2022

Contractors: 6 Reasons You Should Ditch the Hardware Store Lighting Aisle

by admin · Nov 30, 2023

Contractors: 6 Reasons You Should Ditch the Hardware Store Lighting Aisle: How Sourcing from a Lighting Showroom is Better for Your Business

While the pressure and prices in the housing market continue to rise due to supply chain shortages and increased demand, all businesses are looking for ways to get the best value for their dollar. This is especially true for contractors and builders, who are working harder than ever.

If you’re still relying on big-box stores to light your projects, you’re probably missing out on a lot. Lighting showrooms offer better service, quality, expertise, and selection that big-box stores just can’t shine a light to.

We know your time is valuable, but we can guarantee it’s worth your time to look into what showrooms have to offer before you go out shopping for your next project.

1. Fair Prices

We know the bottom dollar is important on your projects, and lighting is often one of the last steps on the list when the budget is getting thin.

It’s a common misconception that lighting showrooms charge more for their fixtures than you’d pay at a chain retail store – but it’s just not true. In fact, some big-box stores are notorious for marking up fixtures and then offering occasional “deals” that aren’t really deals at all.

You cat trust that the prices you see at a lighting showroom are transparent and fair. And if you pay attention, you’ll notice that the prices at a showroom are comparable across the board for similar products you’d find anywhere else.

If the prices aren’t that different – then you might as well be taking advantage of all of the extra benefits that come with shopping at a lighting showroom. Such as:

2. Better Value

Showroom owners are a lot pickier than online retailers and megastores about what they sell. Those comparable fixtures you’re price checking? They’ll often be higher quality versions – which means you are less likely to have your clients calling you in 2 months with a complaint.

In addition to the overall higher quality, showrooms also give you more than your money’s worth in other ways not directly tied to your costs – like better warrantees and extended customer support.

3. Huge Selection

Lighting showrooms specialize in just one thing – quality lighting. With the entire store dedicated to showcasing fixtures and bulbs, you’ll be able to see how the fixtures look up close and check installation guidelines before making any purchases.

If you or your client is looking for something specific, showrooms also have access to a massive selection of fixtures through the manufacturer catalogs. If it’s not on the floor, we’ll be able to find it and get it ordered for you. You’ll be able to find exactly what you need without having to shop around.

4. Expert Advice and Speciality Knowledge

When you walk into a national chain hardware store and need help, you already know that the employees there usually know a little bit about plumbing, electrical, appliances, and lighting, but they likely won’t have deep knowledge about any of them.

Lighting showroom staff are experts in lighting. Their services center around helping contractors get the right products into their builds. The experts at our lighting showroom stay up to date on the industry and can give you expert advice you wouldn’t find anywhere else. You don’t need to spend hours researching and comparison shopping – we’re more than happy to share what we know to help you get exactly what you need.

5. Word of Mouth

Your reputation matters – and nothing is more valuable to a business owner than a glowing recommendation from a happy client. Sometimes lighting is an afterthought for your clients who are more focused on finishes and fixtures. But even a brand new space with high-quality craftsmanship will look underwhelming with poor lighting.

Our lighting experts can help you make sure that your clients get quality fixtures that will highlight your hard work. This will result in two things: 1. Happy customers that want to refer you and 2. Jaw-dropped friends and family that want to ask for your number for their next project.

Another thing to consider – homeowners often come windowshopping at lighting showrooms to pick out what they want “when they’re ready” to start a renovation. If your local lighting showroom knows who you are and sees you regularly, they can refer you to their customers to help them get started.

6. Industry Relationships Matter

Developing relationships in the industry is vital for all of us. You’re not receipt #238942, you’re a local business owner, part of our community, and a friend.

When we know who you are and what you like, it makes it easy for us to help you get in, get out, and get what you need quickly so that you can spend your time on other parts of your project.

In addition, most showrooms allow contractors to set up an account – which often comes with perks such as discounted prices, bulk ordering options, and payment plans.

If you’re still relying on big-box stores for your lighting needs, it’s probably time to consider your options and visit a lighting showroom to see what you’re missing.

If you’re in our area, stop by Galleria Lighting – we’d love to get to know you and see how we can help your business grow.

