All Phase TC

2022

What to Expect When Visiting a Lighting Showroom

What to Expect When Visiting a Lighting Showroom

by ·

Have you ever purchased something online only to have it arrive looking very different than you expected it to, or it just didn’t look as good in your space as you thought it would? Have you ever purchased an item at the store based off the image on its packaging only to be disappointed by the poor quality once you got it home and unwrapped?

There’s no substitute for being able to see, touch, and try out an item before making a purchase. This is true for any purchase, but it’s especially important when you’re buying things for your home! Your home needs to be somewhere you’re comfortable and can feel relaxed – and good lighting is absolutely essential to creating that environment! 

Don’t leave your lighting purchases up to chance. If you’ve never been to a lighting showroom before, here are a few things you can expect to happen on your next visit. 

Huge Selection of Quality Fixtures

When you shop online, it can be overwhelming and frustrating trying to sort through all of the options to find something you like, and it’s always a gamble as to whether it will look right once you get it. 

Lighting showrooms specialize in one thing: getting you the perfect light for your home. We have access to thousands of lighting options, and our lighting experts can help you sift through it all to find exactly what you need – without hours of frustrating internet searches. 

Showroom owners are choosy about what they’ll offer to customers, so you won’t have to worry about getting a dud. 

See Everything in Person

When buying light fixtures, you’re usually trying to set up an entire room with balanced needs. Unless you are a trained interior designer (and even if you are), it’s very difficult to gauge style, size, space, and balance just from a picture. 

Fixtures look really different when they’re off and on, and the way they cast light can change the feel of a space. It’s also hard to see small details and textures on finishes. Being able to see the light in person before buying can save you the headache of having to return a dark brown fixture you thought was black or a lantern that casts shadows you weren’t expecting. 

Personalized Expert Advice

Most DIY homeowners and interior designers know what it feels like to thoroughly research and still feel dissatisfied with the end result. It doesn’t matter how many how-to videos you watch – the person on the other end can’t give you personalized advice specific to your project. 

With something as crucial to your design as lighting, it’s a really good idea to check over design plans with an expert on the topic before you get started. 

When you stop in at our showroom, our lighting experts can teach you how to select the right bulbs for your needs, get the best light fixture for your money, and instruct you on proper installation, all as a regular part of your shopping experience. You won’t get that level of personalized expertise anywhere else!

Better Value for Your Money

Many believe that lighting showrooms charge “boutique” prices that are much higher than you’ll find online or at the hardware store. This simply isn’t true. When you visit a showroom, you’ll find that showrooms charge comparable prices to other fixture suppliers, and they have higher quality pieces.

———————-

Let’s Recap

When it really gets down to it, if you’re shopping online or at a hardware store, you’re gambling on quality and not getting the best value for your money. 

The next time you’re shopping for lighting, make sure you include a lighting showroom in your process. When you shop at a showroom, you can see what you’re buying before you take it home. When you factor in the free expert advice, the higher quality fixtures, and the time saved, you’re actually paying less to get exactly what you need for your home. 

———————-

Ready for your showroom experience? Check us out at Lit Living! 

3 Things You Need to Know About Recessed Lighting

3 Things You Need to Know About Recessed Lighting

by ·

Recessed lights can radically change the way your home looks and feels. Done right, they can bathe your space in soft light, highlight special features, and help you set the right mood. Done wrong, they turn your ceiling into a polka-dotted nightmare of harsh spotlights and awkward shadows. So, how do you get it right? 

We’ve put together three of our top expert recessed lighting tips based on our years of experience in the lighting industry to help you get it just right! 

Installation Know-How

If you’re building or remodeling, now’s the best time to be thinking about recessed lights. Recessed lights are easiest to install during construction. With the walls opened up, it’s not a big deal for an electrician to run the necessary wires and mount the lights. 

If your home is already finished and you’re really not ready to tear out the ceiling, don’t despair! The recessed lighting industry makes a whole line of specialty lights designed for non-intrusive updates. Look for lights that say retro-fit in the product description – this means they can be more easily installed in an existing ceiling. Canless recessed lights are ultra-thin (the same thickness as your ceiling’s drywall), which makes installing them the most DIY-friendly option for homeowners.

Placement is Paramount

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing recessed lights is poor placement. Your recessed lights should wash your walls, not just the floor, with light. If your walls aren’t properly lit, your room will feel dim and dull no matter how your lights are installed. 

