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Posted by Michael, Creative Lighting President on August 31st, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips
Before you venture out to buy lighting, it helps to take a few minutes to prepare. This will help you and your lighting consultant select lighting that will meet your style, function and size requirements.
Before shopping consider the following:
1. What do you use your room for? For example, is your dining room used only for formal dinners, or is the table used for homework, paying bills, etc? The use of the room plays a role in the type of lighting you’d want.
2. What are your ceiling heights? A foyer with an 9′ ceiling can use many fixtures which would be too tall for an 8′ ceiling. In the dining room, taller ceilings open up many design possibilities.
3. Styles. Have you seen anything you like? Are you trying to match a style in the space? Whether it’s a picture from a magazine or a website, bringing in ideas that you like will help us help you find exactly the right light.
4. Special Installations. Are there any impediments to what you want to light? For example, before you can put a light in a bedroom make sure that you have a junction box. If you have sloped ceilings, or drop ceilings, they can also affect your choice in lighting.
5. Colors. What colors are you utilizing in the room? Dark colors will require more lighting than lighter colors. Also, using warm tones (browns and yellows) may requires one type of lighting, while cool colors (blues and grays) require a different type.
For additional considerations before shopping: CLICK HERE
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Posted by Tami, Creative Lighting Staff on August 27th, 2010 — Posted in LED Lighting, Lighting Trends 2010
Tags: creative lighting, energy efficient lighting, energy saving, LED, LED lamps, lighting store st paul minneapolis
LED Desk Lamp
Great New LED task and desk lamps have just arrived at Creative Lighting! A simple design, a great price, and a superior color LED make these a great way to be part of the LED revolution!
Compared to fluorescent bulbs, advantages claimed for LED light bulbs are that they do not contain mercury (unlike compact fluorescent light bulbs), that they turn on instantly, and that the lifetime is unaffected by cycling on and off, so that they are well suited for light fixtures where the bulbs are frequently turned on and off. LED light bulbs are also less apt to break.
LED Floor Lamp
LED lamps have no glass tubes to break, and their internal parts are rigidly supported, making them resistant to vibration and impact. A LED light bulb can be expected to last 25–30 years under normal use. The bulbs maintain output light intensity very well over their life-times. Creative Lighting has great prices for our LED Desk Lamp: $99.90, and our LED Floor Lamp: $129.90 (both available in Chrome or Black). Plus, if you come in right now, you can save 10% off all our LED lamps with this coupon.
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Posted by Judy G on August 24th, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips
Tags: bathroom lighting, fall design trends, focal point light, wall sconces
Retailers and home fashion experts say consumers are looking for ways to express personality in their homes this fall, with something that shows an artisan’s touch and adds a little sparkle. Also, as the days get shorter and the nights longer you may find that general lighting just isn’t enough for your hallway, foyer or bathroom. You don’t have to stumble around in an area that lacks the proper amount of lighting. When you’re ready to fill your living space with the right amount of light, consider a wall sconce. These classic fixtures can be both decorative and task oriented and are a perfect accent piece that double as functional art.
Many wall sconces ca
n also complement main lighting sources, like chandeliers and ceiling fixtures, and a good number of them are also reversible and can be mounted for up or down lighting.
There are few places wall sconces cannot be mounted. We could reasonably put these versatile little gems into three different categories:
- Indoors conventional: Bathroom and hallway fixtures provide a small amount of light for accenting already existing fixtures. Foyer fixtures offer an exemplary complement to ceiling fixtures, like chandeliers or pendants.
- Indoors unconventional: The American Lighting Association suggests placing sconces on each side of the fireplace to draw attention to that area and provide general lighting. This is a way to use wall scones to create a focal point in your room.
- Outdoors: While beautifying your property, outdoor wall sconces placed at the front and back porch or by the garage will also make your home’s exterior safer and more secure. In addition, basking in the glow of outdoor wall sconces allows you to enjoy the times you spend outdoors.
Whether you’re planning to install wall sconces along a hallway or in a bathroom or foyer, they should be hung roughly 60 inches from the floor, and spaced no less than six feet apart from each other.
One way in which wall sconces are unique from all other lighting fixtures is in their architectural styles. Corner sconces provide accent light and can showcase a cherished piece of furniture or art. Lighted shelf fixtures offer a small ledge to accommodate a knick-knack, picture frame or any other decorative touch.
Swing arm fixtures are great since the light source itself can be moved to cast light anywhere the swing arm will reach. Wall washers flood a specific area with a soothing array of light, perfect for complementing other fixtures in the room.
Because wall sconces come in so many different styles and can be used for so many different lighting situations the possibilities are virtually endless. The best thing to do is to work with a lighting professional and find the design and lighting solution that speaks to you.
