Galleria Lighting

2020

Outdoor Ceiling Fans- What You Need to Know

Outdoor Ceiling Fans- What You Need to Know

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There’s no better way to spend warm summer days or nights than on your back porch with a cold beverage in hand – but what would make these carefree summer days even better? A cool breeze fanning your face. We’re talking outdoor ceiling fans.

Not only are outdoor fans ideal for keeping porches and patios cool, but they also add an element of style to your outdoor space. Whether you’re trying to keep your back patio cool as you grill in the heat, or give incoming guests a nice breeze as they knock on your front door, adding a ceiling fan will double in functionality and tie your space together.

Know What You’re Looking for in Outdoor Ceiling Fans 

When it comes to an outdoor ceiling fan, there are a few components to be mindful of – what it means to be wet-rated, whether the finish is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, the variation in blade speeds, and of course, the aesthetic. Here, we want to break it down and help you choose one of the best outdoor ceiling fans for your space.

Is the Fan Wet-Rated?

Backyard patio with two outdoor ceiling fans and a pool and tropical trees in the background

There’s an important difference between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans – that being whether they’re waterproof or not. While they may look alike, indoor and outdoor ceiling fans aren’t simply interchangeable. All ceiling fans have “ratings” based on their intended location. If they’re dry-rated, they should always be placed indoors, and if wet- or damp-rated, these ceiling fans can be used both indoors and outdoors.

It’s essential to look for outdoor ceiling fans that are wet rated because they’re able to withstand harsh weather conditions. If a fan is wet-rated, it can handle ice, snow, severe rain, and ocean spray (if you live near a beach). We recommend using a wet-rated ceiling fan on your exposed deck, veranda, gazebo, or pergola – all of which will look nice with the added accessory. Check out one of our favorite wet-rated fans here. 

Choose a Finish that Also Withstands Harsh Weather Conditions

A beautiful backdrop of a backyard patio with outdoor furniture and city lights in the background

For safety reasons, it’s obviously imperative you choose a wet-rated ceiling fan, but you also want to focus on choosing a finish that can hold its own. Whether you’re browsing for large outdoor ceiling fans or small outdoor ceiling fans, don’t let your money slip down the drain by landing a finish that gets ruined after one rainstorm. We want you to find your dream ceiling fan designed to last. 

We recommend choosing a model built with highly tempered, resilient steel paired with durable wood that’s been stained and treated to withstand weather elements. Take this wet location rated ceiling fan for example; it’s designed for both indoors and outdoors with a finish guaranteed to last.

How Does it Look in Your Intended Space?

20740731 – neutral outdoor room with cane furniture

Let’s not forget the overall look! You’ve worked hard to give your backyard patio or front porch a calming feel and charming look, so don’t forget to choose an outdoor ceiling fan that speaks to your style. 

If you live in a tropical climate, perhaps you’re after the “palm leaf” blade look. If your backyard pad is modern and sleek, you can easily find minimally striking ceiling fans. Or, if you’re a traditionalist, you can find the best outdoor ceiling fans to pair with that old-timey feel of sipping an iced tea with your loved ones on the front porch. As long as your outdoor ceiling fan is wet-rated, the stylistic possibilities are endless. 

Transform Your Outdoor Space and SAVE with Our Selection of Lighting Products

To give your outdoor space that finishing touch (one that’s functional, too), choose an outdoor ceiling fan that speaks to you. To steer you in the right direction, we have an irresistible deal on Galleria Lighting outdoor ceiling fans! 

4 Keys for Successful Stair Lighting

4 Keys for Successful Stair Lighting

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Though we love the dimension and beauty that stairs can add to any home, they’re a common area for falls and injuries. Luckily, a little extra lighting can prevent some of those stumbles by increasing visibility and security.  Every home is different, so we’ve broken it down into categories that apply to everyone.

1. Material

Are your steps made of wood, carpet, tile, or something else?  Carpeted stairs are comfortable, but they absorb a lot of light. Use fixtures with a high light output to achieve maximum results. 

Wood tends to be more reflective, so prepare yourself for a little reflected shine on the steps. The good news is that you can use fewer lights or lower lumens to light wooden stairs. 

Tile and similar materials, like marble, are the most reflective flooring materials out there. They reflect even more light than wood, so consider that as you plan the quantity and type of lights to install.  

