Thursday, March 14th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
Whether you’re remodeling or just looking for a more efficient way to light your home, there are far better economical ways to do so. Here are some of our most helpful tips on starting an energy efficient lighting plan from our most knowledgeable lighting professionals.
You can save energy and keep your home stylish and comfortable with just the right amount of light easily these days as there are plenty of energy efficient lighting options out on the market. Make that simple switch from traditional lighting to LEDs, ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, CFLs of fluorescents – changing this aspect of your lighting scheme will truly help you strive to become more energy efficient and most importantly save you money on your energy costs.
Consider adding dimmers or lights with photoelectric lighting controls, such as motion or occupancy sensors to routinely turn off your lights.
Worried about the style of these new energy efficient lighting options? Well, there shouldn’t be a worry in the world with what manufacturers have been coming out with in the efficient lighting sector of design. Brands like Hinkley Lighting with its line of modern landscape lighting and Tech Lighting with its wide range of low-voltage and line-voltage pendants and fixtures strive to create designs that not only are efficient but also very tasteful when it comes to your interior home décor.
According to epa.gov, if every American home swapped their five most used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR we would save about $8 billion each year in energy costs.
Here are some fun facts from energystar.gov:
- With energy savings of 75 percent or more, you can save about $6 per bulb or about $14 a fixture annually on your energy bill.
- By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with models that have earned ENERGY STAR, you can save $70 each year.
- The average U.S. home has about 30 light fixtures; making the switch can earn you more than $400 savings per year on your electric bill.
- An LED downlight in your newborn’s nursery will last until he or she leaves for college.
Thursday, February 21st, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
Even though Valentine’s Day has passed and the chance to surprise your loved with your romantic side on that momentous day will have to wait a year doesn’t mean you can’t learn some new and romantical lighting tips; special, romantic lighting and decorating trends for you and your significant other to enjoy from our very knowledgeable lighting professionals.
Mood lighting for any space within your home is necessary to create that ideal lighting for two. Creating the right lighting can be as simple as changing the color of your light bulb to transitioning your lighting scheme into something brand new. Here are some tips to follow when deciding what to do to illuminate your romantic side with the perfect lighting:
Try going for a theme or color scheme with the decor of your space, the lighting will harmonize with the tones you pick and help the overall ambiance of the room.
Subdued tones and colors mixed with gentle fabrics add a cozy touch.
Chandeliers are known to be the most romantic looking silhouettes for any space but if you don’t have one installed in your room, try changing the lamp shades to warmer colors or adding a thin, darker linen over the top of the shade (be careful of flammability of course).
Try little twinkling lights strewn throughout the space or adding little candles for another romantic light source.
Dimmers are the best way to achieve the romantical and warm lighting to set the perfect atmosphere, if you don’t have one installed, doing so is pretty simple and will be used for future endeavors as well.
If you are picking out a fixture and want a romantic design to your space, go for chandeliers in more distressed finishes and antique silhouettes, maybe with a touch of crystal embellishments. Crystal chandeliers add an elegance and graceful presence to a room.
Last, but not least, don’t forget the flowers! Romance becomes complete with some flowers and the perfect mood lighting.
Saturday, February 16th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
Under Cabinet lighting not only adds a functionality of lighting that every area could use, but also adds that flair and luminescence that only a certain type of lighting can truly achieve. It adds an illumination that not all lighting can produce; it’s a unique style and distinction you’ll want to have. Add under-cabinet lighting and transform your kitchen, bathrooms, home offices and studies and well as laundry rooms. Here are a few ideas for you to choose from with the help of our lighting professionals at Littman Bros:
LED Under Cabinet Lighting
-Energy efficient and definitely the trend in under cabinet lighting right now, LED bulbs have an extremely long lifespan and offer a white-blue light or often replicate the warmer glow of incandescent bulbs.
-Although a little pricier than most bulbs, LEDs will save you energy and more money in the long run because of the longevity.
-Try LED tape lighting, stick lighting or spot lighting for your under cabinet areas
Fluorescent Under Cabinet Lighting
-Not quite up to par with LED under cabinet lighting, but fluorescent lighting is more efficient than incandescent and also lasts longer – this is why fluorescents are more expensive than incandescent bulbs.
-Your options are fluorescent puck lighting or linear under cabinet fixtures.
Incandescent Under Cabinet Lighting
-A popular choice in under cabinet lighting because of its affordable prices as well as easy to handle and offer a variety of options.
-They have a shorter lifespan and are not very energy efficient but xenon and halogen versions do last a bit longer and are considered a little more efficient.
-Choose from puck lighting, light strips or linear fixtures.
