The Top 10 Lighting Trends for 2020
Great lighting is always in style, but every year there are new trends worth exploring. Here are our picks for the top ten lighting trends of 2020.
The world of lighting, much like the world of home furnishings, is ever-changing. There are classics, of course – lighting staples that transcend trends, like your favorite mid-century modern floor lamp, or a vintage table lamp that adds an eclectic touch to your transitional interior. And there are yearly trends, some with longevity.
We hesitate to jump on fads, but each year, there are a handful of trends worth knowing. These are our top 10 lighting trends for 2020.
Architectural Floor Lamps
Floor lamps are excellent for providing subtle accent light or extra illumination to a dim room. Architectural floor lamps with tripod legs, or an unexpected angle, grew in popularity this year, and we expect demand to increase in 2020. Architectural floor lamps command attention and enhance the style of every room, and since lighting is becoming more decorative, architectural fixtures and lamps can be the statement pieces in your room’s overall design.
Natural Materials
Natural materials like grasses, wood, burlap, glass, and metal are already common in lighting and interior design, and we predict that the popularity is going to grow next year. Lamps made with natural materials that include straight lines or geometric forms signify a return to nature, and work well with different design styles, from contemporary to traditional (for a surprising contrast).
Geometric Designs
Geometric shapes give your lighting a casual and architectural feel, making these fixtures a great candidate for any room – especially the kitchen. You’re going to see more and more geometric shapes in the form of pendants and chandeliers throughout 2020. Mark our words.
Brass or Gold Fixtures
Brass and gold fixtures are another 2020 lighting and design trend. Experts predict that brass and gold are the color of choice for accessories and lighting next year, and we’d have to agree. The trend picked up steam this year, and there are no signs that the design world’s gold fixation is going to end any time soon. Unlacquered brass and gold fixtures that age and patina over time are going to be particularly popular next year.
Matte Black
Black is a favorite neutral for interior designers. It’s edgy, chic, and works with nearly every palette. It is for this reason that we think black, specifically matte black, is going to have a moment in 2020. Matte black lighting is luxurious, natural, and bold, and blends seamlessly with modern color schemes, or gives a dramatic contrast with white and grey Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Clear Glass Pendants
Clear glass pendant lamps are a beautiful mash-up of industrial and rustic design— perfect for eclectic and mountain-inspired Colorado homes. We predict that next year, you’ll see a trend of clear glass pendants hung in clusters, and at different heights, with clean silhouettes and exposed Edison-style bulbs for a sophisticated look.
Refined Industrial
We’ve noticed the influence of urban loft-inspired industrial lighting grow over the last decade. And while we still enjoy classic industrial lighting, tastes are shifting to a more refined industrial style. Lighting with industrial materials and shapes, but finished in brass (remember brass and gold are having a moment in 2020), matte black (another 2020 trend), or polished chrome are steadily gaining popularity, particularly in kitchen and dining room lighting fixtures.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are an excellent choice for accent lighting. We hesitate to call them trendy, but the popularity of this fixture type is going to increase next year. Why? Because wall sconces can be hung to draw attention to artwork or to provide light for reading in bed, and, in an era where small fixtures and minimalist spaces are the trends, moving fixtures to the wall frees floor space for sleek furnishings and accent pieces.
Wood Bead Fixtures
Bohemian-inspired and versatile, wood bead lighting is a unique way to add texture and natural materials (on-trend for 2020) to your room. Flush mount styles for the living room and chandelier or pendant styles for the dining room and kitchen are favorites of ours.
LED Lighting
Lighting trends for 2020 aren’t limited to fixtures. Next year’s trends also apply to bulb types. LED lighting is already popular, but it’s going to gain steam in 2020. Why? Because LEDs are long-lasting, energy-efficient, free from harmful toxic materials, are excellent for smart homes and come in many shapes and sizes.
There’s no shortage of inspiration for your 2020 lighting design projects in each of our two metro Denver showrooms. Add style and functionality to your home next year. Visit us!
10 Bathroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Space
Are you suffering from a dim bathroom? We’ve got ten bathroom lighting ideas to help.
Relaxing in the tub surrounded by candles and soft lighting sounds excellent, but aside from this scenario, a dim bathroom isn’t pleasant - nor is it functional. Inefficient bathroom lighting makes an ample space feel small and turns everyday tasks into a flirtation with danger (don’t shave or apply mascara in the dark).