 

Wall washing spreads soft light evenly across a wall, and it will make your room feel bigger and more open. For example: the recessed lights in the image below (see upper left) cast soft light across the entire wall, which makes the room feel larger and brighter.

A close cousin, wall grazing (as seen below), occurs when recessed lights are placed close to the wall and the cone of light casts harsh lines of light and shadow. This is typically done to accent a design feature, not to provide ambient lighting for a room.

Wall washing is usually the goal in residential applications – it’s a good idea to talk to a lighting expert before you get ready to install to make sure you get them at the right distance from the wall.

A grid of soft white lights will give off a comfortable, all-over light, which is perfect for large rooms, but it’s not one-size-fits-all for every space in your home. Areas where you work, like your kitchen, should have more focused task lighting over countertops and work surfaces. 

Quick Tip: Space recessed lights away from ceiling fan blades or you’ll end up with a subtle strobing effect when both are on. Also, avoid placing bright lights directly over a seating area so that your guests won’t feel like they’re under a spotlight.

 

Zones and Dimmer Switches

Your lighting plan will be most effective if you can create zones based on how you use your space. Large spaces and multi-purpose rooms have different lighting needs throughout the space. If you strategically wire these areas independently, they can work together to give you more control over the way your room works for you. 

For example, a living room may have a row of wall-washing lights around the perimeter, a central grid of ambient lights, and a couple of spotlight lights to highlight a feature fireplace or some artwork. If each of these zones can be adjusted independently, you can transition a bright morning workspace to a cozy evening entertaining space with ease. 

Wherever possible, install each zone with a dimmer switch. Being able to adjust the intensity of light in your space is an essential part of creating the right mood. An added benefit of dimmable lights is that they last longer when not used at full power, so you can extend the life of your bulbs and entertain houseguests at the same time!

Installing recessed lighting is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be a big pain in the neck. Whether you’re a D.I.Y.er needing a few pointers, or if M.O.D.I.F.Y. is more your speed (Make Others Do It For You), we can help you find exactly what you need to get it done. Give us a call or stop by our showroom today!

 

A Guide to Grandmillennial Design

A Guide to Grandmillennial Design

by ·

Today’s interior design trends are all about neutral color pallets and streamlined minimalist design. While some may love the simplicity, many millennials are tired of the muted, sparse interiors and are pushing back – resulting in the creation of a unique version of vintage interior design they’ve coined “Grandmillennial.”

The term “grandmillennial” can be understood in two parts: “grand” and “millennial.” The “grand” refers to the vintage and classic feel, with rich textiles, colors, patterns, and embellishments. The “millennial” portion nods towards the generation largely responsible for resurrecting these elements while acknowledging their twist on the classics. 

In short – think Elizabeth Bennett’s drawing-room sprinkled with references to pop culture, LED lighting, and smart home capabilities.

The grandmillennial aesthetic focuses on storytelling through interior design. It uses brighter colors, vintage fabrics, and upholstery, filling the room with interesting points of view. In short, they seem to be embracing their grandmother’s home and furniture, bringing these pieces back to life in a modern application.

As it’s a brand new, trending, and eclectic style, it can be hard to understand how to capture the essence of the grandmillennials. This piece will walk through the essential building blocks – then you can mix and match modern grandma chic your way into grandmillennial design!

Antique Furniture and Inherited Pieces

Grandmillennials love to showcase the family heirlooms that may not have been important to their Gen X parents’ style. Whether it be old couches, tables, art, or even china, grandmillennials are determined to use grandma’s pieces in their homes.

The goal is not to recreate grandma’s house down to the perfumy potpourri, but to bring classic warmth and texture into a modern context. It’s perfectly fine to restore older pieces with a modern touch before using them in your home. 

Pro tip: If you thrift or inherit a beautiful lamp that doesn’t work (or has suspect wiring), it’s easy to restore vintage lamps by replacing the wiring with up-to-code materials. 

Brighter Colors and Lots of Patterns

Leaving the neutral palettes of minimalism behind, the grandmillennial style embraces layering pattern and color. However, this balance can be tricky since grandmillennial design isn’t fully eclectic. Instead, it uses complementary colors with one grounding pattern to anchor the others.

