Hobrecht Lighting

admin

Learn How Light Can Radically Lift Your Mood (All-Natural, No Side Effects)

Learn How Light Can Radically Lift Your Mood (All-Natural, No Side Effects)

by ·

Let’s face it. Life is hard and sometimes it can bring us down. Work, family, and other responsibilities are all factors that affect our mood. But what are the best ways to improve your mood? Although feeling sad is a common and should not make you feel any shame—feeling this way is but a small part of life—it should not dictate how we feel every day. Luckily, there’s an easy and little-known trick to help boost your mood without harsh prescriptions. And it all has to do with something you use every day:lighting. How we choose to use (or not use) lighting surprisingly has a big effect on how we feel inside. 

“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ― Helen Keller

How does it work? It’s simple.

The Secret to a Better Mood is Easier Than You Think

Lighting is responsible for modulating our body’s circadian rhythm (also known as our body clock). When we’re in brighter environments, our bodies see it as a sign to stay awake and be active. Likewise, dim and poorly lit environments are a signal to our body to rest. The light our body is exposed to actually changes the chemical response inside – hence the link between lighting and our mood. 

An article in ArchDaily explains this effect as it relates to our mood as well: brighter lights give us a mood boost and poor lighting contributes to deficiencies and can even cause depression.

So, how do you pick the right types of light to boost your mood?

One Light, Two Light, Red Light, Blue Light

Light bulb against blue and pink gradient background

Get this: it’s not just about the brightness of the bulbs or the number of bulbs there are in the room. The color of our environment also plays a huge role in determining how we feel. In fact, it may even be the most important part of lighting as it affects our mood. While some people choose to repaint their walls to see this effect, changing out your light bulbs is a much easier solution.

The goal of artificial light is to mimic the pattern of the sun. In the morning, bluish-white lighting can help the body transition into the day as the sun begins to rise. During the day, bright lights positioned directly overhead help keep you alert and productive. And at night, warmer bulbs offer the best color light for sleeping as they make us feel cozy and help us tune into “sleep mode”. Again, the idea is to use colors that mimic the sun’s natural light and position in the sky at different times throughout the day. For example, wall lighting such as sconces are great during the morning and evening as they mimic a sunrise and sunset. 

Find great wall lighting options here

GearBrain mentions a Harvard study that clarifies how this works: blue light wavelengths keep us awake by causing our body to suppress melatonin. In contrast, an increase in the melatonin hormone means it’s time to sleep. So using low blue light bulbs in the bedroom, in and around bedtime, is key to winding down effectively before attempting to sleep.

During the day, bright whiter overhead lights are the key. In spaces where people are interacting throughout the day, ensuring these spaces are well lit, with the appropriate amount of light will ensure your body is producing the positive chemicals that will naturally lift your mood. Look for low blue light bulbs that have a CRI around 90, 4000-5000 Kelvin, and are full spectrum. Then ensure your room has enough light. Here is a quick formula to help you determine how much light is needed in a particular room.

For the average living space of 250 square feet, you’ll need roughly a total of 5,000 lumens as your primary light source (20 lumens x 250 square feet). In kitchen and dining room, you generally more light, so try to achieve 30-40 lumens per square foot. Each bulb or light will have a lumen rating, simply add them all up to be sure you have enough general lighting to feel your very best.

Better Lighting, Better Sleep, Better Mood

You already know that your quality of sleep affects your mood the next day. It’s why we tell kids to take a nap when they’re starting to get grouchy. So, if lighting affects how well you sleep, it makes sense that it would also be one of the best ways to improve your mood, right?

But it’s not that easy.

You’ve changed all your bulbs and you’re using only warm lighting, controlled with a dimmer switch before bed, but you’re still having trouble sleeping.

Now what?

It may not be the types of light from your walls and ceilings that are keeping you awake at night. Blue light from cell phones and other electronic devices can also suppress melatonin and affect our circadian rhythm. Here’s a tip: Disconnect long before you plan to sleep and use a book to wind down instead. While you’re reading, use the warm light from a bedside lamp to keep your body clock in order.

Make your evenings more stylish (and comfortable) with a decorative table lamp

Stay Focused with Task Lighting

When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to focus on specific tasks. With the right focus lights, you can stay focused and in a better mood all day long. Working with natural light may be sufficient in the morning or afternoon, but when focusing on a specific task, bright, direct lighting is needed. For all-day focus lighting, use an adjustable wall or floor lamp to shed bright light on your work.