How Many Blades Does Your Ceiling Fan Really Need?

by admin · Nov 30, 2023

Ceiling fans are great at providing comfort year-round. A good ceiling fan will help you save on energy costs by circulating the air in your home. In the summer they create a draft, making the room feel cooler. In cold weather, you can switch the fan’s direction to circulate warm air from central heating around the room.

Ceiling fans are so ubiquitous that for many people it’s hard to imagine life without one! So what happens when your fan breaks, and it’s time to get a new one?

If you’ve shopped for ceiling fans recently, you know that there are a lot of options. From the ultra-modern models with a single fan blade, to the “windmill” design fans with so many blades that there’s hardly any space between them – many homeowners on the hunt start to ask:

How many blades does my ceiling fan really need?

Does the blade count actually change anything, or is it just for aesthetics?

In short, the answer is “yes to both.” The blade count on a ceiling fan is largely viewed as a style issue, but it does impact the way the fan works. Apart from the obvious design differences, the number of blades on a fan will also affect its noise level and energy consumption.

Noise Level

The fewer the blades, the faster a fan needs to spin to move the same amount of air. Lots of spinning means lots of moving parts, which usually translates to more noise. Take large industrial fans, for example – they typically have two or three blades and are pretty loud.

On the other end of the spectrum, fans with higher blade counts can move a lot of air spinning at a slower rate. Less motion means less noise – windmill-style fans with eight to ten blades are virtually silent.

There isn’t an exact cutoff between noisy versus quiet fans, but a good middle range is around five. If you want a quieter fan, one with five or more blades will likely be your best choice.

Energy Efficiency

Another thing to consider when choosing a fan is how much it will cost to run. Fans with more blades create more drag, requiring more energy to operate. This is one reason why large, always-on fans (like you’d see in a commercial space) often only have three blades. They may be a bit noisier, but they save on energy costs.

While its blade count does impact the energy efficiency of a fan, it’s definitely not the only factor involved. The efficiency of fans can also be affected by the length and angle of the blades and by the type of motor it uses. It’s best to check the energy rating of your fan when possible.

Style and Aesthetics

Aside from energy efficiency and noise level, the main difference between fans with high and low blade counts is really just style and aesthetics. “Windmill” styles with eight to twelve blades can feel rustic, whereas fans with two to three blades usually feel minimalist and industrial.

How do I know what the right number is for me?

The short answer to this question is – it really doesn’t matter very much for most people. It doesn’t matter whether noise levels, energy efficiency, or aesthetics are your top priority; it’s pretty likely that you’ll be able to find a fan that will meet your needs in all three categories.

Most often, it’s safe to shop by your style preferences first, then find a fan that meets your noise and efficiency needs from that selection. A modern, high-quality ceiling fan will be designed to work well regardless of the blade count.

If you’re looking for a quality fan that will keep you cool for years to come, stop by our showroom or give us a call. Our lighting experts are ready and waiting to help you find exactly what you need!

3 Things You Need to Know About Recessed Lighting

by admin · Nov 16, 2023

Recessed lights can radically change the way your home looks and feels. Done right, they can bathe your space in soft light, highlight special features, and help you set the right mood. Done wrong, they turn your ceiling into a polka-dotted nightmare of harsh spotlights and awkward shadows. So, how do you get it right?

We’ve put together three of our top expert recessed lighting tips based on our years of experience in the lighting industry to help you get it just right!

Installation Know-How

If you’re building or remodeling, now’s the best time to be thinking about recessed lights. Recessed lights are easiest to install during construction. With the walls opened up, it’s not a big deal for an electrician to run the necessary wires and mount the lights.

If your home is already finished and you’re really not ready to tear out the ceiling, don’t despair! The recessed lighting industry makes a whole line of specialty lights designed for non-intrusive updates. Look for lights that say retro-fit in the product description – this means they can be more easily installed in an existing ceiling. Canless recessed lights are ultra-thin (the same thickness as your ceiling’s drywall), which makes installing them the most DIY-friendly option for homeowners.

Placement is Paramount

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing recessed lights is poor placement. Your recessed lights should wash your walls, not just the floor, with light. If your walls aren’t properly lit, your room will feel dim and dull no matter how your lights are installed.

Wall washing spreads soft light evenly across a wall, and it will make your room feel bigger and more open. For example: the recessed lights in the image below (see upper left) cast soft light across the entire wall, which makes the room feel larger and brighter.