Thursday, January 31st, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
The first priority when lighting you bathroom is not making the space look good, but rather making you look good, the most ideal and flattering light possible.
In order to create this satisfying and flattering glimmer of light for you in your bathroom is to start with lights that illuminate on either side of the mirror within your space – this is the most pleasing to the eye because it immerses you in an even illumination of light.
Try to avoid a light that casts a downward shadow on your face, this could be from a recessed light that shines from above a mirror or sink, which creates glaring shadows under your eyes, nose and chin, a very unflattering illumination.
Here are some quick tips to remember when lighting your bathroom:
- Try adding dimmable fluorescents to your bathrooms to allow for a warmer, natural lighting and accurate color temperature for your space.
- Use a vertical or linear shape light for your bath so you can get a full range of light from the top of your head to your toes – incandescent and halogens often come in this style of lighting.
- Throughout the day it is rare that we are seen under incandescent light so remember, when doing your makeup, hair or getting dressed in the morning before your day begins, to do it all under a “daylight quality of light.”
- If your bathroom comes without a source of natural lighting from windows add your own natural light by placing two sconces next to the mirror at eye level, casting directly towards your face. Pendant lights act in this same way, coming off from the ceiling, but with a more dramatic flair.
Thursday, January 24th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
The January Dallas International Lighting Market was filled with new and innovative designs from an array of some of the most capable manufacturers in the industry. Here is a small selection of some of the new releases Littman Bros Lighting enjoyed at the show:
Murray Feiss added some more products to their already inspired Urban Renewal collection. This style of table lamps takes you to the oceanside as well as the earlier moments in the Industrial Revolution – mixing that classic Cape Cod style with the antiqueness of the old lantern styles in our history allow for a wonderful reproduction of an engineered-like piece of work. The rustic antique brass finish adds that final matured and industrial touch.
Elk Lighting brought forward this unique and contemporary inspired Jorgenson collection, which was designed with solid wood, mirroring the silhouette of the legs of household furniture, the sharp angle of the wood is framed with accented polished nickel metalwork – this collection truly stands out as a brilliant yet simplistic design in lighting.
This distinct silhouette from Savoy House is from the Abigail collection and features a vintage forged black birdcage with faceted crystal pendalogues. The fixtures within this collection boast boldness that harmonizes wonderfully with the delicate birdcage silhouettes.
Quoizel’s Mercer pendant is a very modern and simple design but the addition of the mercury glass adds a touch of rarity and vintage appeal to the design. Layer these pendants throughout your home and they will add a nice touch to your space, illuminating a glistening shine through the unique glass choice.
Vaxcel came out with a rustic and almost olde world inspired collection called Meritage that truly encompasses the feel of mid-century renaissance era with the black iron finished accented with charred wood – the pillar candle-style glass tops it off adding that necessary drama factor to the pieces.
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
This month Maxim Lighting is focusing on a very regal collection with a contemporary twist, the Oak Harbor collection – a collection that promises to complement any space it adorns.
The Oak Harbor collection is comprised of wall sconces, vanity lights, flush and semi-flush mounts, pendants, mini pendants and chandeliers; a compilation of beautifully designed fixtures that all can be decorated as a harmonized lighting scheme within your home.
According to maximlighting.com, Oak Harbor is “fit for bold contemporary settings and epitomizes the masculine sensibility.” It’s an uncomplicated design with a strong iron structure in a rustic burnish finish that “creates an honest unpretentious foundation.”
Each fixture within the Oak harbor collection features tapered metal ribbons forged into flowing form with beveled, soft square frost lichen glass shades that boost this already bold and handsome design. The frost shades against the dark, iron silhouette cast a warm natural light and the detailed beveled edges of the shades allow for a soft square appearance that balances the heaviness of the frame.
Friday, January 11th, 2013
by Littman Bros Lighting
This year, 2013 is host to a myriad of brand new products from a great deal of brands – Dolan Designs has definitely prepared for the new year with new collections that are sure to impress with style and charm.
Dolan’s Monaco collection is simple yet refined with bold lines that boast a transitional yet modern style. The collection offers 3 light chandeliers, 5 light chandeliers, 6 lights chandelier, mini pendants, semi-flush mounts and wall sconces; plan your home’s interior lighting scheme around this collection and your space will illuminate will a subtle elegance and eye-catching presence.
The Infini collection is unique as its name coincides with the design of the fixtures; each piece within this collection features a focal infinity symbol – within the chandeliers, the center column shines with a twirl of satin nickel while the mini pendant adds that twist to the lower portion of the fixture as well as the wall sconce, which has an infinity twirl continuing down the bottom of its design. The simplicity of this collection is truly remarkable as the bold, sweeping lines of satin nickel shine against the brilliance of the satin white glass shades.
