2021

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

by admin · May 23, 2023

Whether it’s time to impress your new neighbors or host an important business dinner, your dining room is a high-impact space that communicates a lot about you. Some dining rooms are an informal extension of the kitchen, while others are a spacious, separate room. No matter what yours looks like, choosing the right design (and light) can create the perfect setting for all occasions.

Size

1. To determine the best size for your fixture, use this formula: Length + Width = diameter of your ideal light. Example: 10’ (length) + 14’ (width) = 24” (width of your light). It’s a general rule, so use it at your own discretion and adapt to suit your preferences!

2. Long dining tables call for bigger lights. Consider a long track light or even mount two fixtures on either end of the table. It’s a great way to emphasize your lovely, lengthy dining space!

Style

3. The style you select reflects your personal taste, but also affects the function of the light. Shaded lights provide soft, subtle light, while glass fixtures diffuse light more brightly and evenly. Exposed bulbs provide the most clear, crisp light.

4. If your dining room branches off your kitchen, consider matching the finish of the dining light to the finish of kitchen lights or hardware.

5. If your dining room is separate from the kitchen, feel free to choose a distinct finish for a unique dining room atmosphere. Just remember that it should still ‘live well’ with any visible fixtures from surrounding rooms.

Height

6. Know your ceiling height before selecting a light. Most fixtures are designed for an 8-foot ceiling.

7. If you have a vaulted ceiling, use some of that space for the fixture, but keep it mounted low enough that it still feels like a cohesive part of the dining table ensemble.

8. Proper mounting height is 30-36 inches from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture. That figure can be a little higher on a taller ceiling.

9. Fixtures with decorative pieces or hanging crystals may hanger lower than the recommended 30-36”. For these fixtures, measure to the frame of the light instead.

Wattage

10. The general recommendation for dining light output is 300 watts. This is especially true for rooms with lighter paint colors.

11. In dining rooms with darker paint, consider choosing bulbs that provide 400 watts or more.

12. For additional control and extra ambiance, use dimmable bulbs and install a dimmer switch in your dining room. It’ll serve equally well for full-light projects and dimly-lit romantic dinners.

Make your dining room an inviting space with an expressive, efficient fixture. For any additional questions, feel free to contact our expert team here at Illuminations. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Backyard into an Inspiring Oasis

by admin · May 16, 2023

Whether your backyard is large or small, verdant or concrete, you want to make the most of your outdoor space by making it a beautiful and comfortable place where you want to spend your time. No matter what you have to work with, we’ve put together 6 suggestions that will help you make your backyard feel like a true oasis from the world.

1. Create cozy spaces

Make your outdoor space feel comfortable and inviting by adding soft elements to your space. Cushions and pillows made with durable outdoor fabric will add a pop of your favorite color to your space while also making it feel more relaxed and cozy. Boost the coziness factor even further with some candles or install some dimmable bulbs on your home so you can adjust the light level to get the perfect ambiance every time.

2. Protect your seating

Keep your outdoor space comfortable no matter the time of day or season by adding flexible shade and shelter. Look for a roller shade in a color you love, hang some outdoor curtains, or go for something like these umbrellas that can be raised or lowered and will keep you safe from the sun or rain. If you live somewhere where the winters get chilly, look for shade options that can also act as wind protection, like a trellis, awning, or an evergreen tree or shrub.

3. Hang some string lights

*^{Paclocska Yevheniia/Shutterstock.com}*

There’s a reason this inexpensive upgrade never goes out of style. A few well-placed strands of string lights will add a soft, dreamy light to your outdoor space and create the perfect ambiance for your late night summer BBQs.

This can be done by DIYers of any level! To get started, draw out your space and where you want your lights to be. If you want, you can add poles in the ground or attach them to your deck or fence to make extra places to hang lights, but this isn’t necessary! Measure how many feet you’ll need (add extra length if you want them to drape), and find a style you like. Don’t forget to buy zip ties or exterior hooks to hang them on! When you’re ready to hang them up, make sure you start on the end with the plug so that you get the right distance to your power source. This project is so simple that it’ll only take an afternoon to install them start to finish, then you can enjoy them all year!

