All the Tips, Tricks, and Secrets You Need to Make Your House Shine on a Dime If it’s been a while since you redecorated, your current home decor probably isn’t speaking to you anymore. When you’re short on time, updating the lighting is one of the fastest ways to make your home look, well, brighter.
...Read More.
Your eyes are responsible for sending about 80% of the total information that goes to your brain so it’s crucial to keep them healthy. While technology has made certain things better for our eyes, it’s also introduced new challenges. And while it may be common sense that balanced lighting promotes eye health, what really goes
...Read More.
In this post, we invite you to explore 20 eye-catching rooms, each featuring unique, oversized pendant lighting. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a home makeover or simply appreciate beautiful interior design, this photo collection will ignite your creativity and leave you ready to illuminate your own living spaces with incredible statement lighting. But first, what
...Read More.
Walking along the beach, hiking a mountain trail, perusing a park, floating a river. Whatever your favorite method, there’s just something about the way that spending time outside in nature can make a person feel more at ease and centered. But, in the hustle and bustle of modern office life, a harmonious connection with nature
...Read More.
Have you ever stepped into a room and immediately sensed something felt weird… but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Without proper scale and proportion, a room’s design can crumble quickly, and leave it feeling… off. If you want to get it right, you need to learn how to balance the objects in your room with each other and the room itself.
Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to the room, or how well they seem to fit together in the space. Proportion is the relationship between items, or how well they seem to fit with each other. In order to get it right you need both – the things in your home need to look right with each other and with the room itself.
Having a home that looks balanced is easier said than done, so we have some expert tips to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes and create a home where everything works together in harmony.
One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong rug size. Rugs can be a significant investment, and novice designers might be tempted to cut costs by going with a smaller size – but don’t fall into this trap! A too-small rug can make your room feel cramped. On the other hand, a too-large rug can leave edges in awkward places and feel bulky. The right size will balance with your furniture and your room.
Rug placement and size needs will be different in every room, so following a rug guide like this can steer you in the right direction. For example, in the living room a good rule of thumb is to select a rug that’s large enough to either accommodate all the furniture completely on top of it or have only the front two legs of each furniture piece placed on it.
Why This Doesn’t Work: The rug and furniture chosen are noticeably undersized for the space! Relying on a floating rug island with a single chair and side table to carry the design is ineffective (and a trip hazard). To achieve balance, this room needs more furniture. You’d either need to choose seating that matches the scale of this rug to create a small conversation area, or use a larger rug to anchor larger furniture to fill the room.
What to Do Instead: We cannot emphasize this point enough: selecting the right size rug is everything! This gorgeously balanced room proves it’s worth it. This large living room has plenty of furniture, and a large rug like this provides an essential foundation that anchors the space and ties the room together. In any room, a well-fitted rug will ground the space, making it feel cohesive.
Another common mistake is to use lighting that’s mismatched with scale of the room or in proportion to the furniture. Yes, scale and proportion matter in lighting too! Lighting that is too dim or overpowering can really mess up the feel and functionality of a space.
The key is layering your light – using various sources and types of light throughout the room to give a well-balanced light throughout the space by addressing common issues like dark corners and poorly lit work areas. A well-chosen array of light fixtures will make your home look like a designer’s been through, but how do you know how exactly much light is right for your space?
To determine your lighting needs, first you’ll have to understand a few basic light measurements. Lumens are a measurement of the amount of light emitted by a light source. A foot candle is a measurement that describes how bright a light source appears to be from one foot away. You’ll need to use both of these to calculate your lighting needs!
Larger rooms need more light than smaller rooms, and task-oriented spaces within those spaces (like a kitchen counter, office desk, or reading chair) will need more light than the rest of the room. To get an idea of how much light you’ll need, start by measuring the width and length of the room, then multiply those two numbers to find the room’s square footage. Next, use the chart below to determine how many foot candles your room or space will need.
