2021

Are LED Lights Safe?

by admin · May 25, 2023

How LED Lights Might Be Unexpectedly Affecting Your Health

LED light bulbs are touted as the latest and greatest thing in the lighting world, and for good reason! They’re brighter, more efficient, and more colorful than lightbulbs of the past. But are they safe?

LED technology is still relatively new, so scientists and health professionals are still studying the impact LED light has on our health. So far the results are a mixed bag, with some good news and some bad news.

If you’re one of the many homeowners that filled your house with LED bulbs to save on energy bills, you might be wondering who to listen to and how concerned you should be. So, before you go through your house with a ladder and a trash can, stick around and we’ll break down what we know so far.

The Basics

Before we can get into the side effects of LED lights, we need to cover a couple of lighting basics.

Light travels in wavelengths, and the length of the light wave changes its visible color. While infrared and UV light are invisible, the wavelengths in between can be seen by the human eye.

LED lightbulbs come in light colors all along this visible spectrum, and we use Kelvins to measure their “warmth”. Warm lights give off a yellow glow that feels cozy and relaxing. On the other end of the spectrum, cool lights give off a blue light that feels crisp and energizing.

Blue Light Health Risks

You may be asking yourself, what does this have to do with my health? As it turns out, the color of the LED light changes how it affects your body. Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light is thought to stimulate repair and regeneration in our bodies. Blue light is a little more complicated.

Blue LED light (also called cool white) mimics daylight, which makes it popular in spaces like offices where you need to stay alert, and kitchens where bright lighting is important for safety. But some scientists are raising concerns about the side effects of prolonged or intense exposure to this blue light, and have linked it to sleep disorders, migraines, eye damage, and even breast cancer.

The research is still new and ongoing, so it can be hard to find answers. We’ve put together an overview of the current health risks associated with LED light so that you can see it all in one place and decide for yourself what you want to do.

LED Lights and Sleep

If you find yourself getting tired around the same time every day, it’s by design. When it gets dark outside, our bodies start to produce melatonin, which helps us to relax and drift off to sleep. This process is part of a cycle called the “circadian rhythm”.

When our circadian rhythm gets thrown off, it can cause all sorts of health issues including diabetes and heart disease. The WHO even classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen in 2007 due to the disruption of shift workers’ circadian rhythms.

Blue LED light can have a devastating effect on our circadian rhythms too. A Harvard study found that exposure to blue light reduces melatonin production for as long as 3 hours. Without the melatonin to trigger sleep, people exposed to blue light have a harder time getting to sleep at night.

This blue light can come from any blue LED light, including your interior lights, your TV, and your cell phone or computer screen. So if you’re having a hard time getting to sleep at night, try unplugging a couple of hours before bed. Turn off your devices, and only use warm interior lights when possible.

LED Lights and Eye Damage

LED computer monitors emit blue light that can strain your eyes with extended use. (This happens with LCD monitors as well.) If you find your eyes feeling tired after a day at the office, there’s an easy solution recommended by the AAO that may help: The 20-20-20 Rule. “Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds” to help prevent eye strain.

It’s also possible that blue LED lights could be causing permanent damage to your eyes. In 2019, a French study showed “show short-term phototoxic effects” in the eye with short exposure to blue LED light. Even more concerning was that they discovered long-term damage in eyes that had regular exposure to blue light.

This eye damage can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration, which is a progressive loss of vision over time. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, it might be a good idea for you to ask your doctor about limiting your exposure to blue LED light. In the meantime, you can swap out your cool LEDs for soft white, and look into buying some blue-light-filtering specialty lenses.

There was some good news too- they found that this damage seems to be limited to just blue LED light. Warmer, soft white LED lights appeared to be just as safe as other traditional light bulbs.

LED Lights and Migraines

Exposure to artificial lights is linked to higher rates of headache and migraine symptoms. We still don’t know exactly why, but researchers have a few ideas.

One theory is that flickering is to blame. If you’ve ever worked in an office with fluorescent lights, you’ve probably experienced at least one headache because of the fluctuation in the light they emit.

Scientific American conducted a study where they looked at workers in offices with flickering fluorescent lights and workers in offices with non-flickering lights. They found that office workers working under flickering lights were twice as likely to experience headaches than their counterparts.

We haven’t seen any studies like this done yet for LED lights, but there are some possible repercussions for migraine sufferers. LED lights also flicker, although it’s too fast for us to perceive it. This could mean that they are a better option for migraine sufferers. On the other hand, fluorescent bulbs dim 35% when flickering, and LED lights dim all the way to 100%. It’s possible that the bigger change in light levels when flickering could make LEDs even more likely to cause headaches. It’s important to pay attention to the types of light you’re exposed to before a migraine to find out what your triggers are.

Another theory about light and headaches is that the intensity of LED lights can be a migraine trigger. Dimmable LED lights could be a solution for migraine sufferers who find the lights in their home to be too bright.

Although research linking LED lights to migraines is still pretty hard to come by, you’ll see more information in the near future. One clinical trial is testing green LED light, as it appears to reduce migraine symptoms.