2. General Lighting

It’s important to note that step lighting is secondary to overhead, general lighting.  The general lighting should be bright enough to light your stairs even without step lighting. Step lighting enhances the look of the stairs and adds an extra safety measure when other lights are off, but they’re not meant to provide the primary light for your stairs.  

With that in mind, if your stairs are lacking light, start by switching your overhead or wall bulbs. Choose one with a high lumen count, or choose a new fixture with multiple bulbs. The options are endless!

3. Location

The above tips apply especially to indoor lighting, but there are extra considerations for your porch, deck, or other outdoor stairs. Exterior stairs are often made of concrete, Kool decking or wood, so it’s best not to rely on reflective light for outside. 

Look for fixtures with high light output and weatherproof materials. For example, a brass cased fixture will hold up well in weather and withstand soccer balls, kicks, or other outside messes. You can also skip glass fixtures and use an all metal (typically die-cast aluminum) fixture to minimize damage to the fixture in this high-traffic area.

4. Installation

There are several different ways to install stair lighting. Some consumers prefer to have all fixtures on one side of the wall, while others enjoy a slim LED tape light underneath the lip of the riser, (you know, the vertical back of each step). In commercial settings, it’s common to place lights from the middle of the riser.

Step lights come in many different shapes and sizes, so the placement will vary based on your unique needs and the style of the fixture. If you want down light, use a louvered fixture.  Solid panel lights shine out, which makes them very functional, but be careful—they aren’t as soft on your eyes. 

As for placement, there isn’t a right or wrong distance for spacing your step lights.  It’s typical to place a fixture on alternating steps, but lighting every step or every third step can be equally functional and fashionable. When using LED tape, however, it’s best practice to light the under side of each step.

With a little extra stair lighting, your staircase can be a pillar of style and class in your home, not to mention a safer place to walk. Add some architectural appeal by highlighting your stairs, and you’ll be stepping happily through your home. It’s an investment in your home and your safety, so feel free to contact Galleria Lighting with any questions about how to get started on stair lighting!

Everything You Need to Know About DIY Track Lighting

Everything You Need to Know About DIY Track Lighting

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Track lighting can be a wonderful addition to your home. These stylish, functional pieces have limitless uses, including:

  • Directional task lighting
  • Over-the-table or kitchen island lighting
  • Artwork spotlight lighting
  • Over-the-mantle lighting
  • Eye-catching general lighting

Designers have traditionally used track lighting in narrow hallways or to highlight art on the wall in studies, but because of its incredible flexibility, it is now used more extensively in living rooms, bathrooms and even bedrooms. This adds a contemporary touch to almost any space, making it perfect for a new build home or for renovated spaces in an existing home.

However, because multiple pieces are needed to assemble a functional track lighting system, picking the right one for you can seem daunting. The good news is that simple track lighting systems are made up of three different pieces, and knowing more about them can help you pick the right one. 

1. The Track

First, take a look at the track itself. If you’re buying an all-inclusive fixture, style and size are your primary concerns. Is it large enough for your space? Will it perform its function and add the style you want?

If you’re purchasing components separately to create a custom fixture, keep in mind that different companies use different “styles” of track. Most companies sell tracks in segments ranging from 2’ to 8’, usually in H-style, J-style, and L-style. Any style will work, as long as you make sure ALL the components are the same style.

2. The Power Source

Examine the space where you’ll place the track lighting. The power source can be added in the middle of the track, or on the end, depending on your needs. If your electrical box is between each end of the track, use a floating canopy. If your track system will begin at the electrical box, you will need a live end feed power source. 

3. The Track Heads

These heads will add your personal style to the track, in addition to facilitating the light source. Similarly, select your bulb based on the task and atmosphere it’s meant to serve, whether it’s an integrated LED head or a standard light bulb socket. To attach the track heads, simply insert the connection points inside the track and rotate the connection point until they lock in place. 

WHITE R20 STRAIGHT CYL

4. Custom Built vs. All-Inclusive Tracks

Top-tier track lighting companies, such as Nuvo Lighting, offer countless kits that include all three components. They’re ready for assembly and easily to install, and you know exactly how your track light will turn out.

On the other hand, they also sell the components separately to enable full customization. This way, you can create a track lighting fixture that fits your exact needs and style, even if it requires a bit more work to keep things consistent.