People spend hours selecting their living room lighting, dining and kitchen light fixtures, and bedroom lighting, but often overlook the importance of efficient (and attractive) bathroom lighting.
Don’t neglect your bathroom lighting; after all, it’s where you start and end the day.
And, compared with most bathroom renovations, lighting upgrades are a simple and budget-friendly way to revamp an outdated (or dark) space. Regardless of the style or size of your bathroom, there’s no shortage of sconces, flush-mounts, pendants, and even chandeliers from which you can choose.
Make the most of your space (and stay safe and looking your best) with the ten bathroom lighting ideas below.
1. Get in the zone.
You can solve common design problems by first analyzing the space. What are its properties? How is it used? Split your bathroom into zones: bath, vanity, and shower. Use task lighting around the vanity where bright light is needed and consider installing LEDs or spots in vertical rows alongside mirrors as opposed to above. This gives you flattering light and minimizes shadows. In small areas, mirrored cabinets with integrated lighting is a simple and easy solution.
2. Maximize natural light.
An all-white bathroom sets a tone that’s bright, fresh, and clean. White paint allows you to harness natural light to lessen the pressure on light fixtures; small flush-mount lights provide ample illumination because of the way natural light brightens your white walls, tub, and ceiling.
3. Double-down with small pendants.
In a small and dark bathroom with natural textures and earthy decor, double down on lighting in front of your mirror to ensure the perfect level of brightness. Smaller pendants are an excellent option for bathrooms where wall space is at a premium.
4. Read and relax.
If you’re curling up with a good book in the bathtub, your reading light is as essential in the bathroom as it is on a bedside table. A swing-arm sconce provides ample light and style—it’s the perfect way to create a cozy bathtub nook for self-care.
5. Replace your lightbulbs.
Replacing light bulbs is a simple and easy way to brighten up your bath. We like to use cool white, bright white, or daylight bulbs in bathroom lighting schemes to minimize shadows and provide the maximum output around a vanity. Consider ambient light in bathing spaces, like baths and showers.
6. Layer your light.
Like everywhere else in your home, great lighting in your bathroom is essential, and layering your sources light provides the best results. Try using a combination of overhead light from a chandelier (if you have the room), natural light from windows, and light from above mirror fixtures to cover all of your bathroom lighting needs.
7. Mix shapes, styles, and textures.
Use color, texture, style, and shape to achieve balance and rhythm in your bathroom lighting scheme. Contrasting (but complimentary) finishes in light fixtures enhance texture, and lights of varied shapes, styles, and sizes achieve balance and rhythm.
8. Use functional lighting.
Try using a pair of wall sconces to illuminate a freestanding bathroom vanity. In some cases, mounting sconces directly to the wall mirror maximizes their visual impact and offers shadow-free grooming.
9. Illuminate bathroom art.
If you have art in your bathroom, accent lighting shows it off. Recessed directional light fixtures give focused light for each piece of wall art or illuminate an architectural feature like an alcove used to display pottery or sculptures.
10. Up your style quotient with pendants.
Pendants, in pairs or as a standalone fixture, give your bathroom a custom look. Drop them on either side of your mirror or vanity, or use a single pendant over your bathtub in place of a chandelier (assuming ceiling height allows) for extra function and style.
If your bathroom is functional but uninspired, or worse, if it’s uninspired and missing functionality, it’s time for an update.
A well-considered bathroom lighting scheme is a simple way to update an older space or to ramp-up the style in a new home. Make a statement in your bathroom with smart task lighting, pendants or a chandelier, and even an elegant table or floor lamp. Like the other rooms in your home, mixing textures, styles, and shapes adds interest and personality to a bathroom.
Do you need help creating a beautiful and inspired bathroom lighting scheme? We’re here to help! Visit one of our two metro Denver showrooms for a consultation with a bathroom lighting specialist.
Direct vs. Indirect Lighting: What's Best Solution for Your Denver Home?
Understand a few lighting basics to create the perfect illumination plan for your Denver home.
Regardless of how well-designed your home is, poor lighting choices quickly dampen the mood. Working with a design professional versed in the subtle nuances of lighting design helps. Still, you should understand a few basics as you begin your search for the perfect fixtures.