Find lamps to fit your style here

Although we cannot control the natural light in our environment, using artificial lighting can help make up for what is lacking. Take advantage of the light around you and begin incorporating its patterns into your life. You’ll see a boost in your mood in both the short and long term!

Contact us to learn more about what lighting can do for you!

The Best Life Hack for Beating Bedtime Battles

The Best Life Hack for Beating Bedtime Battles

by ·

Are you tired of the bedtime battle? You know, the daily conflict that occurs between you and your children to get them to sleep? Perhaps your child is anti-bedtime and creates a skirmish to get to the bedroom, but then deals ok with it. Or, maybe your child is the type to leave their bed several times to tell you they can’t sleep, before wearing themselves out and finally catching zzz’s a few hours later? No matter what you and your child’s bedtime struggle looks like, there are some scientific studies that show why bedtime can be difficult for kids. While you may not realize it, one primary factor is melatonin production, which can be thrown off by the type and tone of lighting in the home. Specifically, the light around and in the child’s bedroom, and how much blue light (emanating from technology), is taken in just before bedtime. Blue light can be found in high amounts from technology screens as well as ordinary light bulbs of lower quality. 

One of the biggest factors affecting a child’s bedtime routine? Light.

Rendering of different temperature light against a plain background with letters signifying the type of light

Studies show that the more blue light a child is susceptible to, the harder the body has to work to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. According to a New York Times article, the general consensus is that “Children’s eyes let in more light than adults’ eyes do.” If the blue light radiating off of our technological devices affects adults so much, that only means that children are that much more affected the same light. So, those bedtime videos, games and stories that may come from a phone, tablet, or TV, all are stunting melatonin production in the child, resulting in a more difficult bedtime transition. 

In the study that the NY Times cited, it showed that the average beginning of the child’s biological night (when melatonin secretion began) was approximately 7:47 P.M  with the average bedtime being about 8:27 P.M. This scenario occurred when the children were exposed to a living situation of being in a dim-lit “cave” of sorts, where no bright light interfered with the beginning of their biological night. However, they alternatively studied how light exposure suppressed melatonin production and found that the rate suppressed production by 90%, with the effects lingering long after the children retired into a dim-lit space. 

What does that mean? It means that blue light exposure before bedtime should be restricted, and that will result in a more seamless transition from day to night. Nowadays, you can go into your phone settings and set “night mode”, which will change the screen light from a harsh blue to a warm yellow at a time that you choose. If technology is a big part of your bedtime routine, this solution may behoove you,  but you might find it more beneficial to eliminate all exposure to blue light within an hour of bedtime.

Dad playing in a warmly lit homemade blanket and pillow fort with his young daughter

Turning the Sleep Space into a Dark Cave

So, you’re interested in the idea of a “dark cave” to help with the bedtime battle, but you don’t want to rewire or renovate in an expensive way. We’re here to tell you that this doesn’t have to be a big budget blow. After researching the best color light for sleep, results show that warm LED lights take the cake. If you think about it (and think about the color wheel) warm tones (red, orange, yellow) are the direct opposite of cooler colors (green, blue, purple) so naturally, you’d think warm light would act inversely to cool light. The authors of a Life Hack article suggest that in the evening, a switch should be made from bright, abrasive overhead lights in favor of table lamps, or smaller sconces would held  to maintain a proper circadian rhythm. Typically, these smaller light sources are accompanied by warmer bulbs (under 3000k), which is the crux of the matter. Warm light more closely mimics the setting sun and is gentler on the eyes (and better for the melatonin production) and encourages a smooth transition from being awake to falling asleep. Keeping these warmer, eye level light sources on around the home after sunset can yield a simpler, smoother transition, especially for children, from day to night. 

A supplementary behavior that will take time to adjust would be down a similar vein to restricting blue-light technology would be to adjust the amount of direct light on the child’s eyes. Illuminated technology (e-readers, tablets, phones, televisions, computers) could and should be used indirectly in relation to a child at nighttime (say, the parent reads off of the tablet while the child lays tucked in, or audio is played without video). This reduces the direct blue light shining into the eyes of a child, and will, therefore, reduce the suffocation of melatonin production.  Using book lights or table lamps to light an activity (say, reading an old-fashioned bedtime story) indirectly lights the source of activity, so there is less strain on the child’s eyes. To reiterate, the best color light to promote sleep is any variant of warm light, perhaps yellow or amber light. 

