Category Archives: Outdoor

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.

The 3 Types of Patio Lighting

Your patio is a fun extension of your home, allowing you to unwind and relax with family and friends. The party doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down, though. Lighting your patio involves three important methods.

Entertainment Spaces

The best way to light outdoor entertainment areas is by figuring out how you’re using the space. If you plan on having meals around a dining table, you need to purchase outdoor pendants. For seating areas, you need table and floor lamps. In Scottsdale, it’s smart to buy outdoor ceiling fan lights to battle hot summer nights.

Remember, lighting an outdoor space is not the like lighting indoor areas. Outdoor lighting should be dim; rather than lighting as much area as you can like with indoor lighting, patio lighting should just be directed where you need it. A trend right now is using string lights for ambient lighting to create a soft glow.

Safety Spaces

It’s important that you and your loved ones are able to safely navigate your patio and yard in the dark. We recommend task lighting around water taps and electrical breakers. It’s imperative that steps or any change in elevation be lighted.  Step lights and path lights can ensure you and your guests will be able to move around your outdoor space easily.

Security Spaces

While you don’t spend nearly as much time outdoors than indoors, your patio still needs to create a sense of security whenever you’re in it. For your safety, doors, breezeways, and trash bin areas should be lit. This can be done through outdoor wall sconces. For major security to scare any intruder away, we recommend flood lights.

Need outdoor lighting fixtures in Scottsdale? Visit Premier Lighting today.

4 Outdoor Lighting Essentials

Starting on lighting design for your backyard can be overwhelming. Homeowners often ask themselves, “Where do I even begin? The best way to start any project is with the essentials, of course. Here are the 4 basic outdoor lighting essentials.

Safety

Outdoor lighting design needs to incorporate safety. Paths and entrances should be lit and free of any shadows. It’s especially important to light stairs as those are easy to trip over in the dark. You can light stairs using step lights or under-tread lights.

Security

Lighting can actually be used to fend off intruders. Motion lighting, for instance, not only lets you know when someone’s on your property but will usually scare off the offender before they even enter your home. Motion lights can also help you better capture the intruder’s face on video cameras if you decide to report them later on.

Yard Features

Lighting design should show off your landscape and garden. Strategically install lighting that highlights the most beautiful and interesting features of your yard. We highly recommend lighting water features, as this creates a stunning look.

Lifestyle

Keep in mind that lighting design should make spending time in your backyard more appealing, not an obstacle. When designing your outdoor lighting, think about how often you host family and friends outdoor. Light the areas that you spend the most time in.

Ready to get started on your outdoor lighting project? The experts at Premier Lighting can help you create and implement a lighting design you’ll love. For outdoor light fixtures in Scottsdale, contact Premier Lighting.

4 Outdoor Step Lighting Designs

Outdoor step lights are an important feature for every Scottsdale home. They provide safety on dark nights and are visually stunning, adding décor to any house. Step lighting can be as simple or artistic as you desire. Here are 4 outdoor step lighting designs.

Under Step Lighting

Similar to under cabinet lights for your kitchen, you can install under step lighting for any stairs outside. These subtle and discreet lights provide ample illumination without drawing any attention to the fixture itself. Under step lighting can be installed beneath the extended rims of stairs.

LED Step Lighting

LED is always a smarter choice compared to incandescent light bulbs. While LEDs typically cost more than light bulbs, they last much longer. Typical bulbs last 1,000 hours while LED bulbs can last 25,000 hours. LED step lighting can also include motion sensor features, making them especially helpful on dark, Scottsdale nights.

Stone Step Lighting

Step lighting on stone stairs offers homeowners many options. If the stairs aren’t floating, lighting can be installed on the side walls—one for each step. These lights can be installed either on the surface of stones or inside the walls to create an enchanting and magical look.

Wood Step Lighting

Step lighting on wood texture can be applied or installed in multiple ways. One option is the under step lighting, giving your wood stairs a warm glow. Low voltage wooden step lights can easily be found in Scottsdale and like stone step lighting, can be applied on the sides of a wooden staircase.

Finding Step Lighting in Scottsdale

Premier Lighting offers a multitude of step lighting for locals in Scottsdale. Our wide variety and friendly experts give you tons of options for your home. Contact us and visit our Scottsdale showroom today to get started on your outdoor lighting design.

How Landscape Lighting Makes All the Difference

Landscape Lighting

Outdoor lighting can make your home look great and should not be neglected. Here’s how you can begin your landscaping lighting project.

Start with the Basics

Know the different kinds of outdoor lighting. You’ve got three options: the overall lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Think about your home and the spaces you’re buying lighting for. What kind of activities will you use the space for? That’s going to help you work out the best picks for landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ.

