Feb 252013
 
PinExt Pegasus Lighting Roundup: Lighting in February

What’s been on the tip of everyone’s tongue this month? One word: quality. From new standards for quality lights, to tips on using light to improve your quality of life, we’ve got you covered. Here are this month’s top stories…

In Lighting News…

Is Color Rendering Index (CRI) the most accurate measure of a light’s quality? With all the innovations happening in the lighting world right now, the Color Quality Scale (CQS) might just be a better judge. CRI measures a light’s performance rendering only 8 different colors. CQS, on the other hand, measures 15, and accounts for other factors like chromatic discrimination and human preference. Click here to learn more about CQS.

news ucdavis edu Pegasus Lighting Roundup: Lighting in February

Image via News.UCDavis.edu

In December 2012 the California Lighting Technology Center at the University of California, Davis helped encourage the California Energy Commission to include new standards of quality for LED replacement lamps in its first-in-the-nation energy-efficiency directive. Now, the center is pushing for similar LED standards on a national scale. You can learn more about this initiative here. Continue reading »

PinExt Pegasus Lighting Roundup: Lighting in February
Dec 282012
 
PinExt A Year In Review: Your 10 Favorite Posts From 2012

Thumbs Up 224x300 A Year In Review: Your 10 Favorite Posts From 2012
On this, the last full week of 2012, I’ve been taking stock of the happenings here on Light Reading. We’ve had many wonderful posts this year on the newsworthy, practical, whimsical, technical, and technological qualities of light. We’ve learned about energy-efficiency, home decor, nature, science, and even fashion design.

Now, let’s take a look back at our 10 most popular blog posts from 2012.

10. Use Bookshelf Lights To Help Tell Your Story: We use bookshelves to store and showcase some of our most special possessions. But, when improperly lit, bookshelves can drown these things in shadow. Learn the options to light your bookcases, depending on the kind of shelf, and how it’s decorated. Read More >>

9. How To Choose A Low Voltage Transformer In 4 Easy Steps: While this topic might be one of the driest we’ve written on all year, it’s a crucial one for anybody diving into a new remodel. Learn about the different varieties of low voltage transformers, and how to pick the one that’s right for you. Read More >>

8. Real DIY Lighting Projects: Adding A Basement Kitchen: Chad, a serious DIY-er and Pegasus Customer sent us photos of the kitchen he added in his basement. He made the whole thing from scratch with his wife, and only a bit of professional help on the countertops and drywall work. Chad used our Xenon Line Voltage Under Cabinet Task Lights to illuminate his countertops. Read More >>

7. Winning The Battle On Christmas Lights: Artificial Trees: Holiday expert Linda Knighton weighs in with some simple tips on how to wrangle those holiday lights and make your tree look beautiful. And let’s face it, we could all use a little more peace on earth during the holidays. Read More >> Continue reading »

PinExt A Year In Review: Your 10 Favorite Posts From 2012
Dec 062012
 
PinExt 4 Versatile Light Fixtures to Complement Your Style

The best home décor makes a statement about you. If you’re looking to revamp your home’s interior, you can adapt simple, statement light fixtures to fit your personal style. Let’s investigate how a few different kinds of lights can complement your favorite look.

Black Jointed Desk Lamp 300x300 4 Versatile Light Fixtures to Complement Your StyleJointed Desk Lamp

This classic light has been around for awhile, but its basic design makes it just as popular today as it was fifty years ago. Its simple yet bold design makes it just as versatile as it is fashionable. Here are several styles that work with this useful lamp:

  • Industrial homes feature exposed brick walls and building materials with few frills. A jointed lamp on a desk or table works perfectly in keeping with this deconstructed and boldly architectural style. 
  • Contemporary homes with their striking colors and futuristic furnishings can also use a jointed desk lamp. Opting for one in a contrasting tone from your bedside or workspace table will agree with the sleek lines of your modern abode.
  • Minimalist dwellings can also incorporate jointed desk lamps, because they’re incredibly simple and clean looking. Try one in the same shade as the neutral colors of your other furnishings to achieve a monochromatic look.  Continue reading »
PinExt 4 Versatile Light Fixtures to Complement Your Style
Aug 212012
 
