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7 Stunning Kitchens that Will Inspire You to Install Pendants Immediately

7 Stunning Kitchens that Will Inspire You to Install Pendants Immediately

by admin · Sep 27, 2024

Pendants lights – not only do they make a great focal point, they also provide the perfect amount of light when the late-night ice cream cravings hit. From moody modern to rustic charm, pendant lights effortlessly fit into just about any interior style, making them a favorite choice for homeowners and designers alike. With a little inspiration, your kitchen can find its perfect pendant match to infuse your kitchen with both charm and functionality!

Clean Lines

This kitchen should be on the cover of a magazine! We love how these tapered black pendants draw your eye upward and make the ceilings feel even taller! They’re perfect for a kitchen with a modern vibe, but they are so versatile that they’ll pair well with any style.

Rustic Charm

These cage pendants bring a little modern charm to a kitchen with a rustic flair. The black contrasts with the white and wood kitchen accents, and ties together the cabinet hardware, chair legs, and window casings. They give the whole kitchen a cozy atmosphere that lends itself to even the most important conversations! Obsessed is an understatement.

Matching Marble

Contrast is important in interior design – but it’s not the end-all be-all for lighting choices. Instead of matching your fixture finishes with t he cabinet hardware or appliances to make them pop, consider looking into pendants that match your countertops or cabinet color! Choosing pieces you love lets your personality shine through the design and it obviously pays off.

Industrial Modern

This kitchen has stunning industrial elements we can get behind – exposed brick, iron window casings, and sleek cabinet fronts to name a few! The warm tones turn a colder industrial style into a comfortable space where you’ll want to spend your time. But the pièce de résistance of the entire space is this gorgeous asymmetric pendant cluster hung over the island. This modern fixture ties everything together for a cohesive look that we couldn’t love more!

Monochromatic Breakfast Bar

Monochromatic can be a tricky look to pull off, but when it works, it works. Using all green for the cabinets and walls makes the wood and yellow accents pop! The green dome-shaped pendants hung above this bar blend in with the walls to highlight the most-used area in any kitchen – the countertop! The accessories on this counter give the otherwise monotone space plenty of personality with practical pieces in fun pops of color. You could easily whip up some toast and hot chocolate without even opening a drawer! 

Dainty Glass

Glass shades are always going add a touch of elegance to a space, but these ones really pull out all the stops. They’re the perfect size to give you enough light to chat with your loved ones while you’re baking your famous cookie recipe or setting out a snack bar for the big game. The gold accents on these pendants pair beautifully with the faucet, and the result is a kitchen we are dying to steal. 

Timeless Beauty

Updating your kitchen can be a massive undertaking – you shouldn’t have to do it every 5 years. Instead, pick classic pieces like these matte black pendants that will match your style for years to come. A pendant with a classic shape in a neutral finish will adapt to whatever fashion throws your way – and it’ll look gorgeous doing it.

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No matter the style, pendants are a staple in kitchens for a reason! Pendants provide much-needed extra light in important countertop work spaces… and they totally transform the mood and atmosphere of your kitchen! No matter what direction you choose, your new kitchen pendants are sure to make a statement. 

For your next kitchen lighting project, don’t get caught catching buyers remorse – check in with a local lighting expert that can help you find exactly what you need. When you’re ready to get started,  give us a call and our experts will help you narrow down your options and give you tips on your next stunning kitchen lighting project.

Filed Under: 2024, Kitchen Lighting

Bright Ideas: 5 Creative Tips and Tricks for Easy DIY Light Installation

Bright Ideas: 5 Creative Tips and Tricks for Easy DIY Light Installation

by admin · Sep 20, 2024

Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and want to elevate your bland builder-grade light fixtures. Or perhaps you’ve lived in your space for years and are looking to make some changes to your lighting as part of a larger renovation project. Whatever the case may be, changing out your own light fixtures and installing new ones doesn’t have to be a stressful project – especially when you use some of these easy, creative DIY tips and tricks!

1. Use a tennis ball to figure out the best height for hanging fixtures

If you’re hanging a pendant light – above your kitchen island or dining table, for example – attach a tennis ball to a length of string and tack to the ceiling to better visualize where your fixtures may hang. Try out different heights before ultimately deciding what length fixtures work best in your space. It’s a lot easier to play around with a tennis ball to figure this out than it is your actual light fixture!

2. Wear a backpack to hold your fixture during installation to prevent accidental drops

 Another great hack when installing a hanging light is to use a backpack hung around your front to hold your fixture and keep it at the right height while you connect the wiring. You can also use the pockets to keep screws and other tools handy. 

