ASK
PRISCILLA
Answers to your questions
about compact fluorescent
lights, flameless candles, how
to group photographs and more

By PRISCILLA KOHUTEK

Q. What is the scoop on those funny-looking fluor-escent light bulbs? I hear that the government is going to ban the sale of incandescent bulbs. Is this true?

A. Those funny-looking fluorescent light bulbs are known as compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs. They are more energy-efficient and longer lasting than incandescent bulbs. They don’t flicker or give off the ghostly greenish light like fluorescent tubes of the past that were hard on the eyes and said to cause headaches. They don’t give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs do and are therefore easier on the air conditioning system. CFLs with high color rendering supposedly make colors look normal, and some even improve skin tones — who wouldn’t go for that?

So why aren’t these technological wonders flying off the shelves and into homes? Maybe it’s because they are funny looking and more expensive than incandescent bulbs. Or maybe it’s because CFLs don’t respond instantly when the light switch is turned on. You must allow for some warmup time. Three-way CFLs light up in stages according to position. When a lamp is switched immediately to the third, or high, position, it can take as long as one minute to fully light up. Dimmable CFLs reportedly are slow to respond to the rheostat and can make an annoying humming sound.

Or maybe CFLs are slow to catch on because they are unfamiliar to most of us, and we don’t know much about them. Special care must be given to their selection. For example, three-way lamps require CFLs marked “dimmable.” They even have a different wattage, so we have to figure out which one to buy. It’s going to take extra time and effort to find out how we can use them to the best advantage in our own homes. Such trouble! It’s much easier to pick up the same old incandescent bulbs we’ve been using all our lives.

But wait! Maybe you will discover it’s worth the effort. I’m using them in some areas of our home and can say that they are indeed a practical replacement for incandescent bulbs — in some places such as the basement, the attic, storage and tool rooms. I love them in these areas, which are usually dark and rather dismal. Personal observations: Cool white CFLs light up the rooms better than incandescent bulbs; they last longer; and they aren’t so hot that they nearly singe my hair — the ceilings are lower than normal in the basement and attic. Warm white CFLs don‘t seem as bright as cool white coils.

I even have CFLs in a couple of lamps that are turned on for hours at a time, which is the best use for these bulbs. Turning them off and on again quickly shortens their lives. The CFLs are not visible, and the shades are done in tan and brown tones that give off a very pleasing glow.

On the other hand, many decorators don’t recommend them for overhead lighting, although I’ve heard of them being used in kitchens and bathrooms in conjunction with incandescent lighting to soften their cold glare. Nor are they recommended for living room or bedroom lamps — CFLs don’t give off the same romantic glow you get from incandescent bulbs. But there are ways to make them more effective.

Shop for bulbs that are marked soft white to get a warmer light; cool white bulbs are good for task lighting. Lampshades in gentle, muted colors will tint the light accordingly. Shades lined in pale pink or rose-colored fabrics result in soft, flattering glows that are reminiscent of pink-tinted incandescent bulbs, which are an old
favorite of mine. I still use them when I can find them — talk about ambiance.

The colors of compact fluorescents vary widely according to brands. Experts advise sticking to name brands and trying them literally one at a time until you find what’s right for you.

Why the funny shape? It seems that the brightness of a fluorescent bulb depends upon its length. So in order to make them fit into standard sockets, the tubes are twisted or coiled into these odd shapes. Some manufacturers have developed ways to enclose these offensive coils, and they look more like the light bulbs we are familiar with. If you use coiled CFLs, cover them up with shades, but make sure there is room for air to circulate around them — they will last longer. Of course, it isn’t necessary to hide compact fluorescents used in basements, attics and tool rooms.

PS: At the present time, incandescent bulbs are still available. However, the situation is very fluid and products are changing rapidly to meet new energy standards. Along with better CFLs, halogen bulbs that fit in regular light sockets and incandescent light bulbs that use less energy are being developed as we speak. So, stay tuned.

Q. Over the holidays I saw some scented, flameless candles advertised. What are they? Do you recommend them, or do they look like the fakes they are?

