Category Archives: How To

Lighting Your Home Theater

Home theater systems are great ways for friends and family to kick back and relax. They make great entertainment areas. However, there’s nothing worse than entertaining guests under dim or bad lighting. Your home theater requires different lighting than the rest of your house. It’s important to have enough lighting to not strain your eyes, but not too much that there’s a glare on your screen—it’s a delicate balance. Here are our tips for lighting your home theater.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting takes up extremely minimal space, leaving you with plenty of room in your home theater. Fixture-free, recessed lighting doesn’t get in the way of your television screen and won’t cause a glare either.

Capped Lighting

Capped lighting allows you to direct your light wherever you desire, like your walls. This helps not create any annoying glares and also allows you to be creative with your lighting design.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are great for home theaters which often need less light than the rest of the house in order to create that movie theater feel. Sconces provide enough light without making your room extremely bright, especially wall sconces with shade.

Dimmers

Dimmers are fantastic for home theaters. One, they create a dramatic effect when lowered. Two, they can leave the choice of how bright or dim you’d like the room to be completely in the hands of the homeowner.

Looking for lighting fixtures in Scottsdale for your home theater? Shop at Premier Lighting and speak to one of our lighting experts today.

How to Clean High Hanging Lights

Clean High Hanging Lights

It may seem easy—but it’s not. If you’ve ever attempted to clean your hanging lights, then you know how hard and frustrating it can be. If you’re still determined to go ahead with your cleaning plans, though, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind.

Know What You’re Dealing with

Different lighting systems, styles and designs require different approaches. If you’re dealing with removable glass lighting globes, it would be best to dip them in tub filled with soapy water. Rinse and drain before you put them back on. If you are dealing with a glass chandelier, you will need to dust off the lights first before using a cleaning solution.

Prepare the Right Cleaning Solutions

Find out what kind of cleaning solutions will work with the material of your lights. A solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar works if you’re cleaning glass.

Do it One at a Time

You need to remove the glass globes carefully and clean them one at a time. This may seem time-consuming and tedious for you. But if you put them all together in the tub, they’re going to shatter or get damaged if you accidentally—however gently—knock one globe into the others. That’s also a distinct possibility if you remove them all at once. Doing it one at a time will reduce those risks.

Be Careful

Remember that these fixtures can get slippery. One minute, you feel like you’ve got a tight grip and the next, it’s slipped out of your hands and you’ve got one globe glass that’s shattered at your feet. Having presence of mind while you clean will keep you from letting any more globes end in smithereens.

Use the Right Cloth

You’ll want to look for streak-free cloths. They make it so much easier to clean glass lighting fixtures without leaving any streaks behind. Just make sure you pick machine washable ones. Also, don’t wash them with any fabric softener.

Buying Tips

If your lights are a goner, though, this is a good time to check out hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ. Browse through your favorite online shop for options. Before you pick one, consider the maintenance and cleaning that the piece will require. If those considerations aren’t an issue for you, then go ahead and start shopping.

Enjoy an extensive selection of hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ when you shop at Premier Lighting.

Table Lamps – an Old Favorite in Home Decor Lighting

Table Lamps

There are plenty of ways to spice up your interiors. Buying the perfect table lamp is one of them. If you need tips on making sure you get the best lamps for your home, read on.

Determine the Height

Before you start checking out inventories of interior design stores, you’ll want to get the basics. What is the perfect height range for your lamp? Measure from the surface you’ll put the lamp on to your eye level. That’s going to be your base measurement. Divide that by three to get your average height.

Think About the Size

What is the ideal size for your lamp and its shade? If you are putting in the living room, you’ll need to consider balance in the furniture. If the lamp is too small, that’s going to look out of place. If it’s too big, not only will it occupy too much space, it’ll make the rest of your living room feel crowded.

Decide on the Brightness

Consider the location first. Where are you going to put the lamp? What are you going to use it for? If it’s solely for nighttime or bedtime reading, then you’ll want something small and not too bright, just enough to be adequate for you to read in the dark. If you’re putting it in the library, then you’ll need something brighter. A big, sturdy lamp is going to be a good addition to your work desk.