A close cousin, wall grazing (as seen below), occurs when recessed lights are placed close to the wall and the cone of light casts harsh lines of light and shadow. This is typically done to accent a design feature, not to provide ambient lighting for a room.

Wall washing is usually the goal in residential applications – it’s a good idea to talk to a lighting expert before you get ready to install to make sure you get them at the right distance from the wall.

A grid of soft white lights will give off a comfortable, all-over light, which is perfect for large rooms, but it’s not one-size-fits-all for every space in your home. Areas where you work, like your kitchen, should have more focused task lighting over countertops and work surfaces.

Quick Tip: Space recessed lights away from ceiling fan blades or you’ll end up with a subtle strobing effect when both are on. Also, avoid placing bright lights directly over a seating area so that your guests won’t feel like they’re under a spotlight.

Zones and Dimmer Switches

Your lighting plan will be most effective if you can create zones based on how you use your space. Large spaces and multi-purpose rooms have different lighting needs throughout the space. If you strategically wire these areas independently, they can work together to give you more control over the way your room works for you.

For example, a living room may have a row of wall-washing lights around the perimeter, a central grid of ambient lights, and a couple of spotlight lights to highlight a feature fireplace or some artwork. If each of these zones can be adjusted independently, you can transition a bright morning workspace to a cozy evening entertaining space with ease.

Wherever possible, install each zone with a dimmer switch. Being able to adjust the intensity of light in your space is an essential part of creating the right mood. An added benefit of dimmable lights is that they last longer when not used at full power, so you can extend the life of your bulbs and entertain houseguests at the same time!

Installing recessed lighting is no small task, but it doesn’t have to be a big pain in the neck. Whether you’re a D.I.Y.er needing a few pointers, or if M.O.D.I.F.Y. is more your speed (Make Others Do It For You), we can help you find exactly what you need to get it done. Give us a call or stop by our showroom today!

Ceiling Fan Terminology Explained

by admin · Nov 9, 2023

A Helpful Glossary of Common Ceiling Fan Terms

If you’re shopping for ceiling fans and it’s starting to feel like the descriptions are written in code, don’t worry! We’re here to solve the mystery with a list of basic terms you’ll need to know when looking for the right ceiling fan.

Ceiling Fan Types

Ceiling fans are most often categorized by their motor type, mount type, and/or weather rating.

Motors

AC and DC Motors

AC motors (alternating current motors) are the most popular ceiling fan motor. They’re typically less expensive than DC motors, which is great for budget buyers. They are relatively energy efficient, are very reliable, and come with around three to four different fan speeds.

DC motors (direct current motors) are a newer technology and often use a remote instead of a wall switch. DC motors make a quieter, more powerful fan with more speed options and are more efficient than AC motors.

Dual Motor

Dual motor fans have two adjustable fan heads attached to a central motor. Each head is adjustable to its own speed and angle.

High-Velocity Motor

A high-velocity fan is a powerful fan. It produces a higher-than-normal amount of airflow, providing you with a stronger breeze.

Mounts

Downrod/Shank/Extension Rod

The multiple terms for this accessory are purely regional, and all mean the same thing– the rod or bar installed between the ceiling and the fan. Downrods can be used in many rooms but create the most impact in rooms with high ceilings. Not only do they pull the eye upwards and make the room feel bigger, but they also bring the air circulation closer to you.

Standard Mount

This type of mounting system is for level ceilings. Standard mounts usually come with a 3- to 5-inch downrod, so the fan slightly hangs down into the space.

Hugger or Flush Mount

These are perfect for low ceilings and tall people. Huggers are mounted against the ceiling and don’t use a downrod. Depending on the ceiling height, huggers or flush mount fans can help the ceiling seem higher while keeping your air circulated and fresh.

Low-Profile Fan

For a fan to be considered low-profile, it must hang down less than 12 inches from the ceiling. Most low-profile fans are flush mounts, but some fans with short downrods are small enough to qualify as low-profile as well.

Sloped Mount

A sloped mount is a mounting system that includes a downrod that allows the ceiling fan to be installed on a vaulted or slanted ceiling. The base is designed to let the downrod and fan hang at an angle when mounted so that the fan will be perpendicular to the floor.