Keep in mind that some types of track lighting require additional parts. For example, a Flexrail system uses mounts with posts that suspend the track from the ceiling, instead of mounting it flush to the drywall. 

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to tackle your own lighting project! As always, feel free to contact one of our lighting experts with any questions. Here’s to you and keeping your track lighting project on track!

Why Your Bathroom Needs a Real-Life Magic Mirror (you will never be the same)

Why Your Bathroom Needs a Real-Life Magic Mirror (you will never be the same)

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When fairy godmothers and magic wands are lacking, you can still treat yourself to a dramatic transformation each day, if your bathroom is a magical space. Of course, many details work together to create the perfect space, but one of the best ways to start is to make sure you get two essential elements working together… lights and mirrors.

This is where the beloved illuminated
mirror comes into play.

With clean lines, stylish designs,
and unmatched light quality, mirrors with built-in lights create sophisticated statement
pieces for modern bathrooms. They have an unusual ability to help you transform
yourself and your space at the same time.

At Galleria Lighting, we’ve been drooling
over these mirrors for a while now, but most people still haven’t heard of
them! So with that said, here are four ways that an LED illuminated mirror
create a little bit of magic in your bathroom.

LED
Illuminated Mirrors

1. They Amplify Your Style

LED mirrors come in many different
sizes to suit many needs, including those short or boxy bathrooms. They add a
sense of drama and sophistication to a room, and they showcase the wall behind
the mirror. Adding some kind of feature on the mirror wall now has DOUBLE the
impact, whether it’s a cool backsplash or an accent wall color.

2. They Add Atmospheric Lighting

LED illuminated mirrors provide an
even tone of light and a glow throughout the room. Many of them even have an
adjustable color temperature between warm white, natural white, and cool white.
Whatever you’re feeling, these mirrors have a mood lighting to match.

3. They Maximize Your Bathroom Tasks
for a Better Look

Whatever your morning routine looks
like, an LED mirror is sure to make it easier. Focused mirror lighting gives
you a clearer view of your face, improving make-up application and anything
else. I promise I’m addressing the men here, too—the extra light also helps
with shaving, since you can more easily see any spots you may have missed.

4. They Magically Defog Themselves

As if this couldn’t get any better,
some of our favorite LED mirrors now come equipped with a defogger in them. What
could be better than getting out of a hot steaming shower to a totally clear
mirror? Enjoy that steamy goodness while you move on with your necessary tasks.

Ready to take a look for yourself? In addition to all of the perks listed above, they offer even MORE great features, such as:

  • Touch Control Technology
  • Waterproof Grade
  • Built in night light
  • ETL Certification
  • 3 year warranty

Visit us here.

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

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Now that we’ve given plenty of attention to the age-old debate about how to place toilet paper, I think it’s time to move on to something else. A well-lit bathroom can make or break your morning routine, and vanity lighting is a huge part of that! How often do we really stop to consider vanity lighting, however?

We’ve compiled the 3 most vital elements of vanity lighting and a summary of each topic. After you read and feel informed, pick your side! If you haven’t had these debates with your spouse, parents, or roommates yet, NOW is the time. These details can really maximize your bathroom space and transform your morning routine.

1. How to Hang: Up or Down?

The first thing you should consider is how to hang your vanity lights—shining up or down? First, consider how you’ll use these lights. Are they direct task lighting? If so, angle down or at the face. An indirect light source for style and mood? Shine them up.

If you have a bathroom with a darker color palette, a downward hanging light may suit you best. Why? Darker colors soak up more light, and hanging it downward will focus the light on the area you really want to be illuminating.

If your bathroom has a lighter color, palette an upward hanging light will work best for the space. Why? The light reflects off of the ceiling and walls, amplifying the overall light for the entire room. Regardless of which direction you hang them, vanity lights should hang high off of the floor, approximately 78 inches.

2. Clear or Frosted Glass?

You may have already had this debate when choosing other fixtures, but it’s especially relevant to vanity lights. They’re closer to eye level and more frequently viewed than most home fixtures, so choose well here!