3. Take a “before” photo

If you’re at all nervous you’ll connect wires incorrectly, simply take one or two photos of the existing wiring before you disconnect your old fixture. You can then reference this photo later if you need a reminder of how the wires are connected. Likewise, consider labeling wires with tape to keep things organized.

4. Use a laser level for perfect alignment

Use a laser level to make sure your fixture is perfectly aligned. This is especially helpful for fixtures with multiple components or those that need to be level for aesthetic reasons. Laser levels are a great investment for many around-the-house DIY projects!

5. No wiring? No problem!

If you have the perfect place for a wall sconce but don’t have existing wiring, consider installing the sconce (utilizing wall anchors) and then adding a battery-powered LED puck light inside the sconce in place of a conventional lightbulb. If your sconce doesn’t allow easy access to the LED light puck opt for a model with a remote for easy on/off. You can leave the existing light fixture wiring in place, simply tuck them into the wall plate/body of the fixture before screwing it into the wall. Then you can still wire the fixture in the future if you decide to.

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Remember, while these simple tips and tricks for easy DIY light installation can be helpful, always prioritize safety and make sure to follow the installation instructions that come with the fixture. If ever you’re unsure about anything, consult with a professional electrician or meet with a lighting expert at Pine Grove Lighting for guidance. 

 

Filed Under: 2024, How to

Top Interior Design Style to Follow in 2024

Top Interior Design Style to Follow in 2024

by admin · Sep 13, 2024

The only constant in life is change, and as we near the mid 2020s, it’s quite interesting to see the trends that have come and gone in the past 4 years. Subway tile? Bye! Shiplap? See ya! Signs with words? Live, Love, No Thanks!

Interior design technology and trends move at a rapid pace these days, and with influencers and celebrities lending their talents and tastes to those of established interior designers, we’re seeing a wider range of design styles in homes – and that’s ideal, right? Just like your fashion sense, interior design is personal… and there’s nothing as boring as a bunch of cookie cutter houses that look exactly the same, inside and out. 

Here are a few of our favorite interior design styles to covet (and copy!) in 2024. 

 

 

Modern minimalism

Homeowners and renters are not yet ready to let the modern minimalist trend go, and for good reason. It’s comfortable without being cluttered, and bright without being sterile. Wood tones and natural textures live in harmony with matte blacks and crisp white walls, and greenery abounds.

Pendant lights with woven, ceramic, or paper shades provide a warm glow AND a dose of casual, inviting style. And while you may not find many knick-knacks filling the corners of modern minimalist homes, a lush plant in a beautiful pot is always welcome.

 

 

 

Biophilic

Homes built and decorated with biophilic design in mind foster a connection between humans and nature, by incorporating natural textures, shapes, patterns, and light. Many studies have suggested that humans are healthier, happier, and more productive when surrounded by nature – so it’s no surprise why biophilic design is growing in popularity. 

Whether it’s a Brooklyn flat or a Montana ranch, you’ll find tons of greenery in every part of the biophilic home (shower plants, anyone?), large windows to let in the natural light and air, and plenty of natural materials like rattan, wood, and linen. One key of biophilic design? It should be holistic– so one room with plants isn’t going to cut it. Each room should have its share of nature, be it a rattan light shade and Boston fern on a bedside table, or a wall of plants and a giant skylight in the kitchen. 

Have a black thumb? No worries – biophilic design is about bringing nature to all of your senses, so lean in to what works best for you. Whether it’s a focus on using natural materials, finding ways to maximize natural light, or adding a small fountain to recreate the sound of a bubbling brook, there are lots of ways to connect to the natural world that don’t involve daily watering. 

 

 

 

Maximalism

On the other end of the spectrum from minimalist design is the fun, festive, interior design style of maximalism! Made popular by interior designers like Justina Blakeney, maximalism isn’t afraid to mix colors, patterns, textures and styles into one convivial home that brings joy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. To ensure things look magical but not messy – choose a common thread to weave throughout (like in the room above, mustard yellow!)

Your lighting options in a maximalist home are endless, with pendants, sconces, and lamps in every hue and texture you can dream up. Go for a gold dining pendant in the shape of an agave, or a glittery oversized capiz chandelier in the hall. Maximalism says “why not?!” to all things bold and beautiful. 

 

 

 

Brutalism

Vogue calls brutalism “a movement about honesty” and we can see why – in a brutalist home, there’s nothing to hide! Some might find brutalist interior design and architecture to be intimidating or, as the name says, brutal. But you’d be amazed how inviting and warm it can be! Brutalist homes embrace much of what makes minimalism shine, while utilizing industrial materials like concrete, and embracing hard lines and corners. In a brutalist home, furniture and decor are sparse, simple, and rugged – but a quick Google search shows how truly beautiful brutalism can be.

