2021

A Beginner’s Guide to Light Bulbs

by admin · Jan 19, 2024

Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Light Bulb for Your Home

Imagine this: you look up, and notice that your ceiling light has a burnt-out bulb. You check the closet and realize you’re out of replacements. So you go to the store and realize there’s an entire aisle full of light bulbs in different boxes with different names and shapes and ratings. This was supposed to be a simple trip, but now you have to start googling. Sound familiar?

It looks like a lot of technical jargon, and it kind of is, but don’t worry. We’ve put together the things you actually need to know, so that you can skip past the shopping nightmare and get right to the bulb you need.

Light Bulb Types

Incandescent

Incandescent bulbs are the original light bulb. They give off light by sending electricity through a thin filament, which glows when it heats up. They emit a warm yellow light and are dimmable. These bulbs are easy to find and are typically the least expensive option. Incandescent bulbs last for around a year, which is longer than halogen bulbs, but shorter than CFL and LED bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs are the least energy-efficient bulb on our list, which has landed them on the blacklist of environmentalist legislation in several countries over the last 15 years, including China and the United States.

Halogen

This bulb has the shortest lifespan of the four. They emit a light very similar to incandescent bulbs, and they cost a little bit more because they are much more efficient. They do have a drawback- they heat up very quickly, so they need to be kept away from combustible materials. Use gloves when you handle these bulbs, as the oil from your hands can make them explode when they get hot.

CFL

Short for Compact Fluorescent Lamp, CFLs are energy-saving bulbs that come in a wide range of colors. They last longer than incandescent bulbs and are less expensive than LED lights, so they can be a good choice for large rooms. It’s important to note that they usually take time to warm up and get to full brightness, and they produce a lot of heat. They contain mercury, so handle and dispose of them with care.

LED

LED bulbs are the latest technology in the light bulb industry. Despite being the most expensive option of the four, they’re wildly popular for a number of reasons. They can last up to 50,000 hours, which means they hardly ever need to be replaced. To put that in perspective, if you left an LED bulb on for 12 hours a day, every day of the week, it would last for 11 years! They also produce so little heat they are cool to the touch even after hours of running. This makes them a very safe option when it comes to lighting your home.

LED bulbs are the holy grail of customizable lighting. They are dimmable, come in a wide variety of colors (some can even change hues), and come in outdoor-rated varieties. Many use smart technology, so they can be linked to your Google Home or Alexa. LED bulbs are a great option anywhere in your home, but we especially recommend them for hard-to-reach fixtures that you don’t want to change very often.

Light Bulb Glossary Terms

Base: The portion of the light bulb that connects the bulb itself to the light fixture is called the base. Light bulb bases come in several sizes, so be sure to check your old bulb. Most household light bulbs have a base with a letter-number combination such as E12. The letter represents the base shape (in this case, Edison), and the number represents the width of the base, usually in millimeters.

Watts: This is a measurement of power, representing the energy transfer of the bulb. A 60 watt lightbulb “consumes” 60 joules of energy per second. Energy efficient light bulbs can produce the same amount of light using fewer watts, so they cost less money to run.

Lumens: This is a measurement of light, representing how much light is being emitted per second. Light bulbs with high lumen ratings give off more light.

CRI: This acronym stands for “Color Rendering Index.” Colors appear differently under different lighting conditions, so the CRI score tells you how well a light bulb will show you the true colors of objects. Bulbs are rated from 0-100, with 0 meaning all colors will appear the same and 100 meaning that all colors will be true. A bulb with a CRI above 80 is good, and 90 is great. Incandescent and halogen bulbs have a CRI of 100. This rating has nothing to do with light temperature.

Color Temperature: This is a measurement of light color from cool to warm, measured in Kelvin (K). Bulbs around 2000 K will give off a warm red light. Around 5000 K, bulbs give off light that mimics mid-day sunlight. Over 6000 K bulbs give off a cool blue light. Warm light is relaxing, so it’s great in bedrooms and living rooms. Cool light is energizing, so it’s perfect for kitchens and offices.

Energy Star Rating: This rating label was developed by the EPA, and is given to bulbs that “contribute significant energy savings.” If your bulb has the Energy Star logo on its packaging, it means that it will be more efficient in its energy consumption, which saves you money in the long run.

