Category Archives: Homes

4 Things to Consider About Exterior Lighting

When you are considering exterior lighting for your home or business, there are a few things you need to take into account. Lighting can add beauty and security to your property, but it is important to choose the right type of lighting for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing exterior lighting.

1. Location

One of the most important things to consider when choosing exterior lighting is the location. You need to think about where the light will be placed and how it will impact the surrounding area. For example, if you are placing a light near a door, you need to ensure it is not too bright or dim. The last thing you want is for someone to walk into a bright light and stumble.

You also need to consider the height of the light. If you are placing a light near a door, it should be placed at eye level so that people can see where they are going. If you are placing a light in a garden, you may want to place it higher up so that it can be seen from a distance.

2. Type of Light Fixture

When choosing exterior lighting, another thing to look at is the type of light fixture. There are many different types of fixtures available, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. According to Energy.gov, LED residential goods are expected to consume at least 75% less energy and endure up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

If you are looking for a light that will provide a lot of light, you may want to choose a floodlight. Floodlights are great for security purposes because they can provide a wide coverage area. However, they can also be very bright and may not be ideal for every situation.

3. Weatherproofing

Weatherproofing is necessary when choosing exterior lighting because you need to make sure the light can withstand the elements. If you live in an area prone to storms, you will want to choose a light rated for wet weather. It is crucial to choose a light fixture that is weatherproof to last longer. Look for fixtures made from weather-resistant materials, such as aluminum or plastic.

4. Maintenance and Upkeep

Be sure to check your light fixtures regularly. As needed, cleaning and replacing bulbs will help keep your home looking its best. You may also want to consider investing in some timers or automatic lighting controls to make things easier. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your fixtures and keep your home looking great.

As you can see, there are a few things to consider when choosing exterior lighting. Taking the time to choose the right type of lighting will help you create the perfect look for your home. You can find the perfect fixtures for your needs with a little planning. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help.

Interior Lighting Trends You Won’t Want to Miss

Lighting is a big part of any home. Making sure you choose lighting that is going to work for your home, that is gorgeous, and lights that are going to potentially save you money is a must. There are some truly gorgeous lighting trends out there and knowing what they are might help you find the light that is right for you.

Modern Fixtures

The first lighting trend to consider is modern lighting. These lights are made with clean lines, simple silhouettes, and gorgeous profiles that work well with a ton of homes and a ton of designs. These fixtures are beautiful, and they can work with so many homes. Modern fixtures are something that will not clash with different colors that you might decide to put on your walls in rooms where the fixtures are present.

These are lighting choices that are going to help give your home or other space an updated look and feel without having to completely change the home or the space. This is a gorgeous option that is really going to give an updated feel. Many modern and new fixtures also have energy-saving benefits as well. According to studies done by the Department of Energy, the average American home is thought to spend about 5-10% of its budget entirely on lighting.

Geometric Lights and Interesting Fixtures

Another trend with lighting is geometric lighting fixtures and fixtures that are fun and different. You can find some stunning fixtures at a lighting store that specializes in unique lights. If you are looking for some fun lighting, a visit to a lighting store is a great way to see what is out there and available.

Taking the time to visit a lighting store or to look at some great lights in person can help you figure out what is going to work for you and get a bit more of an idea of what the light might look like in your home. There are plenty of fun lighting fixtures that are unique, geometric, and that is going to help you really find the light that is right for you. Lighting is a great thing, it can help you find the look and feel that you want in your home, and the right light is a must to make you feel better and adore your space.

How Home Lighting Can Affect Your Mood

home lighting

Most people’s moods are impacted by their environment. This is especially true when it comes to the lighting in your home. Let’s look into some of the ways that home lighting can affect your mood and how you can use that light for good.

1. Light Makes You Alert

Light tells your brain to be awake and aware. It does this by stimulating the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from your eyes to your brain. As you naturally wake up, your brain’s levels of cortisol also increase. Cortisol helps with awareness, making decisions, and solving problems. With more light in the room, you can think more clearly.