LED Lights and Cancer Research

In 2018, researchers in Spain discovered a link between exposure to outdoor blue light at night and certain types of cancers. They found that participants with a high estimated exposure to blue light outside at night had a 60% higher risk for developing breast or prostate cancer.

It’s important to note that this study only looked at the effects of high levels of exposure to outdoor blue light at night. They did not study the more typical blue light given off by indoor lights or device screens.

While this may sound alarming, it’s still too early to raise red flags just yet. This research is brand new and unproven outside of this single study. If you’re concerned, the best thing to do for now is to limit the time you spend outside under artificial lights, and to close your curtains or blinds at night if you have a blue LED streetlight nearby.

It’s Not All Bad News

LEDs have only been around since the 1960s, and blue LED lights weren’t developed until the 1990s, so there’s still a lot to learn about them! We’re learning that blue LED light may have some unexpected negative side effects, but that doesn’t mean that all LED light is bad.

LED Light Therapy is a new field that uses LED lights to treat conditions and heal wounds. LEDs lights can improve skincare, help with mood disorders, and have the potential to do more!

LED Light Therapy and Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. As the days get shorter and sunlight is harder to find, many people find that their mood starts drop and seasonal depression sets in.

One of the ways doctors treat this is with LED light therapy boxes. These super-bright boxes of light have rows of LED lights that researchers believe cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood when you sit in front of them for 20-30 minutes a day. For a light therapy box to be effective, it needs to be rated at 10,000 lux or higher, so be careful to avoid cheap knock-offs when shopping for them online.

If you find yourself struggling in the winter months, make sure you talk to your doctor. Light therapy boxes are only one part of an effective treatment plan for SAD, and they don’t work for everyone. You don’t have to struggle through the winter months.

LED Light Therapy and Skincare

In the 1990s U.S. Navy SEALs started developing LED light therapy technology to help heal wounds more quickly. Once it was proven effective, doctors and aestheticians started using LED lights in skincare.

Red LED lights are used to reduce the appearance of acne, wrinkle and age spots. It’s thought to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen, which causes skin to appear more smooth.

Blue LED lights are used to treat surface and cystic acne. It’s believed to make oil glands less active, and kill bacteria beneath the skin.

So, are LED lights bad for you?

LED lights as a whole are very safe, but you do need to be careful about how you use them.

Use soft white lights where you can in your home, especially in your bedroom. It’s still okay to use blue LED lights (often called Daylight bulbs) in your home, especially in places where you need to work, like an office or kitchen. Just keep in mind that these blue lights can affect your sleep, so steer clear of them in the late evening hours.

If you’re prone to headaches or migraines, pay attention to the lighting you’ve been exposed to. If you notice a pattern, changing out your lightbulbs could be an easy fix! Consider getting blue-light-filtering glasses to help protect your eyes if you work in front of a computer screen all day. Just like taking a multivitamin every day can help keep us healthy, small precautionary measures against harmful light sources may make a big difference.

TL;DR – LED Lights and Your Health

Risks	Benefits	Mixed Bag
Sleep – Exposure to blue LED light before bed can disrupt your circadian rhythm. You should limit blue light exposure for a few hours before bed. Eyes – Blue LED light can damage your eyes. Blue light filtering glasses are recommended for people that work in front of a computer monitor all day. Cancer – The link between LED light and cancer is still being studied. Some researchers believe it increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, but more research needs to be done.	Seasonal Depression – LED light therapy boxes can help some people that suffer from seasonal depression, although they are just one part of an effective treatment plan. Please talk with your doctor if you think you may have SAD. Skincare – LED light therapy can help speed up the healing process. Red LED lights help reduce the appearance of acne, wrinkle and age spots. Blue LED lights are used to treat surface and cystic acne.	Migraines – Flickering lights can trigger migraines for some people. LED lights flicker significantly less than fluorescent lights, so some migraine sufferers will benefit from replacing CFL bulbs with LED. LED lights are also very intense, which could also be a migraine trigger. Most LED bulbs are dimmable, so this could help to mitigate the intensity for migraine sufferers. If you suffer from migraines, you should pay attention to your light exposure to look for trigger patterns.

LED bulbs are energy efficient, bright, and widely available, but they’re still considered “new” in the lighting industry. It’s always a good idea to keep an ear to the ground for future breakthroughs and discoveries.

If you have any questions about how to use LED bulbs in your home, or how to choose the right light bulb for your space, our lighting experts are ready to answer your questions. Give us a call or drop in and see us at our showroom!

The information in this article is compiled from several sources and studies. Research into the effects of LED lights on your health is ongoing and subject to change as new information is found. If you have any concerns about your health and its relation to LED lighting, please consult a licensed medical expert.

Lighting Your Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Light Fixtures

by admin · May 18, 2023

It’s easy to tell which light fixtures you love when you’re scrolling through designer home pictures on your phone. But when it comes to finding a light for your own home, the little details and product specs can almost feel like they’re written in a foreign language. What’s an accent light? Is that a pendant or a chandelier? What is that light called? I don’t know what to search for!

If this sounds familiar, we have good news: we’ve done all the research for you! Put down your search engine, and bookmark this page. This light fixtures cheat sheet has everything you need to know to get started lighting your home, your way.