Rating

Wet Rated or Outdoor Rated Fans

Outdoor or wet rated fans are designed to withstand direct contact with rain and snow. Carefully read the packaging of your outdoor fan because not all fans can handle the same weather exposure. If you live in a particularly wet or stormy area, you’ll need a tougher outdoor fan.

Industrial and Commercial Fans

Industrial fans have powerful motors and curved blades, and they can run continuously, making them ideal for large, open areas like warehouses and gyms. Commercial fans are heavier-duty than standard fans and more aesthetically pleasing than industrial fans. They’re commonly found in schools, businesses, and restaurants.

Ceiling Fan Measurements

This section covers the most common measurements used to describe a ceiling fan’s function and size.

Airflow (CFM)

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) refers to the amount of air moved by a ceiling fan, using the amount of air moved per cubic foot in one minute as the metric. The higher the airflow a fan uses, the more efficient your home can be as you recycle heated or cooled air. According to Energy Star, 75 CFM is the minimum airflow of an efficient ceiling fan.

Blade Pitch

The pitch measures the angle of the blades compared to the ground. Fan blades are slightly angled to push the air around. (If they were parallel to the floor, they wouldn’t do much!) The angle of blade pitches typically ranges between 10 and 25 degrees, but the most efficient is from 10 to 15 degrees.

Blade Sweep or Span

A fan’s sweep or span measures the diameter of the circle created by the blades. You’ll need to know the span of your fan to make sure it will fit properly in your room – if it’s too large it could scrape walls or snag curtains. On the other hand, it may be distracting and look out of place if it’s too small.

Motor Speed (RPM)

Revolutions per minute (RPM) refers to the speed of the blades as they rotate, measured by how many times the blades make a complete circle in one minute. High RPM fans move more air than low RPM fans of the same size, making them more efficient.

Watt Equivalence

Some fans will require more electrical power (watts) than others, so it’s essential to have a good understanding of how much strain your new fan will put on the existing circuit. A good rule of thumb is the longer the fan blades, the more watts it will use. Expect your fan to use 55 to 100 watts.

Weight

Residential ceiling fans typically weigh anywhere from 8 pounds to 50 pounds. Keep in mind that lightweight ceiling fans are designed to hold their weight alone. You should never add anything to a ceiling fan that wasn’t in the original kit without carefully reading the manufacturer’s instructions. Some ceiling fans allow for customizable light kits. In that case, be sure to check the packaging for how much additional weight it can hold.

Number of Speeds

Most ceiling fans will have multiple speed settings so that you can control the amount of airflow and circulation in your space. Most fans will have three speeds (slow, medium, and maximum speed). You’ll also want to see if your fan can reverse direction– this will help pull warm air down from the ceiling during the winter and help to cycle your heated air.

Dimensions

You’ll need to check several measurements to ensure your fan fits correctly in the space. For example, both depth and width can refer to the blade span (or the size of the circle the fan will make). The width can also describe how wide the individual blades are. Finally, as mentioned earlier, the downrod is the pole that connects the fan to the ceiling mount. Together, these three dimensions will tell you how much space the fan will take up.

Pro tip: All fans are designed for specific square footage, meaning that some are designed to push air through large rooms while others are for small rooms. Fans designed for bigger spaces would be disruptive in a smaller room (and vice versa). The packaging of your fan will tell you the intended size of the room, so make sure to check the square footage of the intended space and match it to the appropriate fan.

Parts and Accessories

The final section describes potential upgrades and customization options to consider while shopping for your ceiling fan.

Light Kits

Many fans come with a light fixture attached (called an integrated light), but some can be purchased and attached depending on the fan. There are three different light kits that you can use with your fan: uplight kits which sit on top of the fan and point upwards, branched or stemmed kits use globes or shades that point up or down, but the most common light kit is the bowl or shade kit which attaches to the bottom of the fan. Keep in mind that some ceiling fans with an integrated light may not include a bulb– you may need to purchase bulbs separately.

Remote Control

Many fans available today are remote control or smart-home compatible. A remotely controlled fan may seem like a luxury, but it’s also very practical – especially for those with extremely high ceilings! Depending on the model and features, you’ll be able to adjust the lights, fan direction, and fan speed with ease.

