Thursday, October 25th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Holtkotter is joining the elite manufacturers on the LED technology front with unique and innovative products offered in both LED and low-voltage application options.
The thing that sets Holtkotter apart from others is their excellence in light output as well as the array of superior dimmable options for their LED table lamps, torchiere’s and floor lamps; Holtkotter even develops and manufactures their own dimming systems, such as the Dimm-System P1.
Holtkotter is ahead of the game because of the amount of light they can achieve with these energy-efficient products, it is often a hard feat to get a light output that is close to if not equivalent to that of a bulb with more power consumption or wattage.
Take Holtkotter’s sleek Bernie Turbo Series Energy-Saver floor lamp for example, as it gives a surprisingly optimal light output, equivelant to an 80W Halogen, while only consuming 12W of energy; and the Raumfluter 2625 LED torchiere is known as Holtkotter’s “Ultimate Lighting Machine” with a proprietary LED reflector and the Holtkotter Dimm-System P1. The 2565 LED has an amazing light output of 3360 Lumens, which is equivalent to a 240W Halogen, while only consuming 36W.
Holtkotter is now only moving forward with even more designs in LED lighting with higher optimal light output, hoping to achieve an equivalency of a 400W Halogen with less than 50W; in hopes of soon accomplishing this, Holtkotter is continuing to encourage education in LED technology and move ahead with its LED research.
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
As LED technology continues to advance, more and more companies are beginning to introduce new LED products in the residential market and Satco Products, Inc. is one of them. Today, we are shining a spotlight on one of Satco’s latest LED introductions, KolourOne.
Satco and its long time strategic partner, Wooree Lighting of South Korea introduced their KolourOne brand at Lightfair Intl. in 2010 and at this year’s Lightfair, KolourOne products were extensive and well-liked by attendees.
According to kolouron.com, both Satco and Wooree Lighting have nearly 50 years expertise in the industry and are focusing their proficient skill sets and knowledge to the forefront of LED technology.
The products within KolourOne bear a resemblance to the traditional lamp sizes, function and appearance; according to kolourone.com, “Understanding the need for enhanced performance, superior appearance and continuous reliability, the KolourOne product line was conceived to offer a new option in LED replacement lamps.”
KolourOne brand of LED products are carefully produced in the most ideal settings in a sterile manufacturing facility and every KolourOne product’s technical parts, “such as the LED chips, optics, driver, heat sink are designed and manufactured in house.”
Each KolourOne LED product was designed and produced with these major components in mind:
-Advanced Modular Assembly
-Thermal Design & Evaluation
-Optic Management
-Panel Array Technology
-Color Consistency
On every KolourOne label, like a nutrition label, Satco and Wooree have made sure to provide its customers with ample information about each product’s performance data as well as far-reaching marketing materials for the public to take away any bewilderment out of buying LED products. Satco is known to be one of the LED leaders in the industry because of the company’s ability to provide the highest-quality products and adequate information on these innovative LED lighting resources.
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
For the month of October, Savoy House Lighting is continuing their latest “Collection of the Month” campaign and is focusing on the sophisticated Windsor collection from Brian Thomas.
The Windsor collection features a line of fixtures with smooth cream fabric shades that are the perfect setting for the highlighted antique gold filigree insets, which harmonize beautifully with the plush Fiesta Bronze finish. Products from the Windsor collection add a regal and inviting presence to any space.
Savoy’s Windsor collection offers wall sconces, vanity lights, semi-flush mounts and chandeliers of varying silhouettes that complement their design aesthetic brilliantly. The bold, striking lines and overall attractive outlines of Windsor create a contemporary elegance that delights and engages with its quality craftsmanship and classic style.
An exciting bonus about Savoy’s “Collection of the Month” is that for the entire month of October, all products in the Windsor collection will be offered at 15 percent off the regular price.
The unique shades added to the design of this collection makes Windsor the stylish and pronounced collection it is; the timeless, very stately presence of the wall sconces and vanities will tie in beautifully with the drum shaded semi-flush mount or 5 light chandelier. The wonderful part about the chandeliers within Windsor is the distinctive difference in design between the 6 light and the 5 light chandeliers; Savoy House truly gives you a nice choice in design scheme with the Windsor collection.
Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Troy Lighting is at it again and has created a new line of Summer 2012 interior collections and debuted the new pieces at this year’s Dallas International Lighting Market in June.
In a press release from Troy Lighting, the Summer 2012 collections are said to be “equal parts fun, elegant and adaptable to environments ranging from classic to contemporary.” According to Troy Lighting, their new products take insights from the stars, nature, body art and classical elements.
Steve Nadell, president of Troy-CSL, said in the press release that the Troy Lighting designers really enjoyed creating this summer’s beautiful designs.