The last step is to multiply your room’s square footage by the recommended foot candle requirement to determine the number of lumens your space requires. Most modern light bulbs have their corresponding lumens included on the packaging. Simply add up the lumens for each bulb in your room to see if you’re in the right range.
Example: A 20’x20’ living room has 400 square feet. The recommended foot candles for living rooms is 10-20. 400 x 10 = 4,000 and 400 x 20 = 8,000. In this room, you would want to add up the lumens for your light bulbs and shoot for somewhere between 4,000 – 8,000 lumens for the entire space.
Keep in mind that this recommendation is for typical use. You also need to take into account all of the ways you’ll use the room, and plan balanced lighting for each situation. If the living room above was also used for movie nights and has a home office in the corner, you would need a way to accommodate those activities too. You’ll need fewer lumens for movies (dimmer switches or small lamps are a great option) and extra light for work (a desk lamp, extra overhead light, or wall sconce would work well).
Remember, these numbers are general recommendations. In addition to being balanced, your lighting also needs to be comfortable. Start with the recommendations, then tailor your lighting from there to get what works best for you.
Why This Doesn’t Work: These small lamps are undersized for the scale of the bed and the room, which is both an aesthetic and a practical issue – nobody likes squinting at their late-night read or tripping over the black shoes on the floor in the middle of the night.
What to Do Instead: Using a variety of light sources ensures sufficient light coverage and adds depth, enhancing the room’s overall atmosphere. In this particular space, the lamp, pendant, chandelier, and accent lighting have been thoughtfully chosen to provide just the right amount of light and are in perfect proportion with the room’s other features. Whether you’ll be using the space for a late-night book or preparing to take on your day, this room promises to exceed your expectations functionally and aesthetically.
In addition to getting the amount of light right in your space, it’s also important to get a fixture that’s to scale. Since chandeliers and pendants typically serve as a room’s focal point, it’s especially important to get it right! To avoid picking the wrong size, a few tips:
Why This Doesn’t Work: We can understand why this room doesn’t have a chandelier with those gorgeous windows as a focal point. But in the evenings, this room’s focal point will disappear into the shadows and the high vaulted space above will feel empty. A chandelier would fill this void and give this room a gorgeous 24/7 focal point. It would also provide essential lighting for the evening hours and create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere than a grid of bright recessed lights.
What To Do Instead: Use the guidelines above to find the ideal fixture size for your space. In this room, the pendant is slightly oversized, but it’s okay to make judgment calls when deciding what’s going to work best in your space since you’re the one who has to live with it! In this room, the pendant serves as the focal point and creates a more intimate conversation area. By occupying the vertical space, it brings harmony and balance to the design. If you need extra help selecting the correct size fixture or installing it, don’t be afraid to ask an expert!
We love how art and other wall hangings add personality to a space, but we often notice inexperienced designers or homeowners creating a tiny island of art in a sea of empty wall space. It’s a common mistake, but is one that is easily avoidable with a few essential tips!
When it comes to hanging pictures on a large wall, you generally have two options: creating a gallery wall or opting for a larger piece of art. Whichever you decide on, the resulting arrangement or artwork should be around 60-75% of the width of the furniture it’s above and take up 60-75% of the wall height above it for a perfectly balanced look! If you’re using multiple pieces, space them out to get the right scale. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and art pieces – you may be surprised by what combinations work.
Why This Doesn’t Work: The frames above this bed are too small, throwing off the whole balance of the room. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple! You can either keep the existing frames and incorporate more pieces for a gallery wall or replace them with something larger. Whichever you choose to do, getting the scale right is a non-negotiable!
What To Do Instead: The art in this room is a much better size for the room and the bed! While it might be a touch more than 60-75% of the bed’s width, it’s spaced appropriately and doesn’t hang so high that you’ll need a stepladder to see it. The result is a gorgeous room with perfect proportions and scale. Hanging the right art in the right place is critical to a design that drops jaws.
If we could give one tip to aspiring homeowners/designers it would be this: details are everything. To achieve a beautifully designed room, you need to pay attention to both scale and proportion when it comes to accessorizing.