4. Add a living feature wall

Create a visually stunning backyard space by planting a vertical garden feature wall! Look for hanging planters that attach to your fence, or secure small flower pots to a trellis. If you have a blank wall on your house that you want to transform, look for planters that can be installed safely right onto the exterior of your home! Plant some pretty annuals to get a pop of your favorite color, or stick to all green to make a statement. You could even mix in some container-friendly garden plants like strawberries or peas!

5. Upgrade your covered patio

This backyard glow up idea might require you to swap out your shovel for a screwdriver, but there’s no denying the way it transforms your space! Is that tiny little sconce by your front door leaving you in the shadows once the sun goes down? Are you constantly swatting at mosquitoes and gnats? Talk to an outdoor lighting specialist and ask them how to add an outdoor ceiling fan to your covered patio. You’ll be amazed at the way better lighting and airflow can transform your patio into a whole new living space! Outdoor ceiling fans are surprisingly affordable, and they’ll light your space while keeping the bugs and the heat away!

6. Simplify

If gardening isn’t really your thing, making your yard low maintenance is the key to being able to spend more time enjoying your space. Large open flower beds look beautiful, but they need hours of weeding each week to keep them looking pristine. Try filling in the gaps with gravel or pavers. If you still want more greenery, add potted plants. They’ll add life to your yard without all the extra weeding! When you’re finished, sit back and enjoy the cozy and beautiful oasis you’ve created in your own back yard.

In an age when so much of our world is online, it’s more important than ever to get outside and disconnect as often as you can! Bookmark this list of ideas, then turn your computer off, set your phone down, and go outside! Take a look at your outdoor space and see what you can do to make it a true oasis. Go ahead, get started! You’re gonna love how it turns out.

Let the experts at Illuminations help get you going! If you have any questions about how to get the light just right in your outdoor space, give us a call!

Ceiling Fan Debate: AC vs DC Motors

by admin · May 9, 2023

Looking for a cheap way to keep yourself cool this summer? We can’t vouch for that blowup pool in the backyard, but we do know that ceiling fans are a great way to bring down your body temperature without hurting your utility bill.

There are plenty of ways to select a fan—its look, size, style, light output, and more. One nitty-gritty consideration is the type of motor you want in your fan. It may seem like a small detail, but motor type affects the bulk and efficiency of the fan. Here’s our expert insight on AC and DC motors.

AC Motors Connect Directly to Wiring

AC stands for Alternating Current, and it’s the most common motor type for ceiling fans. It’s also the most common motor type for any household appliance! AC motors connect directly to the supplied wiring and power the fan by controlling the frequency of the current.

DC Motors Connect a Transformer to Wiring

DC stands for Direct Current. DC motors have a transformer that connects the supplied wiring and converts it to direct current, which then powers the fan. We won’t get into all the technical details, but the transformer is smart and allows for extra energy efficiency.

AC: Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick visual, and then a breakdown of advantages and disadvantages. This Discus Fan has an AC motor, so you’ll note that it’s still very aesthetically pleasing but has a little more bulk than the DC motor fan you’ll see next. Most people don’t mind the extra size, but it’s something to consider for style and functionality.

Advantages of AC Motors

Very cost-effective
Reliable
Accessible and commonly used
Functions without an AC connector

Disadvantages of AC Motors

Slightly less energy efficient than DC motors
Extra bulk for bigger motor
More noise than DC motor fans

DC: Pros and Cons

This Maverick Fan is an example of a DC motor. It is sleeker because of the small motor, and adds an extra clean look to any fan.

Advantages of DC Motors

More energy efficient than AC
Very quiet while running
More powerful but uses less electricity
Often has more speed options than an AC fan
More compact size

Disadvantages of DC Motors

Usually more expensive than AC motor fans
Requires an AC connector

Finding Your Perfect Fan

You know your needs better than anyone. Whether you prefer long-term energy efficiency, lower purchase price, or a quiet motor, AC and DC fans both have a lot to offer. Fans are one of the cheapest ways to keep cool in the summer, and even less-efficient AC motors consume significantly less energy than an air-conditioner or washing machine.