2. Some Colors are Better than Others

Different colors affect your mood. Blue and white are cool colors that naturally relax your brain because they place your body in a state of calm alertness. This is why blue and white look great in bedrooms. Yellow is also a happy, sunny color that can help you feel happier and more confident.

3. Light Determines How Well You Sleep

Your brain naturally produces the hormone melatonin, which tells your body it’s time to sleep. Unfortunately, bright lights can decrease the production of this hormone. This means that if your bedroom is brightly lit, you’ll have a hard time falling asleep. To get the best night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible and that lights are turned off right before bed.

4. Light Alters Your Mood

Light can be used to alter your mood. When you feel sad, you may seek out darker places. By being in a naturally bright room, it can significantly improve your mood.

5. Natural Light is Best

Natural light creates a sense of comfort that artificial home lighting doesn’t always match. This makes it an ideal solution for getting rid of the blues and making someone feel better when they suffer from a lack of sunlight. Use white bulbs in larger rooms, such as your living room or kitchen, so that you can get the most natural light possible.

Around 2,000 years ago, the Ancient Greeks were the first to study electricity. Benjamin Franklin was not the first person to do so. Since then, we’ve come a long way, and scientists are still finding new ways to utilize light to affect your mood positively. For now, be sure that the home lighting you use in your home is doing you some good. Call us today to learn more.

7 Interior Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

interior lighting

Proper interior lighting gives your home the perfect ambiance and makes it comfortable for you and your family. However, there are many mistakes people make when installing lighting in their homes that result in energy being wasted and other inconveniences. To keep you on the safe side, here are seven interior lighting mistakes to avoid.

1. Ignoring Dimmer Switches

One of the common mistakes people make in interior lighting is ignoring dimmer switches. All your lights, including wall lights and lamps, should be dimmable. Dimmer switches enable you to control your interior lighting the way you want them.

2. Forgetting Portable Lighting

Another common interior lighting mistake people make is forgetting to install portable lighting systems. A good interior design should have portable lightings like floor and table lamps. Design the portable lighting systems properly to avoid having electric cords dangerously running across your living space.

3. Controlling Different Lights with a Single Circuit

You need reliable, task lighting for your interior spaces. Controlling different types of light with a single lighting circuit will not achieve this. Each light in your home should be controlled separately to ensure maximum efficiency and flexibility.

4. Dismissing Exterior Lighting

If you have rooms looking into a balcony or yard, you should install exterior lights. Lighting your exterior will prevent it from being dark at night. Exterior lighting is effective in creating a beautiful nighttime view and improving safety.

5. Ignoring that Lighting Uses Energy

Many people ignore that lights consume energy. Install energy-saving lights in your home. They are slightly expensive upfront, but they consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. According to the Department of Energy, residential LED products consume about 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lamps.

6. Ignoring Your Wall Painting

Your interior lighting should complement your wall painting. Choosing lights without considering your wall colors can make your room too bright or too dark. If your walls have dark painting, repaint them with lighter paint to brighten your house.

7. Using Cool Bulbs

Many people make the mistake of using cool bulbs. Instead, you should install warm lights throughout your home. You can only make exceptions for your utility rooms and shelving units.

Proper interior lighting is essential in every home. Making the right choices when installing lights will improve your home’s atmosphere and save you a lot of energy.

3 Types of Lighting That Can Help Accentuate Your Indoors

indoor lighting fixture

Nobody enjoys an overly dull room or an extremely vibrant one. This is because indoor lighting has to be precise and serve booth functionality and aesthetic purposes. Most people think that changing the indoor lighting is next to impossible or won’t make much of a difference. However, knowing what type of lighting and the right fixture to use inside your house will transform the room visually.

If you decide to change the home lighting yourself, you will find it confusing and maybe tiresome. Thanks to this post, you will now know what indoor lighting fixture to use and where to use it. In no time, you will be able to create the setting you desire in every room.

1. Ambient lighting

Ambient (general) lighting is perhaps the most common type of lighting. It is a non-glare, flat, and natural light that helps you move within the room safely. The soft glow that ambient light produces is suitable for any room or office.