You’ll often see this done on the walls with floral wallpaper, textured surfaces, or large pieces of colorful art. If not on the walls, these colors and patterns are found in furniture items and accessories. They’ll be balanced out with solid, complementary colors elsewhere in the room – a floral wallpaper with board and batten below, or a bright sofa with a light, airy paint on the walls.  

Pro tip: Spend time with your paint and wallpaper samples at home and watch how they change between the natural sunlight and your electric light. Modern light bulbs typically come in either warm or cool light, and what you choose will change how your paint looks!

More “Stuff”

In an anti-minimalist movement, grandmillennial design simply uses more stuff. Designers fill the shelves with art, plants, and figurines, walls are busier with wallpaper and art, and furniture fills up more of the space.

Grandmillennial style also focuses more on embellishments. Old fashioned tassels, crystal chandeliers, tapestries, and metallic accents are common. Showcasing collections and treasures for the sake of displaying them are returning in vogue.

Pro tip: Consider adding LED strip lighting on shelving to highlight your favorite art pieces or collectibles!

Mixing Textures

Velvet, wicker, and woven accents are all fair game in grandmillennial design. In fact, layering these textures will help create the complexity in design that millennials’ grandparents had. You’ll find these textures in furniture, tables, window treatments, and lighting options.

The great thing about grandmillennial design is that it allows you to use whatever textures you like, regardless of how it compares to other trends! Wicker has made a comeback in the last few years, often featured in trendy interiors.

Pro tip: Swapping out your lighting is a great way to introduce a new texture without overcommitting to it. Whether it’s an exposed bulb or rattan shade, an unexpected fixture can add that perfect amount of spice.

Modern Touches and Pop Culture References

A unique difference between grandmillennial and vintage design is a playful reference to pop culture. Next to flowery wallpaper, printed china, and velvet couches are vintage-style portraits of astronaut cats or stylized Stormtroopers.

Needlepoint art is another trend that’s been rising in popularity recently. But in grandmillennial design, you’ll find this vintage technique now displays edgy sayings or outlines of famous icons. You’ll find similar pop references hidden in rugs, throws, and pillows too.

Pro tip: Just because you’re embracing grandma’s style doesn’t mean you have to embrace her technology – smart lights and LED strips are a simple, inexpensive way to make your home look much more modern without detracting from your decor.

Go Big with Statement Light Fixtures

The focus on historical pieces offers an excellent opportunity to play with bigger and bolder light fixtures. If you’ve cherished a childhood dream of having a big crystal chandelier, but have always worried it would feel too traditional or stuffy, now is your time to make it happen!

Keep in mind that effective mood lighting for any design requires five to seven different light sources. So while all styles will have layered lighting, the grandmillennial style allows you to really go all out and take full advantage of this layer-friendly trend to elevate your design. From wicker to crystal and velvet to fringe, you have free reign to play without being kitsch.

Pro tip: Lighting showrooms have a vast selection of fixtures at hardware store prices. A visit to your local showroom will let you see the lights in action before you buy so you can find what you want quickly, and the experts there can walk you through the installation process so you can install it like a pro when you get home.

Now You Know!

With these basics in hand, you are ready to embrace the granny chic movement with the perfect modern balance and function. 

Display those inherited pieces, get creative with wallpaper, fill your shelves with interesting knickknacks, and try out that beaded light fixture! At the end of the day, grandmillennial design is all about nostalgia and freedom of expression. You do you.

Having trouble choosing what to highlight in your redesign? The dedicated experts at All-Phasecan help you pick the perfect, showstopping light fixtures for your design. Contact us today to get started on your grandmillennial refresh!

A Guide to the Basic Types of Light and How to Use Them In Your Home

A Guide to the Basic Types of Light and How to Use Them In Your Home

by ·

Light is all around us, controls what we do and how our body runs. Yet, most people haven’t given much thought to the kinds of light that surround them. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of both as we explain how to use light to your advantage.

Types of Light in Interior Design

When we talk about interior design, there are a lot of different words that get tossed around about lighting. It can get a little confusing, but the good news is, if you can get down these main types of light you’ll be 90% good to go! 