In my years at a lighting showroom, the more popular choice has always been frosted glass. Why? One favorite feature about frosted glass is that it shines a soft ambient light. It still provides plenty of lumens, but isn’t too harsh on the eye. They also require less cleaning, since you’re unlikely to see fingerprints or smudges. A weekly light dusting should do the trick.  

On the other hand, I’ve encountered many lovers of clear glass. For one thing, they distribute more lumens, since the glass doesn’t diffuse the light. They’re often better for task lighting, aiding in accurate shaving or makeup application. The exposed light bulbs also add an element of style with different shaped filament bulbs.

3. What Fixture Size Is Best?

There’s a lot of variety in vanity fixtures. Some are small and dainty, others dramatic and large. We’ll let you have those infinite debates of taste as you surf Pinterest or our online catalog, but for now we’ll do you a favor and insert a lesser-known detail about proportions.

If your vanity light fixture is going over a single sink bowl, the fixture should be at least ¾ the size of the length of the mirror. Center it above the sink, and never select vanity lights that exceed the length of the mirror. If your vanity has two or more sinks, the same rules apply and you would center each light over its respective sink.

So there it is—the bathroom dilemmas no one talks about. Lighting matters! And fitting your vanity lighting to your unique taste will ensure an even better morning routine and evening wind-down experience.

QUICK TIPS FOR BUILDING A COZY BOOK NOOK

QUICK TIPS FOR BUILDING A COZY BOOK NOOK

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The inglenook is a cute name with a charming history.  It literally means “chimney corner” and began as a wooden seat built into the space on either side of the wide fireplaces common in 17th-century English houses and cottages.

inglenook

Over time, the concept evolved to it’s own room near a fireplace room right off the kitchen and was meant to be a cozy place to get warm.  It was a little room inside of a bigger room. 

The concept of an inglenook has been reinvented recently and is used more generally when talking about how to convert a simple space with seemingly no defined use, to a creative nook that you can’t wait to be in!  The modern concept of the nook nook is something to consider for an odd space without a definite purpose.

Some rooms have an obvious furniture layout that will fit them.  For instance, the sofa will only fit the room going one particular direction to where it is facing the TV area.  Some rooms have several layouts and there’s not just one right way of laying them out.  Regardless of your room setting, finding a place to create your own little inglenook to curly up and read may be easier than you think.  A cozy book nook can be created along a blank wall, in a corner full of windows, or even on the backside of a sofa!  Here are some helpful hints to create a modern day inglenook that can still “warm” you when sit and stay awhile. 

Book Storage:  A book nook includes books so have a fun way of storing them in this little area.  A cute big basket, simple wall shelves, or a storage ottoman can all make for a fun way to define your space.

Something to Sit On:  It may be time to get that cute accent chair you’ve always wanted.  For the grown-ups, a chair with an ottoman or something to put your feet up on will do the job.  For kids, fun-print floor pillows or cushions will call their name.

Define the Space:  Set your space apart from the rest of the room, even if it’s still part or your room—remember, a “little room inside of a bigger room.”  A small rug will do the job of defining this space.

Light:  Poor lighting is hard on the eyes and can ruin the appeal of the most beautifully crafted reading nook. Where possible, use natural light is great. Its good for the soul easy on the eyes and is the greenest form of light available.

When natural light is not an option, supplement with a lamp to bring in some color, an element of style and some nice task light to your area. Floor lamps are by far the most convenient way to bring lovely lighting to your gorgeous new reading nook.

Wall sconces give an elegant look to any space.  While more difficult to mount, these lights turn into permanent fixtures and will are offer a reliable beam for reading any time of day. Mounting two on opposite ends of the nook, cover both sides while offering a “dim zone” in the middle if you do not want bright light.  Adding a dimmer switch is a great idea that allows you to adjust the brightness to the perfect level no matter the task.

No Phone, No Problem!  Your inglenook is calling you to come and read a book.  Get cozy, grab a throw blanket and leave your phone behind.  

Comfort can be found by young and old in the depths of a wonderful book.  Creating a “book inglenook” that calls you to come and stay awhile is simple and rewarding.

How LED Technology Will Forever Change the World

How LED Technology Will Forever Change the World

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During my time in the lighting industry, I’ve received countless questions about LED lights. What are they? How are they different from traditional light sources?  How do they work? Why are they more expensive? And the list goes on…

This guide will teach you the ins and outs of LED lighting and how to use this innovative technology to your benefit. We’ll cover the very basics and some more advanced concepts, so buckle up and get ready to see how LED lighting could transform your home lighting!