Pick a Shade

Color always plays a factor. When you shop for home decor products, what kind of colors appeal to you? Do you want something bright and cheerful? That will add a burst of color to your room. If you want something that’s going to blend in with the rest of your interiors, you’ll want to pick out something in neutral shades or that picks up the dominant shade in the room.

Get the Right Bulb

When you shop for bulbs, look for 60 watts or more. You can also check out energy-saving LED bulbs. If you’re slowly switching to energy-efficient solutions, then starting with your table lamps wouldn’t hurt.

Shop Wise

Don’t just go to any shops you find online, though. Go to interior design stores like Premier Lighting for excellent quality options and an extensive inventory to choose from. Buying from a trusted shop means you won’t need to worry about your lighting fixtures breaking down any time soon.

Hanging Light Fixtures – Striking the Right Balance

Hanging Light Fixtures

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.

Home Decoration is an Art and Science

Whether you’ve just moved into a new home and you’re excited to decorate your interiors or just want a change in scenery, experimenting with home décor styles is a must. Before you get started, here’s why decorating your home is both an art and science.

Patterns and Styles

A lot of homeowners love to play with patterns, and patterns are governed by shape and symmetry. That’s science. However, it’s not all about balance. You need the right colors or shades to make your interiors pop. That’s where art comes in. You can play with patterns, but art helps you figure out which patterns work for your rooms. That’s because not every pattern is going to capture the vibe and personality of your home.

Lighting and Strategy

Home decor products in Scottsdale AZ can do a lot to brighten up the room and add a bit of whimsy or elegance to your interiors, depending on the ambiance you want to achieve. However, haphazardly putting in any lighting fixture you want isn’t going to be ideal. That’s where strategy comes in. If you’re going for an elaborate lighting fixture for a dramatic effect, science can help you position your lighting fixtures in your room in exactly the right way. When you calculate the proper height distance of your lighting in relation to your dining table or the floor, that’s your knowledge of science and numbers helping you show off your chandelier or pendant lighting to the best advantage.

Design and Endurance

When you shop for exterior light fixtures in Tucson AZ, you don’t just consider the way the lighting system looks. You’ll be picking out lighting options that hit the mark in terms of being the ideal match for the rest of the design or style you have throughout your home. That’s your artistic eye at work. But then you also need to consider which materials and options will provide you with longer lasting performance. What lighting fixtures will stand up best to the kind of wear and tear that’s common in your area? That’s you factoring in science when you check which options will stand up best to local weather conditions in your home.

These are just a few of the things you need to consider when you shop for home decor products in Scottsdale AZ. For excellent inventory and product updates, visit Premier Lighting.

Hanging Light Fixtures – How to Calculate the Correct Height

Hanging light fixtures can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home. But for a lot of homeowners, it’s not always easy to tell at what height they should hang the fixtures. If you’ve found yourself confronted by the same problem, then read on for tips to help you work out the correct height.

Go for the Standard

You’ve put in an order for those lovely hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ. When it’s time to hang it in your dining room, then consider the standard height recommendation. That means you should leave the bottom of the chandelier or lights hanging between 30 and 36 inches above the dining table. While this solution often works, it will depend a lot on a few other factors.

Consider the Style

Sometimes, the style of the chandelier along with its size can determine the height from which you should hang the fixture from. An elaborate one will command a lot of visual space so you’ll want to hang it a bit higher than the standard, for instance.

Factor in the Table Size

You must also consider the size of the table when you shop for home decor products in Scottsdale AZ. If your table is 42 inches wide, then you should go for a chandelier that is no more than 30 inches across. That’s one way to shop for lighting that takes the size of your table into account. By staying within this range, that means you follow the standard sizing recommendation: that is, the diameter of the fixture must be one half or two-thirds the width of your dining table.