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Posted by Judy G on August 13th, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips
Tags: pendant lights
Pendants are an attractive way to illuminate a home, if used properly. The American Lighting Association provides the following tips for selecting pendants for optimal design and functionality. Pendants must be placed at the proper height and in the appropriate quantity for the space being illuminated. The type of pendant to use depends on whether it’s the primary or secondary light source in the room.
When it comes to selecting which type of pendant you need, style isn’t the only criteria. The first decision should be whether the pendants will be the primary source of light. If an adequate layer of general illumination is already in the room, pendants can be selected purely for aesthetic purposes. If they will be the only light in the area, the placement and selection must be more deliberate. The two most common pendant lighting mistakes homeowners make are not placing them at the proper height and not installing enough.
The best advice is to visit your local lighting showroom for guidance. Sitting down with a trained lighting professional who can asses your needs will help to result in the best outcome for your lighting project. That being said, here are some guidelines to follow when selecting pendant lighting for your home:
What height should pendants be mounted at?
Our relationship to most pendants occurs when we are standing up. Therefore, each should be mounted so that the bottom of the shade is approximately 66 inches above the floor. At that height, it is possible to look across the room below the pendants while they are low enough to create a dramatic focal point. If the shade is not very deep and there is seating at the kitchen island or peninsula, it might be necessary to install the pendants a few inches lower, say 60 inches above the floor. This is because shallow shades allow us to easily see the bulb inside when we are looking across the room and can cause glare.
How many pendants do I need?
The general recommendation is for one pendant to be placed at every two feet of counter space. For instance, a six-foot island would require three pendants to adequately cover the area. In that example, one pendant would be mounted in the center and the other two would be placed roughly 20 inches on either side.
The size of the pendants can also impact the spacing. If thin, narrow pendants are selected, you might prefer the addition of one or two extra fixtures than you would have if a wider diameter was chosen. Odd quantities of pendants over a counter or island give a more balanced look than an even number. Always keep with the rule of thumb of suspending the middle fixture at the center-point with the others equidistant from the center. Spacing from 12 to 24 inches will depend on the size of each pendant.
Does it matter what the pendant is made of?
Actually, no. It’s all a matter of personal taste. Glass is currently the most common material used for pendants, followed by spun metal. White or off-white colored shades will complement any decorative or interior design theme. Glass styles are offered in a broad spectrum ranging from a neutral color palette that blends into the surroundings to the more vibrant, color-rich pendants that steal attention.
If the pendant will be providing the general lighting for the space, it is important to select a shade that is translucent but not so dark that it prevents light from emanating horizontally. Another important consideration is that the bulb outline should not be readily visible – especially if it’s a compact fluorescent. Today, we are seeing a split in preferences. Bronze is on one side and silver is on the other. While the rule is not hard and fast, bronzes are typically used in more traditional or transitional spaces, while chromes and nickels are perfect for contemporary settings. For the foreseeable future, both metal families will be popular, but there will be a growing demand for the shiny finishes instead of matte.
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Posted by Judy G on August 6th, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips, Lighting Deals, Social Media
Tags: back to school, Back to school sale, dorm room, dorm room decorating
With rentals and dorm rooms, it’s always hard because you can’t really change a lot. You have to be innovative. Students, of course, are usually on a tight budget, and decorating tips must take that into account. Find out what kind of lighting you’ll be working with. Does your dorm have an overhead light or floor lamps? It’s typically standard for your college to supply at least one form of primary lighting, but you should count on having to purchase an accent or desk lamp of your own. Here’s another item that combines function and decoration: a lamp will come in handy when your roomies are fast asleep while you’re pulling an all-nighter, and can add a unique element to your dorm.
Good, soft lighting and task lighting are important. The more lighting you have in key areas where you study, the better. Just make sure that it’s not too bright and that it’s about a 30-degree angle from your books, because you don’t want it shining directly on your book or directly onto your face.
Right now is the perfect time to come into Creative Lighting and buy lamps for your dorm because we are having a “Back to School Sale”. Come in and save 10% off all of our desk, table and floor lamps.
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Posted by Tami, Creative Lighting Staff on August 2nd, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips
Tags: creative lighting, hallway lights, lighting store st paul minneapolis, lighting tips
Hallway lighting can sometimes be overlooked during remodel or building projects. The light in a hall needs to be functional, but can also be dramatic and unexpected depending on the fixtures you select.
Ceiling fixtures should be placed about every 8 feet. Either flush mount or semi flush mount fixtures work well. If you have a high ceiling chandeliers or chandelettes could also be used. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.
Another great way to light a hallway is with wall sconces. Wall sconces should be placed 6 to 8 feet apart and approximately 60 inches from the floor. Placing every other sconce on the opposite side of the hall helps balance the look and the light spread.
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Posted by Judy G on July 29th, 2010 — Posted in Ceiling Fans, Lighting Deals
Tags: ceiling fan, ceiling fan cool, ceiling fan size, Creative Lighting coupon, social media coupon
One affordable way to stay cool in the summer heat is to install ceiling fans.