Lighting Basics

Not all light sources are created equal! Before you dive into pendants and sconces, you need to know the three basic types of lighting.

Ambient Lighting: The primary source of light in a room, also called “general lighting”.

Example: A ceiling fixture provides ambient light, meaning it lights the whole room. If your whole room is too bright or too dark, addressing the ambient light should be your first step.

Accent Lighting: Supplemental lights used to light dark corners or to highlight a room’s focal point.

Example: A floor lamp added to a dark corner gives the room more even light. A wall sconce or track lighting highlighting a fireplace or bookshelf makes it a focal point in the room.

Task Lighting: Specific lighting designed to make doing a certain task easier.

Example: Any light that is used to complete a task fits here. At home, this includes things like a reading lamp, a utility light over a garage workbench, under-cabinet lights above the kitchen counter, and desk lamps.

Before you even start looking at light fixtures, take a look at your space. Turn on the lights in your room during the day and again at night. Look for the places where the light is too bright or too dim. Then, determine which type of lighting you need to use to fix those places.

Light Layering

We know it’s tempting to just install that fancy ceiling fixture you found on sale and call it a day, but your room just won’t feel right if you’re only considering one light source.

What is Light Layering?

Light layering is the practice of combining different types of lighting to create a mood. It’s an important part of your home design! Layered light sources, like a ceiling fixture and a floor lamp, work together to fill in dark corners and highlight a room’s best features, giving it the perfect ambiance.

Expert designers spend hours on this to get it just right, but you don’t have to dive that deep. Just make sure you have a combination of ambient, accent, and task lighting in your space and you’ll be on your way to a balanced design. Remember, natural light counts as a light source too!

Light layers done right will smoothly transition a room through the day. They can transform a living room from a bright, daytime work area to a warm, cozy entertaining space with just a few well-placed fixtures.

Smart Home Lighting

Smart technology makes light layering easier than it’s ever been! Smart bulbs and plugs make it so that you can turn on any light in the house from one place. You can set up different lighting profiles for things like work, dinner, and movie nights. You can even put your lights on a schedule so that they follow you through your day without any button pushing.

When you’re ready to start shopping for light fixtures, look for ways you can mix it up with new light sources. Choose light fixtures that work together to create the perfect ambiance and layer your room with light.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and styles. It’s easy to get lost in the lingo, so here’s a quick breakdown:

Pendants

These lights are suspended from the ceiling and shine light downwards. They’re typically used as task lighting over kitchen bars and tables, or in the bedroom to replace bedside table lamps. They also are a great choice for accent lighting that makes a statement. You might need an electrician to install them for you if you don’t already have wiring in your ceiling.

Flush Mounts

These lights are mounted directly to the ceiling, with no hanging bar. The top of this light sits flush with the ceiling, giving it its name. Flush mount lights are one of the most common types of ambient lighting. They come in many varieties and sizes, so you’ll need to check to make sure it will provide enough light for your space.

Sconces

Sconces are mounted to the wall instead of the ceiling. Some cast light directionally along the wall, shining up, down, or to the side. Other sconces broadcast light in all directions. These lights are used for both accent and task lighting. Sconces can be installed almost anywhere, but they’re most commonly used as vanity lighting above a bathroom mirror, or as exterior lights on homes and businesses.

Lamps

Lamps are freestanding light fixtures that typically need to be plugged into an outlet. They can be used for ambient, accent, and task lighting, and they’re easy to move around a space. This versatility makes them one of the most DIY-friendly lighting upgrades! Desk lamps are used as task lighting for things like writing at a desk or reading a sheet of music. Table lamps are used as accent lighting, usually placed on an end table. Floor lamps are the largest, typically 58” – 64” tall, and can be used as any type of lighting, depending on its location, style, and brightness.

Chandeliers

These lights are the showstoppers of the lighting world. They are suspended from the ceiling and are usually a focal point of a room’s design. Chandeliers emit light upwards to reflect ambient light around a room. They’re most often found in entryways and over dining tables, but they can be added to any space to add an elevated sense of style.

Ceiling Fans

This fixture is designed with airflow in mind. Ceiling fans can come with or without a light kit, so you can decide what’s right for your space. With a light kit, they provide ambient light in a room. They come in different sizes to accommodate different room sizes, so you’ll need to measure your room before you start shopping.

Track Lights

Track lighting is a unique type of lighting with an industrial feel and a flexible format. It’s made up of two parts: a long track attached to the ceiling, and lights attached to the track. The light heads can be moved to any position on the track, and tilted to point in any direction. Track lighting works well as accent or task lighting to highlight artwork or to illuminate a work surface. It’s also used as ambient lighting in some modern minimalist spaces.

Recessed Lights

Also called can lights, recessed lights are mounted inside the ceiling for a seamless, streamlined look. Recessed lights are often installed in large rooms to increase the ambient light without drawing attention away from the main light fixture. Some are directional and can be pointed towards a feature wall or workspace for accent or task light. They’re also very popular in basements with low ceilings, because they provide light without hanging down into the room.

