2020

Everything You Need to Know About DIY Track Lighting

by admin · Jul 14, 2020

Track lighting can be a wonderful addition to your home. These stylish, functional pieces have limitless uses, including:

Directional task lighting
Over-the-table or kitchen island lighting
Artwork spotlight lighting
Over-the-mantle lighting
Eye-catching general lighting

Designers have traditionally used track lighting in narrow hallways or to highlight art on the wall in studies, but because of its incredible flexibility, it is now used more extensively in living rooms, bathrooms and even bedrooms. This adds a contemporary touch to almost any space, making it perfect for a new build home or for renovated spaces in an existing home.

However, because multiple pieces are needed to assemble a functional track lighting system, picking the right one for you can seem daunting. The good news is that simple track lighting systems are made up of three different pieces, and knowing more about them can help you pick the right one.

1. The Track

First, take a look at the track itself. If you’re buying an all-inclusive fixture, style and size are your primary concerns. Is it large enough for your space? Will it perform its function and add the style you want?

If you’re purchasing components separately to create a custom fixture, keep in mind that different companies use different “styles” of track. Most companies sell tracks in segments ranging from 2’ to 8’, usually in H-style, J-style, and L-style. Any style will work, as long as you make sure ALL the components are the same style.

2. The Power Source

Examine the space where you’ll place the track lighting. The power source can be added in the middle of the track, or on the end, depending on your needs. If your electrical box is between each end of the track, use a floating canopy. If your track system will begin at the electrical box, you will need a live end feed power source.

3. The Track Heads

These heads will add your personal style to the track, in addition to facilitating the light source. Similarly, select your bulb based on the task and atmosphere it’s meant to serve, whether it’s an integrated LED head or a standard light bulb socket. To attach the track heads, simply insert the connection points inside the track and rotate the connection point until they lock in place.

4. Custom Built vs. All-Inclusive Tracks

Top-tier track lighting companies, such as Nuvo Lighting, offer countless kits that include all three components. They’re ready for assembly and easily to install, and you know exactly how your track light will turn out.

On the other hand, they also sell the components separately to enable full customization. This way, you can create a track lighting fixture that fits your exact needs and style, even if it requires a bit more work to keep things consistent.

Keep in mind that some types of track lighting require additional parts. For example, a Flexrail system uses mounts with posts that suspend the track from the ceiling, instead of mounting it flush to the drywall.

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to tackle your own lighting project! As always, feel free to contact one of our lighting experts with any questions. Here’s to you and keeping your track lighting project on track!

QUICK TIPS FOR BUILDING A COZY BOOK NOOK

by admin · Jun 23, 2020

The inglenook is a cute name with a charming history. It literally means “chimney corner” and began as a wooden seat built into the space on either side of the wide fireplaces common in 17th-century English houses and cottages.

Over time, the concept evolved to it’s own room near a fireplace room right off the kitchen and was meant to be a cozy place to get warm. It was a little room inside of a bigger room.

The concept of an inglenook has been reinvented recently and is used more generally when talking about how to convert a simple space with seemingly no defined use, to a creative nook that you can’t wait to be in! The modern concept of the nook nook is something to consider for an odd space without a definite purpose.

Some rooms have an obvious furniture layout that will fit them. For instance, the sofa will only fit the room going one particular direction to where it is facing the TV area. Some rooms have several layouts and there’s not just one right way of laying them out. Regardless of your room setting, finding a place to create your own little inglenook to curly up and read may be easier than you think. A cozy book nook can be created along a blank wall, in a corner full of windows, or even on the backside of a sofa! Here are some helpful hints to create a modern day inglenook that can still “warm” you when sit and stay awhile.

Book Storage: A book nook includes books so have a fun way of storing them in this little area. A cute big basket, simple wall shelves, or a storage ottoman can all make for a fun way to define your space.

Something to Sit On: It may be time to get that cute accent chair you’ve always wanted. For the grown-ups, a chair with an ottoman or something to put your feet up on will do the job. For kids, fun-print floor pillows or cushions will call their name.

Define the Space: Set your space apart from the rest of the room, even if it’s still part or your room—remember, a “little room inside of a bigger room.” A small rug will do the job of defining this space.

Light: Poor lighting is hard on the eyes and can ruin the appeal of the most beautifully crafted reading nook. Where possible, use natural light is great. Its good for the soul easy on the eyes and is the greenest form of light available.

