Category Archives: Homes

3 Types of Lighting That Can Help Accentuate Your Indoors

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

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!

Can You Use Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Interchangeably?

When you find gorgeous light bulbs or attractive lighting fixtures, you may wonder if they will fit your lighting needs. One of the biggest concerns consumers have is whether a fixture or bulb is made for indoor or outdoor use. Are the two really that different? Do you have to purchase bulbs and fixtures made specifically for the application you are looking for, or can you make an outdoor light work for indoor use and vice versa?

Here’s what you need to know about indoor and outdoor lighting:

Indoor Lighting

The most important consideration in indoor or outdoor lighting is the UL listing. Products with a UL listing designated for dry spaces are for use only inside the home or building. This includes spaces like living and dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, and bedrooms.

Those that are listed for damp locations can be used in transitional indoor/outdoor spaces, and are also best for bathrooms, spa or indoor pool areas, utility and laundry rooms.

Outdoor Lighting

When choosing outdoor lighting, look for a UL listing that specifies that the product is suitable for wet locations. This means that it can be used very close to water and is resistant to weather such as rain and snow. For outdoor spaces, this is the best choice, since you can scarcely predict when outdoor lighting may need to withstand a pop-up rain shower or a surprise downpour of sleet or snow. For safety, always look for outdoor specific lighting and fixtures.

Are They Interchangeable?

So, now that you know more about both indoor and outdoor lighting in Scottsdale, AZ, are they interchangeable?

The short answer is maybe. Specific types of bulbs and fixtures are designed for either indoor or outdoor use for a reason. You should always choose weather-resistant bulbs and fixtures for outdoor use. However, it is easier to use outdoor lighting for indoor spaces, especially if these spaces are transitional. An example would be a screened porch or Florida room. Likewise, in these types of spaces – or very sheltered porches, patios, etc. – you could also use indoor lighting. Just know that there is a greater risk of damage to these types of bulbs and fixtures, especially if your area sees a lot of wind, rain, and other inclement weather.

For more information on the various types of bulbs and fixtures that are available for lighting your home, look to the industry experts at Premier Lighting. We can help you select the right lights for every space in your home.

7 Ways to Light a Fireplace

Your fireplace is a beautiful feature of your home and deserves to be showed off. One way to do that is by lighting it properly. Here are 7 ways to light a fireplace.

Tape Lighting

Tape lighting comes in a flexible band with small lights fixed to it. It’s perfect for placing above the mantel. We recommend it for homeowners that desire light with plenty of linear footage.

Hockey Pucks

These small lights come in a flat, round shape (hence their name) and provide a direct point of light. Hockey pucks work great in small spaces and are available in most finishes and material.

Carriage Lights

Carriage lights are exterior lighting fixtures and fantastic for outdoor fireplaces. The glass enclosure adds a timeless look to your space.

Sconces

Wall sconces are a classic addition to any fireplace. They create a traditional, classy, and symmetrical look. They look brilliant around a painting or portrait.

Pendant

Pendant lights can hang right above your fireplace mantle. Depending on the type of look you’re going for, the light fixture can hang from a chain, cord or stem, and the domed canopy hides the electrical box.

Can Lights

Can lights allow you to recess them into the ceiling above the fireplace and can beautifully illuminate the stone. This is called a soffit.

Eyeball Lights

Eyeball lights can also be recessed into the ceiling. They’re similar to can lights, but they include swivel technology that allows their light to be pointed towards any direction. They can also be dimmed.

For the latest lighting fixtures, visit Premier Lighting.

Hanging Light Fixtures – Striking the Right Balance

There are plenty of factors you’ll need to consider for you to achieve the perfect lighting. Here are a few tips on how to strike the ideal balance.

Look for the Right Size

When you shop around for hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ, one of the first things you need to consider is the size of the fixture. Is it too big or small for the room? If it’s the wrong size, that’s going to impact the look of your space. You need to double-check the measurements of any fixture you buy. Make that a habit before you shell out any money for your lighting needs. With the right size for your fixture, you can ensure balance and harmony in your space.

Check the Weight

Before you start installing those lights—or hiring pros to install them for you—be sure to check the weight of the chandelier or pendant lighting you have. These types of lighting aren’t often heavy and are quite easy to lift so getting them in place won’t be troublesome for you.

Think About the Style

Look for options that fit in with the rest of your interiors. What kind of style or ambiance is evident in your living space? When you browse around for hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ, consider the dominant style in your furniture and surroundings. Use that to pick out lighting that’s going to blend in well with everything else. That’s going to help create the harmony you want in your home.

Pick a Spot

Think about where you’ll want to put your lights. If it’s over a table, then that’s going to mean different measurements compared to if you decide to put it in your foyer.

Calculate the Length

If you’re putting up pendants, then these should hang about 12 to 20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. If there is any additional foot of ceiling height, then add 3 inches to the number. That’s going to ensure balance and proportion.

Shop for Lights

Go for pieces that demonstrate solid craftmanship and design. These pieces often last. If you want lighting that’s going to be there for many, many years to come, then invest in topnotch options. Check out hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ from Premier Lighting. With a slew of options to consider, you are certain to find the right hanging lights to tie up the rooms in your home.

Charming Western and Rustic Home Decor

The rustic interior design is a style that focuses on unrefined but natural elements inside a home. Some of the most popular rustic design styles are log cabin, country, western, southwestern, loge, and farmhouse.

Rustic western decor is a trend that started in 2014, but it still hasn’t lost its appeal. Rustic design styles are heavily influenced by nature, so it has a very earthy look and feel to them.

The Basics of Rustic Design Style

The elements and color palettes mostly used in rustic designs are:

Suede or leather
Wrought iron or other rusted metals
Concrete, stone, or rocks
Pewter of metals with patina
Natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, linen, wool, animal hides
Outdoor or garden elements
Wooden floors
Wooden furniture

Decorating a Rustic Western Style Home

Since its launch in 2014, rustic western décor is still a key player in the design world. You have several options when it comes to decorating your western-inspired home, such as the following.

Rustic cowboy hideaway cabin
Western lodge
Cattle ranch

All three styles capture the old west’s charm and warmth.

Rustic Western Lighting Ideas

Western-style decoration normally uses a lot of rock, wood, leather, and metal. Lighting choices can either highlight the design of rustic western homes in Scottsdale, AZ or contrast them.

Lighting designs for rustic western homes include:

Sconce lanterns
Wagon wheel chandeliers
Yoke chandeliers
Western-design lamp shades

The Bottom Line

Whether your home is rustic western or a modern and chic, Premier Lighting can help ensure your lighting fixtures highlight your design