taken to ensure that every decorating decision is geared toward creating the illusion of space, a cramped bathroom can be transformed into a bright and breezy place to wash up.

Instructions

1. Paint the bathroom walls white or an extremely light color. Darkly painted walls can make a room feel even smaller than it is.

2. Cover the floor with white tile or vinyl squares. Bright white flooring provides the illusion of added square footage.

3. Purchase either white or pale-colored countertop, basin and toilet fixtures. Dark colors are a modern choice for bathrooms, but they tend to make rooms feel closed-in, so they are not ideal for small areas.

4. Mount a large mirror on the wall over the sink. Mirrors are one of the most effective ways to create a feeling of spaciousness in a room. You can also lay smaller mirrors on the countertop to use as trays for soaps or cosmetics.

5. Choose pale rugs that blend with the tiles, so you retain the feeling of having a lot of floor space.

6. Store any unnecessary toiletries and supplies in a nearby cupboard outside the bathroom. Excess clutter will only serve to decrease the usable space in the room.

7. Hang small shelving units on the walls to hold items that you need to have accessible. Choose shelving that is silver or white, and won't stick out too far from the wall.

8. Leave the walls mostly bare, aside from a few shelving units. Keep the countertop clear of unnecessary clutter as well; too many accents and items in the room will make it feel cramped and tiny.

Tags: shelving units

Make Your Own Molding

Crown molding joins provides a decorative transition from a room's wall to its ceiling.

Molding is the trim that joins a wall to either the floor or ceiling and can be plain or ornate. Ornate molding can be quite expensive to purchase so this article will focus on make your own ornate moldings. Moldings around the floor are called baseboards and moldings around the ceiling are called crown molding. This article will focus on crown molding.

Instructions

Make Your Own Molding

1. Measure the area where you will be installing the molding.

2. Cut the 1x4 pine board to length with the miter saw so you have a 90 degree angle on the end that will be in the corner of the room and nail to the top of the wall.

3. Cut the 1x2 pine board to length with the miter saw so you have a 90 degree angle on the end that will be in the corner of the room and nail this to the top of the 1x4 pine board.

4. Cut the quarter round molding with the miter saw so you have a 45 degree angle on the end that will be in the corner of the room and nail this to the bottom of the 1x2 pine board.

5. Cut the cove molding with the miter saw so you have a 45 degree angle on the end that will be in the corner of the room and nail this to the bottom of the 1x4 pine board where it meets the 1x4 pine board.

6. Continue cutting and measuring these boards until you have completed the molding around the top of the room.

7. Stain or paint your molding.

Tags: pine board, angle that, angle that will, corner room, corner room nail, degree angle, degree angle that

Reduce Sound Transmission From A Suspended Ceiling

Home theaters pack an audio punch that can resonate on floors above.

With good speaker systems and high-definition TVs getting cheaper every year, more and more homes are having their basements transformed into home theaters. With the right speaker setup, these can rival movie theaters in the power of their sound systems. While this is great for those watching the movie, without good soundproofing those on the floors above will be hearing every explosion. Thankfully, it is easy to reduce the transmission of sound through suspended ceilings by adding the right materials.

Instructions

Replacing the Ceiling Tiles

1. Pull down the existing soft tiles from the suspended frame by pushing them up into the space above the frame and tilting them until one corner drops out of it. The rest of the tile can then be pulled down.

2. Buy acoustic tiles that will fit into your suspended ceiling. Most ceilings use 2-by-4-foot tiles, but some use 2-by-2s to avoid an institutional look. Acoustic tiles are made of materials that increase sound absorption and reduce the sound transmission through the ceiling.

3. Cut the acoustic tiles with a saw, if necessary, to fit them in an odd-sized ceiling grid.

4. Place all of the tiles into the grid by tilting them slightly and sliding them into the space above it, then letting them settle onto the metal grid frame.

Installing Soundproof Barrier

5. Remove the existing ceiling tiles, then use a drill to remove the screws holding up the metal grid that held them. Pull it down from the ceiling.