Shop Right

There are slews of products you can go for. But don’t just buy any lights you fancy. When you shop for fixtures, think about the location. Where are they going? That’s going to help you choose pieces that work for each of your rooms, from your living room and bathroom to your dining room, kitchen and even your bedroom. Think about what you plan to use the lighting for. Do you want task lighting in your kitchen to help you prepare your meals? Do you need it for your library, so you can read over the couch or desk? Are you looking for lights that are both functional and decorative at the same time? Mull these questions over.

Order Now

If you’re set on getting a new chandelier, pendant lighting or more, shop smart. For hanging lights in Scottsdale AZ, visit Premier Lighting.

An Introduction to Modern Interior Design

Modern Interior Design

Upgrading your living space doesn’t just improve the appearance of your home. It often results in convenience and comfort. If you want to transform your ho-hum space into a chic haven of modern interior design, here are expert tips we recommend.

Start with Straight Lines

Modern design is all about clean straight lines. It’s the opposite of all the styles that rely on heavy textures and carvings as well as wood tones. If you want a contemporary vibe for your space, then remove all the heavy textures and clutter. Go for clean, straight lines—whether it’s for your furniture or your lighting fixtures. Follow that rule when you shop for lighting and furniture at interior design stores in Scottsdale, AZ.

Go for Neutral Colors

Dominate your rooms with neutral and natural tones like whites, grays, creams, and browns. That’s the color palette for a contemporary home.  If you’re going with white walls, shop for home lighting fixtures in neutral shades or hues. That’s going to help tie up everything in your home and create a simple, clean finish to your interiors.

Make it Light and Airy

Go for a light and airy look. Plenty of contemporary lighting these days can do a lot to add a touch of class or elegance to your rooms. A stylish pendant lamp, for instance, will cast just the right glow in your home, making your living room or dining area a much more welcoming and cozy space. Keep away from lighting fixtures that have heavy or intricate designs since these are going to seem out of place if you’re going for an overall contemporary take on your home.

Don’t Forget about Metal

Metal finishes to your kitchen is another trademark of contemporary modern design. However, there are plenty of ways you could add metals to your space to create that chic and modern feel. Use lighting with metal accents or materials. Lamps with metal accents or ornaments are sure to be ideal additions to your space. Our advice? Be consistent with the choice of metal you use in every room. That’s going to make for a cohesive design.

There are plenty of ways to transform your interiors into a modern contemporary home. Discover more tips and keep them in mind when you shop. For interior design stores in Scottsdale, AZ, visit Premier Lighting.

7 Interior Design Tips for Small Space Livings

Interior Design Tips for Small Space Livings

Living in a small home requires a lot of creativity. Check out the following ideas to help you make the most out of it.

Go for White

White naturally makes space appear larger. Pairing white walls with pale furniture pieces and lighting fixtures is one way to make the room seem much bigger and brighter.

Add Mirrors

Putting mirrors in your rooms can also expand the space and eliminate the cramped vibe in your rooms. Start checking out mirrors when you browse through online interior design stores in Scottsdale, AZ.

Keep it Busy

Play with your space. Put in patterns and bold colors. Keep the eye moving with a busy design for your interiors. That way, you won’t notice how small the space is. That’s one way to increase the square footage of your room visually.

Put Up a Gallery

Put vertical paintings and prints on your walls. That’s going to help increase the length and width of your rooms. The prints will also add a sense of structure to your living space, which can make them seem roomier than they already are.

Go Leg-Free

If you’re looking for storage units, try losing the legs and attaching them to the wall directly. Floating large pieces can make you think there’s extra space in the room when there really isn’t. By cleverly adding furniture pieces, you can make your living space seem much wider than it is in real life.

Make a Feature Wall

When you walk into a room, a feature wall easily captures your interest and attention. That’s a good technique to use when you have rooms with awkward angles. Draw the attention to the wall straight off so guests won’t focus on the seating area. The feature wall succeeds in taking the focus off the size of the room, so it’s one you’ll want to try out for your home.