Under-Cabinet Lights

This type of lighting is designed to be invisible. It comes in a wide variety of styles, from battery-powered stick-on lights to hardwired LED light strips. They’re installed on the underside of a kitchen cabinet, out of view, to provide task lighting for cooking. Alternatively, you can install them on the toe kick of lower cabinets to light the edges of your floor.

You’ve got this handled. Now you’re ready to go and make your space brighter and better!

We wish you the best and brightest of luck with your next lighting project! If we didn’t cover your question here, or if you need any help picking out a fixture that’s just right for you, don’t be afraid to give Lit Living a call! We’ve got you covered.

Living Room Lighting and Interior Design: A Style Guide

by admin · May 11, 2023

When your living room needs an update, it’s easy to look to the obvious like replacing your couch or painting your walls. While these things are definitely important, don’t make the mistake of skipping one of the most crucial design elements in a space – your lighting!

Lighting can completely change the way a room looks and feels, and it affects how we interact with our spaces either for the better or the worse. For your redesign to really pull together, you need to make a plan for your lighting. Find ways to create “layers of light” with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Tailoring your lighting to the way you use your space will make your living one of your favorite places in your home.

Living room light fixtures come in a huge variety of styles and finishes, so no matter the style you’re going for, there’s a light fixture that will suit your space! To help you bring a new life to your living room, we put together this style guide for you with some stunning light fixtures in beautiful living rooms that are sure to get your creative juices flowing!

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Country Chic

Rustic rooms make the most out of simplicity and carry a certain quaint charm. It’s easy to make a room that already has a lot of wood details in it feel rustic, but if your space is lacking lumber, you can add it with your furnishings and fixtures! If you’re looking for a touch of that Country Chic vibe, look for fixtures made with natural materials like wood or iron, and stick to neutral colors on the shades.

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Contemporary Cool

If antlers are really not your thing and you prefer your living room to feel modern and minimalist, look into contemporary light fixtures. The best way to get that contemporary vibe is with fixtures that are sleek and glossy, and composed of simple, clean lines. Geometric chandeliers and angular lamps mesh with a modern, contemporary style perfectly. Stick with neutral colors like black and white, then add some shine with metallic accents.

Eternally Classic

Sometimes you can make a space feel new by adding pieces that have been around forever. A beautiful piece of heirloom furniture is timeless and classic, like a little black dress or a bold red lip. Traditional lighting staples like an elegant, romantic chandelier will never go out of style! Want something smaller, but still eye catching? An antique lamp hand-picked from a flea market or inherited from grandma will help your living room tell a story that means something to you. Time-proven pieces blend well into many décor styles, and they give your space a richness in design and history that you just can’t replicate.

Beachy Brilliance

If you long for the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of sand beneath your toes, then you already know how the color palette of the sea is cool, calm, and relaxing. Bring that feeling home with you by going nautical with your living room décor. Decorate with coastal colors like whites, blues, and sandy tans, and find pieces and natural wood tones. A ceiling fan is a great overhead fixture that doubles as your own personal man-made sea breeze. Stick with neutral colors and natural materials for your light fixtures. Add a little visual interest with an unexpected material, like the gold trim on these pendant lights that’s a nod to the industrial lights on the wharf, or a statement chandelier made from natural materials like jute or glass.

Hollywood Glamour

You don’t need to be an A-list celeb to have a swanky living room! Make your space feel extra luxurious with silver, gold, or crystal accents. Be bold and add a gorgeous focal point that’ll wow your guests, like a sparkling chandelier that draws the eyes up and catches every shred of light. If an oversized chandelier won’t work in your living room, look for smaller overhead pieces with glitzy details and luxe lamps that will elevate your design and bring your living room to the next level. Hollywood Glamour is all about the bling, so don’t hold back! Find fixtures with reflective surfaces that will catch the light. Go big on statement pieces, and show off every inch of your space!

Artistic Flair

You have a creative spirit – why not apply your artistic vision to your home? Style your living room with unique, funky, one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you – and don’t leave out your lighting! You can find fixtures that have wild, one-of-a-kind shapes to suit any budget. Make a statement with sculpted lamp. Be bold with pops of bright color and fun textures. Your living room is the perfect canvas for you to make your house a home.

The sky’s the limit, so let your inner interior designer run wild and dream of the possibilities! When you’re ready to make your dreams a reality, make sure you use your lighting to take your living room redesign to the next level. Need help finding your perfect match? Visit our website to browse our options or call one of our locations for expert advice.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Buy the Perfect Ceiling Fan

by admin · May 4, 2023

A ceiling fan is a must-have fixture that will instantly beautify your space, but they also have surprising practical use. They add light and are often the centerpiece in a room, but also make a room feel more comfortable with cooler air in the summer and warmer air in the winter.

Ceiling fans help promote health with better air circulation and improve air quality and can lower a rooms temperature by 8 degrees! Imagine the energy savings over an air conditioner even with its great benefits, heading to a big box store and grabbing the first one you see is sure to leave you disappointed. To find the right one for you, five things must be carefully considered.

