Helpful Tips: Kitchen Lighting

Is it really that important?

When you really stop and think about it the Kitchen is probably the busiest room in your house. With family meals being prepared, lunches being packed, dishes being done, and the kids sneaking the last cookie out of the jar it can get pretty busy. So it is important to make your kitchen functional, warm and inviting by choosing the correct lighting and fixtures. Whether you are looking for recessed ceiling lights to create an open feeling or you want some mini pendants to add a splash of color the opportunities with kitchen lighting are endless. 

Four Types of Kitchen Lighting:

When you look at your kitchen the four types of lighting you need to consider are task, ambient, accent, and decorative. One of the most common mistakes seen in homes today is the failed attempt to accomplish all of this lighting with one extremely bright fixture in the middle of the room. While this method of kitchen lighting does light up the room it usually will not look visually appealing. Instead different types of lighting should be layered together to create style and functionality. 

Task Lighting:

Task lighting is one of the first things you need to think about because it is how you are going to make your kitchen functional. When choosing this type of lighting you should keep in mind that it needs to be easy to clean and durable. If you have children, having a lot of hanging glass fixtures in your kitchen may look nice at first but it might not last very long. Task lighting is often placed over areas where food is being prepared so you can read the recipes and see what your doing. When hanging or installing task lighting make sure it is properly positioned or you may get unwanted shadows making food preparation even harder. 

Ambient/Accent Lighting:

Ambient/Accent Lighting holds the key to really making your kitchen look and feel great. One of the easiest ways to add this type of light is with under-cabinet lighting. Strip lights are the most popular style of under 

cabinet lights but puck shaped halogen bulbs can also be used. These lights will not only help with

tasks being done under cabinet space but they can be used as soft ambient back lighting at anytime. Accent 

Lighting is becoming increasingly important as kitchens get bigger and are increasingly being used for entertainment. Adding artwork and decorations to a kitchen can make a huge difference and you can draw your visitors eyes to these decorations with accent lights. 

Decorative Lighting:

When choosing a decorative light or lights it is important to look at size. The size of your decorative lighting should be directly proportional to the size of your kitchen. Decorative lighting can be accomplished through pendants, chandeliers, and lamps. All of these fixtures can be used to add beauty and color to any room. After you find the right size you must think about function. Can this fixture be easily cleaned? Can it be broken easily or is it durable? Is it bright enough to not only look nice but accomplish a purpose? You will also want to find decorative lighting that will match your kitchens style and color.

Make sure it Blends:

While choosing these different types of kitchen lighting it is important all the fixtures and lights blend together. You do not want your accent lighting and decorative lighting to be completely different styles and you don't want one fixture to stand out too much over the others. Choosing similar color schemes, styles, and designs will help your kitchen lights work together to form that beautiful kitchen you have always wanted. 

Be sure and check out 

Lighting49.com 

for all your kitchen lighting needs. 

Energy Saving Tips: Light Bulbs

Which one do I get?

Every time I go to the store I am amazed at how many different sizes, types, and styles of light bulbs there are. The store attendants try their best to help me by asking what I am looking for which is typically followed by a response like, "I am looking for one that screws in and lights up." Between LED, CFL, Halogen, Incandescent, and all the others buying a light bulb can turn into quite an experience. So which one should you choose and which one is the most energy efficient and cost effective? 

Overall Comparison

So as is clearly shown in the chart above the LED bulb is the best bulb on the market today. While the cost of the bulb is significantly higher than a standard Incandescent bulb its' low energy use and ability to last for a long time make it the most cost effective purchase. Before you shop visit www.dsireusa.org/incentives or www.energystar.gov to find utility rebates, and search online for manufacturer rebates.

Quick Tip: Quality Control

With so many new bulbs coming out there are many brands that do not offer quality products. When purchasing look for the Energy Star Certification label.
Energy Star Requirements:

• Must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency
• Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
• Product categories must contribute to significant energy savings nationwide.

Quick Tip: Brightness/Watts vs Lumens

When purchasing a new bulb it is important to match lumens not watts. Lumens is the measurement used to test how much light a bulb emits. So while you may have had a 100 watt Incandescent bulb when you replace it with an LED or CFL bulb you will only need 28 to 30 watts. Another thing to look for is the light bulbs color and when purchasing light bulbs for your home I would suggest find one that is labeled soft, white or warm. 

For a large selection of Incandescent, Halogen, LED, Fluorescent, and Xenon Bulbs take a look at Lighting49.com

Beginners Guide to Home Lighting

    Getting Started

The Importance of Home Lighting

Home Lighting is one of the most undervalued design techniques used today despite the fact that it plays a critical roll in the function, look, and feel of every room in a home. Whether you are trying to increase  functionality, make a space more inviting, or accent your beautiful decorations the lighting you choose matters. When done properly your home's lighting can do much more than just add light to a room or space.

Things to Look For

When you begin looking for lighting fixtures you need to look at the decorations and furniture you already own. Sure that 5,000 dollar crystal chandelier looks great hanging in the store but is it going to look as good hanging in your cabin? Matching your new lighting fixture's finish and style to your room's existing decor is one of the most overlooked steps. The next thing you should look at is size. You don't want your new lighting fixture to overpower your room but you also don't want it to be an insignificant addition. Finding a balance is key. The last thing to look at is how the room is going to be used and who is going to be using it. Depending on age, personal preference, and function the lights you choose for a room should vary greatly.




Lighting a Bedroom

As mentioned earlier when you are in the market for bedroom lighting think about who will be using the room. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

Will I...

• Have enough light to get dressed?
• Have enough light to study and read?
• Have light to put on makeup and get ready in the morning?
• Need a dimmer switch for my overhead lighting?
• Need individual reading lights?       

Lighting a Kitchen/Dining Room

When looking for lights for a dining room you will need to look at the decorations and furniture you already have. Then look for lighting finishes and styles that match the size, mood, and feel of your room. Accent lighting is a great way to add light for cooking and preparing food. Accent lighting also allows you to spotlight design techniques or decorations used in the room. Dining room lighting should revolve around a central fixture often a chandelier. Chooses a chandelier that is the correct size for your dining table and room. After choosing a chandelier find accent lights that compliment the chandelier.

When all is said and done...

We all have different opinions, taste, preferences when it comes to designing the style and feel of our homes so at the end of the day simply find the lighting fixture that will work for you and your family. For more ideas and premium fixtures at rock bottom prices visit

LIGHTING49.COM