If you’re stuck in the store unsure what to buy, or if you’ve lost track of your browser tabs and you still don’t know if the bulb in your cart is right, we’ve got you covered. Give our experts a call or stop by our showroom and we’ll be happy to walk you through getting the perfect bulb.

7 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

by admin · Dec 15, 2023

Your living room shouldn’t be the only room in your home that showcases your style – it’s time to show your bathroom a little love too! Wondering how to get started? Here are 7 tips, and plenty of inspiring examples, to show you how you can transform your bathroom into a space that you can be proud of!

1. Use Striking Wall Colors

Coloring with contrasts make for a striking match with any vanity set. A simple, yet functional brass light fixture ties the whole look together, while still providing the bright light you need to get ready every morning.

Sometimes, simplicity makes for the best design. Matte black task lighting, bright yellow bulbs, and a textured black backdrop create a truly showstopping combination, adding a dramatic effect that’s sure to leave any guests talking.

2. Color-Coordinate Your Hardware

Make any vanity look luxe with gold features. Coordinate your drawer handles, faucets, and light fixtures for a put-together feel. Especially when paired with simple blacks and whites, these accents really shine!

This bathroom uses a brilliant geometric design as a wall accent, then simplifies the space with a clean-cut, over-the-mirror light fixture in a pretty accent color. The result is an engaging, but not overly busy, bathroom look.

3. Use Chandeliers to Make a Statement

Create a primping room fit for a Hollywood A-lister by using some surprisingly simple décor essentials: a classic vanity, glamorous chandelier, and patterned walls. The result? A bathroom with a touch of flair, lots of style, and a slight air of drama. We love it!

Want a more understated room with just a touch of glitz? You can still lounge in luxury as you soak beneath a dazzling chandelier.

4. Mix Natural and Modern Elements

Bring all of the soothing spa vibes to your own bathroom while still keeping it chic. Here, natural wood elements are balanced with sleek, simple light fixtures and mirrors that provide an understated modern touch.

This bathroom makes a great use of natural touches with wooden shelves and small potted plants. To top it off, the light fixture’s wavy, modern design sends an organic “go with the flow” impression that matches the tone of the room’s décor.

5. Choose Bold Color Accents

If you want a pop of color in your bathroom, but you aren’t willing to commit to a full accent wall, try colorful light fixtures! These red lights are a bright spot in a white room that draw attention and add style without being overwhelming.

If you’ve got some fun color elsewhere, like this vintage yellow toilet and sink, that’s great! This black fixture blends with the style and lets the colorful toilet and sink truly shine.

6. Embrace Classic Elements

If you’re looking for a simple, sophisticated bathroom, this one will suit your tastes. The vanity set and walls have subtle detailing, while the silver light fixtures boast clean lines and an elegant silhouette.

Here, a large, gorgeous vanity takes center stage. Combined with modest, shaded light fixtures, the overall effect is timeless and elegant.

7. Play Around with Interesting Shapes

Hoping to create a quaint, charming wash room? A minimalist vanity, pretty wall pattern, and small vase of flowers are a good way to start. The light is a beautiful finishing touch: it’s simple enough to highlight the other design elements, but the double-sided fixture is unique enough to add some extra flair.

In this bathroom, diamonds are everyone’s best friend. Flanking the mirror with unusual diamond-shaped light fixtures creates a distinctive, fashionable element, making this space seem subtly one-of-a-kind.

While the task lighting on each side of the mirrors is straightforward, it’s the unusual shape of the overhead lighting that commands attention in this modern bathroom. The overall effect? A bathroom that’s stylish, sleek, and unique.

Feeling inspired? Transform your bathroom into a space that’s truly yours with any of these simple tips. Whether you add an accent wall, a colored fixture, some interesting shapes or natural elements, we’re sure you’ll love the effect! Best of luck from us here at Lit Living.

6 Amazing Uses for LED Strip Lights

by admin · Nov 24, 2023

Good lighting is about so much more than just light bulbs and switches. When it’s done right, lighting can transform any space, increase the value of any real estate, and even fuel your soul and energize your body. It’s a proven fact that using the right lighting can dramatically change your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re building a valuable asset, setting the mood or pulling a late night, choosing the right lighting makes all the difference.