Reversible Blades

Some fans allow for their blades to spin either clockwise or counterclockwise. This functionality helps to customize airflow according to the season. For example, the blades should turn counterclockwise in the summer to push the air down (a downdraft), providing cool breezes. The fan blades should rotate clockwise to pull air upwards (an updraft) in the winter, efficiently recycling heated air without cooling the room. You can either toggle the switch on the fan or use a remote to change the direction of the blades.

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Ready to switch out your builder-grade fan or install a new one in the place of an existing light fixture? Now that you have a reference to all of the features and parts of a ceiling fan, you can shop confidently.

If you’d like additional information, a professional opinion, or installation assistance, contact the experts at Galleria Lighting, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you are looking for!

Create a Balanced Home with Warm Light

by admin · Nov 2, 2023

Did you know that the color of the lights in your home has an affect on your health? Both your sleep and your mental health can be influenced by the type of light you’re exposed to during the day, and it’s about more than just the lightbulbs in your bedside lamp. In 2020, people spent an average of 13 or more hours a day on screens. Many of us are struggling to fall asleep at night, we’re less productive, and we’re noticing that our emotions are a lot closer to the surface. Parents are seeing their children struggle with emotional regulation. While these issues are multifaceted, the links to overexposure to blue light can be seen across the board. Consciously introducing warm light into the home could be a simple, yet powerful part of creating a healthier and happier home.

The Difference Between Blue and Red Light

Light is made up of many different wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as colors. Each color correlates to a color temperature on a spectrum from low energy (red) to high (blue). Light from each part of the spectrum reacts with our eyes and brain in a unique way and affects the way they function.

Blue light has high energy and its color temperature is around 5000+ Kelvin (K). As the Kelvins go higher, the light appears cooler, or more blue. Many people associate blue light with harsh fluorescent bulbs, but we get most of our blue light exposure from a more natural source – the sun! Most screens, from laptops to televisions to cell phones, emit blue light as well. Red light is on the opposite side of the spectrum. It has lower energy and its color temperature ranges between 2700-3000K. Red light is more commonly called warm light. Imagine the light given off by a candle’s flame or an Edison bulb, this is red light. This type of light plays a crucial role in a well-balanced home by regulating both the health and the mood of its inhabitants.

How Light Affects Your Sleep

The human body runs according to a circadian rhythm, or a 24-hour cycle. This rhythm regulates many functions in the body, with one of the most basic being the sleep cycle. In the morning, the sun’s natural blue light signals the body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which promotes alertness and focus. When the sun sets and gives off a warmer glow that fades into darkness, the change in light signals the body to make a hormone called melatonin, which promotes relaxation and sleep. The cycle of the sun signals the mind to fall asleep or wake up. There is nothing inherently unhealthy about blue light. Problems arise, however, when we interrupt that natural shift in light temperature by exposing ourselves to blue light for hours after the sun has set. The blue light from your light bulbs and device screens signal the body to keep making cortisol instead of switching to melatonin. This disrupts the circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycle, which can make it harder to fall asleep at the end of the day. While a late-night TV binge here and there won’t cause much trouble, regularly disrupting the natural sleep cycle by several hours can lead to health problems.

Get Better Sleep With Balanced Light

Good sleep is crucial to overall good health. Our bodies need that time to rest and restore each day. The brain uses sleep to create new pathways to retain what it learned during the day, so one major side effect of poor sleep is poor memory. Studies have also linked increased anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease with poor sleep. These risks are greater in children. So what can you do to avoid the destabilizing effects of blue light? The obvious answer is to avoid all blue light after sunset, but that’s just not practical. The key to this issue is balance. Cool, blue light is only a problem when it overtakes the natural balance with warm, red light. Find ways to bring that balance back into your home by limiting blue lights and increasing warm light after dark. It’s a pretty easy fix once you know what to look for. A simple switch to warm bulbs (often called “soft white”) and limited screen usage at sunset will have long-term benefits for the whole family by promoting healthy, natural sleep.