A third option would be installing dimmer switches around the house so that you can control when the lights go from high to low. If you have these switches around the house, you can ensure that even the overhead lights go from bold and bright to soft and low consistently across your house. It saves the necessity to purchase additional table lamps or installing hallway sconces if you’d rather have a holistic household solution. 

A young boy sleeping with a cover over his face next to a blue table with an alarm clock

Quick Tips for Lighting a House to Promote Sleep

So, maybe your child is afraid of the dark. We all know we had our bouts of fear for monsters in the bed or in the closet, waiting for the parents to slink away and for the lights to go off. There’s no discounting a child’s fear here. Instead, we propose simple solutions to combat that with night lights. The quick tip here is to ensure that bedtime lights are kept low in location and low in brightness. If they’re out of the direct line of sight of the child, they won’t harm the melatonin production and general sleep cycle of the child, and the light provides that safety blanket from the scaries lurking in the dark. Keep in mind what we’ve explored about light temperature, and seek out night lights that contain (or can be mounted with) warmer light bulbs rather than cool bulbs (many can be found marked as low blue light bulbs). 

Shop Warm Light Bulbs

We Have the Products to make Bedtime a Breeze

The fact of the matter is that light affects sleep and that children’s eyes are more susceptible to light, which makes their nighttime transition bumpier. Luckily, light is something you can control, for the most part. You can buy blackout shades, change out light bulbs, opt for the best color light to promote sleep, enhance melatonin production with warm LED lights, and set an off-time for electronics. Whatever you choose to do, Hobrecht Lighting can help you control your homes’ light. Making small changes like the ones mentioned earlier can be the first step toward putting your kids to bed (and getting them to fall asleep) with no hiccups. 

Visit our store

Are LED’s Worth the Investment? Let’s do the math…

Are LED’s Worth the Investment? Let’s do the math…

by ·

It’s a fair question! I’ve seen their ups and downs, so let me tell you my experiences with the bulbs. When one of the first PAR30 bulbs came out, one of my clients invested a small fortune filling every can light in his home with those bulbs.  Supposedly, they were rated for 50,000 hours (about 20 years of life), but within the first year, he’d already lost one bulb. The second year, two more bulbs burned out.

 

The Evolution of LED

So are LED lights a bust? Hang with me for the rest of the story. Over the years that followed, the industry went crazy about LEDs and the progress was astounding. Infamous hot-to-the-touch energy-sucking halogen bulbs were replaced by clean, crisp LED bulbs.

Similarly, some LED fixtures, such as the standard A-19 lamp, even have a clever filament-imitation inside the bulbs. This way, they provide all the functional benefits of LED lighting, while still catering to traditional expectations of how residential-use bulbs should look.

Function and Form

But does that mean LED lights are all style, with disappointing results? Actually, thanks to a few more years of trial and error, today’s LED’s are reliable, affordable, very functional and save lots of energy. They decrease wattage use and offer options all over the Kelvin scale (varying light color temperatures).  Almost any fixture can be fitted for LED bulbs, and most manufacturers recommend them for new fixtures.

Let’s Check the Math Out

A traditional incandescent bulb runs at 60 watts and will last a year with average use in a home, and average energy costs nationwide add up to $.15 per kWh (kilowatt hour).  A typical American home has approximately 50 light bulbs and run an average of 3 hours per day, requiring roughly 270 kWh to power those bulbs and need to be changed every 6-8 months.

Check out the annual costs of incandescent bulbs in both a home. The results will surprise you.

Lighting Costs in an average Home:

Incandescent Bulb Cost

$1.50 ea bulb x 73 bulbs (based on average life) =

 $109.50

Incandescent Energy Cost

60 watts x 3 hours x 365 days x 50 bulbs=3.3 million-watt hours (3,285 kWh) =

$493

Total Incandescent Cost Per Year in a Home $602.50 

LED Energy Costs

At home: 9 watts x 3 hours x 365 days x 50 bulbs = 492k watt hours (492 kWh) =

 $73.80 per year

LED Bulb Cost

$3.50 ea bulb x 7.5 bulbs (based on average life) =

 $26.25 per year

Total LED Cost Per Year in a Home $100.05 

Average LED Savings

$502.45 per year

Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient, longer-lasting bulbs save you an average of $502.45 in a typical size American home. Larger homes, or homes where power cost exceeds $.15 per kWh would see an even more dramatic savings. Not to mention that LED bulbs usually last much longer than incandescent bulbs and will save you the cost of constantly buying new bulbs.