Although it is ideal for all rooms, it is not the best option if you want the light to focus on one object/area. General lighting is also suitable for when you have guests over or simply want to relax.

Indoor Lighting Fixtures for Ambient Setting

To subtly illuminate a room with general light, use the following fixtures:

  • Table and floor lamps
  • Chandeliers
  • Recessed lights
  • Pendants

2. Task Lighting

Just like its name, task lighting is used to help you focus on one object and/or task. You can use it when you are doing projects, reading, cooking, sewing, and other chores that require more light than the rest of the room. Rather than have a room topo bright, the light will only reflect where you want it to – be it a desk, nightstand, or counter. To get the most out of task lighting, use it as contrast light; you will concentrate more and remain alert.

Indoor Lighting Fixtures for Task Setting

  • Under-cabinet lights/bulbs
  • Swingarm lamps
  • Desk/reading lamps
  • Pendants with dull colors

3. Accent Lighting

Task and accent lights function similarly but have different functionalities. This type also focuses on one area of the room, but not to help you center on a task. Alternatively, it draws attention to the point of focus, for instance, a painting, interior decor, or any object you want to show off. Simply put, accent lighting gives your home a dramatic yet sophisticated atmosphere. It is the type of lighting you’d typically see in museums and art galleries.

Indoor Lighting Fixtures for Accent Setting

  • Wall, desk, and floor lamps
  • Landscape lights
  • Recessed lights
  • Track lights
  • Spotlights
  • Step lights

Best Home Lighting Stores in Tucson

Interior lighting for your home or office has to be on point. For one, it will impress your guests/clients and make a great conversation starter. Next, it will transform your indoors and provide a calm, elegant setting.

Deciding the most suitable lighting fixture to use is quite a responsibility because lighting either makes or breaks a room. But, with the help of Tucson’s lighting experts, you will have a peaceful and tranquil home to get to after a long day. At Premier Lighting Stores, you get access to all the home and outdoor lighting you need! Call today and explore our wide range of lighting fixtures!

3 Smart Tips for Picking the Right Indoor Lighting for Your Home

According to the US Department of Energy, the average American household spends approximately 5-10% of its budget on lighting. However, most homeowners often treat lighting as an afterthought for their interiors. This happens when you view indoor lighting for its utilitarian value instead of a feature that can add aesthetic value to your home.

When done right, light fixtures could be the elements that bring out the tone, style, and ambiance of your home. There is far more to indoor lighting than picking out an attractive chandelier at the lighting store. Here are several tips to help you design your interior lighting.

1. Know Your Options

Most homeowners will often expect a single source of light to suffice for all their needs. There are far greater lighting fixtures at your disposal than the dreaded overheads. Most interior design experts agree that lighting works best in layers. You may need to check off the three major types; ambient, task, and accent.

Accent lighting highlights a particular focal point for your home. You can order picture lights or wall-mounted light fixtures to do the trick. Task lights assist in completing a specific function while in the room. These could be desk lamps for reading to pendant lights in the over your dining area. Ambient lighting lights up the room in its entirety, making it easier to move around. Chandeliers and floor lamps are great examples.

Understanding how the lighting options work can help you create the best layers corresponding to the setting or application of the room.

2. Let the Room Dictate Your Choice

Now that you understand your indoor lighting options, the next step is to determine where and how to place the different light fixtures. The first tip is to think about the focal point in each room. Give something for the eye to focus on. Differently sized lights and lamps can help accentuate the centerpiece without competing for attention with it.

Your focal point could be a large chandelier or a uniquely designed desk lamp. In larger rooms, a dramatic light such as hanging fixtures may draw the eye, making the space more appealing. Floor lamps are excellent choices for small rooms. They may give an impression that a room is larger than it seems. Consult with experts at the local lighting store in Tucson to find the right fit for every room.

3. Consider the Size and Scale of Your Indoor Lighting Fixtures

Getting the scale of the lighting fixtures correct is essential in creating the right balance for your home. Placing an extremely large lamp in a small room can make it seem cluttered. The key is to ensure that the indoor lighting is evenly spread. A good rule of thumb is to pick out a lighting fixture with a diameter in inches equal to the sum of the length and width of the room in feet. For example, if your room is 12 ft. by 13 feet, 12+13= 25, your major fixture ought to be 25 ft.