When curating pieces to display in your room, some basic principles apply. First, create little moments by using your decor in groups! For example, pair a small vase with some books and a frame. Most designers say that groups look better in odd numbers, so shoot for 3 or 5 rather than 2 or 4. Second, stagger the heights and sizes of the objects in a group. Playing with proportions can help you to get a design that’s both balanced and visually interesting. Last, use a variety of colors, materials, and patterns to keep things interesting and achieve the perfect balance!
Why This Doesn’t Work: While this kitchen is full of vibrant personality and patterns, the overall effect is a tad overwhelming and disorganized. The island feels slightly overrun with a bunch of small items similar in size (although the flowers at the end do add some much-needed height). The top shelf is unbalanced and half empty, while the bottom shelf is stuffed with a row of, again, similarly-sized items. In both places, creating groups with space would give the decor a bit of room to breathe, and give each design moment a chance to shine.
What To Do Instead: This room beautifully showcases the result of investing time in thoughtful styling! Items on the counter are grouped to the edges, leaving plenty of work space. Items on the shelves are spaced out to fill the shelves without blocking the light, a must for this stunning storage solution that maximizes shelf space without sacrificing the view. Even the large shelving feels unobtrusive because it’s to scale with the rest of the room. While this kitchen has a more minimalist vibe, paying attention to scale and proportion can give you a balanced look with any style from a traditional living room to a maximalist bedroom.
—
Understanding scale and proportion is essential for making design choices that lead to a balanced and harmonious home. Whether choosing the correct size rug to ground a room, selecting a beautiful light fixture, hanging wall art with precision, or curating decorative pieces thoughtfully, every detail matters. By avoiding these four common mistakes and following our tips, you can transform your home into a space that’s the perfect blend of form and function. For more personalized advice, call Lighting Specialists! Our experts would love to answer your questions and help you as you design a home you love.
The only constant in life is change, and as we near the mid 2020s, it’s quite interesting to see the trends that have come and gone in the past 4 years. Subway tile? Bye! Shiplap? See ya! Signs with words? Live, Love, No Thanks!
Interior design technology and trends move at a rapid pace these days, and with influencers and celebrities lending their talents and tastes to those of established interior designers, we’re seeing a wider range of design styles in homes – and that’s ideal, right? Just like your fashion sense, interior design is personal… and there’s nothing as boring as a bunch of cookie cutter houses that look exactly the same, inside and out.
Here are a few of our favorite interior design styles to covet (and copy!) in 2024.
Homeowners and renters are not yet ready to let the modern minimalist trend go, and for good reason. It’s comfortable without being cluttered, and bright without being sterile. Wood tones and natural textures live in harmony with matte blacks and crisp white walls, and greenery abounds.
Pendant lights with woven, ceramic, or paper shades provide a warm glow AND a dose of casual, inviting style. And while you may not find many knick-knacks filling the corners of modern minimalist homes, a lush plant in a beautiful pot is always welcome.
Homes built and decorated with biophilic design in mind foster a connection between humans and nature, by incorporating natural textures, shapes, patterns, and light. Many studies have suggested that humans are healthier, happier, and more productive when surrounded by nature – so it’s no surprise why biophilic design is growing in popularity.
Whether it’s a Brooklyn flat or a Montana ranch, you’ll find tons of greenery in every part of the biophilic home (shower plants, anyone?), large windows to let in the natural light and air, and plenty of natural materials like rattan, wood, and linen. One key of biophilic design? It should be holistic– so one room with plants isn’t going to cut it. Each room should have its share of nature, be it a rattan light shade and Boston fern on a bedside table, or a wall of plants and a giant skylight in the kitchen.
Have a black thumb? No worries – biophilic design is about bringing nature to all of your senses, so lean in to what works best for you. Whether it’s a focus on using natural materials, finding ways to maximize natural light, or adding a small fountain to recreate the sound of a bubbling brook, there are lots of ways to connect to the natural world that don’t involve daily watering.