Map it Out

Be strategic about where you’re going to put the lighting pieces. Sketch it out. Do you want to put those pendant lights over under the tree? What about your backyard? Do you want downward lights to illuminate the fence? Maybe you’ll want to go with a few garden lamps to light up the way to your patio?

Tackle the Issues

Outdoor lighting comes with challenges. That includes the positioning and shielding of the items when you shop around for landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ. Also, you’ll want to be aware of glare. Getting a light source that’s too big or bright will lead to that problem. If the light is much too bright, that’s going to hurt your eyes and make for an outdoor dining experience that’s less than ideal.

Don’t Add to the Pollution

Too much light is going to lead to light pollution. That’s also why it’s ideal that you avoid glare. Buying the right kind of lighting piece helps with that. Light pollution is a waste of energy as well as money, which give you more reasons to make sure it doesn’t happen in your outdoor space.

Try Out Solutions

There are a number of ways that you can prevent light pollution. You can minimize the wattage when you shop for lighting, control the light with dimmers or timers and even motion sensors so you can save on electricity when no one is around to use the lights. Just make sure you also aim the lights in the right direction. That way, the beams won’t accidentally get into your neighbor’s lawn or home.

Improve your outdoors with a slew of landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ. Shop at Premier Lighting.

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

Low voltage lighting is perfect for your outdoor space. Before you decide which options for landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ hit the mark, here are a few buying tips you’ll want to keep in mind.

Think About the Design

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when you shop around for lighting fixtures and lamps is the style and design. Are those pieces going to blend in with the style of your outdoors and your home? Will they stand out in a good way or a bad way? You’ll want to consider these questions.

Consider the Uses

What do you want out of those lamps and fixtures? Do you want to create better drama and ambiance in your garden? Do you need better lighting because yours is already dim? Are you looking for a replacement? Do you want to look for lighting that’s going to give your gazebo the perfect romantic glow? You’ll want to ponder over these before you shop around for landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ.

Check Out Options

Don’t limit your choices. Say, your outdoor lamp is busted. Instead of buying the same old lamp, consider expanding your choices to include a range of other styles and designs. Which ones offer energy savings? Which pieces give your outdoor space the makeover it needs? Don’t close yourself off to possibilities. Check out as much of the inventory as you can.

Read the Fine Print

Before you start buying lighting pieces, make sure you read the fine print. How long is the delivery going to take? That could affect your timeline. If you have any questions or if you aren’t sure about a certain detail, don’t hesitate to send an email or call.

Check Out Reviews

Don’t forget to check out what other customers are saying about the product. Is it well worth every penny? Does it look like the same as in the picture? You wouldn’t want to end up ordering from a dodgy retailer that’s going to send you something that looks completely different from the images on the product page.

For a stress-free buying experience, check out landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ at Premier Lighting. Check out our inventory. Visit today.

Landscape Lighting: Security and Aesthetic

Outdoor lighting can do a lot to improve the security and visual appeal of your property. Read on to know how to make this happen in your backyard.

Highlight Trees

When you highlight the trees, that can result in wonderful effects. You’ll want to find a way to illuminate the trees, whether from below or by a mounted lighting fixture. Highlighting trees can also provide your gardens with much-needed lighting to eliminate dark spots in your outdoors.

Light Up the Path

If you love taking strolls in your garden, then put in lightning that can provide you with enough brightness to guide you along. Shop around for decorative landscape lighting in Tucson AZ. That should add a bit of fun and elegance to your garden. Also, by installing lights, you won’t get lost in the dark. You won’t need to worry about stumbling around or tripping over your own feet. With the lights, you can stroll around without any worries for your safety.

Eliminate Dark Areas

Everyone knows burglars and criminal elements are much more likely to hit homes that pose little to no threat to them. If your outdoor space is pretty dark, with little to no lighting fixtures in place, that’s going to provide them with plenty of cover. Don’t let that happen. Install exterior light fixtures in Tucson AZ to get rid of any dark areas or spots in your outdoor space. With plenty of illumination around, that’s going to discourage burglars and thieves from targeting your home. Also, with bright garden spaces, you can enjoy terrific visuals every time you look at your window and check your exterior lights.

Experiment with Styles

There is a wide range of styles you can go for. With plenty of lighting options around, finding fixtures that will look right at home in your property should be easy enough. You won’t need to worry about limiting your options. Just make sure you shop from a reputable store. With a reliable lighting supplier, you know you’re buying topnotch products. That means zero problems or issues with the item. Keep in mind that cheap lighting solutions can be dangerous and can lead to fire or accidents. Prevent all that from happening by making a smart shopping decision. Buy items only from stores you trust.

Ready to shop for landscape lighting in Tucson AZ? Browse at Premier Lighting and check out what we have in store for you.