For any questions about motors, models, fans, or anything else, Illuminations is here to make every season the best it can be. Check out our catalog or call us with questions!

3 Light Bulb Mistakes Everyone Makes And How To Avoid Them

by admin · May 1, 2023

Using the wrong light bulb can really make your space feel all wrong. If your room feels dark and dingy or, the opposite, harsh and cold, your light bulb may be the culprit.

Before you buy another bulb, make sure you’re not making one of these common mistakes in your home!

Light Bulb Mistake #1
Using the Wrong Wattage

Watts refer to the amount of energy a light bulb uses. The lower the wattage, the less electricity a bulb needs to stay lit. Energy-efficient light bulbs can give off the same amount of light using fewer watts, which saves you money on your power bill!

Every light fixture has its own wattage requirements, so you’ll need to do a little sleuthing to find out what your fixture requires.

There should be a sticker or label with the wattage limit clearly printed on it, although you might need to unscrew one of your existing light bulbs and look near the threads to find it. If you can’t find the wattage limit on your fixture, give us a call and we can help you out!

Most light fixtures have an individual bulb wattage limit (typically 45W or 60W), but there are some that have an overall limit for the entire fixture instead. For these you’ll need to add the watts together for each bulb to make sure you’re under the safety limit.

It’s okay to use bulbs with lower watts than what your fixture calls for to save on your energy bill, but never go higher. Exceeding the wattage limit on a fixture could start a fire!

Light Bulb Mistake #2
Ignoring the Lumen Rating

A light bulb’s lumen rating will tell you how bright it is. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter it will appear. When it comes to lighting your home, different rooms need different levels of light. Work spaces need lots of light, so choosing bulbs with a high lumen rating is a great way to brighten your kitchen if it’s feeling dim. Other spaces like bedrooms and hallways don’t need to be as bright, so it’s okay to opt for bulbs with a lower lumen rating.

There isn’t an exact formula that will tell you how lumens you need in a room, because it depends on your use and design of the space. You’ll need more lumens in work spaces like kitchens and offices, and less in bedrooms. If your design aesthetic is bright and airy or dark and moody, you’ll need to take that into account when planning your lighting.

A good rule of thumb to get you started is 20 lumens per square foot for floors, 30 lumens per square foot for tables, and 50 lumens per square foot for desks, countertops, and task lighting.

How does this work when you have more than one light bulb in the room? Do lumens cancel each other out or add up? The short answer is: lumens are cumulative. In a room full of furniture, light bounces around enough that the lumens don’t directly add up, and the more bulbs you use the less precise it gets.

When you’re figuring out what you need in your home, it is 100% okay to add the lumens for each bulb in your room together to get a rough idea of what your space will need. You’ll probably end up adjusting it here and there as seasons change, when you repaint your walls, or if your use of the room changes. If your room has a lot of uses- consider getting bulbs that are dimmable so that you can change the light levels depending on what you’re doing!

Light Bulb Mistake #3
Buying the Wrong Color

If you didn’t know that light bulbs came in different color hues, now’s the time to learn! Light bulbs come in a wide range of light “temperatures”, measured in Kelvins (K). The temperature of the light you use in your room will dramatically change the way the room feels.

Warm (2,000K – 3500K)

Wam light bulbs give a room a soft, cozy, and intimate feel with an orange or yellow hue. Outside, you see this type of light during sunrises and sunsets. Inside, it’s often associated with vintage light bulbs, like Edison bulbs, or incandescent light bulbs. It’s great for places like the living room, bedroom, and dining room.

Cool/Natural (3500K – 5000K)

Cool or “Natural” light bulbs give off a truer white color that gives a room a clean, crisp, and inviting feel. This light is more like the light you’d see in the mornings and afternoons outdoors. It’s great for bathrooms, closets, and offices.