These bulbs have finally become what they were intended to be—beautiful, functional, long-lasting, affordable bulbs.  All the things you want in a light bulb! So, are LED’s worth the money? Now that we’re past their beginning stages… Absolutely.

4 Incredible Benefits of ENERGY STAR Equipment

4 Incredible Benefits of ENERGY STAR Equipment

by ·

If you’ve ever purchased an appliance, light bulb, or television, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Energy Star”. And sure, it sounds like a good thing, but what does it really mean? There’s a lot we could say about it, but here are just four things we want everyone to know about Energy Star.

1. They Save the Planet

ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the US government (and the Environmental Protection Agency) that aims to reduce energy consumption, and specifically, greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers, manufacturers, and businesses use the Energy Star label to select products that conserve energy, reduce pollutants, and save money.

2. They Cut Your Utility Bill

To quantify those energy-efficient measures and show how it affects you directly, Energy Star products come with an Energy Guide. It’s often brightly colored, displayed on the side or front of an appliance, or on the box of a lightbulb. Based on national energy costs, the Energy Guide shows the estimated yearly energy cost, allowing you to compare the long-term cost of the products you buy.

For example, LED lights use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lighting, which saves (you guessed it) 90% of your typical electricity costs for bulbs. They also reduce repeat purchases, because these high-quality bulbs last longer than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. LEDs also produce very little heat, so you may even see reduced cooling costs.

3. They’re High Quality

In order for products to be ENERGY STAR rated, they must rank among the top 25% of all similar products. Every Energy Star product is certified by an independent third-party for quality and energy efficiency. That said, when you buy an Energy Star product, you’re not only investing in the environment—you’re also getting a top-notch product.

Some Energy Star products cost more than similar models, but cost difference balances out when you consider it an upfront investment in utility savings. Calculating these costs is easy with the Energy Guide.

4. They Have Great Warranties

Because these products are high-quality and built for long-term use, manufacturers are confident about guaranteeing Energy Star products. Any Energy Star purchase will come with a good warranty, so consumers can rest easy about purchasing. Light bulbs, for example, typically come with at least three-year warranties.

Energy Star for the Win

Here at Hobrecht Lighting, we’re pretty converted to Energy Star products. They save the environment while also saving money on consumer utility bills. They’re high quality, built to last long beyond typical products. And they’re an easy choice when making purchases, thanks to the extra performance measures they’re built to meet. If you’re looking for lighting, click here to browse some of our favorite Energy Star bulbs.

Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

by ·

Morning routine matters. Plenty of health experts have shared their research and expertise on the topic, and it’s about time we shared ours. We are staffed with people just like you—people who sometimes wake up late and stumble out the door, who wish they had more time for the gym, who care about doing their best and getting a good start to the day.

When we wake up each morning, we want a routine that maximizes energy, increases confidence, and creates momentum for the day’s tasks. And because we work in a lighting showroom, we know how much the atmosphere of your surroundings can influence that.

Specifically, a good portion of the morning takes place in the bathroom. The ambiance (or lack thereof) in your bathroom can have a significant effect on your morning. Dingy, dim bathroom lighting hardly reflects the high energy levels our bodies experience after a full night’s sleep, nor does it lend confidence for your day. 

On the other hand, good bathroom lighting:

  • Augments your body’s natural energy 
  • Improves confidence and mood
  • Create a powerful charge for the day  
  • Aids relaxation in evenings

Wondering how to make this happen in your bathroom? Here’s a breakdown of different layers of bathroom lights, then an in-depth review of how to apply them in your space.

Lighting in 3 Layers

Ideal bathroom lighting has 3 categories, or layers: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. 

  1. General Lighting lights a room without help from other sources. Also called ambient lighting, it is even-spread and uniform. Can lighting is one popular option here.  
  2. Task Lighting addresses a specific task.  Pendant lights flanking a vanity, for example, aid in makeup application or shaving. Bathroom task lighting is usually bright and direct for full face illumination. 
  3. Accent Lighting is mostly atmospheric, often drawing attention to a high-lit or low-lit area. Think over-the-tub chandeliers, floor-lighting, etc. 