“The pieces stay true to Troy Lighting’s signature style, attention to artistic detail and use of wrought iron, while at the same time showing our team’s ability to think outside of the box and play with new forms and materials,” Nadell said.
Some of the collections new to Troy Lighting include Copperfield, Pearson, Drift and Rhodes, Chime and Tattoo. The following information was taken from Troy’s July, 10 press release:
The Rhodes collection consists of an elegant, very classic design in lighting, now being offered in white for the first time.
Copperfield is “a starburst design done in hand-worked wrought iron, metal mesh shades and a burnished copper finish.”
Pearson features rectangular silhouettes that combines contemporary with warm, natural hues of silver mica glassware.
Drift mixes together “white pearl glassware with hand-forged iron, driftwood made out of bronze with silver leaf and natural Manila rope.
Chime comes in two sconce adaptations with overlying wrought iron ovals the complement the linen shade.
Tattoo is a valiant design in lighting with “intertwined hand-forged iron set behind a contemporary hardback linen shade.”
Thursday, September 13th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Maria Theresa chandeliers date back to the 1700s when the Australian Empress, Maria Theresa reigned. They are beautiful fixtures that are known to have more traditional silhouettes that are covered and draped with crystals.
It is often mistaken that the frame of Maria Theresa chandeliers are made of glass but actually, they are known to have a metal frame that is covered in glass. The metal frame is simply an instrument on which the crystal is enclosed and ornaments are draped upon to restructure the array of designs that are Maria Theresa; from the most minimalistic designs to exceptionally ornate.
Schonbek Worldwide Lighting features a collection in honor of the Empress Maria Theresa. Schonbek’s Maria Theresa collection is a wonderful example of this style chandelier; their version however is highly stylized while featuring the typical crystal listels outlining the shapely frame. Crystal embellishments of Heritage Handcut crystals are also covering each piece within this collection.
Thursday, August 30th, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystorama, a family owned lighting company, is known for creating quality, very classic crystal lighting while incorporating modern silhouettes and materials into their lighting designs.
Crystorama has been designing exquisite fixtures for more than seven decades and is a company that has grown to be an expert in crystal lighting; they have compiled a very informative guide to consult when purchasing crystal lighting. Below is Crystorama’s 5 C’s to Consider when Purchasing Crystal:
Circumference: First, you need to figure out what size chandelier you need for your space. According to Crystorama, the proper scale is 2” per foot of the room. So, if the circumference of your room is 12’ by 14’ you will need to look for a chandelier with a diameter of about 26”. If this chandelier is for a dining room, the fixture should hang about 30 to 32 inches above the table. Here is a little diagram courtesy of Crystorama to help:
4-6 person dining tables: 20” to 24” chandelier
6-8 person dining tables: 25” to 29” chandelier
8-10 person dining tables: 30” to 36” chandelier
Collection: After you have considered the necessary size for your crystal chandelier, the next “C” on the list is meant for you to choose a collection that incorporates your preferred silhouette and style that will match your décor and harmonize with the surroundings within your space.
Cutting: Typically you have a choice in crystals, depending on the brand and manufacturer, so when choosing your crystal light make sure you pick your desired shape, cut and color of the crystal embellishments that will accent your fixture.
Color: The finish of a crystal chandelier is important; it’s crucial to pick the best finish to complement your space as well as one that will “reflect the true color spectrum of the crystal,” according to Crystorama.
Confidence: Have confidence in the brand and manufacturer you choose to purchase from. According to Crystorama’s 5 C’s guide, “a chandelier, whatever its shape, size or cost, is an important purchase.”
Although Crystorama began exclusively in the distribution of classical, crystal chandeliers, it advanced its common crystal designs to crafting an assortment of lighting displayed in their pendants, flush mounts, wall sconces and vanity lights, becoming one of the top industry leaders in residential lighting.
Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
by Benson Littman
The options are never-ending when it comes to lighting a child’s bedroom; you can truly go in any direction you want with the help of the child’s interests, favorite colors and current design scheme. Here are some tips when lighting your child’s bedroom:
A child’s bedroom will most likely need strong, bright lights as they tend to use this space as a play area or space to do arts and crafts and other activities; since children tend to be at ground level, playing, reading or coloring, it is smart to find a light that can be bright enough to reach the floor. Because of this, it would also be a very smart idea to install dimmers in the bedroom to modify the level of light within the room at certain times throughout the day.
It is best to consider the child’s needs when planning a lighting design for their bedroom. There are an array of unique and playful novelty lighting options out there for you to choose from; from sports themed pendants to colorfully designed flush mounts. Trans Globe Lighting has a line of lighting called Kids Korner that features playful designs in lighting just for your child’s room. Elk Lighting as well as Landmark Lighting also have some children’s themed lighting collections.
A night light is a must when a child is of a certain age and incorporating this into their bedroom will provide them with a comforting light for bedtime.