Daylight light bulbs (5000K – 6200K)

Daylight light bulbs give off a light that’s close to what you’d see at noon outside on a sunny day. Daylight light makes a room feel even more clean and crisp than natural light, but it can come off a little harsh if you’re not careful. It’s a great choice for lighting work spaces like kitchens and garages, and for task lighting, like a reading lamp.

Blue (6200K+)

After 6200K light starts to look blue, so that bulbs in this color aren’t typically used in homes. There are some exceptions: some artists prefer to work under this light, and people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may find blue light beneficial in the winter months.

Bonus Mistake #4:
Just Living With It

If the lighting just doesn’t feel right in your room, you don’t have to live with it! Too dark and depressing? Add lumens! If your clean room still feels dingy, it could be that you need cooler bulbs… or if your room feels stark and cold, you can warm up your bulbs to make it feel more inviting. And always double-check your wattage before you buy! With the right wattage, lumens, and temperature, you’ll be surprised at how much better your lighting can work for you.

We know what a big deal it is to make your house feel exactly the way you want it to. Don’t let your lighting hold you back! If you have any questions about how to find the right light bulbs for your space, give our experts a call and we’ll help you find exactly what you need!

A Beginner’s Guide to Light Bulbs

by admin · Apr 17, 2023

Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Light Bulb for Your Home

Imagine this: you look up, and notice that your ceiling light has a burnt-out bulb. You check the closet and realize you’re out of replacements. So you go to the store and realize there’s an entire aisle full of light bulbs in different boxes with different names and shapes and ratings. This was supposed to be a simple trip, but now you have to start googling. Sound familiar?

It looks like a lot of technical jargon, and it kind of is, but don’t worry. We’ve put together the things you actually need to know, so that you can skip past the shopping nightmare and get right to the bulb you need.

Light Bulb Types

Incandescent

Incandescent bulbs are the original light bulb. They give off light by sending electricity through a thin filament, which glows when it heats up. They emit a warm yellow light and are dimmable. These bulbs are easy to find and are typically the least expensive option. Incandescent bulbs last for around a year, which is longer than halogen bulbs, but shorter than CFL and LED bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs are the least energy-efficient bulb on our list, which has landed them on the blacklist of environmentalist legislation in several countries over the last 15 years, including China and the United States.

Halogen

This bulb has the shortest lifespan of the four. They emit a light very similar to incandescent bulbs, and they cost a little bit more because they are much more efficient. They do have a drawback- they heat up very quickly, so they need to be kept away from combustible materials. Use gloves when you handle these bulbs, as the oil from your hands can make them explode when they get hot.

CFL

Short for Compact Fluorescent Lamp, CFLs are energy-saving bulbs that come in a wide range of colors. They last longer than incandescent bulbs and are less expensive than LED lights, so they can be a good choice for large rooms. It’s important to note that they usually take time to warm up and get to full brightness, and they produce a lot of heat. They contain mercury, so handle and dispose of them with care.

LED

LED bulbs are the latest technology in the light bulb industry. Despite being the most expensive option of the four, they’re wildly popular for a number of reasons. They can last up to 50,000 hours, which means they hardly ever need to be replaced. To put that in perspective, if you left an LED bulb on for 12 hours a day, every day of the week, it would last for 11 years! They also produce so little heat they are cool to the touch even after hours of running. This makes them a very safe option when it comes to lighting your home.

LED bulbs are the holy grail of customizable lighting. They are dimmable, come in a wide variety of colors (some can even change hues), and come in outdoor-rated varieties. Many use smart technology, so they can be linked to your Google Home or Alexa. LED bulbs are a great option anywhere in your home, but we especially recommend them for hard-to-reach fixtures that you don’t want to change very often.

Light Bulb Glossary Terms

Base: The portion of the light bulb that connects the bulb itself to the light fixture is called the base. Light bulb bases come in several sizes, so be sure to check your old bulb. Most household light bulbs have a base with a letter-number combination such as E12. The letter represents the base shape (in this case, Edison), and the number represents the width of the base, usually in millimeters.

Watts: This is a measurement of power, representing the energy transfer of the bulb. A 60 watt lightbulb “consumes” 60 joules of energy per second. Energy efficient light bulbs can produce the same amount of light using fewer watts, so they cost less money to run.