When it comes to lighting, ceramic, metal, and concrete fixtures reign supreme. Brutalist style chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps  are as impressive as they are functional, and when walls and floors serve as a blank slate, lighting has an opportunity to truly shine.  

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Curious about maximalism or biophilic design? Consider choosing lighting fixtures that allow you to sample the feel of these styles in your home without a complete overhaul. An airy woven reed pendant light or a bold metallic chandelier are minor (easily reversible!) additions that can make a big impact on a home.

No matter your personal tastes, it’s always exciting and fun to watch where interior design is headed, and to bring in elements of any (or all) that make your home feel more you.  Stop by a showroom today to check out lighting fixtures in every style you can imagine – and let a lighting expert help you find the perfect on-trend light for your home!

 

Filed Under: 2024

What is CFM? Ceiling Fan Acronyms Demystified

What is CFM? Ceiling Fan Acronyms Demystified

by admin · Sep 6, 2024

If you’ve ever shopped for ceiling fans, more than likely you’ve run across a new few terms and acronyms. Don’t fall into the trap of ignoring the specs and shopping for looks alone – CFM is an important term to understand before you decide on your next ceiling fan.

What is CFM?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, which is a measurement that tells you how many cubic feed or air pass by a point in one minute. For ceiling fans, the CFM will tell you how much air a fan can move, or how “windy” it will feel at its highest speed. You’ll also see CFM referred to as “Max Airflow”.

There are a few things that can impact a fan’s CFM, including the motor and the number, pitch (or angle), and length of the fan’s blades. The most important thing to remember is that the higher the CFM, the more air the fan will move.

How much CFM do I need?

Generally speaking, a ceiling fan with a CFM over 4,000 should be enough for your needs, but a CFM over 6,000 is better. Some brands call fans with a CFM over 7,000 high airflow and over 9,000 CFM extreme airflow. 

This gets more complicated when you take into account the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. A small bedroom with 8 foot ceilings will be fine with a fan with lower CFM, and a large great room with vaulted ceilings will need to have a fan with much higher CFM in order to move enough air to feel it throughout the space. 

Because fan and motor designs vary by the fan and the brand, the best way to know for sure if you’re getting a ceiling fan that will work well for your room is to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for room size. 

CFM and Energy Efficiency

CFM is a useful measurement on its own, but it’s also a the key ingredient for figuring out how efficient your ceiling fan is. If you don’t pay attention to efficiency, you could accidentally end up with a fan that uses a lot of energy, costing you more money to use than you realised until it’s too late. An energy efficient fan will move more air using less energy, meaning you can keep your room cool without an unexpected spike in your power bill. 

To determine the efficiency of a fan you have to do a little bit of math. Airflow efficiency is CFM divided by the watts (or energy) used to power the fan at its highest speed. For example, a ceiling fan with 4,000 CFM that uses 80 watts will have an airflow efficiency score of 50 (4,000 / 80 = 50). 

Generally speaking, a ceiling fan with an airflow efficiency of 75 is considered efficient, but this can vary depending on the size of the fan. One of the easiest ways for consumers to tell if a fan will be energy efficient is to look for the Energy Star logo on the packaging. Any ceiling fan with an Energy Star endorsement will be much more efficient than conventional fans, which will save you money in the long run.

To see a breakdown of how Energy Star uses fan size and CFM to determine whether or not a fan is eligible for an Energy Star rating, check out these graphs. If energy efficiency is a goal for your ceiling fan search, you can also browse ceiling fans on our website, and filter by Energy Star to see only fans with an Energy Star certification. 

 

In short, CFM is a measurement that tells you how much air a fan moves at its highest speed. How much CFM you need from a fan depends a lot on the room its in – the overall size, the usage, the ceiling height, etc. While CFM isn’t the only statistic on the box that matters when shopping for a fan, it’s definitely an important number to consider – especially how it relates to energy efficiency and the amount of money you’ll spend using your fan over the years. Need help finding a ceiling fan? Our lighting experts can help you find exactly what you need at Pine Grove Lighting.

 

Filed Under: 2024

Commercial Lighting – A Guide to Lighting Your Business

Commercial Lighting – A Guide to Lighting Your Business

by admin · Aug 30, 2024

Lighting a commercial building isn’t a simple task. The needs of a business are often complex, and meeting those needs requires a solid understanding of how light works in a commercial space. Much like a business plan has several objectives, a commercial lighting plan typically has several objectives or goals.