Exterior Lights Greatly Enhance the Valuation of Your Property

Backyard Outdoor Fixtures

Lights outside of your home can be just as important as the ones within it. Exterior light fixtures can add a new factor and look to your home without breaking the budget. But there is another way they can help your home: they can increase the property value.

Outdoor light fixtures can enhance the value of your property in Tucson, AZ because it sets your home apart from the rest. Many people avoid putting lights outside their home because they believe it is a waste of money. But if you are looking to get a good price on your house once it goes on the market, then exterior lights make all the difference.

Here are a few reasons exterior light fixtures increase property value:

Unique

Many homes do not have lights outside. Adding them is an easy and affordable way to set your house apart from the rest and increase its value. Additionally, you can choose a customizable option that will make your house even more unique.

Modern

Lights on the outside can give your home a very modern feel. Most people looking to buy homes want properties to be modern; this means that they want a home with modern accessories. Exterior lights can come in any model, including modern ones, that will put your home at the top of the market list.

Safe

Families, especially ones with small children, want a house that will be safe. A house with outdoor lights is appealing because it provides safety for young children who sometimes play outside in the dark. Young families who are buying homes will be attracted to your house’s features, which will make the value go up.

If you are thinking about selling your home, you are most likely looking for ways to increase its property value. Exterior light fixtures are great additions to your house that will give you the increase you want. Besides looking nice, outdoor light fixtures add a uniqueness to your home, give it a modern feel, and give parents a sense of safety. To put it simply, they are an easy and affordable option for a much needed advantage.

Whether you want outdoor light fixtures or ceiling light fixtures, Premier Lighting is here to provide you with all your lighting needs. Visit us at our showroom or our website today!

Brighten Your Property with Landscape Lighting

Landscape Lighting

Illuminate your backyard with the right lighting. Here are the best tips to help you.

Be Clear About What You Want

Do you want to create a romantic spot for two in your outdoor space? Do you plan on opening your backyard for some family get-togethers or parties? Know your reasons before you start checking out landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ.

Sketch Your Yard

Make a sketch of your existing yard, complete with all the lights, benches, trees, shrubs, and other items. That’s going to make it easier for you to work out the best spots to put in your outdoor light fixtures. Are there any areas in your garden that you want to highlight? Factor those thoughts in when you’re picking out spots for your brand-new lights.

Consider the Project’s Extent

What kind of lights do you want? Do you prefer options that are easy to install? Some lighting systems may require a lot of expertise and effort. Low-voltage lighting options for your outdoors can be done yourself, but difficult lighting work will require the help of a professional.

Draw Up a Budget

Set up a budget. That’s going to give you a clear idea which options are in your price range. If you’re willing to sacrifice high-voltage lighting, low-voltage lighting options are a cost-saving alternative.

Set it Up

Work with various angles and distances when you put in your lights. Consider the shadows your lighting will cast. Pick out options that can create soft spots of light in your garden space. That’s going to create a soft, romantic glow that’s going to fit in well with the romantic table for two you’re planning on setting up.

Shop Right

Be sure to shop for your lights at a reputable lighting store. Check out options. With a slew of lighting styles, decors, and styles, finding the right one for your garden or backyard should be a fun experience.

Find the perfect lights to brighten your garden and illuminate your outdoor space. Shop for landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ at Premier Lighting.

Tips for Lighting Your Landscape

Exterior Lighting Fixtures

Tucson is known for its beautiful landscapes, so it makes sense that you’d want yours to be seen. Many spend hundreds on landscapers, only to realize that their hard work and effort will be hiding in the dark during the evening. If you’d like your landscape to shine, no matter what time it is, here are tips to keep in mind.

Ask Yourself, “Why?”

What’s the purpose of your landscape lighting? Are you trying to create a specific mood or light up a pathway for safety reasons? It’s better to figure out if you want lighting for aesthetic or practical reasons before investing in lighting. With proper planning, you can even have a combination of both.

Study Your Yard

The amazing aspect of landscape lighting is that you can virtually light up any element in your yard. Flowers, bushes, trees, statues, benches—all of them reflect light or absorb it. Analyze your yard and determine how many elements you can light up.

Make Decisions

The last thing you want to do is buy landscape lighting in Tucson, AZ and decide later where it should go. Think about how you want your yard to look and plan accordingly. Soft moods can be created by placing exterior light fixtures under shrubs. Water fountains and statues are perfect for spot lights. You can decide to place light around ponds, pools, benches, and more.

Hire a Professional

Professional lighting experts can help you execute your vision properly and safely. With their help, your landscape lighting will last much longer than your average DIY project. Check out showrooms in Tucson to speak to lighting designers and get started on your lighting project. For exterior lighting fixtures in Tucson, AZ, visit Premier Lighting.