When lighting designers and interior designers create a lighting plan, virtually all the fixtures they select fall into two categories: direct and indirect lighting. In this post, we’ll discuss the difference between the two types, and explain how to use both styles to create a beautifully lit space.
What is direct lighting?
Direct lighting refers to lights or fixtures that point directly at the subject or space with no diffusion or bouncing off of other surfaces. These are typically fixtures that direct the light downward onto a surface below. If you stare up at a fixture and see the bulb, then you’re looking at a source of direct light. Recessed lighting and track lighting are the most common fixtures for this application.
What is indirect lighting?
Indirect lighting most often refers to fixtures that bounce light off of a surface or highlight a specific design feature without pointing the light straight at the object. Up-lights that sit above eye-level to highlight an interesting ceiling feature is an excellent example of indirect lighting. LED strip lights are also frequently used for indirect lighting because they can easily be hidden in recessed areas.
When to use direct lighting:
Direct lighting is an ideal solution for task-oriented spaces like kitchens, dining areas, offices, or bathrooms. While sources of direct light are both functional and beautiful, it’s essential to consider the function of each light as well as its aesthetic value when searching for this style of fixture. Most lighting plans start with direct lighting and indirect sources are added later. We love to use direct lighting fixtures to create a striking focal point. You can cluster pendants in a kitchen or dining space, or over an island where attractive and functional light is essential to illuminate the area where food is prepared or served.
When to use indirect lighting:
Indirect lighting fixtures are either shaded or bounced off of another surface to provide soft overall light to a room. You’ll often find indirect lighting used to bring attention to architectural features, or as a purely decorative design element.
Home theaters are excellent for indirect lighting. Dimmable wall sconces are often placed on either side of a screen to provide subtle and soft light both upward and downward, without creating a distracting screen glare. We like to place LED strips under stair treads to offer gentle (but hidden) illumination to a home theater without interfering with the viewing experience.
Always layer your sources of light.
We recommend that you use both direct and indirect sources of light (along with other fixture styles) to create a layered approach to lighting your Denver home.
Find additional information about layered lighting here
To start, determine the primary purpose of each room. Is the space task-driven (office, kitchen, bathroom, etc.), or is it a place to relax or hang out (living room, bedrooms, home theater, etc.)? After deciding how you’ll use each room, brainstorm ways to use both direct and indirect light to efficiently illuminate the space (or let us do it for you).
Need help in creating a lighting design plan for your space? We’re here for you! Give us a call (303) 222-9322 or visit a showroom, and our lighting experts will work with you to craft a plan that you’ll love.
30 Ceiling Fans That Will Blow Your Mind
Move over chandeliers! Ceiling fans have arrived, and they are so much more than you ever thought they could be. Ceiling fans used to be all about function. These days ceiling fans are a design element used to complement and promote the style of your home. New trends in ceiling fans have propelled them to their proper place in any design plan: a room focal-point or statement piece. Here’s our top 30 new ceiling fans that will have everyone looking UP as soon as they walk into the room. They say it loudly: Yes, I am a ceiling fan. LOOK AT ME.
With its brushed-nickel chrome finish, the 42” Vintage Gyro from Minke Aire is perfect for a room that combines modernity with a throw-back flare. Its extremely unique design draws inspiration from 50s and 60s era table fans.
Progress Lighting designed this 24” fan for small spaces. It’s brushed-nickel finish screams DINER, but in a good way. (Points if you’ve ever seen Disney’s The Rocketeer.)
This 70” ceiling fan from Monte Carlo features blades with unique upward curves. It’s all about simplicity. The fan is a big deal, it knows it, and doesn’t need to waste time screaming at you about it.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-minka-aire/tear-led-60-ceiling-fan/sku-V39-f831l-td
The Tie Dye fan is from Minke Aire’s Tear collection. Because the market has been demanding a tie dye fan for years.
The windmill-inspired Prairie Grand ceiling fan from Monte Carlo has a large 72” diameter and features not 12 but 14 blades.
This creative fan is perfect for modern rooms with it’s 4-blade design featuring sharp curves on each blade. 4-blade fans are relatively uncommon, and this one provides an extra “twist."
This graphite-steel finish from Minke Aire’s Dreamstar has mesmerizing dimples and curvature on the blades. The only problem is it needs to be run on low speed to notice!
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-minka-aire/slant-led-36-ceiling-fan/sku-V39-f410l-wh
If somebody from the 1950s was imagining what fans would like like in the future, this is what they’d imagine. The 36” size is perfect for a modestly sized room and would be a nice complement to your Warhol.