No need to worry, this ultimate guide you will discover everything you need to know to make the perfect purchase including:

Why the blade pitch makes all the difference
How to shave the most from your energy bill
What is that switch on my fan and how should I use it
How to choose the style that fits your space best
Getting the right size fan for your room

Here’s what you should look for when buying a ceiling fan:

1. Blade Pitch

Blade pitch refers to how steep the blades are when attached to the fan motor. Since every degree in alignment affects how much air is moved, it’s important to find the“ample pitch”. For example, a fan with a 14 degree blade pitch pushes about 80 percent more air than a fan with a 10 degree blade pitch.

Most stores only offer fans with a lower blade pitch, so consumers have to use a lot more power to get the fan to work the way they want. Not only is this very inefficient and uses much more energy than necessary, it also causes fans to burn out after just a few years and require a costly replacement.

At our showrooms, we feature fans with a blade pitch between 12 degrees and 18 degrees. This optimal range for quality ceiling fans ensures the fan will run at a low speed with silent operation.

Plus, you won’t need to go looking for a replacement for many, many years. What’s even better? We offer a lifetime warranty on many of our ceiling fans so you can enjoy the benefits of proper air circulation for years to come.

Here at Lit Living, we pride ourselves in our state of the art showrooms to give you an idea of what your home could look like. Our lighting specialists are experienced and happy to help you find the perfect fan for your home or any space.

2. Energy Star Rating

This is a must. Look for Energy Star-Rated ceiling fans. Energy Star fans are guaranteed to last long and save you money. When you see this logo, you know the fan has passed rigorous testing and meets the stringent standards of the EPA is made with durable and reliable parts, and works much more efficiently than non-rated alternatives.

Think of this as a seal of authenticity. The energy star logo ensures that the materials used to build the fan are high quality and will last you much longer than comparable products. Energy Star ceiling fans provide a way to cool a space with a fraction of the standard energy usage. These fans are 20% more efficient than standard ceiling fans and come with energy efficient light kits with bulbs that last 10x longer than traditional lights. Fan motors with the Energy Star also come standard with a 30-year warranty, protecting your investment for a long, long time.

There are some products that are worth spending a little extra money on because it will actually save you money in the long run. Ceiling fans are definitely one of those products.

Not only does All-Phasehave multiple Energy Star-Rated ceiling fans to choose from, they also have over 60 years of experience and design to assist you in getting fitted with the right ceiling fan for your needs.

3. Airflow Direction

Ceiling fans can be set to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Why is this? It all has to do with the season. Yes, the time of year actually affects the airflow needs of a room!

If you set your fan counterclockwise, the air will be pushed directly downward. This setting is best suited for summertime when the downward airflow will give a nice cooling breeze that reaches the whole room. If your fan has a higher blade pitch, you can even reduce the “feel” temperature of the room by an entire 7 degrees!

However, during winter the hot air rises to the ceiling. Set your fan clockwise during the colder months, and it will push the air off the ceiling and out to bounce it off the walls to create a warmer feel that fills the entire room.

All-Phasecan also help you install smart technology into your ceiling fixtures to make your life just a little more simple. How nice would it be to be able to control your fan with a remote or even just the command of your voice? You won’t have to worry about getting up to turn on the fan after you’ve gotten all cozied up in your bed because you can just to it with the click of a button.

4. Fan Style

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It’s important for your fan to match the rest of your decor to tie everything together. A vintage style fan may look odd if the rest of your furniture has a more modern vibe to it.

Be sure to explore your options in different fan styles and take the time to look into all the different colors, styles and shapes. Believe it or not but a fan can become a centerpiece and tie together a room. A ceiling fan is like the cherry on top when it comes to decor, having it match everything else just makes the room feel more complete.

Not sure where to begin? Read through some of the most popular design styles to see what would fit best in your space:

Classic: These traditional styles are anything but boring. Classic fans typically have dark wood finishes, like oak or walnut and an antique bronze or pewter accents, and a timeless blade look that blends in seamlessly with your traditional-style home.
Modern: Often this fan is show-stopping statement piece that fit well into mid-century modern and industrial design looks. A contemporary style ceiling fan with smooth clean lines and metallic finishes are ideal. Look for fans often in a metallic finish or chrome and even matte-black, as well as fans with a sleek blade design.
Cottage: Classic white fans are best suited to cottage style. Look for an all-white fan including the motor casing and blades, with light metallic trim accents.
Rustic: No longer reserved for cabins and outdoor spaces, many are giving their homes a lodge-like look. A rugged look with natural woods, typically accented with nickel or bronze hardware complement this home decor style.
Farmhouse: Sure to add instant charm to any room. In many varieties and styles, farmhouse fans are making a huge comeback. Look for a fans are made from a perfect blend of natural wood and industrial elements that use the vintage Edison-style bulbs.
Coastal/Driftwood: Bring the sea breeze right into your home with a nautical style ceiling fan. Inspired by the attractive colors and soothing quality of nature, fans with natural wood blades and oil-rubbed finishes do the trick. Often times these tropical-inspired fans are made from bamboo and have leaf-inspired designs complement homes near the beach and cottage-style interiors.

Of course, most of us are thinking of just installing a ceiling fan inside, but have you considered your outdoor fan options? Picture this: you’re sitting on your porch, enjoying the weather, lemonade in hand and a nice light breeze coming from your patio ceiling fan. Sounds nice right? Don’t forget about your outdoor space when you’re looking at adding new ceiling fans to your home.