6. Attach soundproof vinyl sheeting to the wooden ceiling joists with roofing nails hammered through plastic washers. This sheeting is heavy, so it may need to be cut into pieces for easy installation. This sheeting is available at most home improvement stores.

7. Cover all the seams between pieces of vinyl with barrier tape, available where you bought the sheeting.

8. Seal any cracks with acoustic sealant, also available from any hardware store. Pay close attention to the cracks between the ceiling and the walls. Even a small gap will admit substantial amounts of sound.

9. Reattach the metal suspended ceiling and put the tiles back into place. For optimal soundproofing, use acoustic tiles as well as vinyl sheeting.

Tags: acoustic tiles, ceiling tiles, floors above, into space, into space above

Removing Recessed Lights

Recessed lights can be effective in rooms that need additional lighting. They add light without requiring you to hang excessive fixtures from the ceiling. However, these lights can make a room look more modern that you want. If you want to remove recessed lights, it is not difficult. However, once you have the lights out of the ceiling, you will need to decide what to do with the holes that are left behind.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the room you are working in. Go to the breaker box and locate the electrical switch. Flip it to the "Off" position.

2. Climb a ladder to get to the recessed light. Depending on how the cover is put on, you may need to pry it off with a putty knife or use a screwdriver to back out the screws. Remove the cover and set it aside.

3. Unscrew the light bulb and set it aside as well. You don't want to risk breaking it while you are working on the fixture.

4. Push up on the fixture to see if it moves. If it does, then it was a retro-fit light and you can slide it out. It will take a little wiggling to get through, but it will come out. If it doesn't budge, then it is anchored to the joists. You must use a jigsaw to cut out a section of the drywall so you can get to the ceiling joists on either side of the light. Use a stud finder to locate the joists first. Cut the ceiling away to the joists.

Different Designs To Do With Plaster On Walls

Add designs to your plastered walls to give them texture.

Plaster designs are a simple way to add your own style and personality to a room. Create designs on all walls or make a few designs in certain areas of the room. From a living room to a bedroom to a child's room, consider adding designs to the plaster to give each room a different look and feel. With a few ideas and some imagination, you have everything you need to create plaster designs your friends will envy.

Living Area

Create basic plaster designs using a bucket of joint compound, water, whisk and wallpaper brushes. Mix the joint compound and water in a bucket to make the plaster. The plaster should have the consistency of pancake batter, drip slowly but not be runny. Put a scoop of plaster on a piece of cardboard and practice the design you want before putting it on the walls. Use wallpaper brushes to create basic arches or scattered lines in the plaster. After you master the desired look, start working the plaster on the wall in sections.

Bathroom

Use a Venetian plaster to create a marble look on your bathroom walls with the expense of real marble. Real and faux Venetian plasters are available at most home-improvement stores. Faux plaster is less expensive than real Venetian plaster and both come in a variety of colors. Make the plaster according to the package instructions and apply to the bathroom walls. Use the bristles of a brush to make designs in the plaster as you apply it to the walls.

Child's Bedroom

Plaster designs can add special elements to a child's bedroom. For example, create flower designs into the walls of a girl's bedroom. Take the non-bristle end of a paintbrush and draw the flowers into the wet plaster before it dries. Plaster can dry in about 20 minutes, so be sure to design small areas at a time. Other designs ideas include squares, circle, bugs and zigzags. You can also use your hands and fingers to create designs in the plaster.

Bedrooms

Add color as a design element. Color tints and natural pigments add pizzazz to plain, white plaster. Find color tints and pigments at your local home-improvement store. Add the color to the plaster before applying it to the walls. Use stencils, paintbrushes and plaster tools to create designs in the colored plaster. If you mess up a design, simply smooth it out and start over again. This is why it is important to plaster in small sections at a time. Colored plaster gives a unique look to any bedroom.

Tags: designs plaster, bathroom walls, compound water, create designs, designs your, joint compound

Different Types Of Ceiling Lights Wall Lights And Table Lamps

A chandelier is one type of ceiling fixture.