Common Goals for Commercial Lighting

  • Increased productivity, performance, and morale of workers
  • Safety of employees and customers
  • Comfort and ambiance
  • Smooth transitions from space to space
  • Cost savings on utility bills
  • Branding and cohesiveness

To achieve all of your goals simultaneously, your best bet is to consult with a lighting expert with a thorough understanding of the best practices for commercial lighting in your area. But before you do, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of commercial lighting.

Know How Much Light You Need

First, consider usage. Factory work zones will have very different lighting requirements from restaurant dining areas. Areas where detailed or dangerous work will be done need brighter light for accuracy and safety. Always remember to refer to your industry’s regulations regarding commercial lighting as a part of your planning.

Light recommendations for commercial spaces are given in foot-candles, which is a measure of the intensity of light. If you were to hang a single bulb in a room and measure foot-candles throughout the space, you’d find that the foot-candles are the highest directly under the bulb. You can even out light coverage and increase the overall intensity of the lighting by spreading several lights out across a space.

Light output for bulbs and fixtures is measured in lumens, with higher lumens correlating to more light. To determine how many lumens you need in a space, multiply the square footage by the foot-candle recommendation. For example, a 100sqft office, which needs 30-50 foot-candles, will require 3000-5000 lumens. Lumens are cumulative, meaning you can add the lumens for each fixture together to determine the overall lumens in a space. 

Commercial Foot-Candle* Recommendations

While these may vary a little depending on usage and safety requirements, these recommendations will get you to a good starting point that you can tweak if you want more or less light.

*Foot-Candles is an Imperial measurement. Lux is the Metric equivalent. To convert from Foot-Candles to Lux, multiply the foot-candles by 10.764. 1 foot-candle = 10.764 lux. 

Pay Attention to Durability 

The fixtures you choose need to be appropriate for the conditions in which they’ll be installed. Weather and humidity should be considered for outdoor spaces like patio dining, and indoor spaces like showers and laundry. In areas where a fixture could come into unwanted contact, such as gyms and classrooms, choosing fixtures with strong coverings that protect the bulbs is a must. Also, consider the amount of time the lights will be used each day – not all fixtures are designed to be on 24/7/365.

Use Consistent Light Temperature

The temperature, or color, of light (measured in Kelvins) significantly affects how a room, and the people in it, will feel. At lower Kelvins, light appears warm and yellow. Light at high Kelvins appears cool and blue. The temperature of the light you use needs to be consistent to avoid awkward and clashing transitions. A warm yellow bulb in a sea of bright white will look out of place. 

Natural light changes color throughout the day, from warm dawn to cool midday and warm dusk. Because of this our brains are wired to respond to light temperature, which is important to consider in a commercial setting. Cool light makes people feel more alert, awake, and focused – great for labs and workspaces. Warm light makes people feel relaxed and at ease – the perfect choice for creating a mood in a restaurant dining room. Warm light is also much easier on the eyes at night, which is something to consider for outdoor lighting (if you’ve ever driven past an electronic billboard at night and been blinded by the whites and blues, you’ll know what we mean!)

Determine the Type of Light

Light Layering is an important lighting design concept that references the need for light to come from several sources to make a space more comfortable and functional. Layering light is a universal trick, but it’s especially important for commercial spaces. 

The Basics

  • General / Ambient Lighting – the overall light in a space, usually provided by overhead lighting.
  • Task Lighting – additional lighting for areas where work is done, such as a desk lamp or a pendant hung over a countertop.
  • Accent Lighting – decorative lighting focused on a particular area or object, often used to highlight architectural features, artwork, exhibits, etc.
  • Direct Lighting – Light that shines directly from a fixture to an object or space. This type of lighting is perfect for illuminating important areas, but can cause headaches for employees that must work underneath them
  • Indirect Lighting – Light that is diffused or reflected into a space. Indirect lighting generally lights larger areas with a softer (but not necessarily dimmer) light that is easy on the eyes.

An effective lighting plan should include a combination of the above types of light, coordinated to get the right light to the right places. This will “layer” light across the space. 