1. Yes- They Use Electricity

Electricity is created by the flow of electrons from a positive end of a power source (such as a battery), through a conductor (usually copper wire), through the item that is being powered (in this case a lightbulb), and then back to the negative end of the power source. This is called an electrical circuit, because the electrons ultimately end up in the same place they started.

This method of transferring power applies to household appliances, cell phones, modern cars, and LED lights.  With any of these devices, functionality depends on an unbroken circuit, and usually, a switch to control it.

2.  They’re Not Like Incandescent Bulbs

Our idea of light bulbs stems mainly from the traditional incandescent bulb. Let’s imagine one like this image, which is a medium base, A-style lamp. The light bulb threads into a phenolic lamp socket, more commonly referred to simply as the “light bulb socket”. As the bulb is placed inside the socket, the lamp holder connection makes contact with the leads inside the socket. Turn the power on, and an electrical current flows through that connection to the tungsten filament, heating the metal and causing it to release energy in the form of light. 

This heat energy inside the pressurized globe of the bulb creates the light that shines from incandescent bulbs. Most of them require roughly 40-100 watts to produce light, but this obviously depends on the brightness of the bulb. LED’s function quite differently, so let’s take a look at how an LED will react to the same electrical current.

3. They’re Built to Create More Light

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. The science here is a little dense… But I’ll do my best to cover the basics. A light emitting diode is made by pressing three layers of semiconductor material together. These materials vary in composition depending on the application, but often include zinc and nitrogen (as opposed to tungsten carbide in incandescent bulbs).

When an electron enters the diode, it is charged with more energy than it originally had. This is called electronic excitement. While it is still inside the diode it passes through the diode’s layers and releases this excess energy in the form of light!

4. They Come in Infinite Shapes, Sizes, and Colors

Because of the way they are made, diodes come in practically any shape and size. They can be stretched out to look like a filament inside of a traditional glass light bulb or formed into a small square. Quantity of light also varies, and many LEDs use multiple diodes to produce even more light. It’s amazing technology—even in these various shapes and sizes, most LEDs also contain a transformer, or voltage regulator, inside the bulb or fixture to regulate their energy usage.

5. They Last a Long Time

One of LED’s many benefits is their long life. They last much longer than traditional bulbs because they don’t produce nearly as much heat as their more traditional counterparts. With LED lights, you can practically say goodbye to burnt out bulbs! This explains why their upfront cost is slightly more than older bulbs—with LEDs, you won’t be purchasing new ones very often, and the money you spend on the bulb is quickly recuperated in saved energy costs.

6. That’s Right—They Save You Money

As mentioned, the process of electronic excitement uses far less energy than heating the filament in a traditional bulb. In fact, an LED light bulb uses as little as 14% of the energy burned by an incandescent bulb! This means that by changing home light bulbs to LEDs, the average American will save over $1,000 in a 5-year span. If you have other types of lights in your home, such as halogen bulbs, you can save even more than that!

7. LEDs Maximize Existing Fixtures

Another overlooked benefit of LED bulbs is their ability to effectively exceed the maximum wattage of light fixtures. Sounds crazy, but it’s something you’ve probably thought about before! When a room in your home feels dingy or underlit, it’s probably not because the fixture is old or inadequate. More than likely, the bulbs simply aren’t providing enough light for the room.

Typical light fixtures can power a 60 watt incandescent bulb, but because LED bulbs are so much more efficient, that same fixture could power a 100 watt equivalent LED bulb! This provides much more light than the fixture could normally provide, and allows the flexibility to choose from various light colors. Not only will LEDs save you on your utility bill, but they can also save you from buying new fixtures.

8. The Sky Is the Limit!

Now that you’re an expert on LED lighting, start imagining the infinite ways they could light up your home! Because they are so small, they hide easily under kitchen cabinets or alongside a staircase to light up the steps. They could add a dramatic flair to a theatre room or simply update the recessed lighting in your home, providing a more consistent brightness. My favorite LED distributor, Alloy LED, provide a wide range of products for almost any lighting project, and they might spark some ideas for your home. And as always, we’re here for any of your lighting needs! Stay lit, my friends!