The variety of lighting fixtures on the market today can be overwhelming. Each type of light casts a particular type of beam that can result in a different lighting effect in a room. Understanding how each light fixture type works will help you determine the best lighting for each area in your office or home.

Ceiling Fixtures

All ceiling lights provide overhead lighting that shines from the ceiling downward, but some provide additional lighting as well. General ceiling lighting fixtures will cast light outward as well as downward, reflecting off the walls and ceiling to create ambient light. These include chandeliers, which use multiple bulbs and decorative glass or metal to create a lot of ambient light, and all types of flush-mount fixtures, in which one or more light bulbs are covered with a glass or other material globe or shade that is mounted flush against the ceiling, producing a soft but bright light that reaches all corners of the room. Pendant fixtures hang below the ceiling like chandeliers, but generally only have one light bulb that is suspended over a raised area--such as a countertop or table--to provide specific lighting for that area. Recessed ceiling fixtures are set within the ceiling and shine cones of light downward; they do not offer as much general lighting as globes or chandeliers because the inset housing prevents the beam from spreading to the sides. They must be used in multiples or simply for accent lighting. Fluorescent tube lights may also be either inset into ceiling panels or hung below the ceiling from fixtures commonly known as "shop lights."

Wall Fixtures

Sconces are the primary type of light fixture used on walls. These fixtures often direct the light primarily upward or downward against the wall, but may also have clear glass or acrylic panels to let diffused light shine outward. Sconces are most often used as accent lighting for decorative purposes and as functional lighting in narrow areas such as stairways and hallways, where the light does not need to spread far to be effective. Art lighting is another common type of wall fixture, which uses small, directed light units to focus light on a specific space, such as a painting or a small sculpture on a shelf. Reading lights may also be hung on the wall, generally in bedrooms. These lights are often shaded lamps placed on adjustable arms that can swing out over a bed to provide ample reading light and then fold back out of the way when not in use.

Table Lamps

Table lamps come in a broad variety and are often classified by the type of light bulb they use. Halogen desk lamps use small halogen lamps (they are technically not called light bulbs) to produce bright white light for reading and work tasks. These lamps usually have a glass shield over the lamp and can become quite hot. Lamps that use standard tungsten bulbs (and can often use compact fluorescent bulbs as well) come in a variety of styles, such as the classic fabric-shaded table lamp for general or accent lighting. Banker-style lamps have a semicylindrical shaped glass or metal shade that can be adjusted to aim the light across a desk, while reading lamps often have adjustable arms so the user can position the light easily. Accent lamps come in a variety of shapes and styles and are often used purely for decoration rather than adding functional light.

Tags: accent lighting, type light, adjustable arms, ambient light, below ceiling, come variety, create ambient

Instructions For Hanging A Drop Ceiling

The technique of installing a suspended ceiling costs a lot less than renovating the original ceiling and provides an easy method to conceal old ducts, wires and cables while keeping them accessible for repair or maintenance. The different types of tile designs available of late may tickle anyone's fancy and can be installed with very little alteration to your home.

Instructions

1. Measure the precise dimensions of the room where you are going to hang the drop ceiling, carefully accounting for odd shapes like alcoves, bays, etc. Sketch the ceiling measurements to scale on a graph paper to determine how many ceiling panels you would need. Panels are available in various sizes, with 2-feet-by-4-feet being the most commonly used. Considering the size of panels you decide to install in your room and the ceiling measurements you have sketched on the graph, simply count the number of panels you would need. You may consult a salesman at your local retailer to decide on the number of panels you would require by taking the sketched measurements to him.

2. Chalk a guide line on all the walls of your room using a leveler to precisely mark the height where you want the ceiling to hang. Allow a minimum of 3-inch to 4-inch clearance below the old ceiling. In case you are using recessed lights in the new ceiling, allocate a minimum of a 6-inch space between the old and new ceilings. The height of the drop ceiling may be suitably adjusted to keep ducts and wires hidden from view.