How Light Affects Your Mood

Have you ever noticed that many sit-down restaurants feel as if they are only half-lit? This isn’t done to save on the electricity bill, there’s a science behind it! Restaurateurs take advantage of both types of light to keep their business running smoothly. Warm, dimmed lighting in the dining areas naturally relaxes guests and encourages quiet. The kitchens are brightly lit with cool light to help everyone working there to be fully alert and productive while working at high speed. You can do the same thing in your home once you know how it works. Warm, red light is naturally less bright than blue light, so it will feel softer in your home. Use it in the places where you spend time at night to help you wind down and relax. It’s also a great choice for family gatherings or an intimate dinner date at home, where you can use warm light to naturally make everyone feel comfortable. Bright light enhances emotions, making us more aware of everything we’re feeling. If you notice that bedtime is a constant source of chaos at your home, try dimming the light in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, etc. It won’t instantly make them perfect sleepers, but it will definitely help you to foster a calm wind-down strategy at the end of the day.

How to Use Warm Light At Home

Older incandescent bulbs are a great source for warm light, but they’re being phased out in the lighting industry in favor of safer and more efficient alternatives. But that doesn’t mean you need to break out the candles just yet! LED stands for “light-emitting diode”. Essentially they’re microchips that glow as electricity passes through them. This design not only makes them up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but it also makes them versatile. LED bulbs come in a wide variety of color temperatures, and they can be paired with dimmers to set the mood. Some are even color-changing, so that you can switch back and forth from warm to cool using a remote or an app. If you just don’t love the look of a standard LED bulb, there are beautiful Edison bulb style LED options available! They’ll still give you that soft, warm, old-world charm with all of the same energy efficiency and safety advantages.

Where to Use Warm Light

When you’re planning where you want to introduce warm light in your home, think about the main uses for each space. One method is to designate each space in your home as an active or rest area. Active areas are places where you’re working. Blue light promotes focus and alertness, so it’s great to have in places like the kitchen, homework stations, home office, and garage. Rest areas are places where you want to relax and feel comfortable. They’re often gathering places like the living room or dining room, or night-time areas like hallways and bedrooms. Some rooms will have a combination of uses, so you’ll want to use a combination of light types! Bathrooms could use a mix, as blue light is great for a makeup table but warm light is more relaxing for a soak in the tub. Large great rooms might have seating and dining spaces that are rest areas, and study desk and food prep spaces that are active areas. Play around with lamps, dimmers, and smart bulbs to get the right balance for the way you use your home.

This world feels chaotic at times, and finding balance can feel daunting. We can’t help much with office politics or your crazy neighbors, but when it comes to lighting we know a thing or two about helping you find just the right light for your home. If you’re ready to start creating a balanced home with warm light, give us a call or stop by our showroom. Our lighting experts are happy to answer your questions and help you get started!

Your Bathroom Lighting May Be Ruining Your Look- Here’s How You Can Fix It

by admin · Oct 26, 2023

Picture this: You wake up early on a workday (a feat to be proud of). You don’t necessarily have to, but you’ve got the time, so you decide to spend some of that extra time on your makeup. After one last quick check in the mirror, you head out the door, feeling yourself and the look that you’ve created. Then, on a bathroom break at the office, you take a peek in the mirror and are surprised to see that your face here looks nothing like it did at home. What happened? Sure, the lighting isn’t great at the office, but there’s no way it could do all of this… right?

If this sounds familiar to you, take heart. Your makeup skills are probably not to blame – it’s more likely that your makeup lighting at home isn’t right – and it’s messing with your look.

Unfortunately, most standard bathroom lighting types aren’t a great help for flawless makeup. You might need to tweak the lighting set up at home to get it working for you instead of against you. This article will compare some of the common pitfalls of builder-grade lighting, and tell you exactly what you need to look for to upgrade your makeup space.

Remember, the purpose of makeup lighting is to show your face as true as possible, so you know how the look will translate outside of your home.

NO: Windowless Rooms

Hopefully, your home was built with windows in the bathroom to help balance the lighting. However, if your bathroom doesn’t have a window and it’s not in your budget to install one, we recommend you get ready for the day by your bedroom or office window. Not only will this improve your makeup accuracy, but it will add dimension to the styling of your bedroom.

YES: Natural Light

Expert makeup artists all agree that natural light from the sun is the best light for doing makeup. If you can do your makeup facing a bright window, this is the best choice. However, many people do their makeup early in the morning or don’t have a windowed area suitable for makeup.