Make a Mini-Library

Put up a wall of books and create an instant mini-library. That’s going to give your home a built-in luxurious vibe.

Stay Away from Big Lights

Oversized home lighting fixtures will look completely wrong in your small living room or dining space. Consider balance and proportion when you shop for lightning pieces to add to your rooms.

For lighting pieces from interior design stores in Scottsdale AZ, shop at Premier Lighting.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Ceiling Light Fixtures

ceiling light fixtures

When upgrading your home in Phoenix or nearby Scottsdale AZ, floors and walls are important. However, unless your home light fixtures brighten the room, your decorating efforts could suffer greatly. Some of the most effective lighting comes from above, and choosing ceiling lights is not always easy. Here are five tips to help simplify the process.

Determine Diameter

Before you visit interior design stores for lighting, you need to know the right size diameter. Measure the room and take the sum of the width and length. For instance, a 12 by 10-foot room gives you 22 feet. By scaling this number to inches, you get a reasonable estimate for diameter size. In this case, a 22-inch chandelier is a good choice.

Table Size Matters

If your dining room table is 48 inches wide, choose a chandelier as large as 36 inches in diameter (table width minus 12 inches). When not certain about size, larger is better than smaller.

Ceiling Height Matters Too

If you are installing a chandelier above your dining room table, make sure it does not extend any farther than two and one-half feet (30 inches) from the tabletop (standard eight-foot ceiling). For bedrooms, your hanging light should provide seven feet of headspace. This ensures the light does not get in the way.

Do Not Forget Design

Some people fall in love with a particular fixture, but this is not always a good idea. If your home is contemporary, you should stick with modern fixtures for ceilings.

Ask Your Lighting Professionals

For the highest quality ceiling light fixtures, visit Premier Lighting’s Showroom. You can find us in Tucson and close to Phoenix in nearby Scottsdale AZ. We can help you choose the best lighting and decor for your home.

Where to Use Pendant Lighting

Pendant Light

Pendant lighting allows a homeowner to get creative when it comes to style and ambience. Pendants are a great way to illuminate task areas or showcase certain elements in your home by enhancing a particular space. If you have an open floor plan, pendants can be used to break up the feel and create a layout that is more separated.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of home décor. With so many different styles and sizes to choose from, deciding on what works best can become an overwhelming task. Before you choose your style and size, you will need to know where the best places to use pendant lighting are. Pendant lighting works best in conversation areas like family rooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. They are also typically used in task areas such as the kitchen, reading areas, or a workspace.

In the kitchen: If you have an island in your kitchen, pendants are a great way to draw attention to this feature and add task lighting. The same goes for other unique features such as a breakfast nook or a bar, making it more distinct and highlighting it as a conversation or gathering area.

TIP: If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank by remodeling, consider replacing older fixtures with a pendant fixture, or a row of pendants to give your kitchen a more modern look.

Dining areas: Get rid of that outdated lighting fixture and replace it with a unique pendant fixture. If you have a larger dining area, use 3 or more fixtures in a row to highlight your dining space.

TIP: Be sure to use a dimmer switch so you can brighten the area up for a dinner party, or set the mood when it is time for a romantic dinner for two.

Open floor plan: Pendant lighting can be used to break up a large open floor plan, giving the space a more separated feel and creating “zones” within it. If your living room and kitchen are adjoined, consider positioning your couch so the back is towards the kitchen. Hang a row of pendants above the couch and another row in the kitchen. This will separate the two areas and showcase your décor.

TIP: If you have a large living room, consider breaking it up into smaller areas. Create a focal point around a fireplace or entertainment center and hang a pendant fixture above this area. Use a chair or two, and a table in the corner with a single pendant fixture to create a reading nook.

The bedroom: Looking to make that master bedroom more romantic? Consider hanging a pendant fixture above the bed, or a row of pendants above your headboard. Install a dimmer switch to create a more inviting ambience.

TIP: Pendants can also be used above a dresser or vanity to create an extra layer of light or give your room a fresher look.