  • General/Ambient: This is the main source of light for a space. It fills the room with bright, balanced, even light. This usually comes from an overhead fixture centered in the room or an array of recessed lights.
  • Task: Task lighting is usually bright and used in combination with ambient light. It’s extra light that is strategically placed to add focused light to a workspace, like a kitchen counter or writing desk.
  • Accent: Accent light refers to light that is more about design than function. Spotlights, track lights, and strip LEDs can fall into this category. They often shine on artwork or architectural features like high ceilings or feature fireplaces. Although accent light does fill a function, the main value is decorative.
  • Mood: Mood lighting is generally soft, dim light. It encourages a calm or romantic atmosphere. Most often this is done with lamps, candles, or lights on dimmer switches.

When designing a lighting plan for your home, it’s important to create “layers” of light by including several types of lighting in each space. To see this in action, here’s a breakdown of the types of light found in this bedroom:

  • General/Ambient: Array of recessed lights along the ceiling
  • Task: Reading lamps on either side of the bed
  • Accent: LED light strip tucked around the edges of a coved ceiling, recessed lights shining on wall panel details, decorative sconces on wall centered around the dresser
  • Mood: Soft lights under closet doors, dimmer switches on several fixtures

This room is a great example of the way layered light adds to the design of a space without being overwhelming. Remember, you won’t usually be using all of these lights at the same time – but having options lets you customize the space for, however, you need to use it at the moment.

Other Types of Light

For most of your home projects, understanding the main types of lighting should be sufficient, but there are a few other lighting terms you may hear. Here are a few of the most popular terms: 

Diffused Light

Properties: Gentle, encourages relaxation

Best locations: Bedrooms, tub, Living Room, Dining Room

Diffused light is a natural companion to warm light. This term refers to light that is scattered and doesn’t cast a hard shadow. You can create this effect through reflected or covered lighting. We’ll focus on the latter here and touch more on reflected light in the next section.

Breaking up light makes it less harsh and more relaxed, cozy. Popular design elements are boho wicker chandeliers, modern plastic-covered lights, or paper lanterns. Both allow for plenty of light but filter the harshness of the bulb.

The opposite of diffused light is hard light. This light shines directly from the source and casts a hard shadow. This light is often found in workspaces like the kitchen or office. 

Reflected Light

Properties: Gentle, amplifies space

Best locations: Kitchen, Living Rooms, Bedrooms

This term has more to do with how light reacts in a design after it hits a surface in your home than with the source of the light. There are a few things that will affect how the light hits, and bounces off, the objects in your home. 

Color

Light colors reflect light, and dark colors absorb light. You can make a room feel big and spacious with just a coat of light-colored paint on the walls and ceiling. If you go dark on your walls, you’ll often need to add additional light sources to keep your room from feeling small.

Finish

Smooth, glossy finishes like wood floors or metallic furniture will reflect light and bounce it back out into the room. Interiors with lots of glossy surfaces can get away with fewer light sources. If your room feels a little too bright – try adding in some softer, textured surfaces like a fabric sofa, a rug, pillows and blankets, or textured wall art. 

Backlight

Properties: Highlights design, provides contrast, decreases eye strain

Best locations: Closets, Bookshelves, Cove ceilings, Wall panels, Kitchen cabinets, TVs and Computer Screens

Backlighting is the practice of lighting an object from behind. With a soft light source behind it, your bed, tv, art, or mirror will look like it’s glowing. In interior design, backlighting can also refer to the practice of lighting a wall, floor, or other surfaces with soft light (as seen above) to give the illusion of continuous, shadow-free illumination. 

As A Design Element

The key to successful backlighting is to tuck the light sources out of view and in reflective areas. In interior design, backlighting is usually found tucked into the recesses of architectural details like cove ceilings or wall panels, or around cabinets, bookshelves, and closets.

Behind Screens

Another common use for backlighting has a little less to do with design and more to do with function. Running a strip of LED lights along the back of a TV screen or computer monitor creates a soft glow around the edges of the screen, which reduces the strain on your eyes. Light used in this context is also often called bias lighting.

Light Temperature

The temperature of light refers to its energy and wavelength. Higher energy light can appear blue and is called cool. Lower energy light appears yellow or red and is called warm. The temperature of the bulbs you put in your light fixtures can actually impact how you feel while you’re in the space, and can even affect your sleeping patterns.  

Traditional incandescent bulbs only gave off warm light, so there was little variety in the light temperature of interior light fixtures. But LED technology has created light bulbs that can give off any wavelength from cool to warm, and some bulbs can change color with the click of a button on a remote. 

