Off Grid Living: Home and Garden

Monday, January 14, 2013

Types Of Outdoor Lanterns

Lantern (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn)

Camping has come a long way from the days of two-man tents and candles or campfires for lighting. Compactness is another technological advantage we have today, especially with outdoor lanterns used for camping, as well as any outdoor activities. Excellent liquid fuel lanterns are still available, as well as pressurized gas lanterns and battery-powered lamps. Todays innovations have also given us hand-cranked solar lanterns with extended life built in. Let's discuss a few of the different lanterns available, as well as their good and not-so-good points.

Battery powered electric lanterns
These lanterns are available in three different types; LED, which gives the user a good light output and long battery life. They also stand up to rough use. Fluorescent lanterns, while having a higher light output pose a problem with disposal of the tubes. The incandescent lantern has good light output, but only a so-so battery life. The bulbs are more fragile than LED's.

The only negative issue with these lanterns is battery usage and disposal. On the positive side, they are quiet, and have no exhaust to worry about. No heat is produced, making them safe around children and safe for use inside a tent.

Fuel burning lanternsThese lanterns run on several different fuel sources. Refillable white-gas tanks contain a liquid fuel that gives off a powerful light. They are also fuel efficient. Refillable propane gas tanks are also very fuel efficient and give off a powerful light. Disposable butane containers are compact, easy to use and store, but have only a moderate light output.

On a positive note, all the fuel-burning lanterns give off more light than most electric models. On the down-side, they are noisy, and they must be in an area with good ventilation. They can pose a danger in small, confined spaces, and they do generate heat, making them dangerous around children.

Candle lanterns

When all else fails, or there is nothing else to use, a candle in the darkness is better than nothing, or so we are told. Candles provide a soft, ambient glowing light. They are not noisy, and are fairly good for close-up work. Reflectors can be purchased, and they will increase the light output by reflection.

Candles are to be used with extreme caution. They are dangerous in a tent, and of course, fire and burns are a big hazard when using them.

Comparison shopping
The type of lantern purchased will depend on several things. Light intensity, or wattage and battery duration. Size and weight are also important factors to consider. How the lantern will be used is another consideration to take into account before making a final decision.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Getting Cedar Style Furniture

Stylish organization is never easy. The two words do not even fit together when thinking about home decor But all that changes when you introduce the cedar wardrobe into your bedroom. With the use of cedar to create your wardrobe, you can easily transform the look of your bedroom. With this piece of furniture to store your clothing, stylish organization is not only a possibility- it is a reality. Cedar wood can transform any and every closet in your home into a wardrobe that features easy organization and endless style.

Functionality is the key feature when thinking about choosing a wardrobe, but style is important too. Cedar looks great, and it really fits in well with a home that has a cedar exterior. When deciding to go with cedar for your wardrobe, you choose to easily obtain functionality while maintaining an elegant and classic look. If you are looking to create such a look, then the cedar wardrobe is the right fit for you and your bedroom. In selecting cedar wood for your wardrobe, you transform this simple piece of furniture into more than just an upright closet with shelves and drawers. You create an elegance that ties the rest of the room together.

Wardrobe Styles

A cedar wardrobe is not simply a wooden box that stores clothing and accessories. It is so much more. One can choose from a variety of different types of wardrobes. A corner wardrobe, made of a sturdy cedar wood can save space in smaller size rooms. Wardrobes with sliding doors are extremely convenient and functional and when your sliding door wardrobe is made up of cedar, it is equally as beautiful too. You can consolidate mirror and wardrobe space by having your solid cedar wardrobe encompass both. Children’s wardrobes are also practical and yet stunningly attractive when made up of a well chosen cedar wood. You can choose to have your wardrobe any which way you like. You may like a simple wardrobe with two doors, or add up to as much as four. Whatever your preference, you have tremendous flexibility in choosing a wardrobe for your clothing and accessories. Choosing to have this wardrobe in cedar allows you to have this wardrobe look stylish while being practical.

Organizational Accessories

Although having your wardrobe made up of cedar wood adds a touch of attractiveness to the look, you have to consider convenience and practicality. Adding cedar wood drawers and rods as needed allows you to have functionality. With cedar wood wardrobes you are able to add and take away such features in your closet space as shelves and drawers, while keeping a stylish look to this piece of furniture as well. To have such cedar wood accessories added to your wardrobe allows you to maintain both the look and usefulness to your wardrobe.

All in all, a wardrobe made up sturdy cedar wood allows you to combine style and organization to your room decor It is useful and beautiful at the same time and because of this, your wardrobe can easily be the focus feature of your bedroom.