On the other end of the spectrum from minimalist design is the fun, festive, interior design style of maximalism! Made popular by interior designers like Justina Blakeney, maximalism isn’t afraid to mix colors, patterns, textures and styles into one convivial home that brings joy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. To ensure things look magical but not messy – choose a common thread to weave throughout (like in the room above, mustard yellow!)
Your lighting options in a maximalist home are endless, with pendants, sconces, and lamps in every hue and texture you can dream up. Go for a gold dining pendant in the shape of an agave, or a glittery oversized capiz chandelier in the hall. Maximalism says “why not?!” to all things bold and beautiful.
Vogue calls brutalism “a movement about honesty” and we can see why – in a brutalist home, there’s nothing to hide! Some might find brutalist interior design and architecture to be intimidating or, as the name says, brutal. But you’d be amazed how inviting and warm it can be! Brutalist homes embrace much of what makes minimalism shine, while utilizing industrial materials like concrete, and embracing hard lines and corners. In a brutalist home, furniture and decor are sparse, simple, and rugged – but a quick Google search shows how truly beautiful brutalism can be.
When it comes to lighting, ceramic, metal, and concrete fixtures reign supreme. Brutalist style chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps are as impressive as they are functional, and when walls and floors serve as a blank slate, lighting has an opportunity to truly shine.
——————————-
Curious about maximalism or biophilic design? Consider choosing lighting fixtures that allow you to sample the feel of these styles in your home without a complete overhaul. An airy woven reed pendant light or a bold metallic chandelier are minor (easily reversible!) additions that can make a big impact on a home.
No matter your personal tastes, it’s always exciting and fun to watch where interior design is headed, and to bring in elements of any (or all) that make your home feel more you. Stop by a showroom today to check out lighting fixtures in every style you can imagine – and let a lighting expert help you find the perfect on-trend light for your home!
Lighting a commercial building isn’t a simple task. The needs of a business are often complex, and meeting those needs requires a solid understanding of how light works in a commercial space. Much like a business plan has several objectives, a commercial lighting plan typically has several objectives or goals.
Common Goals for Commercial Lighting
To achieve all of your goals simultaneously, your best bet is to consult with a lighting expert with a thorough understanding of the best practices for commercial lighting in your area. But before you do, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of commercial lighting.
First, consider usage. Factory work zones will have very different lighting requirements from restaurant dining areas. Areas where detailed or dangerous work will be done need brighter light for accuracy and safety. Always remember to refer to your industry’s regulations regarding commercial lighting as a part of your planning.
Light recommendations for commercial spaces are given in foot-candles, which is a measure of the intensity of light. If you were to hang a single bulb in a room and measure foot-candles throughout the space, you’d find that the foot-candles are the highest directly under the bulb. You can even out light coverage and increase the overall intensity of the lighting by spreading several lights out across a space.
Light output for bulbs and fixtures is measured in lumens, with higher lumens correlating to more light. To determine how many lumens you need in a space, multiply the square footage by the foot-candle recommendation. For example, a 100sqft office, which needs 30-50 foot-candles, will require 3000-5000 lumens. Lumens are cumulative, meaning you can add the lumens for each fixture together to determine the overall lumens in a space.
Commercial Foot-Candle* Recommendations
While these may vary a little depending on usage and safety requirements, these recommendations will get you to a good starting point that you can tweak if you want more or less light.
*Foot-Candles is an Imperial measurement. Lux is the Metric equivalent. To convert from Foot-Candles to Lux, multiply the foot-candles by 10.764. 1 foot-candle = 10.764 lux.
The fixtures you choose need to be appropriate for the conditions in which they’ll be installed. Weather and humidity should be considered for outdoor spaces like patio dining, and indoor spaces like showers and laundry. In areas where a fixture could come into unwanted contact, such as gyms and classrooms, choosing fixtures with strong coverings that protect the bulbs is a must. Also, consider the amount of time the lights will be used each day – not all fixtures are designed to be on 24/7/365.
