Ceiling fans – summer and winter

            Many people install ceiling fans and only run them during the summer months. However, many professionals also suggest using them in the winter as well with a slight change.

            During the warmer seasons we like to feel the air blowing down on us to help give off a ‘wind chill’ effect and keep us and our living space cool. The reverse also holds true for the winter months however you need to reverse the direction of your fan. (Typically this is clockwise.) By reversing the direction, the warm air above will be circulated while not directly blowing down on you. This helps to even out the temperature in the room without the negative effect (in the colder months).

            If you find that your ceiling fan is not cooling off your home like it should this spring, make sure you check that it is running in the proper direction (counter clock-wise) to give maximum benefit to your household.

            Oh yes, clean the blades before you test it out if it has been unused over the winter.

            Should you decide to see what new styles and options are available in ceiling fans, head over to the lighting showroom. They have some very unique styles to give your room that perfect accent.

Popularity: 40% [?]

Post Light selection for new properties and sub-divisions

            Looking for a way to change the appearance and presentation of your yard or driveway? When was the last time you thought about updating your post light(s)? A new post light can make your home stand out and draw attention during both day and night.

            Choosing a post light style should receive careful consideration during the planning process.

We offer some tips and guidance below on selecting the right one for your property.

1.      With all of the finishes, pattern, materials, and styles available make sure that your post light selection fits into the overall theme for the individual property and surrounding homes. Consider more than just your front yard.

2.      Many companies offer collections of lights that include a post light, outdoor wall lights for wall placement, and even some landscape lights to match. These collections can often simplify your decision rather than needing to put together individual pieces and hoping they match.

3.      In addition to the tip above, we do want to call out that post lights and any other wall or landscape lights nearby should compliment each other if you are not using a collection. If not, the daytime look of the area will seem disjointed and the night time presentation of the light may also be inconsistent.

4.      All too often we see post lights just cemented into concrete. There are many different mount options available to add to the appearance of a post light positioned in such a fashion. Please consider the mounting and placement of any post light during the planning process.

With Spring landscaping projects on the way, now is also a good time to discuss the placement of a post light. Quite often post lights are just placed in the middle of a lawn possibly positioned to throw off a little light to the driveway or a walkway. Take some time to consider incorporating your post light into the overall landscape design. Placing the light in a landscape feature such as quarter round design where the driveway and walkway meet can achieve the light placement needed at night as well as drawing attention to another feature in the landscaping such as an address stone or plants.

For a truly stylish look consider doing a brick or stone column on or in which to place a post light. These pieces can be done standalone, such as at the entrance to a property with a long driveway or in a larger landscape setting.

If you need more help and ideas on selecting the right post light collection for your property, please give the professionals at lightingshowroom.com an opportunity to offer their suggestions.

Popularity: 44% [?]

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the yard once again. As you start to plan your project (and you are planning it out, right?) be sure to consider what part light will play in the design. All too often we see where a path, sidewalk, or driveway next to a lawn could use some light and someone just grabs a box of solar landscape lights and presses them into the lawn next to it. Do not make this mistake. Soon the lawn mower, the kids, and the occasional car door will take their toll and your “new” lights will quickly lose their appeal and your money is wasted.

Instead, take some time to look at alternate sources of placement and lighting styles and get something you will enjoy for years to come.

Can a directional LED light be placed somewhere else to project light onto that same path?

Can a low voltage spotlight be placed into existing landscaping for a similar effect?

Look at the surrounding plants and trees; can down lighting from these provide path lighting as well as landscaping highlights?

            As you look for ways to accomplish lighting a traffic area, be sure to look at these important considerations:

            - Functionality – Does it meet with the possible traffic considerations? Lights in the lawn right next to the kids basketball court? Not going to last long.

            - Upkeep and maintenance of the surrounding area. Is the lawnmower or trimmer going to be constantly hitting them? Are the lights next to plants that need weekly trimming? This point will be the factor in how long you truly enjoy the work going into your project.

            - Power considerations – how easily can power be directed to an area? Many professionals are available to help you with this and can make a solution much easier to implement.

            - Appearance – While listed last here, it may be the most important aspect depending upon your project. Do you want the fixture to be hidden while still delivering light or do you want the elegant light to counterpoint all that hard work on those roses?

            Remember, highlight, illuminate, and decorate. The right lighting selection is critical, let a professional help you decide which is right for you.

Popularity: 36% [?]