Between these three layers of bathroom light, aim to have between 70 and 80 lumens of light per square foot of bathroom space. You can calculate this by multiplying the length and width of your bathroom (including bathtub or shower), for total floor space. Determine total lumens by adding together the capacity of each bulb in the bathroom, then divide the lumen total by square footage. 

Example: Your bathroom is 10’ by 6’, which totals 60 sq. feet. You have an over-the-mirror fixture with four bulbs, each with a capacity of 1100 lumens. 4,400 lumens divided by 60 sq. ft. is 73 lumens per square foot. Plenty of light!  

General Lighting

If you’re new to the lighting game, here are four types of ambient fixtures that work well in the bathroom. Recessed lights are inserted into the ceiling itself, whereas flush lights are attached directly onto the ceiling. Semi-flush lights hang with a little space between the ceiling and the fixture, while chandeliers hang furthest from the ceiling. Let’s go through each type. 

1. Recessed (Can) Lights

Recessed lights are wonderful. They’re more difficult to add into an existing bathroom, but if you’re remodeling or building a bathroom, these are a great choice! Around the house, setting cans 3-4 feet away from walls in a 6-8 foot spaced grid pattern is a good general rule to follow.  In bathrooms, the spacing tends to be closer, at 4-5 foot apart throughout the room and in the shower. 

2. Flush Lights

The most traditional and cost-friendly option for ambient lighting, flush lights are a safe option for any space. If you already have one but worry about its dim lighting, switching to LED bulbs is a great way to fix that. Check our catalog to learn more about LED bulbs and flush fixtures.

3. Semi-Flush Lights

If you’re looking for a little extra class without going full-blown chandelier, semi-flush is for you. There’s a lot of creative variation here, and semi-flush lights are sure to improve the look and lighting of your bathroom. 

4. Chandelier

It might not seem possible in a bathroom, but trust us—it is! Upgrade your bathroom’s look by using a mini chandelier, which still accommodates an 8-foot ceiling with plenty of walking space. Chandeliers often have a 4-5 light capacity versus the traditional 2-3 bulb socket in a flush or semi flush mount, adding extra light and extra style.  

Ambient Lighting Pro Tip: Whatever fixture type you prefer, choose one that’s U.L.-rated for wet or damp locations. Bathroom lights should feature tight construction that resists condensation.

Task Lighting

Targeted lighting can greatly improve the efficiency and quality of makeup application, shaving, and similar activities. Ideally, these lights imitate natural light without creating distracting shadows, making it easier for you to do your job. Here are a few common types of task lighting for bathrooms. 

1. Pendants

These hanging lights usually flank your bathroom mirror, adding extra light at the level of your face. They come in a lot of beautiful varieties, but always choose function over form when deciding on these lights. Luckily, we offer plenty of bathroom pendant lights that accomplish both!

2. Sconces

These wall mounted lights come in several styles, such as lanterns, candles, or modern varieties. Some are meant to perform the task of up/down lighting and others are specific for shining out, more appropriately lighting your face.  The latter is the better fixture for bathroom tasks. 

3. Above Mirror Lighting

You could also consider a 2-5 bulb vanity light above the mirror.  Conveniently, some fixtures are directional, allowing you to control where the bulb shines. Just be aware that light directly above your head can cause shadows on your face.

Task Lighting Pro Tip: Mount your sconces and hang pendant lights at eye level; between 60-72” from the ground up.

Accent Lighting

In bathrooms, accent lighting comes in varied forms, depending largely on the specific functions and layout of your bathroom. Accent lighting draws attention to architecture and creates an element of awe. It also enhances the functionality of your bathroom, as with the options suggested below.

1. Toe-Kick Lights

Reduce in-the-dark stumbling by adding motion sensor lights beneath your bathroom vanity. Called “toe-kick lights”, these motion-activated lights make midnight trips to the bathroom effortless. 

2. Soffit Lighting

Most common in kitchens, soffit lighting is any kind of border or perimeter lighting, like on the tile shelf next to the bathtub in the picture above. They add a beautiful atmospheric light to the bathroom as well as enhancing functionality. 