3. Fasten the wall angles securely to the walls following the guide line you have chalked on the walls. Ensure that the wall angles would be level against the wall once they are affixed by using a leveler. Do not attempt to mentally ascertain whether the wall angles are level or not; instead, use a leveler to avoid a crooked looking drop ceiling. Tightly nail the wall angles to studs, or you may use screw or masonry anchors. When you reach the corners of your room, overlap the wall angles on inside corners of walls, and miter the angles on the outside corners for a proper finish.

4. Fix eye hooks/screws on the old ceiling with which the suspension wires would be hanging. Each hook should be placed evenly where the main tee would meet the cross tee. Once the hooks are fixed to the old ceiling, cut the suspension wires to the correct length and fasten one wire with one hook/screw. All wires should be hanging down equally from the old ceiling and watch out for any bends or kinks.

5. Suspend the main tees with the wires you have affixed to the old ceiling. Cut the main tees to the exact measurement of the room according to the sketch graph you made. Allow for the thickness of wall angles along which the main tees would be laid, usually 1/8 inch. Fasten each main tee to the suspension wires and place sides on mounted wall angles after trimming the tees for the thickness of the angles.

6. Attach the cross tees with the main tees along the slots provided in the main tees. Insert the end of each cross tee into the slot on the main tee. Trim the cross tees, if needed, near the walls. The grid for laying ceiling panels is now complete.

7. Tilt and slide each ceiling panel into the grid hanging from the suspension wires and supported by the wall angles. The panels should fix smoothly if the sketch you made was accurate enough. However, usually you may need to trim panels with a saw or knife for a more charming finish.

Tags: wall angles, main tees, suspension wires, drop ceiling, panels would, your room, ceiling measurements

Height To Install Bathroom Light Fixtures

Bathroom light fixtures serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. The best height for installing them depends on the measurement of the ceiling and the method for operating the fixture. If you have children, you must also consider a height safe for them because of the electrical currents as well as unsafe components such as small features or glass elements.

Preparation

Determine the location within the bathroom you want to install a light fixture. Most bathroom light fixtures are hung above the sink next to the mirror to supply light when you look at your reflection. Although this is one of the first choices for lighting, the area near the sink and water presents dangerous risks. Many bathroom activities occur around the counter space and use water, which can easily splash about, so finding an appropriate height is essential. If you do not need lighting there, you have more flexibility for the height of a fixture on other walls.

Installing a Light Fixture Near the Sink

If you have a mirror with wall space above it, consider installing a fixture at the top edge of the mirror. This technique provides as much light as a fixture on either side but decreases the risk of getting water inside the electrical components. If the ceiling is close to the mirror, use lights that point downward to prevent heat or burn marks from developing on the ceiling. The benefit of this lighting style is that they come in an array of designs. Fixtures with a few lights are ideal for long mirrors, or select a single fixture for a smaller, individual mirror.

Setting up Lighting in Other Locations

Putting up lights in other locations allows you more adaptability for the height of the fixture. If your home does not have small children, place fixtures slightly above your head. This technique will allow you to easily turn a switch on the light while preventing the bright rays from shining in your eyes.

Homes with young children benefit from light fixtures placed high off the ground but also far from climbing surfaces. For instance, if the child can not reach the fixture from the ground but can climb on a toilet or shower head, place the light in another location. If there is a solid object for the child to climb near the light accessory, there may not be a height sufficient for providing optimal safety. In this case, install it in another location.

Tags: another location, height fixture, light fixture, light fixtures, This technique

Bathroom Cabinet Sizes Diy

Bathroom vanities come in many sizes, shapes and colors. They can be the crowning display in a master bath, or provide much-needed storage in a small bathroom. Vanities are available in custom, semi-custom and stock sizes. Consider a few factors before deciding on a vanity for your space.

Space

Consider where the vanity is going. A master bath will need a different vanity than a powder room. If the room has plenty of storage other than the vanity, the cabinet can serve more decorative needs. Choose a vanity with more drawers and organizational options if it is the main storage area in the bathroom. A large bathroom will need a large vanity in order to maintain the scale of the room. A small vanity would get lost in a large bathroom.