No legit modern fan collection is complete without a 2-blade design. The drop from the ceiling to the blades on this one from Progress Lighting gives it a bit of chrome-y flair.
Any fan called Gage Free Gyro has to be good, and Minke Aire brought some originality to this one. This fan will work will perfectly in a rectangular, long room.
The Monte Carlo 54” Butterfly is inspired by the wings of a butterfly. This fan is damp-rated for indoor and outdoor use, so imagine this over your rose-party with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda on a hot summer eve.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-maxim/counter-fandelier/sku-V19-60003sn
Maxim hit this one out of the park. It’s more like modern art, with a fan blade tucked inside. This unit has a short downpost, so works great in a room with lower ceilings.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-access/vortex/sku-V7-63114ledd-igld
Inspired Gold by Access. The name says it all- this fan is inspiring. The wrap-around curved blade cage combined with the three stubby blades create a beautiful visual effect.
The 16” Gleam by Fanimation is perfect for small spaces. The circular 18 watt LED light with opal frosted glass frames the 4-blade fan perfectly.
Artcraft truly created art with this one. Inspired by candelabras with a contemporary flair, this eight light fandelier is easy on the eyes. Pair with Edison filament bulbs for maximum impact.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-fanimation/brewmaster-short-neck-bl/sku-V90-fp10bl
This is a brilliant reproduction of a classic belt-driven fan first introduced to the ceiling fan scene in the late 1800s. You can imagine this in an Old West tavern (which is fitting, as it’s called The Brewmaster).
Post-modern art that creates a cool breeze, the eye catching Torto from Fanimation is the perfect center piece for any contemporary room. The three wrap-around blades create a unique airflow, pushing at an angle instead of straight down like most traditional fans.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t ignore this fan. If you’re trying to create an ancient-Egypt inspired paradise, this is the one you want. You can configure the Palmetto from Fanimation to be as long as you’d like, up to 46 feet long. Yes, you read that right. 46 FEET.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-fanimation/kellan-motor-bn/sku-V90-ma7966bn
This is a contemporary take on the late 1800s style belt-drive system. The blade units themselves can be placed in any configuration, making this a very dynamic piece. Surprise, surprise, it’s extremely affordable to, coming in at only $299.97, but on sale now for $199.98.
A fan with a single blade? Yep. The Enigma from Fanimation is a Hollywood icon, appearing as Will Smith’s co-star in the movie iRobot. There is no other fan like it in the world.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-kichler/50-inch-kyte-fan/sku-V2-300254ni
How do you describe this one? Its unique mounting design uses two separate posts attached to the outside end of the blades, rather than a hub in the middle. It’s highly decorative, and brings a whisper of air movement to rooms in a big way.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-kichler/50-inch-kyte-fan/sku-V2-300254ni
The Terna by Kichler is the perfect fan for modernists. Its compact stature makes it a good fit for small spaces, and it’s vertically-oriented blade design draws inspiration straight out of sci-fi novels.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-kichler/15-inch-terna-led-patio-fan/sku-V964-310215wsp
Meyde Tiffany’s Tall Pines collection is vast, and incredible. Whether you’re designing the lodge at a multi-million dollar ski resort, or looking for something for your own humble hunting retreat, this are what you want to hang. The shade on this chandel-air features Ambra Siena Idalight, casting a beautiful, warm hue.
With two drop stages this 27 light chandel-air is a wrought iron masterpiece. The two mica diffusers illuminate behind handpainted green pine tree silhouettes wrapped in textured black. With an 80” drop this is created for very large spaces with very high ceilings. Of course, if you’re spending $14,000 on a fan, having a really big space to hang it probably isn’t an issue.
The Marquee Gural from Meyda Tiffany is the most expensive fan on our list, by a lot. Coming in at a whopping $30,240, this fan is only for those with discerning taste. This baby is all drama and sophistication. Clear glass with prismatic lines provide a dimensional illusion and textural look that’s not seen in any other piece on this list.
https://shop.gallerialight.wpengine.com/brand-meyda-tiffany/36w-marquee-chandel-air/sku-V96-165603
The Meyda Tiffany Lady Slipper collection is custom crafted in Yorkville, New York by artisans…wWhich accounts for the $5200 price tag. No two are identical, and the burnished brass tint with silver mica finish screams hand-made.
