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3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

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Now that we’ve given plenty of attention to the age-old debate about how to place toilet paper, I think it’s time to move on to something else. A well-lit bathroom can make or break your morning routine, and vanity lighting is a huge part of that! How often do we really stop to consider vanity lighting, however?

We’ve compiled the 3 most vital elements of vanity lighting and a summary of each topic. After you read and feel informed, pick your side! If you haven’t had these debates with your spouse, parents, or roommates yet, NOW is the time. These details can really maximize your bathroom space and transform your morning routine.

1. How to Hang: Up or Down?

The first thing you should consider is how to hang your vanity lights—shining up or down? First, consider how you’ll use these lights. Are they direct task lighting? If so, angle down or at the face. An indirect light source for style and mood? Shine them up.

If you have a bathroom with a darker color palette, a downward hanging light may suit you best. Why? Darker colors soak up more light, and hanging it downward will focus the light on the area you really want to be illuminating.

If your bathroom has a lighter color, palette an upward hanging light will work best for the space. Why? The light reflects off of the ceiling and walls, amplifying the overall light for the entire room. Regardless of which direction you hang them, vanity lights should hang high off of the floor, approximately 78 inches.

2. Clear or Frosted Glass?

You may have already had this debate when choosing other fixtures, but it’s especially relevant to vanity lights. They’re closer to eye level and more frequently viewed than most home fixtures, so choose well here!

In my years at a lighting showroom, the more popular choice has always been frosted glass. Why? One favorite feature about frosted glass is that it shines a soft ambient light. It still provides plenty of lumens, but isn’t too harsh on the eye. They also require less cleaning, since you’re unlikely to see fingerprints or smudges. A weekly light dusting should do the trick.  

On the other hand, I’ve encountered many lovers of clear glass. For one thing, they distribute more lumens, since the glass doesn’t diffuse the light. They’re often better for task lighting, aiding in accurate shaving or makeup application. The exposed light bulbs also add an element of style with different shaped filament bulbs.

3. What Fixture Size Is Best?

There’s a lot of variety in vanity fixtures. Some are small and dainty, others dramatic and large. We’ll let you have those infinite debates of taste as you surf Pinterest or our online catalog, but for now we’ll do you a favor and insert a lesser-known detail about proportions.

If your vanity light fixture is going over a single sink bowl, the fixture should be at least ¾ the size of the length of the mirror. Center it above the sink, and never select vanity lights that exceed the length of the mirror. If your vanity has two or more sinks, the same rules apply and you would center each light over its respective sink.

So there it is—the bathroom dilemmas no one talks about. Lighting matters! And fitting your vanity lighting to your unique taste will ensure an even better morning routine and evening wind-down experience.

7 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

7 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

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Your primary living spaces aren’t the only rooms in your home that showcase your style, so it’s time to show your bathroom a little love, too! Sure, normal décor pieces are a good start – an awesome striped accent wall, your favorite waterproof art piece, or a brightly patterned shower curtain. To take it to the next level, however, consider adding some flair to the functional pieces of your room, like your lighting. Wondering how to start? Here are 7 tips, and plenty of examples, to show you how to transform your bathroom lighting and style.

1. Use Striking Wall Colors

Coloring with contrasts make for a striking match with any vanity set. A simple, yet functional brass light fixture ties the whole look together, while still providing the bright light you need to get ready every morning.

Sometimes, simplicity makes for the best design. Matte black task lighting, bright yellow bulbs, and a textured black backdrop create a truly showstopping combination, adding a dramatic effect that’s sure to leave any guests talking.

2. Color-Coordinate Your Hardware

Make any vanity look luxe with gold features. Coordinate your drawer handles, faucets, and light fixtures for a put-together feel. Especially when paired with simple blacks and whites, these accents really shine!

This bathroom uses a brilliant geometric design as a wall accent, then simplifies the space with a clean-cut, over-the-mirror light fixture in a pretty accent color. The result is an engaging, but not overly busy, bathroom look.

3. Use Chandeliers to Make a Statement

Create a primping room fit for a Hollywood A-lister by using some surprisingly simple décor essentials: a classic vanity, glamorous chandelier, and patterned walls. The result? A bathroom with a touch of flair, lots of style, and a slight air of drama. We love it!

Want a more understated room with just a touch of glitz? You can still lounge in luxury as you soak beneath a dazzling chandelier.

4.  Mix Natural and Modern Elements

Bring all of the soothing spa vibes to your own bathroom while still keeping it chic. Here, natural wood elements are balanced with sleek, simple light fixtures and mirrors that provide an understated modern touch.