It’s time to use lighting better and LED light strips are one of the easiest ways. Take full advantage of modern lighting technology to change your home for the better by using LED strip lights to illuminate your surroundings. LED strip lights (often called LED tape or ribbon light) are small, flat, flexible, circuit boards with small LED lights embedded along the surface. They are an easy choice for DIYers of any level looking to upgrade their space because they come with an adhesive backing, can be cut to any length, and their low profile means they can be hidden or tucked into very small spaces.

LED strip lights are a great place to start when that can invigorate your senses, change the atmosphere in your home, and even increase your safety. Here are six unexpected ways you can use LED strip lights to energize and brighten your life!

Customize Your Kitchen

This may sound like an unusual place to start, but LED strip lights can really make your kitchen shine. All you need to do is place the strip under your kitchen cabinets! It will make your cooking area brighter and easier to use, give your kitchen a bright and custom-made feel, and create a soft glow for mood lighting to compliment your evening wind down.

You can even line the inside of your kitchen cabinets or drawers with LED strip lights to make it easier to find exactly what you need.

Feature Your Collections

You’re displaying your prizes, pictures, and awards for a reason: you are proud of them! Why not give them the spotlight they deserve? By illuminating your shelving with LED strip lights, you’ll create the perfect glow that will make your special items pop.

LED strip lights also are the perfect medium for highlighting mirrors and artwork on your walls. Create a beautifully back-lit design by installing an LED strip around the perimeter of your mirror or art between it and the wall.

Secure Your Staircase

The right amount of light can completely transform your dark or dangerous staircase into the beautiful bright staircase of your dreams. Add an LED strip across the bottom edge of each stair or even along the bottom of your handrail to make your staircase a bright and beautiful feature in your home. Not only will this add more character to your home, but it will also make your staircase much safer by properly lighting the stairwell and stairs for your treks up and down between floors. No more tripping on shoes or backpacks in the dark!

Highlight Your Backyard

Your backyard is the place where you go to reconnect with the outdoors and to spend quality time with the people you love. Whether you like to read on your porch swing, play catch with the kids, or entertain guests around the firepit, take full advantage of your outdoor living space! Incredibly, LED strip lights can be used outdoors too! Liven up your backyard with LED strip lights by lining the patio, flower beds, or even your swimming pool. This will add an extra layer of cozy lighting for you to enjoy year-round.

Create a Relaxing Retreat

Getting the right lighting in your bedroom is arguably one of the most important things you need to do for yourself when planning your home design. At the end of a long day, you need a place where you can get the ambiance just right so that you can relax and unwind. Look for places that are easy to line with LED strips like a doorway, the perimeter of your ceiling, or your headboard or bed frame. Then you can turn off your harsh, overhead light and instead bask in a soft, ambient glow that will help you relax and recover from the day.

Travel In Style

That’s right: You can make your vehicle explode with light by adding LED strip lights to the inner and outer surfaces. Make your interiors feel custom and expensive by lining the seats, floor boards, dash, and ceiling to get a slick glow. On the outside, add LED strips to the bottom of the frame and around your tires as an added safety feature that comes with a serious wow factor.

If your ride has 2 wheels instead of 4, LED strip lights will be your best friend. Adding LED lights to your motorcycle or bicycle helps other drivers see you more easily on the road, making your night time travelling safer. For those that are more concerned about the cool-factor, line the bottom of your motorcycle with LEDs to make it look like you are floating, or you can line the entire frame of your bicycle and you’ll be the star on the bike path! Either way, you’ll have a conversation starter!

*^{Alexander Mogilevets/Shutterstock.com}*

Please read up on the laws and guidelines in your area before adding LED lights to your vehicles, as some colors or installation locations might be outlawed if they’re distracting to other drivers.

With a little bit of help from LED strip lights, you can brighten your home and yard, show off your collections, get that sweet after-market look on your vehicle, and make your spaces a little safer. These lights really can be used almost anywhere, so don’t be afraid to explore the many different ways LED strip lights can enhance your life. You never know, what you find might surprise you! And, as always, if you have any questions about your next lighting project, contact All-Phasetoday. We are always willing and happy to help you get started!