The above 30 fans just scratch the surface of the brave new world of ceiling fan design! Will one of these work for your space? Or perhaps you’d prefer something a little more… traditional. Either way, our ceiling fan experts here at Galleria can make some suggestions. Book an appointment to visit us today.
It’s lit: Five Simple Tips for a Perfectly-Lit Room
Putting together a lighting plan for your Denver home can be a daunting task. After all, so much depends on it! How a space looks, feels and performs its functions are all determined by your lighting choices.
Thankfully, with a little research, careful planning, and some helps with your friends here at Galleria, you can design a lighting scheme that complements both your lifestyle and the space you’re working with. Here are six tips for getting your lighting right.
Mix in the layers
You don’t always need to light the whole room. In fact, it’s best to build up your lighting in layers that blend well together and create the mood you’re looking for.
Start by mapping out the space. Consider what you’ll be doing in each part of the room and what kind of lighting you’ll need for it. Place a floor lamp next to the couch for reading, for instance, or some under-counter lighting in the kitchen for when you’re chopping the veggies. This is your task/directional lighting.
Next, use accent lights to add drama to your space by drawing attention to particular areas or objects. Bookcase lighting puts the focus on your ornaments and favourite treasures, while uplights placed on the floor can highlight plants or artwork.
Finally, add in the ambient or general lighting to add to the room’s overall glow. Use recessed spotlights to give clear, even lighting for the whole kitchen, for instance, or hang pendant lights or a chandelier over the dining table for more focused illumination.
Pro Tip: Great lighting can add function and beauty to a room. Don’t just create a lighting plan for what you currently use the room for, create a plan for what you want to use the room for. For example, good lighting can turn a formerly useless and dimly lit corner into the perfect reading nook.
Dim the lights
Dimmer switches are one of the most cost-effective ways to add important flexibility to your lighting plan, particularly if your options are limited to one or more ceiling fixtures.
Using a dimmer switch allows you to adapt a room’s lighting according to the time of day, activity and the mood you’re in. It also saves energy and helps your bulbs last longer.
Pro Tip: Traditional incandescent bulbs change to a warmer hue as they are dimmed. Because LED bulbs don’t work the same way, they generally did not look “warmer” as they were dimmed, sometimes looking slightly gray or odd. Now there are “warm dim” LED bulbs available, so you can still use LEDs and get that beautiful warm orang-y hue that we’re accustomed to.
The right placement
If you opt for a hanging light, it’s important to get the positioning right. Ultimately, you should go with what looks and feels right to you, but here are some guidelines to go by.
Over a kitchen island, you’ll want at least 30” to 32” clearance between your surface and the bottom of your fixtures. If you’re hanging multiple pendants, leave 30” to 32” between the lights.
For a dining table, leave about 33” to 36” from the bottom of the fixture to the table for an 8’ ceiling. Hang the light an extra 3” higher for each additional foot of ceiling. Traditionally, more formal dining rooms have lower hanging light fixtures. Consider hanging them a little higher for a more casual, modern feel.
Pro Tip: Have slightly lower ceilings? Consider a flush-mount or semi-flush mount fixture. This style of fixture has come a long, long way in recent years, with many unique and high-end flush-mounts now available. The right flush-mount will still generate interest but preserve the room’s headspace and keep the eyelines wide open.
Light it up
You don’t have to rely on down-facing lights to illuminate a room. Add some upward-facing lights for a soft, warm glow that casts no shadows.
Wall sconces can disperse light over a wall without taking up surface space, while cove lighting can add some soft light and visual drama to the ceiling.
Pro Tip: Uplights typically are used for soft, even lights. However, if you’d like to get creative, consider using uplights that feature seeded glass for extra texture and interesting shadows.
Find your style
Just as lighting affects the mood of every room, it also contributes to the decoration. Try to match the style of your lighting fixtures to the theme of your room and the look of your furniture and finishes.
For instance, a brushed steel table lamp in the living room is the ideal complement to a clean, contemporary style, while an antique chandelier could be the perfect focal point of a traditionally furnished room.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re an experienced designer, finding a lighting fixture to match your room’s style can be difficult. Bring a photo of your room or a sketch of your room’s design with you to Galleria. Our experts average more than 20 years of experience in the industry and can help you pick the perfect fixture to match your room’s interior design and decoration.