When natural light is not an option, supplement with a lamp to bring in some color, an element of style and some nice task light to your area. Floor lamps are by far the most convenient way to bring lovely lighting to your gorgeous new reading nook.

Wall sconces give an elegant look to any space. While more difficult to mount, these lights turn into permanent fixtures and will are offer a reliable beam for reading any time of day. Mounting two on opposite ends of the nook, cover both sides while offering a “dim zone” in the middle if you do not want bright light. Adding a dimmer switch is a great idea that allows you to adjust the brightness to the perfect level no matter the task.

No Phone, No Problem! Your inglenook is calling you to come and read a book. Get cozy, grab a throw blanket and leave your phone behind.

Comfort can be found by young and old in the depths of a wonderful book. Creating a “book inglenook” that calls you to come and stay awhile is simple and rewarding.

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

by admin · Jun 2, 2020

Now that we’ve given plenty of attention to the age-old debate about how to place toilet paper, I think it’s time to move on to something else. A well-lit bathroom can make or break your morning routine, and vanity lighting is a huge part of that! How often do we really stop to consider vanity lighting, however?

We’ve compiled the 3 most vital elements of vanity lighting and a summary of each topic. After you read and feel informed, pick your side! If you haven’t had these debates with your spouse, parents, or roommates yet, NOW is the time. These details can really maximize your bathroom space and transform your morning routine.

1. How to Hang: Up or Down?

The first thing you should consider is how to hang your vanity lights—shining up or down? First, consider how you’ll use these lights. Are they direct task lighting? If so, angle down or at the face. An indirect light source for style and mood? Shine them up.

If you have a bathroom with a darker color palette, a downward hanging light may suit you best. Why? Darker colors soak up more light, and hanging it downward will focus the light on the area you really want to be illuminating.

If your bathroom has a lighter color, palette an upward hanging light will work best for the space. Why? The light reflects off of the ceiling and walls, amplifying the overall light for the entire room. Regardless of which direction you hang them, vanity lights should hang high off of the floor, approximately 78 inches.

2. Clear or Frosted Glass?

You may have already had this debate when choosing other fixtures, but it’s especially relevant to vanity lights. They’re closer to eye level and more frequently viewed than most home fixtures, so choose well here!

In my years at a lighting showroom, the more popular choice has always been frosted glass. Why? One favorite feature about frosted glass is that it shines a soft ambient light. It still provides plenty of lumens, but isn’t too harsh on the eye. They also require less cleaning, since you’re unlikely to see fingerprints or smudges. A weekly light dusting should do the trick.

On the other hand, I’ve encountered many lovers of clear glass. For one thing, they distribute more lumens, since the glass doesn’t diffuse the light. They’re often better for task lighting, aiding in accurate shaving or makeup application. The exposed light bulbs also add an element of style with different shaped filament bulbs.

3. What Fixture Size Is Best?

There’s a lot of variety in vanity fixtures. Some are small and dainty, others dramatic and large. We’ll let you have those infinite debates of taste as you surf Pinterest or our online catalog, but for now we’ll do you a favor and insert a lesser-known detail about proportions.

If your vanity light fixture is going over a single sink bowl, the fixture should be at least ¾ the size of the length of the mirror. Center it above the sink, and never select vanity lights that exceed the length of the mirror. If your vanity has two or more sinks, the same rules apply and you would center each light over its respective sink.

So there it is—the bathroom dilemmas no one talks about. Lighting matters! And fitting your vanity lighting to your unique taste will ensure an even better morning routine and evening wind-down experience.

How Ceiling Fans Can Save You Money In All Seasons

by admin · May 12, 2020

The hottest summer days and the coldest winter nights can lead to cranking on the thermostat and electric bills piling up. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to invest in a ceiling fan. Regulating the temperature in your home doesn’t have to break the bank. The truth is that ceiling fans can save you a tremendous amount of money and energy in all seasons.

Saving Money in Summer

In the summer months, running an AC is what cost the most money and uses the most energy in a home. At a cost of around 36 cents per hour of operation, it accounts for a quarter of all home energy consumption, according to the United States Energy Information Administration, part of the Department of Energy. However, the average cost of running a ceiling fan is just one cent per hour. Cost-effective ceiling fans used in conjunction with an efficient air conditioner can save you a tremendous amount of money.