PinExt Hey, Light Bulb, I Like Your Shape (A Guide)

It’s true, we often pay a lot of attention to shape. This infographic, in fact, makes a career of it! It’ll help you learn to identify each screw-in light bulb by it’s shape – everything from the slinky little chandelier light bulb to the festively rotund globe.

a guide to screw in light bulbs by shape Hey, Light Bulb, I Like Your Shape (A Guide)

Dying to put this infographic on your website or blog? Go for it! Here’s the embed code:

<img src=”http://images.pegasuslighting.com/infographics/a-guide-to-screw-in-light-bulbs-by-shape.png” width=”600″ height=”3500″>
<br><br> <strong>A Guide to Screw-in Light Bulbs: By Shape</strong> created by <a href=”http://www.pegasuslighting.com”>Pegasus Lighting</a>.

 

PinExt Hey, Light Bulb, I Like Your Shape (A Guide)
Apr 092012
 
PinExt What You Can Learn About Lighting Design From Modern Family

Have you ever critiqued the interior design on your favorite TV show? It may sound strange, but it’s interesting to look past the characters and consider what you would have done differently (or similarly) with furniture placement, color schemes, and lighting design. I’ve definitely found myself thinking, “nice under cabinet lighting” a time or two while watching a show set in a luxury kitchen. Maybe that makes me a lighting nerd …

Modern Family is one of the most popular sitcoms on ABC right now, featuring three households that are impeccably designed. Phil and Claire Dunphy live in a traditional style family home with their three children, Jay Pritchett and wife Gloria live in a sleek, modern house with Gloria’s son Manny, and Mitchell and Cam’s home is a blend between the two styles. I included a few snapshots below, along with lighting design lessons:

1. Just a few recessed light fixtures can wash an entire wall with light. You can see just four recessed cans in this photo, but they create a wall washing effect so that the far wall becomes a focal point. I actually wrote a post recently on how wall washing recessed lighting  is often used in museums, hotels, and art galleries because it makes quite a statement. As you can see, it’s just as easy to incorporate into a home! The photo is of the Dunphy living room. Read more on how to wash a wall with light here.

Dunphy family room What You Can Learn About Lighting Design From Modern Family

Photo via zimbio.com

Continue reading »

PinExt What You Can Learn About Lighting Design From Modern Family
Mar 222012
 
PinExt How To Hang Wall Sconces

Wall Sconce How To Hang Wall Sconces

Wall sconces have the power to transform a gloomy hallway to a gorgeous corridor, making them a pretty popular light fixture. However, there’s a little less familiarity when it comes to knowing exactly where a wall sconce should be hung.

Wondering about how high the wall sconce should be hung from the floor – and how far apart multiple sconces should be placed from one another? You’ve come to the right place.

The beauty of a wall sconce is in the soft lighting that emanates from the shade and spills out from below onto the ground. The part of the wall sconce that is not too pretty is the view from above. You don’t want to see the top of the light fixture, with the light bulb screwed in – that would defeat the whole purpose of having a sconce!  So, when you determine the hanging height from the ground, measure so that the average person will still have the wall sconce in their natural line of sight, but will not be able to look down into the wall sconce from above.

Typically, contractors install wall sconces between 5.5 feet to 6 feet above floor level. However, if the average height of people living in your home is well above 6 feet – or below 5.5, you may want to adjust accordingly! If you choose a long or very large wall sconce, you may want to install them a bit higher up on the wall as well.

Now, for distance between light fixtures: If you are installing in a long hallway, space wall sconces about eight to ten feet apart. Other applications call for shorter spacing distances. For example, many people install wall sconces on either side of the vanity in the bathroom. In this type of functional use, spacing distance doesn’t matter as much.

Any more questions about wall sconces? Comment below, or use our Help Desk!

PinExt How To Hang Wall Sconces
Dec 092011
 
PinExt How To Light a Foyer

foyer How To Light a FoyerIf you have an elegant staircase, entrance hallway, or foyer that’s begging for lighting to call attention to its splendor, look no further. This guide will help you determine exactly what types of light fixtures will fill the space best.