“The best way to understand the benefits is to do a few simple calculations,” Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the American Lighting Association, said in a news release.
If the ambient air temperature is 80 degrees F, your body will feel as if it is 72 degrees F if you’re seated under a ceiling fan. In fact, most ceiling fans can make a room feel 10 degrees cooler.
Have you ever wondered what size ceiling fan to buy?
To get maximum comfort and energy savings, it is necessary to choose the correct size fan for a room. Blade span is the key. A fan that is too small or too big for your room may look awkward. A fan that is too small probably will not move enough air and a fan that is too big might overpower the room. We recommend the following:
- Large Rooms – For rooms up to 225 square feet (15′ x 15′) and larger, use a fan with a blade span of 50″, 52″, 54″, or 56″.
- Medium Room – In rooms up to 144 square feet (12′ x 12′) we recommend fans with blade spans of 42″ or 44″.
- Small Rooms – Rooms up to 64 square feet (8′ x 8′) should use a fan with a 32″ blade span.
Now is the best time ever to buy a ceiling fan because Creative Lighting is offering 10% off all ceiling fans to our social media customers. Click here to “Follow” us on Twitter and click here to “Like us on Facebook.
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Posted by Michelle, Creative Lighting Staff on July 26th, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips, Lighting Trends 2010
The US Department of Energy Building Codes Program created ‘Residential Requirements of 2009 International Energy Conservation Code’. The code is applicable to all new home construction. Before these criteria were developed, there were no requirements for lighting or home appliances. Below are the highlights.
Criteria:
-50% of permanently installed lighting fixtures have to be high-efficacy lamps (has to take CFL’s or LED’s only, has to be pin-based not a medium/standard base) All fixtures rated Energy Star will meet these requirements.
-All recessed cans must have IC (insulated ceiling) rated housings with a gasket or airseal.
These criteria are required in most states. You can find out more information at www.energycodes.gov
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Posted by Judy G on July 22nd, 2010 — Posted in Exterior Lighting, Social Media
Tags: Creative Lighting coupon, curb appeal, exterior lighting, exterior lighting trends, facebook, Social Media, social media coupon, Twitter
The term “curb appeal” is used to denote the attractiveness or allure of the exterior parts of a residential or commercial property. Don’t forget to enhance the evening curb appeal of your home. One of the things that you can do is to improve the exterior lighting. Simply adding a series of low voltage lighting along the sidewalk or driveway can make your home look more appealing. You can also make your home look more beautiful and secure even at night if you put a decorative light fixture in the front porch.
Different Types Of Exterior Lighting
New technologies and many different types of outdoor lighting products make it easy to create lighting zones. Different areas of the landscape can be lit independently– to highlight a special tree or to cast brighter light on the grill in the outdoor kitchen, while keeping the patio lighting softer and more suitable for conversation.
In fact, lighting designers typically use four main kinds of outdoor lighting to get exactly the effect they want:
- Uplighting: fixtures aimed upward for accent and drama
- Downlighting: safety-oriented; used to illuminate large areas or define a pathway
- Zonal lighting: highlighting individual objects and plants
- Moonlighting: a natural effect, evoking light cast by a full moon. Fixtures are often mounted in trees; mix of uplighting and downlighting.
Right now is a better time than ever to design with light outdoors because Creative Lighting is offering a discount to our Social Media customer. Save 10% on all exterior lighting through July 30, 2010 with our Social Media coupon. Click here to “Follow us” on Twitter and Click here to “Like us” on Facebook.
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Posted by Judy G on July 20th, 2010 — Posted in General Lighting Tips, Kitchen Lighting
Tags: kitchen lighting design, lighting trends, lighting trends 2010
Many designers have pointed to creative use of light as a kitchen trend in 2010. People are coupling overhead recess lighting with accent lights to create dramatic effects and interesting design elements in the kitchen. Right now personal expression is in vogue. Whether it’s highlighting design elements with light, adding custom work spaces, or creating comfortable living spaces within the kitchen, homeowners are making the kitchen their own.
There is a continuing movement toward tapping into one’s inner creativity, finding one’s personal expression. An easy way to save is by using lighting creatively. Layering light and adding decorative task or accent lighting in the kitchen is a great way to highlight design features without dishing out the dough. Since the kitchen is such a busy space it needs to be bright — here are some ways to light it up:
- Install uplights on the tops of cabinets to highlight a ceiling.
- Undercabinet lighting is always a popular way to brighten countertops and light your work spaces.
- Lights inside a cabinet can showcase cherished collections.
- Task lighting is an important part of any kitchen design, whether it’s over an island or counter. Installing a hood with built-in lights helps out when cooking at the stove.
- Don’t forget dimmers when planning a lighting scheme.
