Workstation bits? Lights and floor protection.

[Andrew May]

Right, I'm about to move house (sorry Burt amd Mason, will be in touch!) and my new workstation will be in a carpeted room with adjustable light fittings.

So first, is there a decent place to get these? (top type with bayonet) http://www.ukrdesign.co.uk/bulbs-tubes.htm as I went to order new bulbs and they've ceased trading.

Also with the room being carpeted, I'll be needing a protective mat or something to guard against putty and paint! Any recommendations or am I best off going with one of those office chair type rubber mats?

Cheers!

[Mindenbrush]

20W or 35W? I bought 35W
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x35w-Photography-Light-Bulb-Trumpet-5500K-Daylight-lamp-Fluorescent-/320771407692?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item4aaf773f4c#ht_2453wt_1399

My paiting room in my apartment has a cream coloured carpet............ I use a couple of the Ikea clear plastic floor protectors
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/44881100/

[Andrew May]

£44 postage! Umm, are they worth that much?

Edit: thanks, at least I know what to search for now!
Any more ideas for carpets protection?

Cheers!

Double edit:
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/261339375104

[warburton]

For floor protection I personally bought a cheap second hand persian style rug which goes under the desk and chair. Looks better than the, frankly, crap plastic office floor protectors and was cheaper too. It suits my style though, so may not be for all tastes.

[fastolfrus]

Rugs are good.

But if you want the cheapskate option, go to a large shop that sells carpets (local choice Boyes). They get carpet delivered wrapped in very thick poly sheeting, and have to get rid of the stuff after they unwrap the new stock delivery.
Have a friendly word with the staff, explain that you want some for painting dustsheets, they may let you have one for free. Trim to size with scissors, bin after use.

We use a few for school work - they make good table protectors and can be trimmed to size (and are free).

[Andrew May]

For floor protection I personally bought a cheap second hand persian style rug which goes under the desk and chair. Looks better than the, frankly, crap plastic office floor protectors and was cheaper too. It suits my style though, so may not be for all tastes.

Might be an idea too, could always turn it upside down to save the pattern, it might end up in the living room one day!

[_Si_]

I had one of the Ikea carpet protectors and it shattered within a few weeks. And I weight under 11stone so not sure it's entirely my fault.

Anywho, I since replaced it with two from here: http://www.floormats.co.uk/chairmats/carpet-protector-1 and I've had them both for about three years now. About twice the thickness of the ikea one, but flexible enough to bend under load. As happy with them as one can be with a bit of plastic (28mm not withstanding)

[Andrew May]

Cheers, these look good too.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/200946794036?&varId=500215577050

Lights:
http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/helix-daylight-energy-saver-30w-bcb22d/p2205/?nomo=1

Found good reviews of these online, hope this is useful others!

[Mindenbrush]

£44 postage! Umm, are they worth that much? I suspect that would be the postage to me in Canada - 220V does not work very well on a 110V system......

For the 'cheap Persian carpet' idea I would suggest being carefull on that one - we had one in Hamburg, Germany over some industrial carpeting. Unfortunately we were out one evening when there was heavy heavy rain and of course we had left a window open........ The carpet got wet in one corner and the dye ran onto the carpeting underneath.

I have had my Ikea 'plastics' for 6 or 7 years now and they are only just starting to get small cracks in them despite me using them 2 or 3 hours a day every day.

Biggest problem will not stepping on putty that you have dropped on the floor and treading it through the rest of the house