This bathroom makes a great use of natural touches with wooden shelves and small potted plants. To top it off, the light fixture’s wavy, modern design sends an organic “go with the flow” impression that matches the tone of the room’s décor.

5. Choose Fixtures that Create or Compliment Bold Color Accents

If you want a pop of color in your bathroom, but you aren’t willing to commit to a full accent wall, try colorful light fixtures! These red lights are a bright spot in a white room that draw attention and add style without being overwhelming.

If you’ve got some fun color elsewhere, like this vintage yellow toilet and sink, that’s great! This black fixture blends with the style and lets the colorful toilet and sink truly shine.

6. Embrace Classic Elements

If you’re looking for a simple, sophisticated bathroom, this one will suit your tastes. The vanity set and walls have subtle detailing, while the silver light fixtures boast clean lines and an elegant silhouette. 

Here, a large, gorgeous vanity takes center stage. Combined with modest, shaded light fixtures, the overall effect is timeless and elegant.

7. Play Around with Interesting Shapes

Hoping to create a quaint, charming wash room? A minimalist vanity, pretty wall pattern, and small vase of flowers are a good way to start. The light is a beautiful finishing touch: it’s simple enough to highlight the other design elements, but the double-sided fixture is unique enough to add some extra flair.

In this bathroom, diamonds are everyone’s best friend. Flanking the mirror with unusual diamond-shaped light fixtures creates a distinctive, fashionable element, making this space seem subtly one-of-a-kind.

While the task lighting on each side of the mirrors is straightforward, it’s the unusual shape of the overhead lighting that commands attention in this modern bathroom. The overall effect? A bathroom that’s stylish, sleek, and unique.

Feeling inspired? Transform your bathroom into a space that’s truly yours with any of these simple tips. Whether you add an accent wall, a colored fixture, some interesting shapes or natural elements, we’re sure you’ll love the effect! Best of luck from us here at Hobrecht Lighting.

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

12 Tips for Choosing and Hanging the Perfect Dining Light

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Whether it’s time to impress your new neighbors or host an important business dinner, your dining room is a high-impact space that communicates a lot about you. Some dining rooms are an informal extension of the kitchen, while others are a spacious, separate room. No matter what yours looks like, choosing the right design (and light) can create the perfect setting for all occasions. 

Size

1. To determine the best size for your fixture, use this formula: Length + Width = diameter of your ideal light. Example:  10’ (length) + 14’ (width) = 24” (width of your light). It’s a general rule, so use it at your own discretion and adapt to suit your preferences!

2. Long dining tables call for bigger lights. Consider a long track light or even mount two fixtures on either end of the table. It’s a great way to emphasize your lovely, lengthy dining space!

Style

3. The style you select reflects your personal taste, but also affects the function of the light. Shaded lights provide soft, subtle light, while glass fixtures diffuse light more brightly and evenly. Exposed bulbs provide the most clear, crisp light.

4. If your dining room branches off your kitchen, consider matching the finish of the dining light to the finish of kitchen lights or hardware.

5. If your dining room is separate from the kitchen, feel free to choose a distinct finish for a unique dining room atmosphere. Just remember that it should still ‘live well’ with any visible fixtures from surrounding rooms.

Height

6. Know your ceiling height before selecting a light. Most fixtures are designed for an 8-foot ceiling.

7. If you have a vaulted ceiling, use some of that space for the fixture, but keep it mounted low enough that it still feels like a cohesive part of the dining table ensemble. 

8. Proper mounting height is 30-36 inches from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture.  That figure can be a little higher on a taller ceiling.  

9. Fixtures with decorative pieces or hanging crystals may hanger lower than the recommended 30-36”. For these fixtures, measure to the frame of the light instead. 

Wattage

10. The general recommendation for dining light output is 300 watts. This is especially true for rooms with lighter paint colors.

11. In dining rooms with darker paint, consider choosing bulbs that provide 400 watts or more.

12. For additional control and extra ambiance, use dimmable bulbs and install a dimmer switch in your dining room. It’ll serve equally well for full-light projects and dimly-lit romantic dinners. 

Make your dining room an inviting space with an expressive, efficient fixture. For any additional questions, feel free to contact our expert team here at Hobrecht Lighting. We’re here to help you make your dream home!