Homeowners now have a much wider range of color temperatures to choose from – so it’s important to understand how these light temperatures affect you when you’re lighting your home.

Cool Light

Properties: Alertness, attention, working brain

Best Locations: Office, Kitchen, Vanity, Bathroom Mirror

Blue light is receiving a lot of negative attention these days, but it’s not all bad. Blue light is a very important part of both our daily cycle and our workday.

The biggest source of blue light is the sun. The blue spectrum of light activates our attentive brain, which helps to keep us alert.

Since blue light is excellent for concentration, it is perfect for work areas. The kitchen, home offices, homework areas, and around mirrors are perfect locations. It’s often used for general lighting and task lighting. Cool lights allow the whole family to focus up and get great work done. 

Because cool light keeps your brain alert, it’s best to turn off all blue light sources 2 hours before bed. That includes your phone screens and TVs – if you’re not getting great sleep at night, try changing your relationship with blue light. It can make a big difference! 

Warm Light

Properties: Relaxation, sleep, resting brain

Best Locations: Bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room, Bathtub

This light has a longer wavelength, travels more slowly, and outputs less energy.  Warm light signals our brains to relax and encourages rest and sleep. 

Fire, such as from a candle or fireplace, is a natural source of red light. Sitting around a fire at night to feel cozy or romantic isn’t an arbitrary human idea – it’s biology!

Warm light sources are perfect for bedrooms, tub areas, living rooms, or dining areas. Ending your day in warm light will help your body to relax and get ready for excellent, restorative sleep.

Natural/Neutral Light

Properties: In between warm and cool light, bright but not harsh

Best locations: Substitute for cool light for sensitive eyes

There is a third bulb temperature marketed today. Natural or neutral bulbs give off light in between cool and warm. These bulbs may be particularly useful for those with light sensitivity problems. These bulbs are bright enough to fill ambient lighting needs to work in without feeling harsh. 

Ask the Pros

It can feel intimidating to design the light of your home. The lighting pros at LitLiving are available to help you combine your aesthetic, room needs, and budget as they connect you with the best lighting showrooms around.

 

 

Chandeliers vs. Pendant Lights: What’s the Difference?

Chandeliers vs. Pendant Lights: What’s the Difference?

by ·

Chandeliers and pendant lights both make a statement in any space. Because they’re very similar, they are often confused for one another. While they both hang down from the ceiling, there are a few key differences you need to know that can help you choose what’s best for your home.

 

Chandelier

A chandelier has a central body with multiple lighted branching arms. It usually hangs suspended from a chain.

 

Pendant Light

 

A pendant light has a cord or chain with one light attached. Sometimes pendant lights have multiple lights, but if they do, they’re usually surrounded by a structure 

like the one pictured above.

 

Similarities and Differences

Style

The biggest difference between a chandelier and a pendant light is how it looks. Chandeliers are more intricate and ornate. They make a big statement and add elegance to a room. Chandeliers will be the center of attention. Pendant lights come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. When compared to a chandelier, pendants are usually smaller and have a cleaner, more minimal feel.

Use

Chandeliers and Pendants can both be used in any room in the house! Chandeliers are usually used to provide ambient light (illuminates a space evenly) in large spaces, but their ornate designs can create shadows. Because there are many lights on one chandelier, you may only need one to illuminate a whole room. Pendant lights are better for direct lighting (over a kitchen table, for example). Since there’s usually only one bulb per fixture, smaller pendant lights are often used in groups, like a set of 3 over a kitchen island.

Cost

While there are exceptions, chandeliers tend to be much more expensive than pendant lights. Chandeliers also often require professional installation due to their size and weight, which may add extra to your total bill. On the flip side, a handy homeowner can sometimes hang a pendant light by themself! If you’re comparison shopping, don’t forget to consider the number of fixtures you’ll need when calculating cost.

Maintenance

When choosing between these two statement fixtures, be sure to consider maintenance. Since pendant lights are simpler, they are usually easier to clean and have simpler lightbulb changes. On the other hand, chandeliers can be more challenging to maintain because of their delicate design. If you’re looking for easier maintenance, a pendant light is your best bet.

 

Pros and Cons

Chandeliers and pendant lights are both great options, but to help you make up your mind, we rounded up all of the details above here as some quick-reference pros and cons.

No matter which you choose, chandeliers and pendant lights will both make a statement and show off your style! If you’re still not sure which is right for you, give our experts at All-Phasea call for personalized advice!