A. I’m a huge fan of battery-operated, flameless candles, scented or not! They have so many pluses:

• No worries about fire and can be used anywhere, including places you wouldn’t dare place real candles, such as on bookshelves and inside display cabinets.

• No melted wax to clean up.

• Can be used in tablescapes with fabrics.

• Can be used as nightlights.

• Economical in the long run because they don’t have to be replaced.

The good ones look and feel like the real thing even when they aren’t turned on. You get what you pay for, so go for the best. They are available in many sizes, colors and shapes. I bought four- and six-inch vanilla-scented candles in different shapes that are actually made of wax by Candle Impressions. They take two C-sized batteries and flicker and glow like real candles. This brand is most recommended and received the most raves. For more on the subject, check out their Web site: www.candleimpressions.net. But they’re hard to find locally.

Hint: Buy them online at www.qvc.com. Type “Candle Impressions” or “flameless candles” in the search box to find the items you are interested in, and then call in your order. You can talk to a real person at 1-888-345-5788.

The little tea candles and votives I found were not made by Candle Impressions and look less real when they’re off. But when they’re on and used in frosted or colored candleholders, they will fool even the most discerning eye. These little gems aren’t expensive and come with tiny, replaceable batteries already inserted. They’re available locally. I haven’t seen any scented tea candles or votives, though they might be available. Again, I refer you to www.qvc.com.

Q. Our staircase landing is a problem. It looks very bare, but I don’t know how to decorate it. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

A. If you have a window on the landing, dress it to the hilt with lots of fabric. Make it a showpiece. Put an outstanding area rug on the floor, even if the stairs are carpeted — chances are the carpeting’s a solid color and not very interesting. Just be sure the area rug is well anchored so no one slips or trips on it.

Now you are ready to decorate the walls. What do you see when you stand at the bottom of the stairs? If it’s a blank wall, think about what you’d like to see. Because of the distance, think big. Whether you settle on a painting or an object or a grouping, the item(s) must be large. You can visually expand the item by flanking it with wall sconces. No place to plug them in? How about something that can hold very large flameless candles?

The side walls are good for hanging collections: plates, crosses, whatever. Small is OK because the items will be seen close up.

Q. I have some art photos that I want to hang in a grouping. But some are black and white, and others are in color. Is it all right to group them together?

A. Opinions vary on the subject of groupings. Some decorators want total continuity in picture and photo displays, including sameness in mats and frames. Other decorators are completely eclectic with the trappings as long as framing treatments suit the objects in the frames. Their groupings depend on the similarity of the subjects. My personal taste is definitely in agreement with these decorators. I also like related objects mixed in with photographs, especially large art photos.

You can mix it up with black and white and colored photos when the subjects are either related or different shots of the same thing such as a child or a person. On the other hand, black and white photos, framed and matted identically and hung gallery style, are very dramatic.

Q. Our ‘60s vintage bathroom is tiled in three different shades of green. What color should we paint the wall above the tile? What about towels?

A. Oh dear, those pesky colors we once thought were so great are still around, eh? ‘Tis another case for choosing fairly permanent items like tile in neutrals and plumbing fixtures in white. But I digress.

Do you like one of the greens more than the others? Pick that color for your wall paint. If it’s too strong, mix it with white paint — aim for half white and half green. But add in the white paint slowly because you might get to a shade you like before you get to the halfway mark. Or you can choose a white paint that has a hint of green in it if you can find something that’s in the same family as one of the greens in your tile work. The last thing you want to do is add another, different green to the room. Paint the woodwork and doors white.

Follow the same idea with the towels. If you can find something with one or two of the greens (tone-on-tone is what I’m thinking), and you like them, go for it. Otherwise, stick to plain white for a fresh, bright look.

Until next time, happy decorating!

Priscilla Kohutek, internationally published home decorating columnist and author, draws from her own experience and the advice of experts to answer your questions. Send your queries to Ask Priscilla® via e-mail at Priscilla@askpriscilla.com, or mail them to SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, 8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217.