LIGHTING 101 WITH LIGHTING ETC.

February 2016 - Sconces

I guess the best place to start this post is with the word: Sconce

Sconce

/ skäns /

noun

A light source that is attached to a wall with an ornamental bracket

Now that we know how to say it and what it is……..  Let’s talk about how a sconce can be of benefit to your design and lighting needs.

Sconces can be utilized in a myriad of ways to not only brighten a dark space, but to bring a sense of style and décor to what might otherwise be a blank wall…….  Here at Lighting Etc. we like to think of the lighting as the “Jewelry of the Home” and if that is true then sconces would definitely be considered the “Earrings” of the ensemble. 

I found a wonderful description regarding sconces on the Capital Lighting Fixture Company website:

“Whether your room calls for a warm and comfortable or bright and vibrant light source, sconce lighting sets the mood like no other lighting fixture. When hung on the wall of your hallway, above your fireplace or in the bathroom, sconce fixtures offer more than beautiful light. They support the ambiance that is uniquely yours; the one you’ve worked so hard to create.”

I just love the way that reads!  And it’s so true!  Sconces can be the wonderful little accent pieces that truly make a room your own! 

A hallway between rooms is brought to life with the addition of sconces on the wall.  In both of these examples the fixtures have dimmers allowing them a range of options whether providing bright light to pull you into the space or a softer dim light that allows you to move safely in the dark.

Sconces can also be utilized to balance the light in a room or design, adding multiple levels of light that surround you in your space, illuminating your path or bringing a sense of warmth to your décor.

Wall sconces add the perfect balance between form and function allowing layers of light to be achieved by adding a light source to a variety of areas within a design.  They add your personal touch to a space and help make if feel like home.

Sconces are also a great source indirect lighting.  Think about the movie theaters you went to as a kid……  Remember the soft glowing sconces along the wall ……  One of the best moments of that movie were when the harsh lights overhead went off and the wall sconces were dimmed down so low that you could barely see them……  and then the movie began!  It’s no wonder that we love to utilize wall sconces in our media rooms!  That touch of nostalgia never gets old, it just comes to life in our own design.

Always remember – Your home is your own……  It is meant to reflect who you are.  It is meant to allow you to relax and enjoy your time and moments with your loved ones.  The décor doesn’t have to be expensive – it just needs to allow you to feel comfortable and happy when you walk in.  But it’s easier to see the beauty of your home if there is light to see by.  :)

Thanks so much for joining us on Lighting 101 - Sconces. If you have questions or would like additional information please feel free to contact us at the Lighting Etc. Showroom, here on our website or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram! We look forward to helping Bring Your Decor to Light! 

Blessings!!!
Denise

Featured Sconces:

Lighting 101 with Lighting Etc.

January 2016 

LED – You’ve heard the term…….  You know that it is a better use of energy……  But you aren’t sure how to use it in your home…..  That’s what we are going to talk about today.

Please note – this is not a “Technical” post.  This is a post to help everyday people understand and utilize LED possibilities in their homes.  That being said – let’s begin!

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.  OK….. So what is it?

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it.

Great!  Now what does that mean to me???  The best part about that explanation is that some really smart folks have applied science to lighting and have come up with wonderful solutions for all of us with regards to the light bulbs that we use in our homes.  The chart below provides basic info to help you realize the benefits of updating your home with LED:

Chart Source: http://www.designrecycleinc.com/

Truth be told – we are still in the infancy of LED with regards to residential lighting applications.  The technology keeps surpassing previous abilities and revolutionizing what it can and can’t do and how it does it.  Also – the cost of LED products will continue to come down due to Supply & Demand.  The technology has been achieved, the discovery has been made, now the products will continue to appear and the price point will begin to get competitive allowing all of us the ability to afford these solutions in our homes.  The key to successfully utilizing LED in your home is to buy a good quality product that has a manufacturer that will stand behind it.

Lighting Etc. has been very careful about jumping into LED product……  We have seen a variety of bulbs and fixtures coming into the marketplace during the past 10 years, but it is just recently that we have been happy and comfortable enough to bring these products into our Showroom to offer to our clients.  Why did it take us so long?  Because we want to bring products to our homeowners that we KNOW will stand the test of time!  We want them to be Dimmable, have Consistent and Correct color, and to be an Easy Solution for our homeowners. 

The easiest place to begin the transition to LED in your home is to change out your light bulbs – The LED bulbs that are now available look as close to regular light bulbs as we have ever seen!!  Here are a few pictures taken from the display fixtures here in the Lighting Etc. Showroom:

 

                          

      

Another place that the change to LED can be made in a pretty cost effective manner is to utilize the retro-fit LED recess conversion kits now available.  Not only will you be lighting your home in a more efficient manner, these fixtures really allow for a cleaner more streamlined look in your design.  Not to mention the fact that they put off a brighter light and produce no heat.  The following pictures show what the retrofit unit look like when turned on and turned off:

Many of us have undercabinet lights in our kitchens and offices.  This is an additional place where LED is truly beneficial in the abundance of light produced with little or no heat!  Remember those melted chocolates……..  that won’t happen with LED!!!  J

We are beginning to see more and more options with regards to actual fixtures (Chandeliers, Sconces, Flush Mounts, etc.) that utilize LED components so that there are no bulbs to deal with at all.  As the LED market continues to evolve we will continue to see new and innovative ways to utilize LED in our homes and Lighting Etc. will be on the lookout for each and every option!

Here are a few that we have found so far on this LED journey that we trust and are proud to offer:

LED Undercabinet Lights by Quorum International

LED Retrofit Units by Civilight

LED Flush Mounts by Quorum International

LED Pendants by ET2

LED Chandeliers by Maxim

LED Exterior fixtures by Hinkley

LED Recess Can Bulbs & A19 Replacement Bulbs by Kobi

LED Candelabra Bulbs by Spotlite

Thanks so much for joining us on Lighting 101 – LED.  If you have questions or would like additional information please feel free to contact us at the Lighting Etc. Showroom, here on our website or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram!  

We look forward to helping Bring Your Décor To Light!

Blessings!!!

Denise