9 Design Tips for Any Kitchen

by admin · Oct 20, 2023

Whether you’re the kind of cook who makes quick and easy meals after an exhausting workday or you’re a foodie dreaming of your own 5-star restaurant, the kitchen is one of the most important and well-used rooms in any home. For maximum practically and atmosphere, a well-lit workspace is a must! Here are 9 design tips, with plenty of examples, for a practical and fashionable kitchen that anyone can enjoy.

1. Use Metallic Touches

A clean, open-concept workspace pairs well with these gorgeous silver fixtures, like a flavorful wine with a good meal. The large fixtures offset the empty space from high ceilings, yet they are still minimalist in detailing, so the look isn’t overbearing.

This kitchen embraces the dramatic: bold black cabinets and countertops offer a beautiful backdrop that allows striking metallic gold fixtures to hang front and center. The result is a showstopping kitchen with plenty of flair.

2. Incorporate Sleek Lines

Now you can whip up gourmet goodies in a glamorous space. This contemporary kitchen employs a beautifully streamlined design. Light woods and belled glass fixtures provide an air of graceful elegance, fit for any aspiring 5-star chef.

These modern lights have a beautifully chic silhouette. Evenly spaced with the rest of the room’s features, like the long island and the simple, sleek cabinet hardware, these lights make good use of visual lines and the space as a whole, giving this kitchen a cohesive look.

3. Find Pieces with Function and Flair

When you’re hosting guests and have too many different dishes and sides planned, it can really turn up the heat in your kitchen. Install a fan to provide necessary light and a comfortable breeze to keep temperatures under control. Plus, everyone will be a fan of this chic look!

Bright lighting beneath these cabinets creates a beautifully lit workspace for all of your food prep needs. These hidden light fixtures blend in with the outline of the rest of the kitchen, leaving the smooth lines of the hardware, appliances, and cabinets unbroken for a lovely modern aesthetic.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Bare Some Bulb

Sometimes, a little goes a long way: here, simple bulbs hanging from the ceiling make for a gorgeous fixture. These bare bulbs are neat enough and placed deliberately enough that the resulting group adds an artistic touch.

If you’re a woodsy soul, use your style to bring the outdoors in. The mixture of bulbs and circular metallic elements makes these fixtures look like lanterns, giving this kitchen a charmingly rustic feel. Now, you can pretend you’re camping every day – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

These fixtures are stylishly understated. The exposed bulbs mix with the other natural touches in the room, like the simple tile and the wood counters, for an organically home-y style. (Of course, a furry friend never hurts to make a room feel like home, either).

5. Use Shades to Express Unique Style

If you share a living space but not the same design tastes, then there’s no need to fight; vastly different styles can be made to work together, with stunning results. Here, the metal shades provide a touch of industrial flair in an otherwise rustic room, bringing the two styles in harmony with each other.

Kitchens aren’t just a workspace – they’re also where you can spend restful Sunday afternoons baking cookies or brownies (and licking the batter from the bowl). Soft colors and sophisticated shades give this kitchen a calming, fresh air, perfect for enjoying yourself as you bake some sweet treats!

6. Maximize Texture

Cool textures can give any room a stylish edge, and the kitchen is no exception. These wire shades have some heaviness to them, and the colors complement the wood counters and beams, creating an appearance that is perfectly tied-together.

Sometimes, subtle features can be the most striking. These barely-there wire shades give a little bit of body to the lights, without any bulkiness. This textured fixture makes the space feel like a delicate expression of a distinctive style.

When in doubt about the direction of your design, try pulling ideas from textures you already have in the room. Here, these lights boast a mix metal and wood that complements the seating, making this room look flawlessly coordinated.

7. Soften the Space with New-Age Candles

Who says candles have to be a thing of the past? If you love the aesthetic appeal of candles but aren’t willing to risk the potential fire hazard, never fear. You can bring modern-age candles into your design by combining electric candles and modern metalwork in a beautifully polished piece. Extra bonus: you don’t have to tidy up any wax.

If sharp lines and angles aren’t your deal, but you like the look of the candles, then play with the shape of the piece. Here, a round metal setting still sets these candles apart, making for this a tasteful piece for any kitchen.