The temperature, or color, of light (measured in Kelvins) significantly affects how a room, and the people in it, will feel. At lower Kelvins, light appears warm and yellow. Light at high Kelvins appears cool and blue. The temperature of the light you use needs to be consistent to avoid awkward and clashing transitions. A warm yellow bulb in a sea of bright white will look out of place.
Natural light changes color throughout the day, from warm dawn to cool midday and warm dusk. Because of this our brains are wired to respond to light temperature, which is important to consider in a commercial setting. Cool light makes people feel more alert, awake, and focused – great for labs and workspaces. Warm light makes people feel relaxed and at ease – the perfect choice for creating a mood in a restaurant dining room. Warm light is also much easier on the eyes at night, which is something to consider for outdoor lighting (if you’ve ever driven past an electronic billboard at night and been blinded by the whites and blues, you’ll know what we mean!)
Light Layering is an important lighting design concept that references the need for light to come from several sources to make a space more comfortable and functional. Layering light is a universal trick, but it’s especially important for commercial spaces.
The Basics
An effective lighting plan should include a combination of the above types of light, coordinated to get the right light to the right places. This will “layer” light across the space.
Other Things to Consider
Keeping the lights on costs money, but there are plenty of ways to save. Lights with dusk/dawn sensors keep lights off during the day and turn them on when it gets dark without you having to flip a switch. Lights with motion sensors are a great option for places with regular (but not constant) use, like exam rooms and restrooms, because they’ll only use power when the room is occupied. Smart lights can be programmed to turn off and on at a certain time of day. Many can be controlled remotely with an app, which makes them an attractive option for those long days when you can’t remember if you flipped the switch on the way out of the office.
As you shop for lighting, you may notice that some options have a blue Energy Star logo on the packaging. Energy Star is a U.S. government-backed organization that certifies fixtures and appliances that use less energy. The Energy Star certification makes it easy to identify options that will use less power, which will translate to a lower utility bill.
The safety of customers and employees in a commercial environment is always one of the most important things to consider. Always check your industry’s laws and guidelines regarding safety requirements to be sure you’re in compliance. Some of the things you’ll want to use lighting to protect against include: accidents and falls, fire hazards, discomfort, crime, employee productivity, and emergencies.
Indoors, you’ll need to be sure that your exit signs and directional signage are in highly visible locations. Choose lighting that is both adequate for the work to be performed and comfortable for those that work in it. Poor lighting won’t just decrease productivity and make accidents more likely; it can also hurt morale and lower employee satisfaction. It’s also important to keep stairwells well-lit to prevent falls and deter crime in less visible areas. Replace old wiring and faulty fixtures to avoid fire hazards.
Outdoors, be sure to light all areas regularly used from dusk to dawn, including walkways, paths, and parking areas. Ensure any trip hazards, such as stairs or a raised sidewalk, are well-lit to avoid accidents. Install adequate lighting around exterior entrances to keep employees safe while dealing with door locks. Motion sensor lights can also be a helpful crime deterrent near doors, windows, or important outdoor features. Always be sure that all outdoor fixtures and bulbs are rated for outdoor use.
After slogging through all of the requirements, recommendations, and acronyms, it can be easy to forget that aesthetics matter too – and they have a huge impact on your business! Lighting that looks good makes your business comfortable and memorable. Once you’ve met the safety requirements, it’s time to bring some life and character to your space.
Make Your Building Shine
When choosing lighting, pay attention to the style of the building. Match the finishes and styles of your fixtures to the building’s architecture as much as possible so they don’t feel out of place with the rest of the building. Use accent lighting to highlight beautiful features, like an original brick wall or a water fountain.