Multiple white ceiling fans installed, next to industrial-looking pendant lighting fixtures

Ceiling fans circulate the air in the room, giving off a wind-chill effect which helps cool any room, keeping you comfortable on hot summer days. In a home that has a good ceiling fan, one can actually turn up the AC by 8 degrees and not even feel a difference. You read that right! If you typically like your bedroom at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you can turn it up to 78 and use your ceiling fan to keep the temperature at 70 degrees for you. Imagine the money that this could save you!

Saving Money In Winter

A ceiling fan won’t just save you money during hot days, but they also help on the coldest of days. Ceiling fans that have a reversible motor are money savers in colder seasons. With the flip of a switch that is found on the side of their motor housing, most ceiling fans will change rotations, and go clockwise. This reverse motion creates an updraft in the room, moving the hot air around without the wind-chill effect. With even distribution of heat throughout a room, the thermostat can be turned down and money will be saved.

Clean, minimalist living room with white couch, gold shelves, and a 3-blade Hånsen Lighting ceiling fan

Find the Perfect Fan at With Us

To make sure your ceiling fan is saving you the most money, you want to buy the right size fan with the right blades for your room. The blade-pitch of your fan affects your air circulation. a cheap fan with a 10-degree blade pitch from home depot won’t cool your house down like a nicer 12 degree will– and you don’t have to pay any more than you would at home depot!

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5 Ways to Use LED Strip Lights for a Safer Home

by admin · May 5, 2020

What’s the big deal with LED strip lights anyway? Let’s be honest. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the beauty and aesthetics of our home lighting fixtures that we forget to add into our design the practical purposes of light. Not only does light allow us to see things clearly, but it also provides protection from the dangers hiding in the dark. We want to protect you and your family, so we offer lighting options and tips to help keep you safe.

LED strip turned on and arranged in coil

Here’s what you need to know about LED strip lights:

LED strip lighting is an amazing technology that comes in different variations, but most have the same basic features: a continuous strip of thin and flexible LED lights on a flexible circuit board. They usually come on a reel or roll and can be adhered to almost any surface. Some options come with a fixed color and brightness while others allow for custom variations of both. Their safety comes from their low voltage power requirement and the versatility of adding lighting nearly anywhere that could be dangerous in the dark, offering additional safety for your loved ones at home.

In caring for seniors, ensuring an adequately lit living space can go a long way in preventing falls and other accidents. This is best done with motion-detecting lights that make it easy to light the space when someone enters. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Approximately one in four U.S. residents aged 65 years (or older) report falling each year.

Adequate lighting is also important for accident-prone individuals such as infants and young children. When lighting a home for these individuals, it’s important to place the lighting in key locations, as lighting from the ceiling and walls may not reach certain areas.

It’s best to mount them in places where the strip itself can be hidden but the light can provide a nice effect. Many people like mounting them under or behind unique structures to highlight interesting shapes or features of furniture or designs that would otherwise be ignored. But remember, safety is the first priority!

Here are some of our favorite places to use LED strip lights:

Kitchen

With sharp objects and hot surfaces, the kitchen can be a dangerous place for anyone. Having adequate lighting from top to bottom will help prevent accidents and keep you safe. Add LED strips under your kitchen cabinets that meet the floor—this area is known as the toe kick. This kind of lighting looks especially great under a kitchen island and makes those midnight snack runs or middle of the night drinks far less dangerous.

Add safety lights for home kitchen

Bathroom

Much like the kitchen, installing toe kick lights adds a really beautiful effect while illuminating an otherwise pitch black area. This lighting allows for a clear view of the floor and helps prevent toe bumps and even slips and falls on those half asleep trips to the bathroom.

Try these easy-install LED tape strips

Stairs

Accident-prone or not, stairs present a hazard in any home. One misstep can send grandparents, kids, and even the rest of us clumsy folk tumbling, so add LED strip lights to the front, back, or side edge of each step to light the way as you walk. This way, each step is clearly seen and cannot be missed.

Try these affordable LED tape lights for your staircase

Outdoors

With the right outdoor LED strip lights, you and your loved ones can enjoy the evenings with the confidence that you are protected from falls, burglars, and even unwanted pests. Place the lights around a central structure like a grill, or use multiple strips to illuminate the ceiling, posts, and steps of your patio.

Find great deals on outdoor lighting here

Walls and Ceiling

The space where your wall and ceiling meet may not be very hidden per se, but is not immediately noticeable at first glance. By placing LED strip lights around this perimeter, you can essentially light the entirety of the room in a fairly discreet way.