Table lamps or desk lamps are always a wonderful addition to a child’s room as they may want to read a book before bed or throughout the day if they choose to sit at their desk and draw.
Whatever you decide for a child’s bedroom lighting scheme, remember that there are plenty of ceiling lights and lamps that can match many children’s themes for their décor, from a sporty boys theme to a girly princess theme.
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystal lighting is a very elegant means of lighting your home and it adds a beautiful and stylish touch to your interior lighting design. Today, there are so many different styles and brands that are being designed and crafted and these manufacturers truly know the significance and value of the crystals they use when creating these ornate compositions of light.
Here is a brief overview of the types of crystals out there so you know what you are getting when you’re on the hunt for your next crystal fixture:
Swarovski Elements – This type of crystal is considered the most luxurious and most exceptional crystals in the world. It is a uniquely genuine and naturally pure variety of crystal out there today. It comes in countless shapes, sizes and colors and are each machine-cut and polished with precision; the logo of Swarovski Elements is engraved into each crystal, impossible to replicate.
Spectra Crystal – Is a machine-cut Swarovski crystal that was illuminates a radiant shimmer and is designed by the highest authority in crystal expertise; it is created to be an enhanced, top-quality crystal at an affordable price for customers.
Heritage Handcut Crystal – These crystals are hand cut in a method that is deep-rooted in crystal cutting history, dating back centuries. Each crystal is unique in shape and form and is cut by hand in two stages, on an iron and sandstone wheel. After, they are polished on a wood wheel with marble dust.
Optic Handcut Crystal – These crystals are significantly refractive. Optic crystal was originally solely used in scientific studies and instrumentation but Schonbek’s engineers started including them in their chandelier models.
Gemcut Crystal – Are shaped into a very sharp and precise form and are polished to create a pure and super refractive crystal.
Vintage Crystal – Vintage crystals are very whimsical droplets of beads in a very traditional shape of faceted ovals, woven into chains.
Legacy Crystal – This type of crystal comes from Venice, Italy and emanates an understated shine and is known to be more affordable than the average cut crystal.
Rock Crystal – this is truly a unique kind of crystal as it can’t be manufactured and mass-produced. It is one of the oldest crystals around and are mined by skilled gem-cutters and are not created in any type on synthetic process in crystal cutting or polishing.
The design and manufacturing of crystal fixtures requires ample understanding, knowledge and familiarity with the crystals and creations made in order to produce such superior designs in lighting. An array of brands produce crystal lighting of all designs and Schonbek Worldwide Lighting is one of them; Schonbek features lighting that is bejeweled, ornamented and trimmed with an assortment of exquisite and delicate crystals. Schonbek carries all of the above crystal types and incorporated them into their designs in very distinct and unique ways.
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
by Benson Littman
Although floor lamps and torchiere’s seem similar in appearance, there are noteworthy differences between the two and assist in different functions for your interior home lighting. Here is some information about each:
Floor Lamp – Floor lamps are habitually used for task lighting, next to a chair or table for reading, sewing, homework or other similar activities. It is meant to amplify visual accuracy and prevent eyestrain while working on important tasks throughout the day. Table lamps can be repositioned accordingly and often have swing arm options and a head that is multi-directional to help with the aim of light. It has a heavy base and a thinner silhouette than a typical torchiere’s form.
Torchiere – This type of fixture is a similar shape to that of a floor lamp but can often have a thicker silhouette. The main difference between the table lamp and torchiere is the function; a torchiere is used for accent lighting or general lighting instead of task lighting. The light illuminates upward, often shining its light up against the wall to the ceiling.
Use table lamps for direct task lighting; table lamps feature a light that can be directed downward towards the task you need to complete. And use a torchiere in your home for some ambient or soft, glare-free general lighting for entertainment purposes.
Thursday, August 9th, 2012
by Benson Littman
You will need to first develop a lighting plan for you and your home; it is the best way to stay organized throughout this process.
First, you’ll want to create a lighting budget, have a good idea on your spending cap. It is smart to walk into this with some kind of financial plan. This will help you and help the designers or lighting specialists you confer with, as they will steer you towards the brands and types of lighting you can afford.
Second, take some time to research; peruse the web or interior design magazines to gather some ideas that appeal to you and harmonize with your design scheme at home. This is a very good way to be ahead of the game when it comes to beginning this whole process of creating a lighting design for your home. Walking into a showroom with some inspiration on what you want may speed up the process or at the very least give the specialists some indication on what you want. It is always good to take the initiative.
It is a smart idea to collect any samples that you can from the space you are trying to create a lighting scheme for. Paint samples, fabrics, cabinet samples or floor samples, are all prime examples on what will be helpful to you and the lighting team you work with. Floor plans and photos of various angles within the space are always helpful as well; being able to see the space in these ways is always beneficial and allows you to recall your current structural design and décor.