Lighting and Branding
You can also use lighting to emphasize your branding! Don’t be afraid to go bold or playful with a statement lighting piece in your brand’s colors in the foyer. High CRI lighting around signage and branded decor like furniture or murals will keep your brand colors in sharp focus. Use accent lighting to spotlight things that matter to your brand, like a memorabilia collection, company history display, community outreach projects, employee recognition, etc. To really kick it up a notch, consider installing color-changing lights around the exterior of your building that can be lit up for holidays or with your brand colors for special occasions.
The most important thing to remember with your commercial lighting needs is that you don’t have to do it alone. As a business owner, you understand the need to rely on subject matter experts for specialized tasks. You wouldn’t want your accountant to design your logo, and you shouldn’t rely on just anyone to get your lighting right. At Lighting Specialists, we specialize in making homes and businesses shine – and we’re passionate about getting it right. For your next commercial lighting project, let us handle the heavy lifting. Check out our website, or give us a call and schedule a consultation.
In the world of interior design, open floor plans have become the standard of modern living. Open plans blend living, dining, and kitchen areas into a (hopefully) seamless and cohesive space that provides many options for functionality and creativity. The airiness in an open plan creates an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. But it’s this same openness that creates a unique set of challenges when it comes to lighting.
How do you ensure every nook and cranny is well-lit? How do you ensure that your lighting choices work well with each other and provide a sense of harmony and balance? Lighting an open floor plan requires a bit of planning, but it’s very doable.
What are some of the challenges with lighting an open floor plan?
So, how do we tackle these challenges? Follow these 5 steps for beautiful and balanced open floor plan lighting:
When it comes to lighting, size and scale matter. Massive chandeliers or pendant lights might be eye-catching, but they can overpower the room and disrupt the balance and flow of a space. Likewise, fixtures that are too small and underwhelming can be lost in the visual depth of an open floor plan.
A fixture’s scale (size in relation to the space it occupies as well as other design elements) should align with its intended purpose. For example, a fixture used for task lighting should illuminate it’s specific work areas without too much overlap, and a ceiling fixture used for ambient lighting should provide consistent overall coverage without overpowering or underwhelming the room.
Just like a painting, a well-lit space has layers. Think like an artist and use these layers to achieve lighting perfection. Here’s how you can do it:
Since open floor plans combine multiple functions in one space, it’s crucial to define different areas with lighting:
The color temperature of your bulbs can significantly impact the mood of your space. It’s okay to mix and match light colors throughout, but avoid large differences in ambient color temperature in adjoining spaces.
In any rooms that have windows, you always want to consider the natural light that comes through them as a part of your lighting plan. A good lighting plan doesn’t just consider how the space will look in the evenings – you’ll also want to strategically place fixtures to complement, rather than compete with, natural light. Watch your room throughout the day, and throughout the seasons. You’ll notice places where the natural light might need a little extra help.
When you can harmonize your light fixtures with the changing natural light, you’ll end up with a space that feels just right from dawn to dusk. Planning your lighting around natural is big deal, but it’s not the only way to take advantage of the free light streaming through your windows. Here are a few more tips for striking a harmonious balance with the natural and artificial lighting in your open floor plan:
————
Remember, lighting is the heartbeat of any space, and in an open floor plan, it is an especially powerful element that can transform and define the space. If you find yourself needing personalized guidance or are seeking that perfect lighting fixture, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lighting design expert. Their expertise can make all the difference in creating a space that not only looks amazing but also feels amazing!
Welcome, homeowners, to a guide that sheds light on an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of your home – garage lighting. Whether you use your garage for storage, as a workspace, or simply to park your vehicle, proper lighting can transform it into a safer, more functional space. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of thoughtful garage lighting, different lighting options, and how you can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. If you find yourself in need of expert advice tailored to your unique requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – your local lighting specialists.
Garages are versatile spaces, serving various purposes beyond parking cars, so adequate lighting is essential for safety, security, and efficiency. Insufficient lighting can lead to accidents, difficulty finding items, and a general lack of usability. By investing in the right lighting solutions, you can significantly improve the functionality and overall appeal of your garage.