Break into Farmhouse Flair with Your Home Lighting

Break into Farmhouse Flair with Your Home Lighting

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If the down-home charm of farmhouse style speaks to you, you’re not alone! It’s a trendy style with staying power, and now’s a great time to start adding farmhouse décor around any home. If you’re unsure how to start, however, switching out your light fixtures is the perfect starting point. There’s no repainting, rearranging wall hangings, or reupholstering involved- just a simple swap to get the look you want!

Here are some of our favorite ideas that add a touch of that Farmhouse Flair:

Electric Candles

Sure to add an atmospheric glow to any event, candlelight is one of the best ways to slip some farmhouse fashion into your home.  It’s rustic, reminiscent of simple times, and charming in all the right ways.

Rough, Unfinished Metals

Don’t be afraid to flaunt some rust and roughness in your metal décor. Whether it’s a functional light fixture that’s made to look aged and distressed or simply a decorative lighting piece like this lantern, aged metal is a farmhouse staple.

Rope or Twine Details

As a compliment to the fresh, finished pieces of your décor, try some unfinished twine-like lighting. The rope cords add excellent texture and depth, and the combined effect is a rustic, upscale farmhouse look fitted for any room.

Imitation Fencing or Caging

If you’re looking for just a small touch of farmhouse style, try a gentle nod to farmhouse with cage-like metal fixtures. They’re easily hung anywhere in your home, and they’re versatile enough to match with any kind of décor if you decide to redecorate later.

Bolts, Nails, and Screws

Imagine hand-constructed barrels, fencing, wagons, and more when you look at the quaint bolt details on this ceiling fan. Ultra-functional and fashionable, it’s great for any room in your home. Even better? Try it in an outdoor, covered area- just make sure the fixture is damp-area rated!

Bleached or Faded Wood

Almost nothing says “farmhouse” more than bleached, faded, or distressed wood. This fixture is simple and unassuming, but adds some textured dimension to the space. Add that to the rich green hues on the walls and linens… we love the look!

Mixed Material Fixtures

Metals, fabrics, chains, woods, and more… Farmhouse is a fresh take on an old-fashioned look, and it really shines in fixtures that use various materials to bring old and new worlds together.

Old-Fashioned Bulbs

With the right bulb in place, simple fixtures are automatically transformed into something quaint. Those old-style bulbs are comforting, familiar, and full of farmhouse flavor. Best of all? You can add them to an existing fixture for an extra simple update!

Do you like what you see? Props to farmhouse décor for serving up some beautiful details that are ready to brighten your home. Contact us at Hobrecht Lighting for more information about farmhouse-friendly lighting or any other home lighting needs!

6 Simple Hacks for Perfect Kitchen Pendants

6 Simple Hacks for Perfect Kitchen Pendants

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The kitchen is not only one of the most functional rooms in the home, but it’s also a central place to express your style! Kitchen lighting should combine excellent functionality with equal flair, and there’s no better way to do that than with pendant lighting. Here’s an in-depth guide of 6 vital principles to help you choose and hang the perfect pendant light in your kitchen.

1. Quantity

Odd numbers make for natural design groupings, so aim for odd groupings of lights when you hang pendants. Consider each kitchen area separately, creating one group over the kitchen island, another over the sink, and a new one in other unique areas of your kitchen. You’re the boss here—so break the rule here if you think two lights are better than three.

2. Scale

Hang something too big, and it will encroach on needed space. Hang a fixture that’s too small, and it won’t provide enough functional light or stylistic pizzazz. The edge of a pendant fixture should hang 6” from the outside edge of the island, with appropriate space between pendants.

Tall ceilings can handle a larger pendant, so if you’ve got vaulted ceilings, consider choosing a fixture with extra height and bulk to capitalize on the grandeur of your ceiling. If you’re debating between several good options, bigger is better!

3. Light Output

Some finishes, like chrome or polished nickel, are reflective and seem to ‘disappear’ when the lights come on.  Other finishes are bold, providing high contrast against kitchen cabinetry.  Most fixtures come in multiple finishes, so decide if you prefer architectural and bold, or a light floating feel. 

Even better? You don’t have to match the finish of the fixture to your kitchen hardware.  Consider the colors in your kitchen—appliances, flooring, décor, accent pieces. If your kitchen has gold knobs and a dark hardwood floor, those tones easily justify a gold, bronze, black, or even two-tone fixture! Don’t limit yourself here.

5. Style

The kitchen island is a great place to define the style of your home, so be daring!  If you’re decorating your forever home, hang a pendant you really love. If you plan to resell, consider hanging a trendy, popular fixture that will appeal to the largest group of buyers later.

Whatever you hang, avoid an awkward look by hanging your light at the correct height. The bottom of the fixture should sit 30-36” from the top of the counter to best emphasize the beauty of your pendant and preserve needed space.