Other Things to Consider

  • Natural Light – natural light is a mood and energy booster, so it’s important to include it whenever possible. It can also be counted as a light source, which means you can sometimes get away with using fewer lights during daylight hours.
  • CRI – Short for the Color Rendering Index, CRI is a measure of a light’s ability to reveal the colors of objects. CRI is measured from 0 to 100 – lights with a CRI of 100 will show colors in their truest form, and lights with a CRI of 0 will make all colors look the same. In retail especially, it’s very important to have lighting with a high CRI to attract customers to displays and make products look their best. High-quality LEDs are typically the best option if CRI is important to your business. Aim for a CRI of 90-100.
  • Bulb Type – The most popular bulbs for commercial use are LED – they’re energy-efficient, can be dimmable, and come in a wide range of color options. Fluorescent or CFL bulbs are also popular, but they’re not usually dimmable, and they often have a noticeable flicker that can give some people migraines. Halogen is another option commonly used in commercial lighting. An important thing to note is that halogen bulbs produce a lot of heat, and can be a fire hazard if the fixtures are installed near flammable materials. 
  • Glare and Reflection: Light will bounce off reflective surfaces. You can use this to your advantage, and use mirrors or gloss finishes to help reflect light around a space. It can also be an issue if the light bounces in unintended directions, like into employees’ eyes as they work or through a window into traffic.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

Keeping the lights on costs money, but there are plenty of ways to save. Lights with dusk/dawn sensors keep lights off during the day and turn them on when it gets dark without you having to flip a switch. Lights with motion sensors are a great option for places with regular (but not constant) use, like exam rooms and restrooms, because they’ll only use power when the room is occupied. Smart lights can be programmed to turn off and on at a certain time of day. Many can be controlled remotely with an app, which makes them an attractive option for those long days when you can’t remember if you flipped the switch on the way out of the office.

As you shop for lighting, you may notice that some options have a blue Energy Star logo on the packaging. Energy Star is a U.S. government-backed organization that certifies fixtures and appliances that use less energy. The Energy Star certification makes it easy to identify options that will use less power, which will translate to a lower utility bill.

Always Consider Safety

The safety of customers and employees in a commercial environment is always one of the most important things to consider. Always check your industry’s laws and guidelines regarding safety requirements to be sure you’re in compliance. Some of the things you’ll want to use lighting to protect against include: accidents and falls, fire hazards, discomfort, crime, employee productivity, and emergencies.

Indoors, you’ll need to be sure that your exit signs and directional signage are in highly visible locations. Choose lighting that is both adequate for the work to be performed and comfortable for those that work in it. Poor lighting won’t just decrease productivity and make accidents more likely; it can also hurt morale and lower employee satisfaction. It’s also important to keep stairwells well-lit to prevent falls and deter crime in less visible areas. Replace old wiring and faulty fixtures to avoid fire hazards. 

Outdoors, be sure to light all areas regularly used from dusk to dawn, including walkways, paths, and parking areas. Ensure any trip hazards, such as stairs or a raised sidewalk, are well-lit to avoid accidents. Install adequate lighting around exterior entrances to keep employees safe while dealing with door locks. Motion sensor lights can also be a helpful crime deterrent near doors, windows, or important outdoor features. Always be sure that all outdoor fixtures and bulbs are rated for outdoor use.

Aesthetics Matter

After slogging through all of the requirements, recommendations, and acronyms, it can be easy to forget that aesthetics matter too – and they have a huge impact on your business! Lighting that looks good makes your business comfortable and memorable. Once you’ve met the safety requirements, it’s time to bring some life and character to your space.

Make Your Building Shine

When choosing lighting, pay attention to the style of the building. Match the finishes and styles of your fixtures to the building’s architecture as much as possible so they don’t feel out of place with the rest of the building. Use accent lighting to highlight beautiful features, like an original brick wall or a water fountain. 

Lighting and Branding

You can also use lighting to emphasize your branding! Don’t be afraid to go bold or playful with a statement lighting piece in your brand’s colors in the foyer. High CRI lighting around signage and branded decor like furniture or murals will keep your brand colors in sharp focus. Use accent lighting to spotlight things that matter to your brand, like a memorabilia collection, company history display, community outreach projects, employee recognition, etc. To really kick it up a notch, consider installing color-changing lights around the exterior of your building that can be lit up for holidays or with your brand colors for special occasions. 

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

The most important thing to remember with your commercial lighting needs is that you don’t have to do it alone. As a business owner, you understand the need to rely on subject matter experts for specialized tasks. You wouldn’t want your accountant to design your logo, and you shouldn’t rely on just anyone to get your lighting right. At Pine Grove Lighting, we specialize in making homes and businesses shine – and we’re passionate about getting it right. For your next commercial lighting project, let us handle the heavy lifting. Check out our website, or give us a call and schedule a consultation. 

Filed Under: 2024

Scale and Proportion 101: How to Avoid 4 of the Most Common Mistakes and What to Do Instead

Scale and Proportion 101: How to Avoid 4 of the Most Common Mistakes and What to Do Instead

by admin · Aug 23, 2024

Have you ever stepped into a room and immediately sensed something felt weird… but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Without proper scale and proportion, a room’s design can crumble quickly, and leave it feeling… off. If you want to get it right, you need to learn how to balance the objects in your room with each other and the room itself.