Height

The traditional vanity is 30 inches in height, although modern vanities are 36 inches tall. Tall vanities offer more convenience, as they reduce strain on your back and provide more storage space. Younger children may have difficulty using a tall vanity, and are more suited for a traditional vanity.

Depth

The standard depth of a vanity is 21 inches, but 18 inches is also common. Mini vanities can be as shallow as 16 inches. The space dictates the appropriate depth. The depth will affect the size of the sink you can install.

Width

There really is no standard width for bathroom cabinets. Mini-vanities are usually 18 inches wide, while most standard vanities start at 24 inches. Space and use are the main factors to consider with width. A two-sink vanity is typically at least 60 inches wide. The more drawers and organizational options added, the wider the cabinet will be.

Availability

You have three options when choosing where to get you vanity. Custom vanities are built to your specific size and needs, and are the most expensive option. Semi-custom cabinets are slightly less expensive. They are generally available in sizes that increase by 3-inch increments, and can be personalized with doors, stains and accessories. Stock cabinets are the least expensive option; sizes and designs tend to be limited and basic.

Tags: drawers organizational, drawers organizational options, expensive option, inches wide, large bathroom

Hang A Heavy Bag From A Ceiling Support Beam In The Garage

Gloves help prevent hand injury when using the heavy bag.

A heavy bag develops your shoulders, improves your cardiovascular conditioning and helps alleviate stress when used regularly. Heavy bags tend to be loud when used and they require space so they can sway back and forth unimpeded, making the garage a common place for hanging one. Heavy bags are often hung from a support beam in the garage strong enough to handle the additional weight. Hanging the bag requires minimal work.

Instructions

1. Drill a hole into the support beam smaller than the bag's support hook. This is where the bulk of the bag's weight is focused, so the beam should be sturdy and capable of supporting additional strain. The bag's instructions should recommend what size drill to use, but a 1/8-inch bit is common.

2. Twist the bag's support hook into the beam so it is embedded tightly without any wiggle or give. The hook holds the four chains from the bag and keeps the bag steady.

3. Connect each of the four chains from the bag to the support hook. Some bags already have the chains connected to a single loop that then slides over the hook for simpler installation.

4. Adjust the chains to set the bag's height where you want it. You may need to take the bag down, adjust the chains and rehang it until you find the right height for you.

5. Practice hitting the bag a few times lightly to see how the bag and the support beam responds. Gradually add force until you are confident that the bag and the beam are fully secure.

Tags: support beam, support hook, chains from, four chains, four chains from, from support, Heavy bags

False Ceiling Types

False ceilings are aesthetically pleasing.

False ceilings are used for a variety of reasons, such as hiding lighting and wires or creating an artistic appearance in the home. Regardless of the reason, knowing the false ceiling types and options makes determining the appropriate ceiling type for a personal project simpler.

Full False Ceiling

A full false ceiling is a false ceiling that covers the entire length and breadth of the ceiling. The false ceiling is commonly used and connects at all four sides to the wall to drop down from the ceiling. It does not have a stylish appearance or difference from the real ceiling; it serves purposes like hiding wires or lighting.

Exposed Beams

Exposed beams, or similar styles where wooden beams, metal beams or the structure the home is built upon are exposed is a type of false ceiling. The actual ceiling is above the false ceiling and is seen peaking through the beams, but the beams are lower and create an appearance of a ceiling. These are aesthetic and do not usually serve any purpose beyond the aesthetic appeal and style.

Half Ceiling

A half ceiling is sometimes referred to as a part ceiling or a detached ceiling. It is not always covered with an actual ceiling or might only be covered in part by the actual ceiling. It is primarily used for lighting up specific areas, such as an artistic display or a showroom and does not cover the full length and breadth of the actual ceiling. In some cases, there is no actual ceiling.