You almost always want to incorporate some sort of chandelier if the foyer’s ceiling is above-average height. It will create that “wow” effect you are looking for. However, it’s important to scale  the size of the light fixture for the space. Here are some tips that should help…

To determine the right width of the light fixture: Add the length and width dimensions (in feet) of the foyer area together. That number – in inches – is the width of the light fixture you should look for. So, if your foyer is ten feet by ten feet, you’ll want a light fixture that is about 20 inches wide.

To determine the right height of the light fixture: Position the light fixture so that the bottom is at least seven feet from the floor. If you have a window above your front door in the foyer, you can really heighten the effect of a beautiful chandelier. Center the chandelier in the window. Even from the outside, your home will look brilliant!

Depending on how large your foyer is, you may want to look for a flush mount ceiling light, a semi-flush mount light, or a chandelier with two or three tiers.

Very large entryways might call for wall sconces in addition to a ceiling light fixture. Hang them about 66 inches from the floor and place them about eight feet apart.

For more entryway design ideas, check out Houzz Ideabooks.

PinExt How To Light a Foyer
Oct 072010
 
PinExt How to Make Your Home Seller Ready

Sold How to Make Your Home Seller Ready1. De-personalize

You want buyers to be able to picture themselves in their home, and that’s not going to happen if your family photos are prominently displayed in the living room.  Remove any personal items or unusual decorations.  It’s impossible to predict a potential buyer’s taste, so try to make your home neutral, yet inviting.

2. Create open space

Buyers don’t need to see every single room in the house filled with furniture.  Rent a storage space and reevaluate what you’re showing.  It’s best to leave a few functional pieces in each room and leave the rest for potential buyers to imagine.  Remove bookshelves, unnecessary chairs/couches, extra leaves in your dining room table, and out-of-season clothing in your closet.  Your home will seem larger and will be more likely to attract buyers. Continue reading »

PinExt How to Make Your Home Seller Ready
Sep 232010
 
PinExt Pegasus Lighting Roundup for August 23 to September 23

Unexpected Bathroom Moves Pegasus Lighting Roundup for August 23 to September 23

Photo from the "Unexpected Bathroom Moves" post

In lighting news…

What is driving the outdoor LED lighting revolution?  According to venture capitalist Jeff Bocan, factors include improving product quality, cost-competitiveness, stimulus funding, education, and the green movement.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recently released the top kitchen and bath trends for 2010.

Did you know… outdoor lighting reduces the risk of burglary by 50 to 70 percent?

In lighting tips…

Interior design blog posts with trends and photos are always remodeling inspirations.  Discover fresh ideas for remodeling the master bathroom with this post on unexpected bathroom moves, quit your gym membership and read 10 tips for designing a home exercise space, or create the ideal multi-tasking area with this recipe for great kitchen lighting. Continue reading »

PinExt Pegasus Lighting Roundup for August 23 to September 23
Jul 292010
 
PinExt IKEA & the End of the Incandescent Light Bulb
 IKEA & the End of the Incandescent Light Bulb

One of IKEA's LED table lamps currently on their website. What do you think about this style, compared to a traditional table lamp with an incandescent bulb?

In our Roundup for June 14 to July 2, we noted IKEA’s impending phaseout on the sale of incandescent light bulbs.  We didn’t go into detail about what this means for the lighting industry, and it’s a pretty significant milestone.

With such a prominent retailer officially disassociating themselves from incandescent bulbs (IKEA’s phaseout is expected to begin in August and be complete by the end of the year), the shift across the industry from traditional bulbs to more energy efficient lighting accelerates.

Of course, these changes will take place across the entire lighting industry in the next few years anyway – IKEA is simply beginning the incandescent phaseout early.  In 2012, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will take effect.  There are various components of the law (see the link for more details).  Basically, by 2014, the sale of all traditional incandescent bulbs will be banned.

The phaseout also signifies changes ahead in lighting design.  CFLs, Halogens, and LEDs will take the place of incandescent bulbs, and that means new lighting designs corresponding with the more energy efficient light sources are to be expected.  The picture of the table lamp above illustrates this point: without incandescents, it will no longer be necessary to accommodate for a large incandescent bulb in the design of a lighting fixture.

The entire foundation of lighting design is going to change; and for lighting designers, the possibilities are endless.

PinExt IKEA & the End of the Incandescent Light Bulb