Scale vs. Proportion

Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to the room, or how well they seem to fit together in the space. Proportion is the relationship between items, or how well they seem to fit with each other. In order to get it right you need both – the things in your home need to look right with each other and with the room itself. 

Having a home that looks balanced is easier said than done, so we have some expert tips to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes and create a home where everything works together in harmony.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Rug

One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong rug size. Rugs can be a significant investment, and novice designers might be tempted to cut costs by going with a smaller size – but don’t fall into this trap! A too-small rug can make your room feel cramped. On the other hand, a too-large rug can leave edges in awkward places and feel bulky. The right size will balance with your furniture and your room. 

Rug placement and size needs will be different in every room, so following a rug guide like this can steer you in the right direction. For example, in the living room a good rule of thumb is to select a rug that’s large enough to either accommodate all the furniture completely on top of it or have only the front two legs of each furniture piece placed on it. 

Why This Doesn’t Work: The rug and furniture chosen are noticeably undersized for the space! Relying on a floating rug island with a single chair and side table to carry the design is ineffective (and a trip hazard). To achieve balance, this room needs more furniture. You’d either need to choose seating that matches the scale of this rug to create a small conversation area, or use a larger rug to anchor larger furniture to fill the room.

What to Do Instead: We cannot emphasize this point enough: selecting the right size rug is everything! This gorgeously balanced room proves it’s worth it. This large living room has plenty of furniture, and a large rug like this provides an essential foundation that anchors the space and ties the room together. In any room, a well-fitted rug will ground the space, making it feel cohesive. 

Mistake #2: Not Enough Light

Another common mistake is to use lighting that’s mismatched with scale of the room or in proportion to the furniture. Yes, scale and proportion matter in lighting too! Lighting that is too dim or overpowering can really mess up the feel and functionality of a space. 

The key is layering your light – using various sources and types of light throughout the room to give a well-balanced light throughout the space by addressing common issues like dark corners and poorly lit work areas. A well-chosen array of light fixtures will make your home look like a designer’s been through, but how do you know how exactly much light is right for your space?

To determine your lighting needs, first you’ll have to understand a few basic light measurements. Lumens are a measurement of the amount of light emitted by a light source. A foot candle is a measurement that describes how bright a light source appears to be from one foot away. You’ll need to use both of these to calculate your lighting needs!

Larger rooms need more light than smaller rooms, and task-oriented spaces within those spaces (like a kitchen counter, office desk, or reading chair) will need more light than the rest of the room. To get an idea of how much light you’ll need, start by measuring the width and length of the room, then multiply those two numbers to find the room’s square footage. Next, use the chart below to determine how many foot candles your room or space will need. 

The last step is to multiply your room’s square footage by the recommended foot candle requirement to determine the number of lumens your space requires. Most modern light bulbs have their corresponding lumens included on the packaging. Simply add up the lumens for each bulb in your room to see if you’re in the right range. 

Example: A 20’x20’ living room has 400 square feet. The recommended foot candles for living rooms is 10-20. 400 x 10 = 4,000 and 400 x 20 = 8,000. In this room, you would want to add up the lumens for your light bulbs and shoot for somewhere between 4,000 – 8,000 lumens for the entire space.  

Keep in mind that this recommendation is for typical use. You also need to take into account all of the ways you’ll use the room, and plan balanced lighting for each situation. If the living room above was also used for movie nights and has a home office in the corner, you would need a way to accommodate those activities too. You’ll need fewer lumens for movies (dimmer switches or small lamps are a great option) and extra light for work (a desk lamp, extra overhead light, or wall sconce would work well). 

Remember, these numbers are general recommendations. In addition to being balanced, your lighting also needs to be comfortable. Start with the recommendations, then tailor your lighting from there to get what works best for you.

Why This Doesn’t Work: These small lamps are undersized for the scale of the bed and the room, which is both an aesthetic and a practical issue – nobody likes squinting at their late-night read or tripping over the black shoes on the floor in the middle of the night. 

What to Do Instead: Using a variety of light sources ensures sufficient light coverage and adds depth, enhancing the room’s overall atmosphere. In this particular space, the lamp, pendant, chandelier, and accent lighting have been thoughtfully chosen to provide just the right amount of light and are in perfect proportion with the room’s other features. Whether you’ll be using the space for a late-night book or preparing to take on your day, this room promises to exceed your expectations functionally and aesthetically.