Tags: actual ceiling, false ceiling, ceiling false, False ceilings, length breadth

Install A Motion Light Without A Light Switch In The Bathroom

Having a light go on when you enter a darkened bathroom can be a convenience that also saves money by keeping the light off when no one is around. You can install a motion-activated light without having to do any wiring by adding a self-contained motion light module, available from select hardware stores and electronic shops, to the bulb overhead. No special skills are required, and you don't you need any tools.

Instructions

1. Unscrew the light bulb from the overhead socket of the light fixture. Screw the light bulb into the bulb socket on the motion light module.

2. Screw the base of the motion light module into the bulb socket of the light fixture. Press the touch-panel switch, if one is present, to supply electrical power to the motion light module -- if a pull cord is used instead, pull the cord once.

3. Exit the bathroom but leave the bathroom door open. The light will illuminate whenever someone enters the bathroom and turn off after a short period of time has elapsed after the person leaves.

Tags: light module, motion light module, motion light, bulb socket, into bulb, into bulb socket, light bulb

Unique Shower Curtain Ideas

Your shower curtain can be as unique as you

Shower curtains are considered merely a bathroom accessory, yet they have the power to completely transform the style and look of your bathroom. Shower curtains are available in a wide selection of designs, patterns, styles and fabrics, but there are many ways to create unique shower curtains that are all your own. Before you settle for that store-bought curtain, check out these ideas and let your bathroom reflect your originality.

Tie-dye

Almost any type of fabric can be used as a shower curtain, although a liner is essential to protecting materials that aren't waterproof. You can even use a sheet if you want to. Most sheets have a folded top, and by removing the two short seams along the side, you can create the opening for the rod. With that in mind, you can take an old white sheet, a few rubber bands and your favorite color dye to create a fun tie-dye shower curtain. Before you start to wonder how on earth you'll find accessories to match a tie-dye curtain, just remember that tie-dye doesn't necessarily mean an explosion of multiple bright colors. You can use soft pink or even beige and allow the tie-dye technique to create a unique textured appearance.

Leather and lace

Leather can be used for a masculine- or western-themed bathroom. If your bathroom has limited ventilation, though, you may want to consider faux leather or vinyl because it's more resistant to humidity and water damage. Either way, a liner will be needed. Alternatively, you can use lace or eyelet for an ultrafeminine look. Combining white lace with a colored liner creates a unique layered effect.

Go glam

You can glam up your existing curtain by simply outlining the design or motif with jewels. You can attach the beads and jewels by either sewing or gluing them on. There are also tools, such as the BeDazzler, that will make this an easy project. You can also glam up the bathroom by making your own curtain using sequined or metallic fabric. You'll need a sewing machine to finish the ends and to create the loop at the top for the curtain rod. Standard shower curtains measure 72" x 72", so you'll need enough material for that size.

Personalize

Again, a simple white or light-colored cotton sheet can be a canvas for creating your own personalized shower curtain. You can monogram your shower curtain by using fabric paint and letter cutouts to create stamps. Use your own computer and printer to create photos or images to put on your shower curtain. Use iron-on transfer paper to print them out, and simply iron them onto your shower curtain. Remember, print out the mirror image, otherwise it will appear as a mirror image when you iron it on.

Child's play

Let your kids participate in decorating their bathroom. Lay a white or light-colored sheet out flat and let them use fabric paint to make a collage of their handprints all over the curtain. You can also just get a bed sheet featuring their favorite cartoon character and use it as a shower curtain.

Tags: shower curtain, your bathroom, your shower, create unique, curtain using, fabric paint

What Is A Flushmounted Fixture

Flush-mounted fixtures require a shade to hide their bulbs.

The International Residential Code, on which most local and building codes are based, specifies lighting requirements for the interior of a residence, such as the number of switches and lighting outlets. However, it does not specify the type of lighting fixture needed to fulfill those requirements. Such choices, including flush-mounted fixtures, are left entirely to homeowners and electricians.

Types

There are three main types of lighting fixtures. First are hanging fixtures. They take up the most room but can cast the brightest light because only room dimensions and esthetics limit the number of their bulbs. They can be powered directly from a junction box behind the ceiling or hang from the ceiling and plugged into a wall outlet. Second are recessed fixtures. Their bulbs disappear into lighting cans installed behind the ceiling. They take up the least amount of room, making them useful for low-ceiling applications or modern decor.