8. Use Unusual Shapes

Who needs date night in an expensive, stuffy restaurant when you can make magic in your own kitchen? The iron spirals around these candle-like fixtures add a romantic charm to a beautiful space. Whether you’re trying to impress a new S.O. or you’re just cooking something new with your longtime partner, this kitchen is a sweet space to cook a wonderful dinner for two.

This colorful kitchen embraces an eclectic spirit. The light fixture especially embodies this style: the multitude of bulbs, hung at varying lengths, has a unique look that suits this kitchen’s unusual color and vibrant atmosphere.

9. Add a Pop of Color

On lazy Saturday mornings, relax with your cup of coffee in this cozy kitchen. The soft shade of these domed fixtures gives the room a gentle touch of color, which subtly infuses the space with calming vibes.

This contemporary kitchen is perfect no matter what event you host! Set a line of dishes on this bar for a potluck or lay out hors d’oeuvre for a fancy dinner party. The tint of the glass in these fixtures provides a rich dab of color that complements the cabinets, resulting in a classy space for entertaining guests.

Moral of the story? With a little bit of good design, any kitchen can be a stylish, functional getaway. Depending on your style, layout, and budget, try embracing metallic finishes and bare bulbs. Throw in some dramatic colors, textures, and shapes for a breathtaking look. You could even try electric candles or unique shades to emphasize the atmosphere of the space. Whatever you decide to do, All-Phaseis here for your design needs!

6 Easy Ways to Increase Your Home Value

by admin · Sep 22, 2023

As millennials flood the housing market, it might be a great time to think about how you can maximize your home value for sale now or in the future. How can you get the most bang for your buck, avoid never-ending renovations, and steer clear of overwhelming DIY projects? Here are six easy ways to increase your home value, each taking no more than a weekend.

1. Update Your Light Fixtures

It’s a simple and surprising effective fix: updated light fixtures can change the mood, first impression, and perceived value of any room (and can easily be done on a budget). Try a new ceiling light in your master bedroom and compliment it with trendy lights that frame the bed. Style up your kitchen with pendant lights, or consider some chic, industrial exposed bulbs. Your bathroom is also a great place to re-imagine your lighting to maximize the limited space.

2. Stick with Neutral Paint

Be conscientious with your paint choices. Zillow’s 2018 Paint Color Analysis found that bright or custom colors can lower home value, so stick with neutral colors and use your decor (like artwork, flowers and plants, or textiles) to pull in brighter colors and personality. Greys, whites, tans, or simple wallpaper offer a wide range of possibilities for future home buyers, while still giving you room to create your perfect aesthetic.

3. Add LED Strip Lighting under the Cabinets

Easily upgrade and brighten your kitchen with LED strip lighting. They’re easy to buy, apply, and use, and they come in varied colors, tones, and sizes. Under-cabinet lighting is especially effective in small spaces, make cramped kitchens look bigger by reflecting light off the walls. Add an air of luxury with a little extra LED light!

4. Invest in Smart Technology

Smart thermostats, light bulbs and appliances bring your home value to the next level. In fact, the Zillow 2019 Design Forecast predicted smart technology as one of the top requests from today’s home buyers. Most smart bulbs and appliances pair conveniently with AI assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. In addition, smart thermostats can decrease your home’s carbon footprint and slash your utility costs with their custom settings.

5. Power Wash your Home’s Exterior

A good wash can be as effective as a new coat of paint, and at a fraction of the cost. No need to buy the machine, either, since Home Depot and other hardware stores rent them for an hourly or daily rate. Wait for a sunny afternoon, grab a power washer, and enjoy the visible transformation of your home’s exterior.

6. Add Outdoor Lighting

Potential buyers will appreciate the visual appeal and safety benefits of outdoor lighting. Illuminate pathways with small, solar powered lights, or add a couple motion-activated spotlights for the driveway. Flood lights can eliminate the risk of break ins, and backyard string lights make hosting evening gatherings easier than ever. The options are endless and flexible to any budget, so pick an outdoor lighting project and let it boost your home value!

We know time and money are limited, but there are plenty of cheap, easy ways to increase the value of your home even in the most competitive market. Whether you add a fresh coat of neutral paint or install a few interesting light fixtures, you can make your home a place where you, and potential buyers, want to be. For advice about lighting or anything else, call our design experts at Lit Living.

