We are hard at work adding more Product Spotlight videos to our YouTube channel. If you are in the market for new under cabinet lights, check out these videos to help you get an idea of the different features available in LED, xenon, and fluorescent under cabinet lights.
LED Very Thin Light Bars have a cool operating temperature, an energy efficient design, a warm white color temperature, and a long rated life. Watch the video to see them in action:
I was taking a look at our five most popular blog posts of 2011, and I was surprised to find that every single one of them was some type of “how-to”:
1. How to Layout Recessed Lighting in 4 Steps: This one was inspired by a question we received on Twitter. It will guide you through finding a focal point, dividing up your room, and mapping out exactly where your recessed lights should go.
2. How to Choose Under Cabinet Lighting: Under cabinet lighting fixtures are some of our top-selling products. This post discusses the different features available and helps you select the perfect light fixture for your space.
3. Planning Your Kitchen Lighting – 8 Easy Steps: Written for those involved in either a new construction project or a remodeling project that will start from scratch, this post builds your kitchen lighting from top to bottom, walking you through each step. Continue reading »
Have you ever shopped for a (lighting) product online and thought, “I wish I could see it a little more closely,” or “Why doesn’t this picture show the mounting equipment/light bulbs/power switch/fill in the blank…”
So have we.
Light Reading is more than just a cool place to read about lighting news, trends, and tips (or at least, we like to think so).
It’s an extension of Pegasus Lighting’s corporate mission to provide a positive learning experience in lighting – and part of that includes creating an easy and informative shopping experience on our main website.
About a month ago, we asked our Facebook fans if it would be helpful to start shooting videos of our products for the website. That way, even if a product has ten photos, you can watch a video accompaniment to see every single angle and feature of the light fixture. After hearing positive feedback, we have launched our first three “Product Spotlight” videos. Continue reading »
Sometimes, it’s best to let photos speak for themselves.
Take a look at this kitchen. See the newly installed under cabinet lights nestled discreetly underneath those cabinets? If you can barely spot them, it’s because our LED under cabinet lights are incredibly low profile.
The following photos show the kitchen with the under cabinet lights turned off. For all intensive purposes, consider these the “before” photos:
Update (7/28): I added my installation video at the bottom of this post!
This was my first time with a “do it yourself” lighting project, so I wanted to share my experiences from the very beginning. I absolutely love the finished results! This project was surprisingly easy to tackle. I completed the install in less than two hours, and the total cost was right around $100.
I highly recommend making this update to your kitchen!
Continue reading »
If you are about to embark on a kitchen remodel and are installing under cabinet lights, follow these guidelines to determine how many fixtures you should purchase.
First, measure the length of the “cavity” under your cabinet where you are going to place the fixtures.
If you are installing puck lights…
For a 6-10 inch cavity measurement (in length), use 1 puck light.
For 11-18 inches, use 2-3 puck lights. For 19-26 inches, use 3-4 puck lights. For 27-34 inches, use 4-5 puck lights. For 35-42 inches, use 5-7 puck lights. For 43-50 inches, use 6-8 puck lights.
1. Under Cabinet Lighting:
Often cited as a top remodeling project in terms of high return on investment, installing under cabinet lights is always a great decision. It provides task lighting to make cooking and cleaning easier and accent lighting to highlight a beautiful backsplash or countertop. At night, the glow from an under cabinet light is particularly alluring. Check out our post on How to Choose Under Cabinet Lighting.
2. Energy Efficient Lighting:
Everyone loves lowering their monthly energy bill. Whether you’re switching out those old incandescent bulbs for CFLs, trying super-efficient LED cabinet lighting, or using fluorescent light fixtures for a closet or display case, energy efficiency is the way to go. Besides, today’s incandescent bulbs will no longer be available for sale in the US by 2014 due to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Go green! Continue reading »
1. Take one step at a time:There’s no rule that says you must complete each component of a kitchen remodel at the same time. Figure out which project is most important to you and start there. If you’re dying to replace the cabinets, get a quote and finish that project first before starting on the countertops, flooring, or lighting. It’ll be less daunting to budget in smaller pieces. Also, you’ll avoid living with a non-functional kitchen if you’re only tackling one project at a time!
2. Shop for the deals:
Be patient so you can take up every opportunity for a discount. It’s easy to buy everything from one home improvement supplier, but it’s not likely you’ll get the best prices if you take that route. Ask your contractor for the inside scoop – a lot of times contractors get significant discounts on supplies. If you’re shopping for lighting fixtures, make sure to subscribe to our email newsletter. We offer exclusive coupons to our subscribers each month.
3. Try DIY:
Not everyone can do it, but if you’re at all handy around the house, consider taking on part of the remodel yourself! You can find extensive resources online or at the bookstore with tips and how-to’s to walk you through almost any project.
What would it be like to renovate the house next door to President Obama's?
In lighting news…
If you’re not yet familiar with the new law phasing out standard incandescent bulbs, this article provides the best overview I’ve seen. It also discusses the latest buzz surrounding the issue.
The government is forecasting much higher energy bills this winter for those who heat with oil, propane, and natural gas. In the northeast, the average bill is expected to increase by $259!
An emerging technology called virtual staging is allowing real estate companies to show “furnished” properties without investing money in costly items. Get the scoop from daily5remodel.com.
In lighting tips…
The blog Life of an Architect has posted a couple of extremely helpful articles lately. If you’re ever in the market for a contractor, these are the must-reads on checking a contractor’s references and 30 questions to ask your contractor. Continue reading »
Homes are the most affordable they have been in 40 years.
In lighting news…
Starbucks is on a mission to become more eco-friendly – and despite exorbitant costs, they are forging ahead. They plan to “green” all newly built and renovated company-owned stores this year and achieve LEED certification for sites across the world.
A light festival in Singapore is raising awareness for energy efficiency. Running from October 15 to November 7, the event will feature LED light sculptures, performance-based displays, and other illuminated arts. One of the featured artists, Warren Langley, said, “I believe it is important to show that spectacular lighting effects do not necessarily require vast amounts of electric power.”
This isn’t quite lighting “news,” but a travel article in USA Today discussed the trend in hotel lighting to go dark … perhaps too dark. Reporter Barbara De Lollis discusses the pros and cons of staying in such a dimly-lit room, and readers weigh in on the comments. It’s an interesting debate! Continue reading »