6. Function

Light output is one element of a pendant’s functionality, but the styling and shape of the light also have significant impact.  Open and airy fixtures lighten the look of the kitchen, creating negative space and emphasizing kitchen openness. They spread light more generally throughout the kitchen.

Opaque, metal fixtures create solid, positive space that fills in gaps and draws the eye. This solidness directs the light downward and brightens usable counter space making solid fixtures better task lighting than glass ones. Both options are good, but some will be better for your needs than others.

With such a wide array of pendants to choose from, you’re sure to find one that works for you! Compare your top favorites for their functionality and flair, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Hobrecht Lighting with any questions.

Apply These 5 Secret Techniques to Improve Your Mood Naturally

Apply These 5 Secret Techniques to Improve Your Mood Naturally

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Whatever the reason you’re looking for ways to improve your mood naturally, we get it. Winter is hard and takes a toll on our body and mind. We live in an age where we are finally recognizing the many factors that affect our moods positively and negatively, every day. For most of us, even during the best times of our lives, we get down in the dumps every once in a while. If you’re having a blue day, week, or year, here are some tips to improve your mood naturally, to get you back to feeling like your best and brightest self.

#1: Boost Your Vitamin C & D Intake

Food has the ability to bring us such pleasure, comfort, and joy. Generally, healthy foods do the best job of consistently improving our mood naturally because they keep us feeling energized, light, and not feeling guilty. However, focusing on foods with certain vitamins can make a real difference. Studies have found that increased consumption of Vitamin C and Vitamin D increase moods naturally and decrease psychological distress .

Foods that are high in Vitamin C include lemons, papaya, strawberries, yellow bell peppers, guava, thyme, oranges, parsley, kale, kiwi, broccoli, brussel sprouts and more!

Foods high in Vitamin D are fatty fish like tuna, mackerel & salmon, egg yolks, cheese, oysters, mushrooms. shrimp, orange juice, and others!

#2: Bask In the Sunshine

Now that spring is starting, this one is becoming a bit easier. Days are longer and brighter and we should all be spending more time outside. Getting plenty of sunshine on your skin is a really simple and wonderful way to boost your mood naturally. Remember that the earlier in the day that you can take advantage of sunlight, the better. Bright light first thing in the morning helps set your circadian rhythm on track to keep you awake and alert all day. Open your blinds wide and wake up naturally with the sun. Sunlight is said to increase serotonin levels and also helps your skin produce vitamin D, which most people are deficient in, an issue that has been correlated with depression.

If you really can’t swing 15 min of sunlight a day, consider supplementing with alternatives. Vitamin D supplements will help you reach your daily dose, along with compact fluorescent lightbulbs to literally brighten your day. These lights mimic sunlight more effectively than incandescents and work well in high traffic areas of your home like the kitchen and living spaces.

#3: Find a Furry Friend

We’re not suggesting you should buy a pet just to lift your mood every now and again. However, as little as 25 minutes of petting a dog or cat can release more of that stuff we love to talk about… serotonin. But unlike other natural remedies, it produces many mood-boosting hormones like prolactin and oxytocin which helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol!

If you aren’t keen on the responsibilities of having a pet, consider visiting with a friend who is. Take their dog for a walk, or sit inside and have a drink cozied up next to their fur baby. Or take a trip to the local animal shelter where you can volunteer or just visit with the animals.

#4: Take a Walk (Run, Lift, Climb, or Skip)

You’ve probably heard it before, but exercise can improve symptoms of depression over time as well as improve your mood in the short term. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to improve your mood naturally because it’s positive effects can last up to 12 hours! Plus, it’s great for your physical health as well! If you haven’t experienced those famous feel-good endorphins from a killer workout, you will love this quick fix mood booster. It’s just a matter of making yourself do it.

If running isn’t your thing, try a different form of exercise. Even a brisk walk is great for your mental health (especially if you go outside). But maybe try branching out to something new. Ever tried rock climbing? Kickboxing? Barre, aerial yoga, Krav Maga… the options are endless. Anything that you can do for 30 minutes straight and helps you break a sweat during at least one section of vigorous activity will do the trick.

#5: Improve Your Day-to-Day Lighting

We talked earlier about your circadian rhythm. Lighting affects your alertness throughout the day as it tells your body when it should be tired and when it should work at full speed. Because of this, it’s important that the lights you encounter daily are optimized to keep your circadian rhythm from becoming confused. Lighting is an easy way to improve your mood naturally, as well as improve other areas of your life like efficiency at work, relaxation at the end of the day, productivity around the house, etc.