Flush-Mounted Fixtures

The third type of lighting fixtures are flush-mounted fixtures. They require junction boxes behind the ceiling but expose the bulbs and fixture attachments below the ceiling. The International Residential Code mandates that the boxes enclosing flush-mounted devices must be completely enclosed at the back and all sides, and must be strong enough to provide support for the device. However, the screws for supporting the box cannot be used to attach the device itself. The boxes enclosing any type of light fixture, including flush-mounted versions, must be deep enough to allow correct mounting without damage to the conductors within the box.

Depth

Box depth can depend on the gauge of conductor for the fixture. Gauge is defined by the American Wire Gauge system, which commonly is used throughout the United States, uses smaller numbers to represent larger wires. Conductors at 8, 6 or 4 AWG need boxes with an internal depth of at least 2.06 inches. Conductors at 10 or 12 AWG need an internal depth of at least 1.18 inches. However, if the equipment projects rearward from the mounting plane of the box by more than 1 inch, then the depth must equal that of the equipment plus at least 0.25 inches. Conductors at 14 AWG or smaller require a depth of at least 0.93 inches.

Shades

Shades for flush-mounted fixtures come in a bewildering array of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Almost all are made of translucent glass to allow light exposure while hiding the actual bulbs. The most common material for holding the shade to the ceiling and trimming the joint between the shade and its surface is metal. The construction of most flush-mounted fixtures allows the average homeowner to easily change the bulb by removing the shade and reattaching it. Installing such fixtures in new locations, however, may require the expertise of professionals.

Tags: least inches, behind ceiling, depth least, depth least inches, flush-mounted fixtures, boxes enclosing

Run An Ethernet Cable Through The Wall

Running an Ethernet cable through the wall allows networking with minimal visual mess.

Running an Ethernet cable through the wall can be a challenging project, but is not without benefits. An excess of computer cables can prove to be unattractive and a safety hazard if not secured properly. Running an Ethernet cable through the wall to reach a network center is a clean way to achieve connectivity without an unsightly mess. Cables can also be run through the wall to the next room for networking.

Instructions

1. Map out the best path for the cable to run from your computer to its destination. Consider a path that crosses as few framing joists as possible, such as entering the wall and going up through the ceiling to a spot above the final destination then down through the wall.

2. Cut a 3-inch by 5-inch hole where you want the cable to enter the wall using the keyhole saw. Cut the same dimension holes over any joists the Ethernet cable will cross over and where the wall and ceiling intersect over your desired route.

3. Run the cable through the wall using the fishing tape and the holes you cut as a route.

4. Chisel a groove in any joists the cable crosses to allow the cable to lay flush as it passes over to the next wall space. Install a nail guard over each joist with a cable passing over it to ensure the cable isn't accidentally damaged down the road by a nail.

5. Patch the holes by returning the cut dry wall squares to the place from which they were taken. Using a drywall patching compound, patch around the squares.

6. Paint the wall where the drywall was cut.

Tags: through wall, Ethernet cable, cable through wall, Ethernet cable through, Running Ethernet, Running Ethernet cable

Halogen Floorlamp Safety

Halogen floor lamps produce a brilliant white light. It is important to keep in mind that these lamps operate at high temperatures. There are several things you can do to lessen the risk of fire.

Drapes and Curtains

Halogen lamps should be placed well away from drapes or curtains. These could catch fire if a breeze blows them onto the lamp.

Turn it Off

Halogen lamps should be turned off when you leave the room for a period of time.

Tuck the Cord Away

Avoid placing a halogen lamp or cord in a high traffic area. This will ensure that people will not trip and knock the lamp over.

Not in Children's Rooms

Because of the heat they generate, halogen lamps can be dangerous for young children. Lower temperature lamps should be placed in children's playrooms and bedrooms.

Use the Correct Bulbs