3. Additional Sconces

Though we’ve already addressed these as task lights, when they’re placed on other walls of the bathroom, they function as accent lights. Sconces are a classy way to add décor, light, and atmosphere. 

Accent Light Pro Tip: Consider the “cleanability” of each fixture. Lighting fixtures made with a shade or fabric are harder to disassemble and clean, and may get sticky with bathroom moisture. Glass fixtures are easiest to maintain in bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

If morning routine really matters, so does bathroom lighting! For every bathroom, every style, and every budget, there is a way to start adding more light to your mornings. At Hobrecht Lighting, our lighting specialists are always available to discuss your unique needs, so give us a call and we’ll help you get started. Until then, we’ll leave you with three more priceless Pro Tips for bathroom lighting.

Pro Tip: Light for Function

Not all bathrooms are a major or grand part of every home.  Some bathrooms are small and intimate like small-scaled master bathrooms, powder baths, Jack and Jill kids’ baths, pool baths… so light for the function of the bathroom. For example, pool baths are utilitarian, so a simple vanity light over the mirror would be sufficient.

Pro Tip: Pay Attention to Paint

The paint color in your bathroom influences the effectiveness of your bathroom lights.  Lighter paint tones absorb less light, making your bathroom appear brighter. Darker paint tends to absorb more light and will require more lighting fixtures/more bulbs to compensate for that paint choice. Paint sheen (high gloss, satin, flat, etc.) also influences your light. 

Pro Tip: Leveraging Light Dimmers

Wall dimmers customize the level of lighting and mood of the bathroom. As you examine fixtures, each product description specifies whether a lighting fixture is dimmable or non-dimmable. If the fixture is dimmable and takes light bulbs, be sure to purchase a bulb that is also dimmable.

Home Lighting Design Guide for Every Space

Home Lighting Design Guide for Every Space

by ·

Lighting – it can make or break a room, budget, or mood. Do you feel inadequate to style your home whether it is a new build, under full renovation, or just itching for some change?

Knowing proper interior aesthetic and design principles; including contrast, balance, movement, texture, proportion, repetition, and color when it comes to incorporating the right type of lighting in your home can be difficult. You can feel completely overwhelmed as to where to start and have no idea how to make your home feel like those you see on television, in showrooms, or displayed in magazines.

We are here to help. We have years of experience and lighting experts to assist you every step of the way to make your home a place you love.

When it comes to selecting the proper light or style for each room in your home, consider the following tips. This simple home lighting design guide can help you become the skilled interior designer you’ve always wanted to be.

Broken up by room, this home lighting design guide will become a quick reference and can assist you in knowing what types of light to add, incorporate, or switch out of your space.

Regardless of the room, there is a key principle to consider and understand when implementing the perfect light into a space.

Layering Light is the secret to creating the perfect light in every space. There are three common ways to layer light which include ambient, task, and accent or decorative forms.

  • Ambient — also referred to as general lighting fills a room. It can be in the form of recessed lighting, wall-mounted lighting fixtures, or even track lighting.
  • Task — takes into consideration what activities or events will take place in a specific room. Some tasks require brighter more focused light, whereas other tasks could be completed with dimmer accent lighting options. Table or floor lamps are a great example of task lighting. This type of lighting will influence the type of fixture and the placement throughout the space.
  • Accent/Decorative — can be bold or simplistic depending on the placement. It is usually implemented to highlight a specific area of focus. An example might be picture lights or wall sconces. Dimmer lights would also be considered a form of accent light as it helps build mood an ambiance when applied strategically.

Lighting Tips per Room

Consider what activities, events, or tasks are completed in each room of your home when trying to find the right lighting solution. It will provide insight into where you need to place a lighting fixture, how much light is needed, and what style could be best.

Bedroom

Most activities or events are conducted in other rooms throughout the house, but this space cannot be forgotten, so using a home lighting design guide will be crucial in achieving the look you want. Within the bedroom, you might want to read a book in bed or browse the internet on your mobile device. Task lighting, such as adjustable wall mounted lighting fixtures installed on both sides of the bed can help you receive directed light and help you focus. A combination of general and task lighting can help establish a space where you can wind down, relax, and enjoy peace and quiet.