All-Phasehas plenty of different indoor and outdoor fans to match any style to offer and ensure your home decor feels right and matches.

#5: Ceiling Fan Size

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When shopping for a fan, you have to get the right size to make sure it delivers on its promise. The size of the room you’re wanting to put it in is key. If you have a smaller room (like a bathroom) that you’d like to put a fan in, be sure you buy something with a smaller fan blade width to fit the space well.

Larger areas such as bedrooms and living rooms will need a larger fan to circulate more air flow throughout the entire room. If you get a fan that’s too small and place it in a larger room, it’s not going to function quite the way you want it to. As a rule, bigger is better to ensure you get maximum airflow as the airflow drops off dramatically when you’re more than 2-3 feet outside of the blades. To ensure maximum benefit, here are some recommendations based on the size of the room and assuming you have chosen a good fan with at least 12 degree blade pitch.

Now that you know how to choose the right ceiling fan, you will be able to enjoy a unique sense of hygge that is far too often overlooked.

Visit All-Phaseand let our knowledgeable staff help you discover the perfect size of fan for the room you’re decorating.

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About Us

We’re committed to offering you the best lighting and ceiling fan fixtures that will not only serve practical purposes throughout your home, but beautify it as well.

Here at Lit Living, our experts can help you find the perfect ceiling fan that’s just right for your home. Our ceiling fans have a blade pitch between 12-18 degrees which means they last longer and move more air than most box store fans. Not to mention, our fans have a lifetime warranty!

With years of experience, our lighting specialists can assist you in providing a wealth of knowledge to help you select, install, and purchase your next ceiling fan. Visit a store or view our selection online.

3 Light Bulb Mistakes Everyone Makes And How To Avoid Them

by admin · Apr 27, 2023

Using the wrong light bulb can really make your space feel all wrong. If your room feels dark and dingy or, the opposite, harsh and cold, your light bulb may be the culprit.

Before you buy another bulb, make sure you’re not making one of these common mistakes in your home!

Light Bulb Mistake #1
Using the Wrong Wattage

Watts refer to the amount of energy a light bulb uses. The lower the wattage, the less electricity a bulb needs to stay lit. Energy-efficient light bulbs can give off the same amount of light using fewer watts, which saves you money on your power bill!

Every light fixture has its own wattage requirements, so you’ll need to do a little sleuthing to find out what your fixture requires.

There should be a sticker or label with the wattage limit clearly printed on it, although you might need to unscrew one of your existing light bulbs and look near the threads to find it. If you can’t find the wattage limit on your fixture, give us a call and we can help you out!

Most light fixtures have an individual bulb wattage limit (typically 45W or 60W), but there are some that have an overall limit for the entire fixture instead. For these you’ll need to add the watts together for each bulb to make sure you’re under the safety limit.

It’s okay to use bulbs with lower watts than what your fixture calls for to save on your energy bill, but never go higher. Exceeding the wattage limit on a fixture could start a fire!

Light Bulb Mistake #2
Ignoring the Lumen Rating

A light bulb’s lumen rating will tell you how bright it is. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter it will appear. When it comes to lighting your home, different rooms need different levels of light. Work spaces need lots of light, so choosing bulbs with a high lumen rating is a great way to brighten your kitchen if it’s feeling dim. Other spaces like bedrooms and hallways don’t need to be as bright, so it’s okay to opt for bulbs with a lower lumen rating.

There isn’t an exact formula that will tell you how lumens you need in a room, because it depends on your use and design of the space. You’ll need more lumens in work spaces like kitchens and offices, and less in bedrooms. If your design aesthetic is bright and airy or dark and moody, you’ll need to take that into account when planning your lighting.

A good rule of thumb to get you started is 20 lumens per square foot for floors, 30 lumens per square foot for tables, and 50 lumens per square foot for desks, countertops, and task lighting.

How does this work when you have more than one light bulb in the room? Do lumens cancel each other out or add up? The short answer is: lumens are cumulative. In a room full of furniture, light bounces around enough that the lumens don’t directly add up, and the more bulbs you use the less precise it gets.

When you’re figuring out what you need in your home, it is 100% okay to add the lumens for each bulb in your room together to get a rough idea of what your space will need. You’ll probably end up adjusting it here and there as seasons change, when you repaint your walls, or if your use of the room changes. If your room has a lot of uses- consider getting bulbs that are dimmable so that you can change the light levels depending on what you’re doing!

Light Bulb Mistake #3
Buying the Wrong Color

If you didn’t know that light bulbs came in different color hues, now’s the time to learn! Light bulbs come in a wide range of light “temperatures”, measured in Kelvins (K). The temperature of the light you use in your room will dramatically change the way the room feels.

Warm (2,000K – 3500K)

Wam light bulbs give a room a soft, cozy, and intimate feel with an orange or yellow hue. Outside, you see this type of light during sunrises and sunsets. Inside, it’s often associated with vintage light bulbs, like Edison bulbs, or incandescent light bulbs. It’s great for places like the living room, bedroom, and dining room.

