Archive for July, 2011

Led Outdoor Lighting Stands The Test Of Time

July 29th, 2011

Lighting a home can be a complex task, since a good lighting system can require different lights for different purposes. One of the things that should be considered in a lighting system is what kind of lights to use around the outside of the home. Right now, the homeowner has three choices: incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and outdoor LED lighting.

Incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs are currently popular inside, but for outdoor lighting, LED lights hold some distinct advantages. If you haven’t heard much about the advantages of LED outdoor lighting, read on and find out what makes these little devices so great.

LED Saves Energy

One of the advantages to LED outdoor lighting is that LEDs require a relatively small amount of wattage to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent or halogen bulb. Because of this, LEDs are low-energy solutions for lights that may be on for more than a few hours each night.

What this means is that those who are interested in using less electricity for environmental reasons, LED outdoor lighting will be the solution you’re looking for. And for the rest of us, LED outdoor lighting translates to lower energy bills.

LED Runs Cooler

Another distinct advantage to LED outdoor lighting is that while other kinds of bulbs produce heat energy as well as light energy, LED outdoor lighting only produces light, which means bulbs remain cool to the touch. This makes it safer to put lights in reach of little hands, for households with children. It also means that these lights are ideal for applications such as landscape lighting, where placing light bulbs that run hot near plants could spell disaster.

LED Lasts Longer

LED outdoor lighting will last longer than both incandescent and halogen bulbs, which are another strong selling point of these lights. And even better, when these bulbs do start to go, they will simply start to slowly dim, giving a homeowner a heads-up that they need to change their bulbs.

Compare this to incandescent bulbs, which break inside when they burn out, or halogen bulbs, which blink irritatingly as they start to go, and you’ll see that LED outdoor lighting will be better in the long run.

While mentioning the longevity of LED outdoor lighting, it is good to note that because LEDs are manufactured as one solid piece, with no glass or filaments to break, these lights are resistant to shock, vibration, and impact, which makes them hardier than the average lightbulb. So, for a low-energy, low-head, and long-lasting lighting on the outside of your house, turn to LED outdoor lighting.

6 Types of Home Decor Lighting

July 29th, 2011

There are literally hundreds of different types of home decor lighting available. The problem being is many are so different or so similar that it can be difficult to categorize them effectively. What we do know is that choosing the best home decor lighting can make a house stand out and shine, or choosing the wrong types can have your house looking disjointed and cluttered. So, it is paramount that you choose the best ones, to fit, suit and give your house a vibrant look. 1. Ambient lights – It is not direct light, but it lighting that gives the atmosphere to a room. Whether it is ground level, hidden, up-lighters or just giving a glow, this type of home decor lighting is vital to give your house a mood. 2. Accent lighting – Down-lighters, spotlights and lens type display lights give the edge to areas of visual interest. Highlight your favorite furniture or object with wonderful illumination. 3. Standard or table – Floor lamps are the stable mate of lighting. Tall, short, chunky or slim, whichever you choose, it can lift the rooms feel. Be critical in choosing the lamp-shade, which can make or break a room. 4. Wall Lights – Similar to ambient lights, this type of home decor lighting is good for bold statements, decoration and style without the glare and piercing shine which some bulbs can give. 5. Chandeliers and Ceiling Illumination – Perfect for dining rooms, studies and anywhere which has a very decorative nature. No home would be complete without a chandelier or two. 6. Recessed Lights – Sunken lights are a new phase of illumination which adds a special feeling, without glare or harshness and really add to the mood of a room or hallway.