Tropical Lamps 

Sometimes, we all just need to hop on a plane or boat and escape to the nearest tropical paradise—if only for a few minutes each day.  Unfortunately, unless you already happen to live on some tropical island somewhere, we must content ourselves with our own home décor when it comes to finding a little rest and relaxation.  But, with tropical lamps and other light fixtures complemented by accentuating décor, you can turn any space into your own personal Fantasy Island.  

Deciding where to use your tropical light fixtures and furnishings is as simple as finding a space somehow enclosed from the main traffic areas of the home.  Now you don’t need to think about finding the perfect tropical furnishings for your closet—just some area that is or can be enclosed to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.  Sun decks or enclosed areas on the exterior of the home are great spots to create tropical escapes because they are separate from the main structure and the spaces are permeated with plenty of natural lighting. 

Pineapple lamps and similar fixtures can be used to illuminate the space while starting to create a theme for the area.  If the area is enclosed from the elements, be sure to include a source of ambient illumination.  A tropical pendant, semi-flush, or flush mount ceiling fixture should be sufficient in supplying the general illumination.  The overall lighting you will need for your tropical escape will be roughly equivalent to the total square footage multiplied by 1.5 Watts. 

The ambient or general lighting should be equal to 50-60% of the total illumination needed for the area.  Thus, if the area is 12’ X 20’, you would need a total of 360 Watts of overall illumination.  You would probably want a ceiling fixture that produced 200 Watts or more of ambient illumination with tropical table lamps and perhaps wall sconces filling in the other areas of the lighting scheme while helping to unify the theme and harmony of the décor. 

However, while pineapple table lamps and tropical ceiling fixtures and wall sconces will help create the overall look and feel of your fantasy retreat, you will need to accentuate them with chairs, accent tables, and other furnishings.  Wicker and bamboo are two traditional materials found in tropical furniture.  Consistency in furniture materials is very important when creating the overall ambiance of a space.  Just as you want to make sure to buy light fixtures made in the same style and color scheme, the complementing furniture must also coordinate with the surrounding décor in order to truly produce a unified design and relaxing ambiance. 

Tropical lamps and complementary furnishings will help you transform any enclosed space into a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your very own home.  Just remember that all light fixtures and surrounding décor must complement one another in order to truly set the space apart and create a true escape.  But, with a little elbow grease and the right tropical light fixtures and furniture, you can have your daily escape without hopping on any planes, trains, or boats!