The last collection we will focus on new to Dolan Designs is the Delany collection, which features chandeliers, mini pendants and wall sconces with a transitional and mission style design. The bold, dark lines of warm bronze stands out while the illumination of the clear pebbled glass shines bright.
There are more collections Dolan Designs has to show off this year that will inevitably be introduced at the Dallas International Lighting Market. Dolan Designs is dedicated to designing detailed, stylish fixtures with high-quality materials and distinct silhouettes.
Thursday, December 13th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Fine Art Lamps have made sure to come out with a beautiful array of new products in two very unique collections that we have just recently added to our site – the Black + White collection and the Crystal Bakehouse collection are one’s that feature very elegantly designed fixtures in the industry.
Black + White collection – This newest collection from Fine Art Lamps represents a modern twist in lighting. It features pendants, wall sconces, chandeliers and table lamps in beautiful finishes of white satin lacquer and black satin lacquer. Some of the more distinct silhouettes are shown in the chandeliers which have hand-tailored laminated shades of white crepe with black trim; the rectangular shapes are unevenly layered to create a very conversational piece for your interior home lighting scheme. The other pendants, table lamps and wall sconces reveal interior shades of hand-blown glass or textured white linen shades behind an intricate open-work metal cage of stunning shapes and designs.
Crystal Bakehouse collection – The Crystal Bakehouse new collection stands out most because of the textured art-glass that shines and adds a stunning touch to every silhouette within the collection. Each delicately designed piece within this collection of pendants, wall sconces and table lamps is finishes in a soft silver leaf or bronze that complements the various art-glass elements. Choose from the hand-crafted, polished block of crystal river stones or polished block of gorgeous crystal shards that incorporate either a clear, golden brown, yellow or bluish hue, that once illuminated will glisten and shine to light up your space with a unique yet beautiful glow. An added bonus within this collection is that some of the wall sconces are versatile enough to be both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
So take a look today at the striking and beautifully designed collections from Fine Art Lamps – Black + White Story and Crystal Bakehouse.
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
We have made sure to keep up to date with adding new products to littmanbros.com and we couldn’t disappoint this month. We have added some very functional and stylish new products from AFX Lighting including the simplistic yet refined Enzo collection, the chic line of Dayton pendants and the Hilcrest collection.
ENZO – The Enzo collection features a colorful assortment of mini pendants; each mini pendant has a specific color of nested frosted glass in a tinted elliptical glass that is suspended by an eight foot adjustable cord. The variation of colors and simple silhouettes allow for a very contemporary vibe in lighting. These mini pendants will work wonderfully over any kitchen island or bar top to add that required illumination those areas need so much.
DAYTON – This line of pendants known as the Dayton collection are truly sophisticated designs in lighting. They are finished in a chic satin nickel that shines against the clean white linen drum shades; a very contemporary shade design. Although the pendants feature contemporary silhouettes, they can be more of a transitional style that will be a great addition to any foyer kitchen or great room. The pendants are available in 24” and 30” diameters.
HILCREST – The Hilcrest collection is unique because it features both pendants and spotlights, very creatively designed in both lighting types. The spotlights, or low voltage rail system, features spot heads that are fully adjustable and come in very unique colored glass options (they are available with or without the colored accents). They are designed to rotate 360 degrees and pivot 90 degrees and utilize energy efficient fluorescent 13W bulbs. The great part about Hilcrest is that you can use the spotlights in the same area as you choose to place the sleek and modern low voltage pendants. They feature colorful hand-blown glass accents of amber, green or white set against a satin nickel or bronze finish.
Check out even more AFX Lighting products just added to Littman Bros today. They are all just as stylish and elegant as the Enzo, Dayton and Hilcrest collections.
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
This November, Maxim Lighting is featuring a very elegant and contemporary Spot-Light of the Month from the well-designed Rondo collection.
Although ultra-modern, Rondo fixtures also highlight a subtle art deco style; the clear glass spheres that stack the center columns of the pendants and chandeliers along with the crisp and clean white fabric shades adds that retro vibe reminiscent of that admired decade.
This striking collection features an assorted selection of fixtures, from chandeliers with flowing polished nickel curves, island lights, pendants and mini pendants to vanity lights, wall sconces and flush mounts; you could arrange to add almost every fixture that Rondo is comprised of to your space and create a truly contemporary flair and intriguing presence.
According to maximlighting.com, the finish of the Rondo collection has the utmost reflective quality and is “like futuristic art deco; this bold fixture uses scale and form in a unique mix that stands out in the room.”