Light Bulbs Explained: How to Choose the Right Bulb Every Time

by admin · Sep 15, 2023

Though our homes may differ in paint schemes, furniture layouts, and decor, we have at least one thing in common: the lights in our homes influence all of that! The kind of bulbs we use can change the brightness, hue, and aesthetic of any room. Light bulbs affect energy efficiency at home and at work, not to mention interacting differently with our mood, health, and productivity. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of light bulbs, with tips to help you make the best choice for your wallet, aesthetic and safety.

1. Incandescent: The Original Bulb

Incandescent lights are the most traditional form of light bulb and are based on technology developed by Thomas Eddison. The electricity passes through a filament, causing it to burn and give off light.

Incandescents are more expensive in the long run because they are not energy efficient compared to fluorescent or LED options. Why? The method of heating a filament in an incandescent bulb produces much more heat than light, wasting most of its energy consumption.The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act reformed the incandescent market by creating a minimum standard for incandescent energy efficiency, but even still, fluorescent and LED lights are much more energy efficient.

Incandescent lights come in a variety of colors and work with dimmer switches. Their design allows for more variation in style, and they’re typically more aesthetically pleasing than other options. This makes them a popular choice for easy-to-see places, like in lamps and hanging from low ceilings.

Incandescent bulbs also do well in easily-accessible locations, since they have the shortest lifespan of all the bulb options and burn an average of 1,000 hours. Incandescents are also good for spaces that don’t use light often, like closets and garages.

As for pricing, incandescent bulbs are typically the cheapest of bulb options. Most incandescent bulbs range from $.70 to $1.50 per bulb.

2. LED: Best for Customization

LED stands for “light-emitting diode”. Simply put, they’re microchips that glow as electricity passes through them. Because there’s no exhaustible filament burning in LED lights, they don’t actually die or burn out. They simply dim over time, and are considered replaceable once they emit 70% of their original light.

This unique design makes LED’s up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, with the average LED lasting up to 25,000 hours. LED circuitry still gives off a good amount of heat, but it is processed through a type of heat sink common to microchips. If the heat sink does happen to malfunction, your LED may not last for its expected lifespan.

Additionally, the microchip design allows for customization in size and grouping. Lights can be easily lined up in a strip, or grouped in clusters for a bulb-like configuration. They also glow in every conceivable color, a feature that allows for further customization and creative flair.

Beyond adding flair and personality, LEDs add functionality and value. Simply adding LED strips under kitchen cabinets or along a dark stairway brightens an otherwise shadowed space. LED bulbs are commonly used as smart bulbs, in conjunction with smart home assistants like Google Home and Alexa. They’re a smart, energy-efficient choice for any home or workspace.

LED bulbs average around $8 per bulb, and strip lighting (depending on length and color of strip) ranges from $20-$50.

3. Fluorescent: Easy Choice for Large or Commercial Spaces

The original fluorescent light bulb, shaped like a long tube, often lights offices and commercial spaces. Fluorescent bulbs use a gas and a filament combination, like argon and tungsten, to emit a glow. They are much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, consuming 75% less energy. Fluorescents also have a longer lifetime than incandescent bulbs, estimated between 6,000 and 15,000 hours.

Fluorescent lights do contain small amounts of mercury, but as long as the bulbs remain intact, they’re perfectly safe. When it’s time to dispose of old bulbs, contact your local waste management for local guidelines and keep them away from the reach of children.

Expect each fluorescent tube to cost $2-3.

4. CFL: Energy-efficient Home Upgrade

CFL bulbs, or compact fluorescent lamps, are a condensed version of fluorescent lights. It’s similar technology, with the electricity activating a gas such as argon. The difference, however, is that these don’t have a filament— instead, the argon interacts with a fluorescent coating called phosphor to produce visible light. These bulbs are largely replacing incandescent bulbs in the shift for green homes.

CFL bulbs can last anywhere from 6,000 to 15,000 hours of use, making them 6-15 times more efficient than incandescent options. They come in a variety of shapes, and if the bulb is tinted, they can even come in a variety of colors.

Generally these bulbs will be about $5.50 to about $10 each. While they’re more expensive than incandescent options, the price is typically offset by their much longer life.