 

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

by ·

They say not to judge books by their covers… but isn’t that what the cover is for? A book’s cover can give off a vibe that will help you decide on an impulse if that book is for you. Your house’s exterior is its cover. Based on its appearance from the street, or curb appeal, passersby (or potential buyers if you’re selling) will decide if it’s worth their time (and money) on a split-second impulse. 

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or increase its value, the look and feel of the exterior of your home has a significant impact on the bottom line. The good news is, giving your house a cover anyone would want to open is simple with these tips!

Tip 1: Add and Update Lighting

Light makes a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. Choose modern fixtures or timeless classics, but make sure you have a variety of quality lights so that no matter what time of day, your house–and the landscaping you’ve worked hard to maintain–shines. 

These symmetrical sconces contrast with the white of the house perfectly and add some visual interest. You could also add matching ones by your garage for even more light.

If you don’t have room for outdoor sconces, consider a pendant light like this one. It adds a perfect lighting focal point without distracting from your picture-perfect entryway.

From top to bottom, this house will not be ignored! It draws your eyes toward it by using tons of lights. From the overhead light on the front porch to the lights under every roof overhang, you’ll see this beauty no matter where you are.

Add low-voltage outdoor lights or solar-powered lights to your driveway or walkway for a quick lighting upgrade. They’ll catch eyes, and guests won’t waste time looking for a path through your front yard.

Landscape lighting like this puts an emphasis on your garden beds, flowers, or other plants. You’ve worked hard to maintain them, so make it count–day or night. 

Tip 2: Utilize Color

You can use color to create a focal point for your house. It doesn’t matter whether you use neutrals, contrasting colors, or pops of bright color; careful color selection can really create an inviting exterior.

Don’t be afraid to be bold! This aqua-colored door with a bright floral wreath immediately draws the eye and invites guests in. (Plus, check out that perfectly-placed pendant that will light up the door at night!)

When you’re looking to add bright color, flowers are a great way to go. These gorgeous window boxes add a much-needed pop of color without feeling committed to a paint color. For the DIYers – window boxes are a great little project you can throw together with your scrap wood!

Whatever color you go for, make sure your trim and siding complement each other. Update one or both, but don’t forget to give your house a good power wash!

If your garage is looking a little worn out, a fresh coat paint is a quick fix. This house’s garage matches the trim and contrasts against the white perfectly. 

Tip 3: Decorate, decorate, decorate!

One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to increase your curb appeal is by adding some decorative items. It’s a great way to make your porch feel more like an extension of your home than just a set of concrete steps. 

Decoration doesn’t have to be complicated. Add a simple wreath and cute doormat with an undermat to invite people in.

A front porch with furniture makes you feel right at home. Throw some chairs and a bench up for a cozy place to sit with your guests, or to watch your kids ride their bikes around the cul-de-sac. Pro tip: Add a few outdoor pillows for a pop of color! You’ll want to spend all summer outside and boost your curb appeal. Win-win!

Have you ever been looking for a house, but you can’t seem to find it? Your house numbers are an essential for guests trying to locate your house. If yours are feeling a little lackluster – changing them out is a very simple project with a big impact! This house’s numbers and door hardware match, pulling the look together. 

Shutters are a classic way to increase curb appeal. These shutters create some high-contrast visual interest by framing in the windows – and the symmetry pleasantly draws your eyes right up the path and straight to the front door.

Tip 4: Exercise Your Green Thumb

Landscaping is one of the first things you see when looking at a house. Is the lawn sickly and brown or thick and green? Are there bright flowers? Trees? You may not have a green thumb, but there are ways to make your yard and house stand out without getting (too) dirty.

Add some interest to your entryway with symmetrical pots next to your front door. Plant some easy-to-maintain flowers or greenery in them for a simple way to spruce up your front porch.

Update your garden beds with some plants and mulch. The contrast of the mulch in this house’s landscaping makes the greenery look lush and healthy. The depth of color helps the white paint on the house look bright and crisp, too. (Bonus points for the lights above the garage–we love the way they pop!)

If you’re a registered plant-killer, no need to fear! Pick low-maintenance plants that require little care – or take a look at getting some artificial outdoor plants. If you live in a place where water conservation is a concern, you can xeriscape (landscape with minimal water use) instead. Choose your plants mindfully, and your maintenance can be simple.