Mistake #3: Picking the Wrong Size Chandelier or Pendant

In addition to getting the amount of light right in your space, it’s also important to get a fixture that’s to scale. Since chandeliers and pendants typically serve as a room’s focal point, it’s especially important to get it right! To avoid picking the wrong size, a few tips:

  1. Measure your room’s width and length in feet, then add those two numbers together to determine the width of your chandelier or pendant in inches. For example, if your room is 10 feet x 16 feet, your chandelier or pendant should be around 26 inches wide (except in a dining room – no head bumps please!).
  2. Measure your room’s height. We recommend adding 3 inches of height to your fixture for every foot of space between your floor and ceiling. For example, if your ceilings are 10 feet tall, your chandelier or pendant should be around 30 inches tall.

Why This Doesn’t Work: We can understand why this room doesn’t have a chandelier with those gorgeous windows as a focal point. But in the evenings, this room’s focal point will disappear into the shadows and the high vaulted space above will feel empty. A chandelier would fill this void and give this room a gorgeous 24/7 focal point. It would also provide essential lighting for the evening hours and create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere than a grid of bright recessed lights.

What To Do Instead: Use the guidelines above to find the ideal fixture size for your space. In this room, the pendant is slightly oversized, but it’s okay to make judgment calls when deciding what’s going to work best in your space since you’re the one who has to live with it! In this room, the pendant serves as the focal point and creates a more intimate conversation area. By occupying the vertical space, it brings harmony and balance to the design. If you need extra help selecting the correct size fixture or installing it, don’t be afraid to ask an expert!

Mistake #4: Small Wall Hangings on a Large Wall

We love how art and other wall hangings add personality to a space, but we often notice inexperienced designers or homeowners creating a tiny island of art in a sea of empty wall space. It’s a common mistake, but is one that is easily avoidable with a few essential tips!

When it comes to hanging pictures on a large wall, you generally have two options: creating a gallery wall or opting for a larger piece of art. Whichever you decide on, the resulting arrangement or artwork should be around 60-75% of the width of the furniture it’s above and take up 60-75% of the wall height above it for a perfectly balanced look! If you’re using multiple pieces, space them out to get the right scale. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and art pieces – you may be surprised by what combinations work.

Why This Doesn’t Work: The frames above this bed are too small, throwing off the whole balance of the room. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple!  You can either keep the existing frames and incorporate more pieces for a gallery wall or replace them with something larger. Whichever you choose to do, getting the scale right is a non-negotiable!

What To Do Instead: The art in this room is a much better size for the room and the bed! While it might be a touch more than 60-75% of the bed’s width, it’s spaced appropriately and doesn’t hang so high that you’ll need a stepladder to see it. The result is a gorgeous room with perfect proportions and scale. Hanging the right art in the right place is critical to a design that drops jaws.

Mistake #5: Not Styling with Scale in Mind

If we could give one tip to aspiring homeowners/designers it would be this: details are everything. To achieve a beautifully designed room, you need to pay attention to both scale and proportion when it comes to accessorizing. 

When curating pieces to display in your room, some basic principles apply. First, create little moments by using your decor in groups! For example, pair a small vase with some books and a frame. Most designers say that groups look better in odd numbers, so shoot for 3 or 5 rather than 2 or 4. Second, stagger the heights and sizes of the objects in a group. Playing with proportions can help you to get a design that’s both balanced and visually interesting. Last, use a variety of colors, materials, and patterns to keep things interesting and achieve the perfect balance!

Why This Doesn’t Work: While this kitchen is full of vibrant personality and patterns, the overall effect is a tad overwhelming and disorganized. The island feels slightly overrun with a bunch of small items similar in size (although the flowers at the end do add some much-needed height). The top shelf is unbalanced and half empty, while the bottom shelf is stuffed with a row of, again, similarly-sized items. In both places, creating groups with space would give the decor a bit of room to breathe, and give each design moment a chance to shine.

What To Do Instead: This room beautifully showcases the result of investing time in thoughtful styling! Items on the counter are grouped to the edges, leaving plenty of work space. Items on the shelves are spaced out to fill the shelves without blocking the light, a must for this stunning storage solution that maximizes shelf space without sacrificing the view. Even the large shelving feels unobtrusive because it’s to scale with the rest of the room. While this kitchen has a more minimalist vibe, paying attention to scale and proportion can give you a balanced look with any style from a traditional living room to a maximalist bedroom. 