5. Halogen: Best for Headlamps and Flood Lights

Halogen bulbs produce light through a heated filament, similar to incandescent bulbs. However, the filament in halogen bulbs is surrounded by a tiny tube of pure glass (quartz). This tube is filled with a halogen gas, and when the filament emits wasted energy, the halogen gas returns it to the filament. This recycled energy causes the filament to live much longer than those used in incandescent lights.

Unfortunately, halogen bulbs still create a large amount of heat, resulting in wasted energy. Though their lifespan is significantly longer than incandescent, they still only last about 2,000 hours.

Halogen lights are commonly used in vehicle headlamps, outdoor floodlights or to light workspaces. If you choose to use these elsewhere, be aware that they generate significant heat and could affect the temperature of small areas.

Expect each bulb to cost between $6 and $12.

6. HID: Great for Street Lamps

HID stands for “high intensity discharge”. These bulbs function by passing electricity in an arc between two metal points, aided by a gas like xenon, which glows in reaction to the electricity. They produce strong, long lasting light, but are typically restricted to street lighting or warehouses because of their orange hue and intensity. HID bulbs are also used in headlights at times, and usually clock in at about 2,000 hours.

These are a great option for outdoor spaces, or in places where nighttime safety is a concern. HID bulbs range in price from about $14 to $21.

How Will You Light Your Space?

You know your space better than anyone, and now, you know a lot more about light bulb technology! When deciding which bulb is best for you, consider the details of your space. Is it residential or commercial? Indoor or outdoor? How much do you value aesthetic, energy efficiency, or purchase price? There are plenty of right choices, and at Lit Living we’re happy to discuss all possible options. Give us a call and let our lighting experts make your project easier.

Break into Farmhouse Flair with Your Home Lighting

by admin · Sep 8, 2023

If the down-home charm of farmhouse style speaks to you, you’re not alone! It’s a trendy style with staying power, and now’s a great time to start adding farmhouse décor around any home. If you’re unsure how to start, however, switching out your light fixtures is the perfect starting point. There’s no repainting, rearranging wall hangings, or reupholstering involved- just a simple swap to get the look you want!

Here are some of our favorite ideas that add a touch of that Farmhouse Flair:

Electric Candles

Sure to add an atmospheric glow to any event, candlelight is one of the best ways to slip some farmhouse fashion into your home. It’s rustic, reminiscent of simple times, and charming in all the right ways.

Rough, Unfinished Metals

Don’t be afraid to flaunt some rust and roughness in your metal décor. Whether it’s a functional light fixture that’s made to look aged and distressed or simply a decorative lighting piece like this lantern, aged metal is a farmhouse staple.

Rope or Twine Details

As a compliment to the fresh, finished pieces of your décor, try some unfinished twine-like lighting. The rope cords add excellent texture and depth, and the combined effect is a rustic, upscale farmhouse look fitted for any room.

Imitation Fencing or Caging

If you’re looking for just a small touch of farmhouse style, try a gentle nod to farmhouse with cage-like metal fixtures. They’re easily hung anywhere in your home, and they’re versatile enough to match with any kind of décor if you decide to redecorate later.

Bolts, Nails, and Screws

Imagine hand-constructed barrels, fencing, wagons, and more when you look at the quaint bolt details on this ceiling fan. Ultra-functional and fashionable, it’s great for any room in your home. Even better? Try it in an outdoor, covered area- just make sure the fixture is damp-area rated!

Bleached or Faded Wood

Almost nothing says “farmhouse” more than bleached, faded, or distressed wood. This fixture is simple and unassuming, but adds some textured dimension to the space. Add that to the rich green hues on the walls and linens… we love the look!

Mixed Material Fixtures

Metals, fabrics, chains, woods, and more… Farmhouse is a fresh take on an old-fashioned look, and it really shines in fixtures that use various materials to bring old and new worlds together.

Old-Fashioned Bulbs

With the right bulb in place, simple fixtures are automatically transformed into something quaint. Those old-style bulbs are comforting, familiar, and full of farmhouse flavor. Best of all? You can add them to an existing fixture for an extra simple update!

Do you like what you see? Props to farmhouse décor for serving up some beautiful details that are ready to brighten your home. Contact us at Lit Living for more information about farmhouse-friendly lighting or any other home lighting needs!