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NO: Fluorescent and Colored Lighting

Fluorescent Light

Everyone knows that fluorescent light is the most unflattering possible. While many spend days under fluorescent light in the office, it is typically offset by some natural light coming through windows. Bathrooms are often windowless, completely isolating the makeup artist in the worst lighting possible.

Yellow Light

While warm, yellow light could be soothing for a home spa experience, it exaggerates flaws in the mirror. The yellow glow will bring out yellow and green tones in your skin, often making you appear sickly or washed out when you aren’t. This effect commonly results in putting too much makeup in the wrong places and then looking cakey once you step out onto the street.

Pink Light

Pink or rosy light has the opposite effect of fluorescent and yellow light― it hides flaws! This might feel good while applying makeup, but you may notice that you failed to cover certain areas as soon as you get to the office.

YES: Warm White Light

Warm white light is the best artificial light for doing makeup. It most closely mimics the effect of the sun, so what you see in the mirror will match what everyone else sees in the office or at dinner. Many experts recommend backlighting your mirror with LEDs to achieve this effect.

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NO: Light From Above or Below

Kids love to make scary faces at sleepovers by shining a flashlight upwards from their chin. Overhead makeup light can create the same results (although not as dramatic). As the light shines down your face, it will naturally exaggerate certain features, like shadows under the brow, nose, and mouth. It can also catch more harshly on wrinkles. Once again, the results are too much makeup in the wrong places.

YES: “Face-forward” Light

“Face-forward” light shines directly towards your face rather than shining down on you. When your lighting is set up this way, it will reduce false shadows, making it easier to decide where to apply makeup. Many add LEDs around their mirror – it’s is an easy, inexpensive way to customize your makeup table and get the truest lighting for your look.

Pro Tip: If you’re renting and can’t replace your bathroom lights, a ring light is a solid option. They come in a wide range of prices and sizes, so it won’t be hard to find one that will fit both your counter and your budget. Position a smaller ring light around face height. Larger ring lights are designed for you to look through them, so the light shines on your face from all sides to eliminate shadows, as seen below:

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Kick that Crappy Lighting to the Curb

Replacing, or adding to, your bathroom lighting isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Swapping out an old fixture with a new one is a relatively simple project that won’t cost much to have done. It’s also very beginner DIY-friendly – most homeowners can do it on their own. (Just remember to turn off the breaker first!)

A simple lighting upgrade can totally transform your makeup experience, and give you the confidence to trust that what you see in the mirror at home will translate across to the rest of your day. Whether you have a full makeup studio or you’re sharing a small vanity with a partner, you’ll be surprised at how a small change can make such a big difference.

If you want some help choosing the best lighting upgrade for your makeup area, stop by our showroom and take a look at the options we have available. You’ll be able to see for yourself how you look in different lighting, and our experts can help you find the right options to dress up your space. Stop by, or give Galleria Lighting today for a free consultation!

5 Simple Tips to Boost Curb Appeal

by admin · Oct 19, 2023

They say not to judge books by their covers… but isn’t that what the cover is for? A book’s cover can give off a vibe that will help you decide on an impulse if that book is for you. Your house’s exterior is its cover. Based on its appearance from the street, or curb appeal, passersby (or potential buyers if you’re selling) will decide if it’s worth their time (and money) on a split-second impulse.

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or increase its value, the look and feel of the exterior of your home has a significant impact on the bottom line. The good news is, giving your house a cover anyone would want to open is simple with these tips!

Tip 1: Add and Update Lighting

Light makes a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. Choose modern fixtures or timeless classics, but make sure you have a variety of quality lights so that no matter what time of day, your house–and the landscaping you’ve worked hard to maintain–shines.

These symmetrical sconces contrast with the white of the house perfectly and add some visual interest. You could also add matching ones by your garage for even more light.

If you don’t have room for outdoor sconces, consider a pendant light like this one. It adds a perfect lighting focal point without distracting from your picture-perfect entryway.

From top to bottom, this house will not be ignored! It draws your eyes toward it by using tons of lights. From the overhead light on the front porch to the lights under every roof overhang, you’ll see this beauty no matter where you are.

Add low-voltage outdoor lights or solar-powered lights to your driveway or walkway for a quick lighting upgrade. They’ll catch eyes, and guests won’t waste time looking for a path through your front yard.