Lumens: This is a measurement of light, representing how much light is being emitted per second. Light bulbs with high lumen ratings give off more light.

CRI: This acronym stands for “Color Rendering Index.” Colors appear differently under different lighting conditions, so the CRI score tells you how well a light bulb will show you the true colors of objects. Bulbs are rated from 0-100, with 0 meaning all colors will appear the same and 100 meaning that all colors will be true. A bulb with a CRI above 80 is good, and 90 is great. Incandescent and halogen bulbs have a CRI of 100. This rating has nothing to do with light temperature.

Color Temperature: This is a measurement of light color from cool to warm, measured in Kelvin (K). Bulbs around 2000 K will give off a warm red light. Around 5000 K, bulbs give off light that mimics mid-day sunlight. Over 6000 K bulbs give off a cool blue light. Warm light is relaxing, so it’s great in bedrooms and living rooms. Cool light is energizing, so it’s perfect for kitchens and offices.

Energy Star Rating: This rating label was developed by the EPA, and is given to bulbs that “contribute significant energy savings.” If your bulb has the Energy Star logo on its packaging, it means that it will be more efficient in its energy consumption, which saves you money in the long run.

If you’re stuck in the store unsure what to buy, or if you’ve lost track of your browser tabs and you still don’t know if the bulb in your cart is right, we’ve got you covered. Give our experts a call or stop by our showroom and we’ll be happy to walk you through getting the perfect bulb.

Best of 2021: Modern Ceiling Fans in 3 Styles

by admin · Apr 10, 2023

Does your home decor style say modern? Maybe it says transitional. Or, maybe you’re wanting to abandon a former you, do a complete 180, and create a modern look. To give your home a modern finish, there are some fundamental elements you’ll want to consider. Yes, the right kind of pillows and picture frames will come into play, but let’s start with more of a central piece – a statement piece – something you can design around. No we’re not talking about a couch or table. Believe it or not, we’re talking ceiling fans.

The right kind of ceiling fan can introduce your style with some serious flare and help tie a room together, so why not start with it? Convinced? Let’s walk through some of the different types and maybe, just maybe, one of these modern ceiling fans will spark an interest in you.

All modern, contemporary ceiling fans will offer sleek lines, smooth finishes, and little to no adornment. Now you might be wondering how modern ceiling fans differ. Well, our goal is to inspire your whole space – how the fan you select will complement your furniture, paintings, and color schemes. Let’s get to it.

Mid-Century Modern

This type of style dates back to the 1950s (hence, mid-century style) and focuses on simple features and naturally integrated materials. Take lots of natural wood and mix it with different metals, large glass windows, natural and warm hues, and asymmetric detailing, and you have yourself a mid-century style home.

This style has remained just as popular since it was first developed. Homeowners like the idea of linking the inside of their home to the outside just through the use of specific materials. Mid-century modern style has also gained wide popularity for its sleek and simple design principles.

To complement this type of living, you’ll want a mid-century modern ceiling fan combined with different materials. We suggest finding a fan that combines natural wood with a brassy metal for some intentional contrast. For inspiration, you could go with dark walnut wood blades and an antique bronze for the mounting device and motor. Or, play around with mixing a dark cherry wood with polished nickel.

Whichever pairing you choose, know that you can create that desired medley of wood and metal with just one piece – yes, that one piece can be a ceiling fan and it can play a significant role in the aesthetic of a room.

Modern Farmhouse

A neutral-colored bedroom with different textures and natural light seeping through

The modern farmhouse feel has risen in popularity over the last few years, but don’t confuse it with a rustic look. Modern farmhouse style takes the relaxed feel of a farmhouse and dresses it up with modern accents – modern accents being fine lines, glossy finishes, and neutral color schemes that say ‘sophisticated’, rather than ‘rustic’.

To get the full effect of a modern farmhouse, modern contemporary ceiling fans will subtly tie everything together. Similar to mid-century modern, modern farmhouse ceiling fans should also play on natural textures and materials, like wood and steel. But to incorporate that farmhouse vibe, your pieces should also look “well-used” – this doesn’t mean damaged, but rather, intentionally distressed.