Cool/Natural (3500K – 5000K)

Cool or “Natural” light bulbs give off a truer white color that gives a room a clean, crisp, and inviting feel. This light is more like the light you’d see in the mornings and afternoons outdoors. It’s great for bathrooms, closets, and offices.

Daylight light bulbs (5000K – 6200K)

Daylight light bulbs give off a light that’s close to what you’d see at noon outside on a sunny day. Daylight light makes a room feel even more clean and crisp than natural light, but it can come off a little harsh if you’re not careful. It’s a great choice for lighting work spaces like kitchens and garages, and for task lighting, like a reading lamp.

Blue (6200K+)

After 6200K light starts to look blue, so that bulbs in this color aren’t typically used in homes. There are some exceptions: some artists prefer to work under this light, and people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may find blue light beneficial in the winter months.

Bonus Mistake #4:
Just Living With It

If the lighting just doesn’t feel right in your room, you don’t have to live with it! Too dark and depressing? Add lumens! If your clean room still feels dingy, it could be that you need cooler bulbs… or if your room feels stark and cold, you can warm up your bulbs to make it feel more inviting. And always double-check your wattage before you buy! With the right wattage, lumens, and temperature, you’ll be surprised at how much better your lighting can work for you.

We know what a big deal it is to make your house feel exactly the way you want it to. Don’t let your lighting hold you back! If you have any questions about how to find the right light bulbs for your space, give our experts a call and we’ll help you find exactly what you need!

5 Timeless Trends That Are Here to Stay

by admin · Apr 13, 2023

Trends come and go, but some have more lasting impact than others. Distinctive trends can date a home, making it seem old-fashioned and undesirable, while classic trends fit into any space at any time. As we’ve watched the market, we’ve seen some very popular trends that show plenty of staying power. If you’re debating how to update your home, these trends may be right for you!

Industrial/Urban Lighting

This new movement of industrial/urban themed lighting is top of the list! The style reaches back to the origins of modern lighting, with echoes of the Industrial Revolution in each unassuming fixture. Beauty and function come together beautifully in this timeless, practical look.

Statement Piece Décor

*^{Ekachai Sathittaweechai/Shutterstock.com}*

A bold chandelier, flashy semi-flush mounts, exaggerated wall hanging, or splendid sconces, statement piece lighting décor is a powerful trend. Statement pieces are meant to have a much more visual impact that simply lighting a space. It is meant to challenge traditional style norms, and the risk is worth it! Statement pieces draw the eye, bring attention to your home décor, and add some pizzazz to functional spaces without having to repaint or redecorate. Try one and you’ll likely be surprised at the impact it has!

Lanterns

As we watch trends come and go, it is hard not to notice that most styles always incorporate lanterns in some way. There are lanterns adapted to fit any space and any style: iron lanterns, polished nickel lanterns, rope lanterns, all glass lanterns, glassless lanterns. Bringing a lantern inside adds an outdoor vibe to your home and makes the space feel more airy and open, in addition to accenting your indoor décor.

Gold, Gold, Gold

Gold finishes have been around since the invention of light (and modern lighting) and continue to resurface in nearly all trends. In modern lighting, it’s a timeless accent that has withstood the test of time, stretching from the late 1800’s to the present. That’s not to say gold hasn’t changed—gold finishes range from honed brass to polished to currently matte gold. The options, and the long-lasting potential, are endless.

Natural Light

Décor, architecture, lighting, color palettes, and countless design elements are all shaped by natural light. It impacts mood, health, room function, the appearance of colors and so much more! Whether you are lightening the wall colors to emphasize existing light or updating your window covers to allow more natural light, mimicking and incorporating lots of natural light is a trend sure to never end.

Homes with trendy décor and lighting have a better resell value than outdated, old-fashioned homes. Even more, small updates in your home can improve the way you feel about it right now! A few upgrades will increase your home value, give it a long-term look, and add some freshness to your space. At Lit Living we’re committed to giving you the best products in any style, so we’ll help you find one that speaks to you!

6 Popular Interior Design Styles You Need to Know

by admin · Apr 6, 2023

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the styles and options when it’s time to make an update to your home. There are hundreds of design tips and style trends out there, and it’s hard to know where to start! We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular design trends with simple explanations and some ideas to get you started! Get ready to transform your home into a space you’ll never want to leave!

Minimalism

The main concept of this interior design style is that “less is more.” The hallmarks of Minimalism are few furniture pieces, limited or monochromatic color schemes, clean lines, streamlined shapes, and no clutter.

Start creating your Minimalist space by removing all clutter and accessories then find furniture and fixtures that have simple shapes and clean lines. Minimalist designs need plenty of light to give a sense of openness, but the goal is for the light itself to blend into the design without the fixtures distracting the eye. Hidden perimeter lighting, recessed lights, and simple track lights are good options in main areas. In your kitchen and bathrooms, try LED light strips underneath cabinets and at the bottom of floating vanities. In every space, stick with a limited neutral color palette, or go monochromatic for a big visual impact.

*^{Teeraphan Pensupha/Shutterstock.com}*

For more Minimalist design inspo, check out Leibal for some truly awe-inspiring minimalist designs that’ll have you thinking hard about paring down!