Creating a lighting plan can be tricky, especially if you’re a first timer. Don’t let that slow you down! The hardest part is getting started. If you need some inspiration, we’d recommend visiting our showroom at 100 Rio Grande Boulevard. We have Denver’s widest selection of fixtures to help you get the wheels turning, and our lighting experts are always available to help.
5 questions to ask when choosing light bulbs for your Denver home
Lumens. Kelvin. CRI.
The side of a light bulb box can be baffling, but choosing the right bulb shouldn’t be difficult.
With a little know-how, and some help from your friends here at Galleria, you can add the perfect brightness, color and flair to your room while saving money and energy. Here are five key questions to consider when you’re picking your next light bulb.
- How bright should my bulb be?
It all depends on what you’re using it for.
A reading lamp, for example, needs a bulb with at least 450 lumens (lm), while lighting around a bathroom vanity will need at least 700 lumens.
And what are these “lumens”? They’re simply a way of measuring brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.
Traditionally, bulbs were measured in watts (w), but this unit measures how much energy is used, rather than brightness. This makes it difficult to compare traditional incandescent bulbs to more energy-efficient bulbs like CFLs and LEDs.
If you’re used to working in watts, here’s a conversion table to help you get oriented.
Lumens = Incandescent = LED
2600 lm = 150 W = 25-28 W
1600 lm = 100 W = 16-20 W
1100 lm = 75 W = 9-13 W
800 lm = 60 W – 8-12 W
450 lm = 40 W = 6-9 W
We’ll talk about energy efficiency more later, but you can already see how much less energy LEDs need to produce light.
As well as deciding on the right brightness to fit your purpose, you’ll also want to consider how much it adds to the room’s total ambient light. Ambient light is made up of the multiple light sources in a room, best built up in layers of task/directional, accent and general lighting.
Remember to build flexibility into your lighting plan. With an adaptable lighting design, a well-lit kitchen prep-zone can quickly become a post-dinner chill-zone, offering mellow, low-level light for a relaxed espresso at the coffee bar.
- What type of bulb do you need?
Most of the time, LEDs are the way to go.
Other bulb types do have their advantages, however, so it’s worth learning a bit about them. Here’s a refresher on the four main types of light bulb:
- LED (Light-emitting diode): More and more people are using LEDs to illuminate their homes, with LED bulbs making up roughly 65% of the consumer lamp market in 2018 (https://www.forbes.com/sites/dipkabhambhani/2019/02/11/how-many-administrations-does-it-take-to-screw-in-a-light-bulb-rule/#51369c11c4bc). Although the earliest LEDs could only muster a cool, bluish light, modern LEDs now offer true, vivid Colors. Their ability to show Colors accurately is constantly improving, with new bulbs continuously posting higher color-rendering index (CRI). LEDs are the most expensive bulb to purchase, but you’ll save money over time. LEDs use at least 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last way longer – about 40,000-50,000 hours. Note: If your fitting is dimmable, remember to get a dimmable LED too.
- CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs): CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last longer too - between 10,000 and 20,000 hours. Despite their efficiency, they’re not very nice to look at, take a while to warm up, and are poor at Color-rendering. Also, CFLs contain mercury and so must be recycled at specific recycling centres.
- Halogen: Halogen lights offer bright, crisp white light, with excellent Color rendering that makes them well-suited for task/directional lighting. They’re more advanced than regular incandescent bulbs, lasting between 2,000 and 4,000 hours and using 30% less energy. They use much more energy than LEDs and fluorescent bulbs, however, and are gradually being phased out by tighter energy standards legislation.
- Incandescent: The original light bulb. Incandescent bulbs are cheap and versatile, but they use a lot of energy and last only 750 to 2,000 hours. In many countries, including the United States, incandescent bulbs have largely been phased out by stricter energy standards legislation. If you like saving energy but miss the look of incandescent bulbs, check out Galleria’s selection of vintage-style LED bulbs to add some retro flair to your room. (http://gallerialight.wpengine.com/maxim/bul-3-5w-a52-e26-cl-120v-822)
- What color would you like?
White comes in several “colors”, at least when it comes to lighting your room.
We use Kelvin to measure the hue of a light source. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light, with candlelight the warmest at 1800 k.
- What’s your style?