Your indoor lighting is more than just a utility feature in the home. The correct light fixtures can enhance the beauty and functionality of your spaces. For more information on how to light your home to make it look great, reach out to Premier Lighting.

How LED Indoor Lighting Benefits Homeowners

lighting stores

The average American home spends between 5-10% of its entire budget on lighting costs, according to the Department of Energy. To help mitigate costs without sacrificing illumination, LED light fixtures are more frequently being installed as indoor lighting solutions. This is due in large part to three significant key factors.

1. Energy Efficiency and Cost

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more energy-efficient lighting solution. LED lights not only consume less energy than traditional bulbs, but they also last much longer on average. Many LED lights have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. This means that if you use your light for an average of 12 hours every day, you can expect to have to change it in roughly 11 years. In this way, LED lights aren’t just saving you money on monthly energy bills, but they will cut down on the amount you’ll have to spend on bulbs to almost nothing. Lighting stores often have many LED options available, meaning you won’t be regulated to one specific style.

2. White Light

As opposed to other types of lighting, LED indoor lighting is much better at mimicking the look of natural light. This allows you to highlight areas in your home better and better put on make-up in the morning without worrying about what you’ll look like when you step outside. Lighting can make a huge difference in the way our eyes perceive colors! Furthermore, the light they produce also means you won’t have to wait for your eyes to adjust when stepping outside on a sunny day. When browsing lighting stores for the best options, you can also look for options with dimmers to ensure you have optimal control over how much light you get in a room at any time.

3. Flexible Designs

Another thing that makes LED lights perfect as home lighting solutions is their plethora of flexible design options. From chic ceiling fixtures to modern wall sconce lights, there is a design to fit any style. LED lights are also great options for mood lighting and vanity lighting, as you can arrange them in ways that you can’t traditional fixtures. If you have a specific design scheme in mind speak with different lighting stores to see what options they can offer.

LED lights are as eco-friendly as they come and they can save you hundreds in energy costs each and every year. Furthermore, they are recyclable and don’t contain any toxic substances that could be harmful if broken. If you are looking to update the lighting in your home, consider looking at lighting stores near you for energy-star rated LED options. Once you experience the difference, you’ll never want to go back to traditional lighting. For all your lighting fixtures, Contact Premier Lighting.

Home Lighting: Useful Buying Guidelines

Lighting is a major aspect of your home’s interior and design. If you’re shopping for indoor and outdoor lighting, find the ideal option by keeping in mind the style, function, and cost of the item. Here’s a guide that covers other useful buying guidelines.

Check Out Your Rooms

Go to every area of your home and decide which ones need lighting. You’ll need to shop with an eye towards specific options that will match each room. For instance, for kitchen islands, pendant lighting in a row will work wonders. For your entryway, a large chandelier makes for an excellent light source. To complete the finishing touches in your dining room, go for lighting that you can install over the table.

Tour Your Yard

Once you’re done with your rooms, take a look around your backyard. Decide what you want to do with the area. Do you want to host parties after sundown? Do you want to entertain friends in your garden for an alfresco dinner? Having plans will help you decide which lighting fixtures will suit your outdoor space.

Go for Layered Lighting

If you want to put together a good lighting plan, layering ambient light along with task and accent lighting is one way to achieve that outcome. Be sure to take the measurements of the rooms and of your outdoor space, though. The information you’ll get will serve as a guide when you decide the sizes for your lamps. For outdoor home decor products, try out landscape lighting kits. They provide you with options that work with a variety of landscapes.

Buy LED Products

LED lighting is becoming more and more affordable as plenty of options come up on the market. Fixtures that last you a long time don’t just save you on replacement costs, though. They also reduce the hassle and stress that come from buying a new one as well as hiring a pro to fix or install the new fixture.