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern design is full of perfectly balanced juxtapositions. Soft, organic lines and natural wood are combined with harder, geometric shapes and man-made materials like plastic, vinyl, and Lucite. Form follows function in this design which has strong ties to minimalism, so furniture and accessories should serve a purpose and help to keep the room clutter free.

To get the look, find functional furniture pieces that will help keep your space organized and clutter to a minimum. Look for one or two showstopper pieces that you love and use them to anchor your room, then finish out your space with geometric and organic pieces that work together to give your room a polished feel. Keep the minimalist feel by only using accessories that serve a purpose, like a vase or a light fixture. Mid-Century light fixtures and lamps come in a huge variety of materials, colors, and price points, which makes them an ideal way to add your own personal touch to your Mid-Century design!

For more Mid-Century Modern inspiration, take a look at the incredible designs over at Destination Eichler to see great ways you can incorporate this design style into your home!

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design came to be in the 1930s, and is inspired by the nature, climate, and simple designs of the Nordic region. While similar to Mid-Century Modern design which often explores deeper colors and designs, Scandinavian design is all about maximizing light with lots of whites and neutrals. It has a minimalist feel with no clutter, simple yet beautiful and furniture that’s functional, and a light neutral color palette with pops of playful accent colors.

To get the look, avoid wall to wall carpeting and opt for light or white walls. Choose furniture that is both simple and functional that will help keep your space feeling organized and fresh. Maximizing natural light is very important in Scandinavian design. If your space isn’t blessed with big windows, fun and playful Scandinavian-inspired pendant lights and floor lamps are easy to find! Add them anywhere in your room that’s shadowy to bring the light in! Add warmth to your space with soft organic fabrics like a chunky wool blanket. Look for functional accessories with soft edges and clean lines, and don’t be afraid to mix in vintage and traditional elements to get that Scandinavian design vibe just right.

If you want to see more of this style, Niki Brantmark at My Scandinavian Home runs a delightful blog full of light and bright Scandinavian designs that’ll have you painting your walls white and installing a new pendant light by next weekend!

Eco Design

For the environmentally-conscious individual, this next design style is all about sustainability. Eco Design appears very similar to Minimalist and Scandinavian designs due to the simple, paired back feel and the use of natural materials, but it centers around sustainability.

To get this style right, pay attention to the materials you choose when you’re designing your space. Look for earth-friendly materials like cotton, bamboo, wood, and recycled materials. Upcycle when you can, and look to nature for your color palette. Accent your space with plants to help bring the outside in. Natural light is best, but if you live somewhere that doesn’t have a wall of windows, you can bring in extra light with eco-friendly lamps and fixtures like a bamboo pendant light. This is a great design style for those who love to repurpose and restore!

If you need some Eco-friendly design inspo, Moore House Family is a company that restores old homes using natural and sustainable elements, and they love to break the mold in their designs!

Industrial Loft

This style got its start when big cities started converting old industrial warehouses into housing. These spaces had large windows and open floor plans, and became home to a community of artists and creatives who added modern touches, but left the original character of the building. Today, Industrial Loft design is making its way into townhouses and suburban homes as homeowners everywhere are falling in love with this unique combination of raw textures and modern finishes.

To get this look, find ways to incorporate raw and rustic materials into your space like exposed brick, cement, and steel. To keep it from feeling too harsh and cold, warm up your space with reclaimed wood furniture and accessories, and overstuffed armchairs or leather sofas. Light your rooms with warehouse-inspired, powder-coated light fixtures with exposed bulbs. This design loves to tell a story, so look for vintage lighting and accessories with a history to add some character to your space.

To see some breathtaking Industrial Loft designs, check out My Warehouse Home’s Instagram page to get your ideas flowing!

Maximal Minimalism

This design style is a bold and exciting compromise between Minimalism, which is all about simplifying, and Maximalism, a design style where bigger, bolder, and busier all mean better. If the calm, clean, relaxing vibe of Minimalism appeals to you but it feels too sterile, and the bubbly, bold, creative feel of Maximalism feels inspiring but chaotic, then this unlikely combination of minimalist ideals and maximalist colors, patterns, and textures might be for you!

You can keep your sleek and uncluttered aesthetic, but go ahead and throw that neutral color palette out the window! Go big with a bold mural on the wall or a brightly colored sofa. Light your minimal with simple fixtures or recessed lights, but use your lighting to add to your design. Consider adding LED bulbs or rope lights that change colors with the push of a button to add some drama to your space when the time feels right! This design style is still minimalism at heart, but it’s very art-centered. Give your space a personality! The goal is to give your clean lines and simple shapes a beautifully artistic backdrop.

It’s Time To Get Started!

You make the rules in your space! If Mid-Century Mod is your thing, dive in! If you like bits and pieces of a few different styles, don’t be afraid to mix and match! Making your space reflect your own style is the best way to make your house a home. Be bold, experiment, and love where you live!

Does your home need a style refresh? Don’t forget to update your light fixtures too! Call the experts at All-Phaseand they’ll help you figure out how to get the perfect ambiance for your new space.

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