Adding additional light to your garage doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Here’s a few of the different types of garage lighting to help you get started:
Many garages are only equipped with a single bulb located in the center of the ceiling. While it may technically light the space, it’s really not enough to make your garage a safe or usable place to move through or work on projects.
If you have places in your garage where you work on certain tasks, like a workbench, it’s always a good idea to add extra lighting to that space. Task lighting makes doing tasks easier and safer, which is especially important when working with tools.
There’s nothing quite like the way you feel when you walk into your workspace and everything lights up, on its own, ready to get started. Motion lights can be a practical addition to your garage, but they’re also just really cool.
Nothing beats the way sunlight can light your garage… for free.
For those of us who rack up plenty of garage hours on the regular, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little bit of personality to your space.
To make the most effective lighting plan for your garage, you’ll want to break it into zones. Take a moment and draw out the layout of your garage, and then take note of how you use each part of the space. Segment your garage into functional zones and tailor the lighting accordingly, taking into account how the natural light coming in through the windows will complement the light during the times of day you’ll use the garage. Some zones might include: parking, work bench, storage, lounge area, play area, gym, mudroom, etc.
This approach allows you to customize the lighting to suit specific needs, providing a well-lit and organized space. General use areas are usually fine with simple overhead lighting. In workspace zones, supplement with strategic task lighting to increase usability and safety. Strategically place motion-activated lights for security, and for that “wow” moment you want to give when you invite your friends over to check out your latest project.
When selecting fixtures, prioritize energy efficiency and durability. LED lights are an excellent choice, offering longevity, energy savings, and a range of color temperatures to suit your preferences. Additionally, if the work you do in your garage involves working with colors, such as detailing your car or refinishing furniture, consider bulbs or fixtures with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) for accurate color representation.
For single-fixture overhead lighting, opt for bulbs that shine light in multiple directions (like the one seen above), or for fixtures that allow light to shine in every direction without casting shadows. Be aware of obstacles that could block your light, like storage or pillars, and choose fixtures that can work around them to minimize shadowy dark spots – like a long fluorescent tube or a fold-out (deformable) LED bulb.
If you live in an area with very high or very low temperatures, it’s also a good idea to check on the temperature tolerance of the fixture and bulb. Consider choosing outdoor-rated fixtures for garages without temperature control.
As lighting experts, we understand the unique requirements of homeowners when it comes to garage lighting. If you’re ready to transform your garage into a well-lit and functional space, contact us for personalized advice and a curated selection of lighting solutions. Or, visit our local showroom to explore the latest trends in garage lighting, and let us guide you toward creating a brighter, safer, and more inviting garage space.
All living things depend on light to survive, but did you know that the light you are exposed to throughout the day (and night) can affect your health?
Living beings experience 24-hour sleep/wake cycles called circadian rhythms. That simply means people need bright days and dim/dark nights to match what their body expects. Recent research finds that people are at their best when exposed to bright light early in the day and dimmer light in the late afternoon and evening. This “dose” of light should be experienced daily to maintain the circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep and overall health.
In today’s world, the natural day/night cycle might be difficult to achieve. Many people spend their days inside working and their evenings exposed to screens and artificial light sources, interfering with the desired cycle of light exposure.
The good news is that research shows we can use electric light sources to provide exposure to the right levels of light at the right times throughout the day to help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
If you work from home or in an office with windows, utilize available daylight and move your workstation closer to the window. Also, consider adding a softly diffused light source about arm’s length away from where you spend the most time during the day. Something diffused through a shade or other source will be easier on the eyes allowing you to continue to focus on the tasks at hand while maintaining proper light exposure.
Utilize lighting controls, such as dimmers or smart control products. If lights are on dimmers, set a timer to remind you to turn down the light levels in the evening. With smart controls, it is possible to program lights to automatically adjust according to the time of day.
It’s always a good practice to light every space in layers. Incorporating general or ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting provides more versatility. In addition to enhancing the style and function of a space, lighting in layers makes it easier to focus lighting when and where you need it, which gives you more control over the light you’re exposed to throughout the day.