LED strip lights in ceiling and wall of room

Light your home with this LED strip

Staying Safe

LED lighting is a life-changing invention for the vision-impaired. LED lights are bright while still being easy on the eyes and present a lower fire hazard than other lighting options. With such a high risk of falls among the elderly, and dangers lurking in every dark corner, lighting your home for safety and efficiency must be a priority. Quickly add an LED strip anywhere more light is needed and reduce the risk of accident for the people you care about.

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Ready For An Upgrade – Try a Remote Controlled Ceiling Fan

by admin · Apr 21, 2020

Do you love the benefits you’ve received from your traditional ceiling fan, like increased air circulation or more cost savings per month– but feel ready for an upgrade? A remote controlled ceiling fan, just might do the trick in helping you reap all of the rewards one can offer.

When it comes to home design, a ceiling fan can be at the center of attention as many are now both functional and aesthetically compelling when compared to other lighting fixtures. You won’t have to trade beauty for function, as they are equally important in defining the design of your home. There are some great additional functional benefits to a ceiling fan with a remote.

The Benefits of Remote Controlled Ceiling Fans:

Convenience and Ease of Use

Though you may not know it, most ceiling fans can be adapted to work with a universal fan remote purchased after the fact. However, technology, designs, and engineering have now made it possible for most to come with their own unique ceiling fan remote control. Either way, having a remote to quickly change the speed, adjust the dimmer, or set a timer will make it easier to use. Don’t worry about fan pulls and pulling them one too many times any more.

Gone are the days of getting up off of your couch or out of bed to flip the switch and turn off your fan. Just program or install a remote and fully control your lighting or fan fixture. With minimal effort, you will have one of the conveniences of living in the 21^stCentury.

Shop All-PhaseRemote Control Ceiling Fans

Monochromatic, modern greyscale living room with two five-blade ceiling fans

Added Comfort

Ceiling fans can provide a bit of nostalgia, as your childhood home probably had one if not multiple fans. Making your home comfortable by installing a ceiling fan and connecting you to your roots, especially one with a remote, will add coziness and a sense of warmth.

Ceiling fans come equipped with a variety of features including a rotation switch, different speeds, sometimes attached lighting apparatuses, and can naturally cool or heat your home.

Temperatures tend to fluctuate making it difficult to get comfortable. Having a ceiling fan can help circulate the air and leave it eight degrees cooler in the summer months. Later in the year, reverse the direction of the fan and it will pull the heat upward making the entire space feel cozier.

Not all houses have the same ceiling height, but lucky for you there are a variety of ceiling fan designs, sizes, and models – all providing the sole purpose of adding comfort to your everyday living situation.

If your ceiling is less than nine feet, a flush mount ceiling fan might be best so guests or family members don’t bonk their heads as they enter the room. Another variegated style is a ceiling fan with light – a win-win situation. Both of these designs have the ability to be adapted to work with remote control. The number of blades on a ceiling fan does not have any significance but can influence your overall feel. Simply find a ceiling fan to best fit your home décor and comfort needs.

Traditional ceiling fan with wood blades, dome light, and pulls

Luxury or Necessity?

You might be thinking a remote control ceiling fan is for those who seek a luxurious lifestyle, but to be honest it can be a fixture for everyone. A ceiling fan could become helpful in a variety of situations, and even be a necessity.

Elderly People– The elderly to utilize their lighting fixtures and not risk falling. Getting up and moving around might create a risk for them, and this could help ease the difficulty. A ceiling fan remote control can also assist them in utilizing features they normally could not.
Task Lighting or Specialized Activities– Whether you are completing a specific task, chore, or activity around the house and want less air circulating instead of interrupting your focus by getting up and altering the fan speed, simply use a remote.
Young Children– If having a ceiling fan scares you because you have small ones who like to jump around and pull the fan pulls, altering the function and operation of the ceiling fan can minimize or remove the risk.

Shop Ceiling Fan Remotes

Sleek, modern ceiling fan in black matte finished mounted in a neutral living space

Adapt and Install

Upgrade your traditional ceiling fan and turn it into luxury accessory, by making it work through a remote control. Installation is simple and easy and you will be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Most universal fan remotes available on the market work with a variety of brands.

At Lit Living, we have lighting specialists available who can help you discover what fan will work best with your home décor, which remote control fan kit to purchase, or the perfect size of fan for your favorite room.

