Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

by Littman Bros Lighting

Lighting can impact the experience of a room more than any other architectural element. Besides the obvious function, lighting can be used to evoke predetermined emotional responses. The first step in lighting a space is to think about its functionality; how do you plan on using the space? Will your dining room be strictly for entertaining in the evening or will it double as a homework center? By answering questions like these you will know how much light you will need for the tasks at hand. Then we can move on to focus on the mood you want to promote in your different scenarios.

Bedrooms, spas and relaxing spaces benefit from soft diffused lighting – dimmers and warmer lights are calming and more desired. They minimize the harsh shadows and provide a more relaxing and visually compelling environment. Diffused lighting lacks in shadows and highlights, which can create a dull and boring atmosphere. Add a few direct lighting sources to highlight different textures and create some interest. Direct lighting creates highlights and shadows and is great as a complement to your primary light source.

In contrast to soft lighting, higher levels of illumination create cheerfulness and alertness. Combine direct lighting with an overall higher level of ambient lights; think brighter over head lighting, lamps or recessed lighting. Higher levels of light should be directed over specific task areas. Create a playful mood by positioning lighting fixtures to create rhythms with the highlights and shadows. Reflections and diffusions create an active effect on an atmosphere.

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.

Friday, March 9th, 2012

by Littman Bros Lighting

Lighting Tips: Make a small room feel bigger

When windows are limited in any room, it can be challenging to disperse natural sunlight. The best way to optimize lighting in a small space is to multiply the light sources. If you use only one type of light, it can in turn make the room actually feel smaller. Use a monorail track light with directional track heads to spotlight certain focal points in the room, rather than illuminating the entire space with one single light. Tech Lighting designed a monorail surface transformer kit that can hold up to six directional tech track heads. Each of tech lighting’s low-voltage track heads and pendants also come bundled as the monopoint (MP) option. This option includes all hardware and hangs from a single monopoint canopy. View all tech lighting track heads and pendants.