A lighting professional at our showroom can help design a lighting plan for a beautiful, functional, and healthy space. With the best selection, prices, and expertise, we’re ready to help you find what you need.
As the sun sets and the world dims, outdoor lighting takes center stage. Lighting is a powerful tool that can beautify and protect your most precious spaces – your yard and home exterior included! And one important thing to consider when illuminating your outdoor areas is the color temperature of your light bulbs.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about outdoor lighting and go over the best light bulb color temperatures you can use to enhance the beauty, functionality, and safety of your outdoor spaces.
Color temperature is a measurement that describes the appearance of light coming from a light bulb. It is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) and uses a scale between 1000K to 10000K, with the majority of residential bulbs being between 2000K-6500K. Light bulb temperature determines whether the light appears warm or cool. Warm light has a lower temperature (around 2200K to 3000K), while cool light has a higher temperature (around 5000K to 6500K). Generally, 2000K-3000K is the sweet spot for most outdoor lighting situations as bulbs in this range give off a soft white, almost yellow, glow. But there are some situations where other temperature ranges work better.
Fast Fact: The color of the natural light changes throughout the day. At midday, the light outside on a sunny day has a Kelvin temperature of around 5000K. Dawn and dusk have much warmer temperatures, around 3500K. This is one reason why you’ll see often see exterior lighting in warmer colors – it feels more natural to have lighting that mimics dusk than midday when enjoying a late evening outside.
So, let’s chat about some different areas of outdoor lighting!
Your entryway is the first impression guests have of your home. To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, choose light bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K to 3000K. Soft white or warm white bulbs work best here, giving off a cozy glow. Consider using wall sconces or pendant lights that diffuse the light for a softer and more inviting ambiance. It also looks great (and improves safety) to light the pathway/sidewalk leading up to your entry with a similar warm white light.
Patios serve many purposes, so it’s important to have versatile lighting options. You can get creative and use different types of lighting and light bulb colors to set the mood you want. For intimate gatherings, dimmable LED bulbs with a warm color temperature (2700K-3500K) can create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. You could also hang some strand lights above the space to provide some ambiance. For lively outdoor parties, you can play around with colored bulbs to add a playful touch.
Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are perfect for entertaining and spending time with loved ones. In these areas, you need a balance between functionality and ambiance. For task lighting in outdoor kitchens, use cool white light bulbs (around 4000K to 5000K) to ensure clear visibility while cooking. To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere around the fireplace, choose warm white bulbs (around 2200K to 2700K). These add a touch of warmth and comfort that won’t be distracting.
Security lighting is important for the safety of you, your family, and your guests and goes a long way to deterring potential intruders. Properly lighting your pathways and stairs allows easy navigation of your property and minimizes any dark areas. Choose bright white light bulbs with a color temperature of 5000K to 6500K. These bulbs emit a cool white light that provides maximum visibility and clear surveillance. Consider installing motion sensor lights in strategic locations around your home, including entry and exit points and around sheds and other storage areas, to enhance security and discourage trespassing.
Pro Tip: Bright white refers to a light bulb’s color, not the amount of light it gives off. Bright white bulbs come in a variety of strengths, measured in Lumens, from dim to blinding. For security purposes, bright white bulbs with a high Lumen count are generally the best way to go.
Well-planned landscaping spotlights can transform your outdoor space. Use light bulbs with a color temperature of around 3000K to highlight the natural beauty of your plants and decor elements. This warm white light creates texture and adds depth to your landscape. Experiment with different angles and intensities to achieve an eye-catching outdoor lighting display.
Outdoor lighting can be just as important as indoor lighting. Choosing the best outdoor lighting color temperature depends on what you are looking to illuminate and the look you are trying to achieve. Beauty, functionality, and safety should be your goals.
————–
Need help coming up with some bright ideas for improving your property’s outdoor lighting? The experts at Lighting Specialists are happy to meet with you to bring your vision to life!