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Understanding scale and proportion is essential for making design choices that lead to a balanced and harmonious home. Whether choosing the correct size rug to ground a room, selecting a beautiful light fixture, hanging wall art with precision, or curating decorative pieces thoughtfully, every detail matters. By avoiding these four common mistakes and following our tips, you can transform your home into a space that’s the perfect blend of form and function. For more personalized advice, call Pine Grove Lighting! Our experts would love to answer your questions and help you as you design a home you love.

Filed Under: 2024

Brighten Up Your Outdoor Spaces: Exploring Light Bulb Color Temperatures

Brighten Up Your Outdoor Spaces: Exploring Light Bulb Color Temperatures

by admin · Aug 16, 2024

As the sun sets and the world dims, outdoor lighting takes center stage. Lighting is a powerful tool that can beautify and protect your most precious spaces – your yard and home exterior included! And one important thing to consider when illuminating your outdoor areas is the color temperature of your light bulbs.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about outdoor lighting and go over the best light bulb color temperatures you can use to enhance the beauty, functionality, and safety of your outdoor spaces. 

The Basics: Color Temperature

Color temperature is a measurement that describes the appearance of light coming from a light bulb. It is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) and uses a scale between 1000K to 10000K, with the majority of residential bulbs being between 2000K-6500K. Light bulb temperature determines whether the light appears warm or cool. Warm light has a lower temperature (around 2200K to 3000K), while cool light has a higher temperature (around 5000K to 6500K). Generally, 2000K-3000K is the sweet spot for most outdoor lighting situations as bulbs in this range give off a soft white, almost yellow, glow. But there are some situations where other temperature ranges work better. 

Fast Fact: The color of the natural light changes throughout the day. At midday, the light outside on a sunny day has a Kelvin temperature of around 5000K. Dawn and dusk have much warmer temperatures, around 3500K. This is one reason why you’ll see often see exterior lighting in warmer colors – it feels more natural to have lighting that mimics dusk than midday when enjoying a late evening outside.

So, let’s chat about some different areas of outdoor lighting!

Entryways: Inviting Warmth

Your entryway is the first impression guests have of your home. To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, choose light bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K to 3000K. Soft white or warm white bulbs work best here, giving off a cozy glow. Consider using wall sconces or pendant lights that diffuse the light for a softer and more inviting ambiance. It also looks great (and improves safety) to light the pathway/sidewalk leading up to your entry with a similar warm white light. 

Patio Spaces: Versatile Lighting

Patios serve many purposes, so it’s important to have versatile lighting options. You can get creative and use different types of lighting and light bulb colors to set the mood you want. For intimate gatherings, dimmable LED bulbs with a warm color temperature (2700K-3500K) can create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. You could also hang some strand lights above the space to provide some ambiance. For lively outdoor parties, you can play around with colored bulbs to add a playful touch.

Outdoor Fireplaces/Kitchens: Cozy and Functional

Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are perfect for entertaining and spending time with loved ones. In these areas, you need a balance between functionality and ambiance. For task lighting in outdoor kitchens, use cool white light bulbs (around 4000K to 5000K) to ensure clear visibility while cooking. To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere around the fireplace, choose warm white bulbs (around 2200K to 2700K). These add a touch of warmth and comfort that won’t be distracting. 

Security Lighting: Bright and Deterrent

Security lighting is important for the safety of you, your family, and your guests and goes a long way to deterring potential intruders. Properly lighting your pathways and stairs allows easy navigation of your property and minimizes any dark areas. Choose bright white light bulbs with a color temperature of 5000K to 6500K. These bulbs emit a cool white light that provides maximum visibility and clear surveillance. Consider installing motion sensor lights in strategic locations around your home, including entry and exit points and around sheds and other storage areas, to enhance security and discourage trespassing.

Pro Tip: Bright white refers to a light bulb’s color, not the amount of light it gives off. Bright white bulbs come in a variety of strengths, measured in Lumens, from dim to blinding. For security purposes, bright white bulbs with a high Lumen count are generally the best way to go. 

Landscape Lighting: Enhancing Beauty

Well-planned landscaping spotlights can transform your outdoor space. Use light bulbs with a color temperature of around 3000K to highlight the natural beauty of your plants and decor elements. This warm white light creates texture and adds depth to your landscape. Experiment with different angles and intensities to achieve an eye-catching outdoor lighting display.

Outdoor lighting can be just as important as indoor lighting. Choosing the best outdoor lighting color temperature depends on what you are looking to illuminate and the look you are trying to achieve. Beauty, functionality, and safety should be your goals. 

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Need help coming up with some bright ideas for improving your property’s outdoor lighting? The experts at Pine Grove Lighting are happy to meet with you to bring your vision to life!

 

Filed Under: 2024, Outdoor Lights

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