Although there are options to integrate the remote control of a ceiling fan with smart home technology via your hand-held device, we recommend sticking to a ceiling fan remote control. Having a separate remote just for your fan will allow you to control it without messing up the frequency of your other devices.

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This Is Probably Keeping You & Your Kids Awake At Night

by admin · Apr 14, 2020

Everyone wants their kids to get better sleep because if your kids are sleeping better, you are too.

But sometimes, we may be doing things like scrolling through our phones or using a sleeping light, that are keeping us from sleeping better and we don’t even realize it.

Turn Your Sleeping Light Off and Your Reading Light On

Check out these bedtime habits and see if you do any of them yourself. If so, it might be time to change things up a bit to give yourself a better night’s sleep.

No More Screen Time (Blue Light Exposure) Before Bedtime

A dark room at night with an open laptop and window

Did you know?

Our phone and tablet screens emit a large amount of blue light which makes it more difficult to fall asleep.

According to the National Institute for General Medical Sciences, our bodies have a circadian rhythm, which is our “physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle. They respond primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.” Light is made of a wide spectrum of different colors, and science has found that each color in the spectrum actually creates a physiological response in our body. Artificial lighting has the same effect, but being exposed to the wrong artificial lighting at the wrong time of day can have a dramatic impact on how we feel and function.

For example, blue light is most prevalent in the sun’s natural spectrum from morning to mid-day, when our bodies are expected to be most productive. This means that when we stare at the blue light on our phones just before bed, the light is actually telling our bodies to wake up! The opposite of what we want for a healthy and regular sleep schedule.

The effects of blue light on sleep are pretty huge. If you or you kids are in the habit of scrolling right before bed, it might be time to change that routine.

Another study explains that a great way to help yourself get better sleep even when you are exposed to blue light is to “block the (blue) light from technology that suppresses melatonin.”

Melatonin is a hormone in our bodies that helps regulate sleep and if blue light is keeping our bodies from creating and using it, then we’re going to have a harder time falling asleep.

So ditch the phone scrolling before and try these ideas instead:

Plugin your phone across the room so you’re not tempted to continuously scroll at bedtime
Set a reminder on your phone when it’s time to go to put down your phone and go to bed
Try using a blue light filter if you do have to use a screen before bed or blue light blocking glass right before bed
Change the light bulbs in your bedroom fixtures to be sure they are not emitting high amounts of blue light (look for 2700K or less)

To reduce the amount of blue light you’re exposed to, be sure to upgrade the bulbs in your bedrooms to utilize the best lights for sleeping.

Use these warmer LED light bulbs instead!

Use Low Level Lighting

Once you have the right bulbs with low blue light, before going to bed, consider dimming the lights in your bedroom. It is best if this is done with an eye level lamp or wall sconce. Using this pattern does more to mimic the natural light changes of the sun.

Doing this will help communicate to your body that it’s time to get ready for bed and help you wind down for the evening. Using a bright overhead light, signal to our body that its time to be productive. Cutting it off suddenly does little to help our body understand it’s now time to begin making the chemicals required for good sleep.

If nothing else, try adding a simple dimmer switch to your main light and dim the lamps to about 30% as you wind down at night before bed.

Night Lights Matter

Many children (an adults) go to bed with a sleeping light on, but keeping the lights off at night can actually help you stay asleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.If a night light is needed, Instead of using a normal light bulb, again try switching to low-level, warm-toned lights (2700K or lower) with a low blue light rating and see what a difference it makes in how well you sleep.

Be More Aware of the Lights in Your Home

You might think a light bulb is a light bulb, but it’s far from the truth. As you know now, the type of bulb makes a big difference in how we feel. Do you know what kind of light bulbs you have in your home?

SeniorLed claims that “Low blue light bulbs are notably better than typical LED bulbs in terms of circadian cycle regulation and human health.”

If your lightbulbs are out of date, they could be affecting your sleep. Things like harsh fluorescent lighting, that flicker a lot, and has high blue light emissions can be unsettling to your eyes making it harder to fall asleep after being exposed to them all day.

Instead of fluorescent lights, try these LED bulbs for home lighting instead. Need somewhere to start? Begin changing out the lighting in your bedrooms for a better night’s sleep.

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For all your home lighting needs, visit Lit Living. Our lighting experts can help you optimize any room with the best lighting for a healthier, happier home.

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