Use bright lights and light colored paint to brighten up areas that you spend a lot of time in. Add dimmers to your lighting so that at the end of the day you can still wind down. Set your lights on a timer that allow you to keep a consistent schedule or change it up when necessary. This will keep your body from becoming confused and allow you to make the most out of the lights around your home.

There is also a lot of discussion on what type of lighting should be used in offices as a way to create the most positive and productive work environment. Optimizing your work lighting minimizes the risk of migraines from strained eyes and increases employee satisfaction. Try maximizing healthy blue lighting during the day to improve efficiency, but minimize it at night so it doesn’t keep you from sleeping.

Surprisingly to many people, lighting has been found to contribute to cases of depression when insufficient. On the contrary, effective lighting can improve moods and energy levels naturally. High-quality flexible lighting can allow you to work with your changing schedule to improve your mood in different areas of your life.

The more we look into the effects of lighting on our everyday activities, the more we are realizing its deep impact on our lives. Biological, mental, and emotional effects are felt from the lighting or lack thereof that we surround ourselves with regularly. For this reason, it’s crucial that we take time to optimize the healthy lighting in our lives when looking to improve our mood naturally. Look to a professional to help you find the lighting solutions that are right for you and your family. At Hobrecht Lighting, we are excited to show you how lighting can genuinely improve your mood, mental and physical health, and daily efficiency.

About Us:

We operate under the Danish Hygge philosophy of maximizing coziness and joy in our lives, by improving home lighting. With simple lighting solutions that many people would never think of, we can bring positive energy into every corner of your home, simplify your daily activities, and improve the health and happiness of your family.

Lighting is just as important as the time and effort you put into the rest of your home. At Hobrecht Lighting, we take the time to help you optimize your lighting for your specific needs.

Start Your Healthy Lighting Journey Today!

Ditch the Dusty Light Fixtures: 6 Pro Cleaning Tips

Ditch the Dusty Light Fixtures: 6 Pro Cleaning Tips

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Picture this: you finally found your dream light fixture. In fact, it’s getting so much attention that your guests aren’t even noticing your expensive Persian rug! After a few months, however, you pause your spring cleaning and notice that your alluring fixture is FILTHY! Here are a few tips to get that fixture sparkling like new.

1. Be Safe

First, turn off power to the fixture to avoid any risk of shock. If you need a ladder, secure all four feet on a level surface before ascending. In addition, move the ladder as you work instead of stretching to clean beyond your reach. Never twist or spin your fixture as it may loosen the support. 

2. Avoid Chemicals on Metal

Chemicals damage the lacquer coating on fixtures, so grab a microfiber/soft cloth and mild detergent soap. Wipe the metal parts of the fixture with the cloth without scrubbing or being too abrasive. Again, do not use an all-purpose cleaner or anything that contains ammonia or alcohol, or you’ll damage the appearance of your fixture.

3. Use Glass-Specific Products

Truly clean glass can be hard to achieve, but there are plenty of great products to help. For example, one favorite at Hobrecht Lighting is pre-moistened, ammonia-free glass cleaning wipes. If possible, remove the glass from the fixture and wipe it clean. If not, just wipe the glass as-is. Remember to avoid spraying cleaner on the fixture to ensure that chemicals do not touch the metal.

4. Try the Vacuum

If your fixture has a fabric or beaded shade, don’t be afraid to use the vacuum! We like to use a hose attachment to reach up high and vacuum the shade clean. If your delicate fixture has a more serious stain, we recommend professional dry cleaning (and yes, that does exist for light fixtures)!

5. Don’t Forget the Bulbs

The most oft-neglected step for a sparkling fixture is a clean light bulb! After cleaning the rest of the fixture, unscrew each bulb and gently wipe it clean. Your microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner will work wonders here! This ensures that you get the full light output that your bulb has to offer.

6. If Possible, Dust Regularly

Give yourself a pat on the back! Now that you’ve deep-cleaned your fixture, it’ll be much easier to maintain. We highly recommend weekly dusting, though we realize that it’s not everyone’s favorite chore. However, with an extendable-arm duster, it’s much easier to reach those high hanging fixtures and give a quick dust in even the most awkward spots. 
Finding the right fit for your style, space, and taste can be challenging, but you nailed it. With a few expert cleaning tips, you can keep it sparkling all year long. If you have any questions about cleaning your unique fixture, reach out to us online or give us a call. We’re here for all your lighting needs!