Bulbs come in all shapes and sizes to suit your need and add drama and flair to your design.
A classic, pear-shaped GLS (General Lighting Service) like this one (http://gallerialight.wpengine.com/progress-lighting/e10a19dled927-ja8) bulb is perfect for a bedside lamp, while spotlights like this (http://gallerialight.wpengine.com/progress-lighting/p7831-01
) help stylishly illuminate large spaces like the kitchen. Take a look at the Galleria bulb selection (http://gallerialight.wpengine.com/bulbs) and have some fun picking a bulb to match your style.
- Anything else I should know?
Yes, couple things!
Get the right fit: The two main types of fitting are bayonet (B) and screw (E). In lamp fitting codes, the number that follows the letter usually represents the diameter of the fitting. So an E12, for instance, is a 12mm-diameter screw type.
Clear or frosted: Frosted hides the filament, while clear leaves it visible. For lamps with shades, frosted bulbs are best, since clear bulbs can cast filament striations on the fabric.
Bulbs can be baffling, but armed with these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a bulb buff. If you’d like some help with matching bulbs to your specific room and decor, come see our friendly Denver lighting experts at 100 Rio Grande Boulevard. We stock over a hundred bulbs in all shapes and sizes, including some of the latest LED technology.
How to Choose the Perfect Light Fixtures for Low Ceilings
How to Choose the Perfect Light Fixtures for Low Ceilings
Denver is growing quickly, and more and more people are living in apartments and basement suites. That means that the challenge of designing a space with low ceilings is becoming very common. But don’t worry! Just because you have low ceilings doesn’t mean you can’t still have beautiful lighting. What you’re going to want is either a flush-mount or semi-flush mount fixture. Choices in these types of fixtures used to be limited to the old-school “boob lights” or dome lights. Not anymore! Flush-mount and semi-flush mount design has come a long way, and there are now lots of stylish and unique choices available.
Flush mount or semi-flush mount, what’s the difference?
Flush mount lights are exactly what you’d expect: the light fixture and/or shade sit directly on the ceiling. Semi-flush mounts have a space between the canopy and the shade, typically up to six inches. If the room has extremely low ceilings, you’ll want to stick with a flush-mount light. If you have a bit more space to play with, you can expand your options by including semi-flush mount lighting on your short list. Either way, both of these types of fixtures can be mounted in areas where walking space below the light is needed.
Flush-mount: It’s all about the shapes
With flush mount lighting, much of the design and style of the light comes through in the fixture’s shape. Because they are intended to save vertical space, they tend to expand outward across the ceiling (compared to chandeliers, for example, that have a more up-and-down arrangement.) Of course, what’s going to work best will ultimately be guided by the rest of the design elements in the room and house. If it’s a modern-styled home, you can consider something rectangular or even cubist. An older home with a Victorian flare might benefit from a starburst-shaped fixture. Round flush-mount lights can be used in just about any space, and the fixture’s materials can be chosen to match the design of the room.
Semi-flush mount: More room to explore
Because semi-flush mounts have more vertical space, there is more variety with this type of fixture. First thing you’ll want to do when choosing a semi-flush mount fixture is to decide on the width, next take the dimensions of the room. The bigger the room, the wider the fixture will need to be to fit the space properly. The second consideration is the other light sources throughout the room. (If this fixture is going to be the primary lighting source for the room, you’ll want something wide.) Once you’ve decided what the best fixture width for your space will be, picking the best light fixture is all about choosing something that will fit with the design of your space, like we mentioned above. Something decorative with dangling glass or crystal elements will fit perfectly in a classically-styled home, while a caged fixture with vintage bulbs is the right choice for an industrial-style loft.
Need some suggestions? Not a problem. All you have to do is click here to upload a picture of your space, and our Denver lighting experts will get back to you with some excellent options you can peruse without even leaving your home!
How to Choose Outdoor Lighting for Your Denver Home - From Function to Flair
You know good outdoor lighting when you see it in your Denver neighborhood. The sun sets and lights turn on, and it seems like certain houses are complete transformed! But how do you create this effect on your own home? Think about it like this: darkness is your blank slate, and it’s up to you to use the right outdoor lighting to create your masterpiece! Compared to the daytime, you have the ability to paint the scene exactly the way you want it. You can highlight certain architectural features, add some color here or there to create drama, and even improve security with lights near entrances. It might be overwhelming if you’re starting from scratch. Not to worry! We’ve broken down outdoor lighting into categories, starting with the most important. When creating your own outdoor lighting plan, work your way through options and ideas in each category, starting from top to bottom.