You could also consider planting less and adding lights to make what you do have pop (without all the hassle)!

Tip 5: Regular Maintenance

No matter what your house looks like, keeping it clean and dressed up will make a great impression. From state-of-the-art mansions to 50-year-old starter homes, regular maintenance will make any home look like a million bucks.

This house has clearly been well-cared for. The white is still white (not brown–yikes), the lawn is green and mowed, and the driveway is clear of yard waste. 

If you have pavement, make sure to get out your broom or leaf blower to clear it off! If you don’t, consider adding one. It creates a place to walk so your yard stays nice and creates a line for your eyes to follow up to the house. 

If you have limited time or resources, make sure to design your yard with maintenance in mind. Choose artificial plants or some that require little water. This house doesn’t have grass to mow, and the plants are low-maintenance.

Another tip to reduce maintenance is to use LED lights that don’t need to be replaced as often. Taking care of your house doesn’t have to take your entire weekend!

Curb appeal is what brings a smile to your face when you come home every day. It creates an atmosphere you’ll want to share with those you care about. Whether you’re trying to sell or just looking to impress your guests, updating your lighting, utilizing color, decorating, landscaping, and maintaining your house will make you feel at home and leave your guests with a first impression they won’t forget. Contact All-Phaseor visit our showroom for more tips on boosting your home’s curb appeal!

How Many Blades Does Your Ceiling Fan Really Need?

How Many Blades Does Your Ceiling Fan Really Need?

by ·

Ceiling fans are great at providing comfort year-round. A good ceiling fan will help you save on energy costs by circulating the air in your home. In the summer they create a draft, making the room feel cooler. In cold weather, you can switch the fan’s direction to circulate warm air from central heating around the room. 

Ceiling fans are so ubiquitous that for many people it’s hard to imagine life without one! So what happens when your fan breaks, and it’s time to get a new one? 

If you’ve shopped for ceiling fans recently, you know that there are a lot of options. From the ultra-modern models with a single fan blade, to the “windmill” design fans with so many blades that there’s hardly any space between them – many homeowners on the hunt start to ask: 

How many blades does my ceiling fan really need? 

Does the blade count actually change anything, or is it just for aesthetics? 

In short, the answer is “yes to both.” The blade count on a ceiling fan is largely viewed as a style issue, but it does impact the way the fan works. Apart from the obvious design differences, the number of blades on a fan will also affect its noise level and energy consumption. 

Noise Level

The fewer the blades, the faster a fan needs to spin to move the same amount of air. Lots of spinning means lots of moving parts, which usually translates to more noise. Take large industrial fans, for example – they typically have two or three blades and are pretty loud. 

On the other end of the spectrum, fans with higher blade counts can move a lot of air spinning at a slower rate. Less motion means less noise – windmill-style fans with eight to ten blades are virtually silent. 

There isn’t an exact cutoff between noisy versus quiet fans, but a good middle range is around five. If you want a quieter fan, one with five or more blades will likely be your best choice. 

Energy Efficiency

Another thing to consider when choosing a fan is how much it will cost to run. Fans with more blades create more drag, requiring more energy to operate. This is one reason why large, always-on fans (like you’d see in a commercial space) often only have three blades. They may be a bit noisier, but they save on energy costs.

While its blade count does impact the energy efficiency of a fan, it’s definitely not the only factor involved. The efficiency of fans can also be affected by the length and angle of the blades and by the type of motor it uses. It’s best to check the energy rating of your fan when possible. 

Style and Aesthetics

Aside from energy efficiency and noise level, the main difference between fans with high and low blade counts is really just style and aesthetics. “Windmill” styles with eight to twelve blades can feel rustic, whereas fans with two to three blades usually feel minimalist and industrial. 

How do I know what the right number is for me?

The short answer to this question is – it really doesn’t matter very much for most people. It doesn’t matter whether noise levels, energy efficiency, or aesthetics are your top priority; it’s pretty likely that you’ll be able to find a fan that will meet your needs in all three categories. 

Most often, it’s safe to shop by your style preferences first, then find a fan that meets your noise and efficiency needs from that selection. A modern, high-quality ceiling fan will be designed to work well regardless of the blade count.

If you’re looking for a quality fan that will keep you cool for years to come, stop by our showroom or give us a call. Our lighting experts are ready and waiting to help you find exactly what you need!