Landscape lighting like this puts an emphasis on your garden beds, flowers, or other plants. You’ve worked hard to maintain them, so make it count–day or night.

Tip 2: Utilize Color

You can use color to create a focal point for your house. It doesn’t matter whether you use neutrals, contrasting colors, or pops of bright color; careful color selection can really create an inviting exterior.

Don’t be afraid to be bold! This aqua-colored door with a bright floral wreath immediately draws the eye and invites guests in. (Plus, check out that perfectly-placed pendant that will light up the door at night!)

When you’re looking to add bright color, flowers are a great way to go. These gorgeous window boxes add a much-needed pop of color without feeling committed to a paint color. For the DIYers – window boxes are a great little project you can throw together with your scrap wood!

Whatever color you go for, make sure your trim and siding complement each other. Update one or both, but don’t forget to give your house a good power wash!

If your garage is looking a little worn out, a fresh coat paint is a quick fix. This house’s garage matches the trim and contrasts against the white perfectly.

Tip 3: Decorate, decorate, decorate!

One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to increase your curb appeal is by adding some decorative items. It’s a great way to make your porch feel more like an extension of your home than just a set of concrete steps.

Decoration doesn’t have to be complicated. Add a simple wreath and cute doormat with an undermat to invite people in.

A front porch with furniture makes you feel right at home. Throw some chairs and a bench up for a cozy place to sit with your guests, or to watch your kids ride their bikes around the cul-de-sac. Pro tip: Add a few outdoor pillows for a pop of color! You’ll want to spend all summer outside and boost your curb appeal. Win-win!

Have you ever been looking for a house, but you can’t seem to find it? Your house numbers are an essential for guests trying to locate your house. If yours are feeling a little lackluster – changing them out is a very simple project with a big impact! This house’s numbers and door hardware match, pulling the look together.

Shutters are a classic way to increase curb appeal. These shutters create some high-contrast visual interest by framing in the windows – and the symmetry pleasantly draws your eyes right up the path and straight to the front door.

Tip 4: Exercise Your Green Thumb

Landscaping is one of the first things you see when looking at a house. Is the lawn sickly and brown or thick and green? Are there bright flowers? Trees? You may not have a green thumb, but there are ways to make your yard and house stand out without getting (too) dirty.

Add some interest to your entryway with symmetrical pots next to your front door. Plant some easy-to-maintain flowers or greenery in them for a simple way to spruce up your front porch.

Update your garden beds with some plants and mulch. The contrast of the mulch in this house’s landscaping makes the greenery look lush and healthy. The depth of color helps the white paint on the house look bright and crisp, too. (Bonus points for the lights above the garage–we love the way they pop!)

If you’re a registered plant-killer, no need to fear! Pick low-maintenance plants that require little care – or take a look at getting some artificial outdoor plants. If you live in a place where water conservation is a concern, you can xeriscape (landscape with minimal water use) instead. Choose your plants mindfully, and your maintenance can be simple.

You could also consider planting less and adding lights to make what you do have pop (without all the hassle)!

Tip 5: Regular Maintenance

No matter what your house looks like, keeping it clean and dressed up will make a great impression. From state-of-the-art mansions to 50-year-old starter homes, regular maintenance will make any home look like a million bucks.

This house has clearly been well-cared for. The white is still white (not brown–yikes), the lawn is green and mowed, and the driveway is clear of yard waste.

If you have pavement, make sure to get out your broom or leaf blower to clear it off! If you don’t, consider adding one. It creates a place to walk so your yard stays nice and creates a line for your eyes to follow up to the house.

If you have limited time or resources, make sure to design your yard with maintenance in mind. Choose artificial plants or some that require little water. This house doesn’t have grass to mow, and the plants are low-maintenance.

Another tip to reduce maintenance is to use LED lights that don’t need to be replaced as often. Taking care of your house doesn’t have to take your entire weekend!

Curb appeal is what brings a smile to your face when you come home every day. It creates an atmosphere you’ll want to share with those you care about. Whether you’re trying to sell or just looking to impress your guests, updating your lighting, utilizing color, decorating, landscaping, and maintaining your house will make you feel at home and leave your guests with a first impression they won’t forget. Contact Galleria Lighting or visit our showroom for more tips on boosting your home’s curb appeal!

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