Choose Subtlety

Don’t go with a bright spotlight of light if you’re shopping for garden lighting. Options that give out a soft glow are a much better option, especially if you want to create a relaxing and pleasant ambiance. Do the same inside your home. Add dimmers to help you adjust the intensity or brightness of the lights.

Don’t waste time in getting the lamps and fixtures you need. Enjoy shopping for indoor and outdoor lighting in Scottsdale, AZ, at Premier Lighting.

5 Home Lighting Shopping Tips

To buy lighting fixtures, you’ll need to consider several factors. If you’re shopping for pendant lighting, for instance, here are a few tips to help you pick the best options possible.

Start with the Material and Finish

Glass and metal, along with cloth and plastic are the most common materials for pendant lighting. If you’re looking for options that you plan to put in your kitchen or bathroom, though, consider glass since the material diffuses light effectively. Lighting made of cloth, though, will suit your living room since the material collects dust easily.

Think About the Size

For a bit of drama, though, try putting a big pendant in your entryway. That’s one way to grab the attention of your guests. You can also set it as a focal point over your dining tables. If you’re thinking about installing track lighting, switch to mini globes. They offer bright illumination that’s less intense, so they’re an ideal option for task lighting in your kitchen counter. Keep them above eye level, though, to prevent annoying glare.

Consider Your Options

When it comes to pendant lighting, decide if you want to go with ambient or task lighting. Your decision will influence your buying options. For instance, if you’re looking for ambient lighting, you need to look for lamps that stream light upwards. For task lighting, you’ll need to focus your search on home lighting fixtures with open bottoms, so they stream the light downward.

Upgrade to LED

More and more homeowners are choosing LED bulbs versus traditional ones. That’s because they tend to last longer, allowing you to save on replacement costs for a long time. With the popularity of LED lighting technology, more and more affordable options are coming up on the market, too, making this an easy choice for you.

Calculate the Height

One factor you shouldn’t forget when you shop for lights is how high you’ll put it up. If you’re putting it in your entryway, then your pendant lighting should be about seven feet above the floor. If you’re putting it in the dining area, though, the ideal height is at least 30 inches above the table. You should also consider the height of the tallest person in your home, so your loved ones won’t need to keep ducking under the light.

Start shopping for worthwhile options. Check out Premier Lighting for superior home lighting fixtures in Tucson, AZ.

Decorating with Hanging Lights

Hanging lights are some of the most popular styles of interior home lighting in the modern day. There are looks for every room and space, from petite strings of delicate bulbs to chandeliers that demand attention. There are even minimalist styles that can be hung in tall hallways or other simple spaces.

Here is your guide to decorating with hanging lighting:

String Lights

Also called fairy lights or tube lights depending on how they are designed, these lights are no longer just for holiday decorating. String lights have become a popular choice for everything from outdoor applications like porches and patios to indoor spaces like bedrooms and more. Use them for children’s room to add whimsy or to warm up the look of your home’s entryway for guests. Just be sure that you choose lights that are UL listed for wet spaces if decorating outdoors.

Chandeliers

Nothing makes a bold statement like a chandelier. Whether dripping with crystals or muted with metal tones, these fixtures are the perfect accent to a grand living room, a formal dining room, or anywhere you want to add more visual appeal. Look for models that support bulbs that are easy to find. Specialty lighting may be beautiful, but it can be difficult to maintain, especially if you are on a budget!

Simple Suspended Lights

Have you ever seen a striking light fixture that featured a single light suspended from a cord? These suspended lights are becoming more popular, especially when used in large rooms with high ceilings. They are also perfect options for outdoor lighting, since they can be suspended from very high places but drape low enough to their light to be useful in illuminating commonly used spaces.

Whatever type of hanging lights you use, be sure that the supportive fixtures are maintained properly and regularly checked for damage. Nothing is worse than having a light fall, especially if it is in a space where children or animals may be present. Prevent this with regular maintenance, and your hanging lights will beautifully illuminate your space for years to come.

For more information on hanging lighting and other home decor products, visit the industry experts at Premier Lighting, one of Scottsdale AZ’s foremost interior design stores. You’ll find the lighting looks you’ll love and inspiration to put them to use in your space!