The Boho Look

Indoor tropical ceiling fan with palm leaf blades

Boho or Bohemian, style lends itself to more of a relaxed, carefree vibe. Yet, it’s still considered modern because of its recent trendiness. In a mission to embrace the unusual, boho-inspired homeowners will decorate their space with eclectic items and features, bold colors, and whichever patterns and textures they like. That being said, it’s not all random.

You can still deliberately pull fun, unique items and colors together to give your space a cohesive, boho vibe you desire. But to achieve the full contemporary, boho look, you’ll need a modern ceiling fan – and not only for aesthetic. Imagine a light breeze swirling around you as you snuggle up to your tassel pillows. To create that carefree space, an interesting ceiling fan will give you both the aesthetic and function your boho heart needs.

Consider unique ceiling fans that might even look unconventional. If you truly want a boho space, you don’t have to worry about lines coming together in uniformity. It’s all about picking up unique pieces along your journey and making them fit. As there’s no formula to boho style, we urge you to look for interesting ceiling fans – maybe it’s asymmetrical or carved from mismatched wood. Whatever it is, let it speak to your inner designer.

Get Inspired and SAVE

And that’s what really makes a modern space, well, modern. But don’t feel limited to these styles of ceiling fans; at the end of the day, it’s your space and you should create it how you want to. Remember, modern ceiling fans can bring a complete look together just by acting as a centerpiece.

Shop Our Products

5 Timeless Trends That Are Here to Stay

by admin · Apr 3, 2023

Trends come and go, but some have more lasting impact than others. Distinctive trends can date a home, making it seem old-fashioned and undesirable, while classic trends fit into any space at any time. As we’ve watched the market, we’ve seen some very popular trends that show plenty of staying power. If you’re debating how to update your home, these trends may be right for you!

Industrial/Urban Lighting

This new movement of industrial/urban themed lighting is top of the list! The style reaches back to the origins of modern lighting, with echoes of the Industrial Revolution in each unassuming fixture. Beauty and function come together beautifully in this timeless, practical look.

Statement Piece Décor

*^{Ekachai Sathittaweechai/Shutterstock.com}*

A bold chandelier, flashy semi-flush mounts, exaggerated wall hanging, or splendid sconces, statement piece lighting décor is a powerful trend. Statement pieces are meant to have a much more visual impact that simply lighting a space. It is meant to challenge traditional style norms, and the risk is worth it! Statement pieces draw the eye, bring attention to your home décor, and add some pizzazz to functional spaces without having to repaint or redecorate. Try one and you’ll likely be surprised at the impact it has!

Lanterns

As we watch trends come and go, it is hard not to notice that most styles always incorporate lanterns in some way. There are lanterns adapted to fit any space and any style: iron lanterns, polished nickel lanterns, rope lanterns, all glass lanterns, glassless lanterns. Bringing a lantern inside adds an outdoor vibe to your home and makes the space feel more airy and open, in addition to accenting your indoor décor.

Gold, Gold, Gold

Gold finishes have been around since the invention of light (and modern lighting) and continue to resurface in nearly all trends. In modern lighting, it’s a timeless accent that has withstood the test of time, stretching from the late 1800’s to the present. That’s not to say gold hasn’t changed—gold finishes range from honed brass to polished to currently matte gold. The options, and the long-lasting potential, are endless.

Natural Light

Décor, architecture, lighting, color palettes, and countless design elements are all shaped by natural light. It impacts mood, health, room function, the appearance of colors and so much more! Whether you are lightening the wall colors to emphasize existing light or updating your window covers to allow more natural light, mimicking and incorporating lots of natural light is a trend sure to never end.

Homes with trendy décor and lighting have a better resell value than outdated, old-fashioned homes. Even more, small updates in your home can improve the way you feel about it right now! A few upgrades will increase your home value, give it a long-term look, and add some freshness to your space. At Illuminations we’re committed to giving you the best products in any style, so we’ll help you find one that speaks to you!

« Previous Page