Safety Lighting
Exterior safety lighting is (obviously) chosen with safety as the priority. Start by coming up with a list of areas outside your home that are commonly trafficked at night, and where falls or injuries might occur. The list should include your front entrance, any pathways that lead to the entrance or around the home, side doors, and especially stairways. All of these areas should be well-lit at night for safety. But just because it’s safety lighting doesn’t mean it can’t look amazing, or enhance the evening view of your home! Garden pathways lit with Bollard lights will add some drama to your home, and stair lighting in particular has many options to improve your home’s nighttime curb appeal. For example, wall-mount step lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can make the approach to your front door feel both welcoming and extravagant. Once you have your safety lighting chosen, move on to the next category, security lighting.
Security Lighting
While safety lighting is intended to prevent accidental falls and injuries, the purpose of security lighting is to act as a deterrent to criminals. Any entrance to your home should be well-lit. Of course, that can be annoying to both you and your neighbors when it’s bedtime. That’s why security lighting isn’t just about the areas that are lit, but also when and why those lights turn on or off. We recommend using a combination of motion sensors and timers on the lights near all of the home’s entrances. Timer should turn these lights on around dusk, and turn them off around bedtime. Having the lights go on and off at the appropriate time consistently indicate to potential criminals that someone’s home. By using smart lighting, you can even program some variability to the on/off times, so that it looks more natural if you’re not home. The next step is to configure entrance lighting with motion sensors. Catching a criminal with a bright light to the face is usually enough to send them running! You’ll get security bonus points if you pair your security lighting up with clearly-visible security cameras. With security lighting in place, it’s time to move your focus to yard and garden features.
Landscape Lighting
If you spend time, effort, and money on your landscaping, there’s no reason that you should only be able to enjoy it during the daytime. Lighting your yard and garden features appropriately can give you more bang for your buck! If you have beautiful trees in your yard, consider highlighting with some subtle uplights. Add some pops of light below shrubs to cast unique, textured shadows. Do you have a water feature? That’s a perfect opportunity to create some evening drama and movement to your outdoor lighting. When you’ve picked out lights to enhance your key landscaping or yard features, move on to decorative lighting.
Decorative Lighting
Lights as decorative pieces aren’t just for the indoors! As Coloradans, we love to spend as much time as possible outside, especially during our beautifully warm summers. Our outdoor spaces are important to us! That’s why decorative lighting is the most exciting part of any exterior lighting plan. Nearly all your exterior lights provide some type of function, but the decorative pieces are where you make statements about your style and space. Every outdoor space where you’ll spend significant time should have decorative lighting elements included. For example, if you have an outdoor dining area, consider an outdoor chandelier. Install a dimmer switch to add flexibility to your space; a dimmed chandelier sets the scene for an intimate dinner with friends, while a bright chandelier is perfect for a family board game on a warm summer evening. String lights, especially those with vintage filaments, can add enchantment and emotion to nearly any outdoor space. Does your home have a modern style? Try LED illuminated cubes or spheres that can be placed throughout any outdoor space for some contemporary compliments to your home’s modern architecture. Decorative lighting is where you get to be creative, so don’t hesitate to express yourself! Lights can be changed as easily and as often as your own personal tastes require, so experimentation is encouraged.
Energy Conservation
While energy conservation is not a lighting category, it’s certainly something to consider when creating an outdoor lighting plan. If you’re worried about your energy use as you light your outdoor spaces, you don’t have to be. Outdoor lighting today is far more efficient than it used to be with energy efficient fixtures and LED bulbs. Plus, many types of outdoor lights (especially Bollards) can actually be charged during the day and run entirely off solar power. Mention that energy efficiency is important to you when speaking with our exterior lighting experts, and they can help steer you towards appropriate choices.
If creating an outdoor lighting plan seems intimidating, don’t worry. Just bring a basic sketch or photo of your home into either of our Galleria Lighting locations. Our outdoor lighting experts can help you craft the perfect outdoor lighting plan for your Colorado home. Better yet, fill out the form below to set up an appointment with one of our outdoor lighting experts, and they’ll help you craft the perfect outdoor lighting plan, covering all the bases from function to flair!