Previously, bedroom lighting has solely consisted of a single central lighting fixture overhead like a flush mount, semi-flush mount, or pendant lighting fixture with the occasional task lighting on nightstands or end tables. Some improvements to bedroom lighting might be adding easily accessible switches for each of the wall mounted lighting fixtures for easy access to turn on and off before bed, upgrading the central switch in the room by adding a dimmer, and purchasing energy efficient light bulbs.

The lifestyle, age, and preference of those who reside in your home is also important to note, as more light might be required to accomplish specific activities. If utilizing a desk, table, or floor lamp directly, adjust the light so you do not look into the light bulb when lying or sitting in bed.

Shop Bedroom Fixtures

Family Room

As a general gathering place for events and activities, this room has a lot of foot traffic. Engaging in a wide variety of activities, the family room is most likely the most popular gathering place within your home. Additionally, this room is used to entertain when guests come over to play games, watch television, read, or just hang out.

Utilizing vertical planes when upgrading lighting in the family room will cause you to look towards the ceiling instead of down at your feet influencing your mood and energy. Brighten up a corner throughout the room by adding accent or task lighting like a floor lamp or wall sconces. Another way to add light is to highlight the fireplace, book shelves, or other large furnishings with background lighting solutions.

Improve your current lighting design by changing the room architecture, if possible, by integrating cove or valance lighting in addition to installed lighting. Switching out flush mounts, installing a large intricate chandelier, or adding wall sconces are all great lighting options to consider also. Consider installing a dimmer to all lighting fixtures to maximize control and create flexibility with how much light is emitted.

Browse Family Room Lighting

Dining Room

The primary focus of this room is the table, as you gather your family to eat which is usually lit minimally with ambiance or general lighting fixtures overhead. Focused lighting in this space is important.

Usually narrow in space and unique in orientation, the dining room, can be difficult to configure; however, evaluating the wall treatments and implementing lighter wall colors with strategic lighting fixtures into the design will make the room appear bigger and brighter. If the wall color is darker in color, consider increasing the lumens in all fixtures to create more light.

The dining room traditionally has one general illumination, like a chandelier, flush mount, or island light, in the middle of the room or above the table. However, you could add wall sconces, floor lamps, or cove lighting in conjunction to a statement piece to create more compelling lighting treatment. Adding a dimmer to the central switch could allow you to have more flexibility to the amount of light throughout the space.

Shop Dining Room Fixtures

Kitchen

The kitchen is also a common gathering place for people and activities, but the area of focus is food preparation and very focused tasks. Bright light is best in this room and can be achieved by high lights and a large number of recessed lighting around the perimeter of the room.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, it will determine exactly what layers of light are recommended. This space is great for implementing all three types of light – ambient, task, and accent. Be sure to use a home lighting design guide to properly implement the diverse light design in this space.

For a small kitchen, rely on a central ceiling fixture for ambient light, with lighting placed under the cabinets to provide task lighting for the counters and workspace when prepping food, and pendants above the island as additional task or ambient lighting. These improvements or layers of light will make the space appear larger and more inviting. Whereas, in a larger more elaborate kitchen you may have to incorporate more task and accent lighting to light up the entire space with more cabinets and a larger island.

The sink, usually placed below or near a window, is a functional and key design within most homes as it provides natural light into the space and creates balance.

Changing all of the lights to be on a dimmer and ensuring light bulbs are energy efficient will improve the lighting flexibility.

Browse Kitchen Lighting

Bathroom

As this room is used primarily for personal grooming, it can require intricate lighting. Being aware of shadows and knowing the best way to disperse light can make this space more inviting.

Integrate motion lights under the cabinet base as accent lighting to give the space a nice glow and add another layer of light. Add task lighting to balance out the ambience lighting options throughout the space. It is important to have task lighting to provide a focused area and make sure it is bright enough to get the job done. Shower lights or bathroom exhaust fans can also help in adding brightness to a small space.

Avoid ambiance lighting fixtures above the sink, as it will create a dark shadow when looking into the mirror. Instead, try strip lighting behind free standing structures or floating shelves or bathroom sconces.

Shop Bathroom Fixtures

Outdoor

As a complete home lighting design guide, outdoor lighting is an extension of your home.

Exterior lighting, also referred to as landscape lighting, primarily comes from the sense of providing security and safety to your home. As this lighting will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, it is best to think about the durability and quality of each fixture.

Keep the lighting outside simple, as more is not always better – a few bright lights in areas around your yard and house also creates dark corners making safety a concern. Therefore, lower amounts of light levels consistently will make a big difference. Increase the value to your home by adding post lights, security lights, or hanging lights to enjoy outdoor spaces even in the dark.

Browse Outdoor Lighting Solutions

Hobrecht Lighting also offers fixtures for all other spaces within your home including offices, stairways, entry ways, and hallways.

Try implementing some of the lighting recommendations and design elements provided in this home lighting design guide to make a room shine, on a budget, and increase your general happiness. Feel adequate to conquer any space in your home whether it is new or old.

Shop Our Products

Read This Before Installing Smart Lights

Read This Before Installing Smart Lights

by ·

Imagine getting in bed and then realizing you forgot to turn off the light, but rather than getting up, you use a simple voice command, and all the lights go off. Or imagine you just finished watching a movie and the whole room is dark, but instead of hunting in the dark to find a light switch (and running your knee into your coffee table), you grab your phone and instantly turn on all your lights at the touch of a button. If that sounds like science fiction, the future has arrived, and it’s high time you invest in smart lighting. However, if you’re new to smart home tech, you might not know where to start. You might assume that starts with a smart light bulb, but there are other ways to add smarts to your lighting. So let’s break down some of the basic smart lighting options and help you step into home automation.

Installing Smart Lights In Your Home

Smart Bulbs

Many light bulb manufacturers have developed smart light bulbs. This is often one of the first product people add to make their home “smart”.  If you haven’t heard, a smart bulb is an internet-connected LED light bulb that allows lighting to be customized, scheduled and controlled remotely, usually through a smart phone app.

Smart light bulbs are a great option to achieve automated, remote controlled lighting. The biggest advantage for going this route is that light bulbs are super easy to install and most bulbs are compatible with your current light fixtures, and your preferred digital butler (such as Alexa or Google Assistant). With automatic compatibility, you’ll are able to control light bulbs by voice command and a smartphone app.

When trying to choose what smart bulbs to get, you need to know what your home’s lighting needs are. For example, if your home doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you will want to make sure your bubbles have a whiter color temperature so that they really brighten up your otherwise dim room. If you’re looking to save money on your utility bill (who isn’t?) then you want to be sure you get smart LED bulbs. Using highly efficient LED bulbs capable of yielding up to 20,000 hours of use while saving you money each month on your power bill.

A smart phone using a smart light app to automatically turn on and off light fixtures

Installing Smart Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs are super easy and screw right into the existing light sockets you currently have in your home. Once in place you connect light bulbs with an internet connection hub that then allows you to control the light bulbs through a smartphone or other device connected to your router. Once you have them you can then enjoy greater control over the lighting effects in your home and establish automated lighting schedules around your lifestyle.

Check out these smart bulbs

Smart Light Switches

Another option for smart lighting is smart light switches. Smart switches are a great way to make your lighting smart without the hassle of replacing every light bulb in your home. Smart switches are a great option that lets you control your lighting like before, but with some added benefits. With a smart switch, you can manage dimming and use a pop-out remote that will give you easy manual control of your lighting. The great thing about smart light switches is that they will be able to work with your current light bulbs and they make an entire fixture smart, with your current bulbs.

A white dining table with a chandelier and wall lights around it

Installing Smart Light Switches

Installing smart switches can be a little more challenging then light bulbs, but once installed they are not tough to use. If you don’t mind calling in an electrician and you want a fully integrated method of controlling the lighting throughout your home, it’s worth going all-in with smart switches. Light switches are a great option when you can’t find the right-sized light bulbs. Light switches can also be a great option when you have lots of light bulbs that would need to be replaced because it can save you lots of money. As said by The Inventory, “ a single smart switch is more expensive than a single smart bulb, but the bulbs can add up very quickly if you have a lot of fixtures in each room.”

Smart Lights with Our Products

No matter which way you choose to approach smart home lighting, you won’t miss wandering around your home to turn off all the lights before bedtime, or stumbling through the hall to find the light switch for a midnight snack.

If interested in getting smart lighting in your home, check out our website to find the perfect lighting. Our experts have lighting systems that measurably improve wellness and safety in your home. In addition to being the leading healthy lighting provider, we also have the best price, selection, and value for lighting as well. They have options for smart lights bulb and smart light switches. If you have further questions about smart lighting, come visit our store. We are happy to answer all your automotive lighting questions. Hope to see you soon!