Galleria Lighting

2023

Does Your Rental Have Bad Lighting? – 5 Top Lighting Complaints (and Solutions) for Renters

Does Your Rental Have Bad Lighting? – 5 Top Lighting Complaints (and Solutions) for Renters

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Renting an apartment or house is a great way to maintain flexibility and save up for future investments. But making the space your own can be challenging– especially if it’s a long-term rental. Many renters don’t feel that changing up their rental lighting is an option for them – but taking control of your lighting (in a renter-friendly way) is actually one of the best ways to make your rental feel like home.

The basic lighting in rentals isn’t always ideal, and bad lighting can really make your home feel… off. So we’ve come up with five of the top complaints from renters that we hear all the time – and we’ll follow them all up with renter-friendly solutions to make your space a cozy, personalized home for as long as you live there.

 

“My rental feels cold and sterile.”

Lighting has a massive impact on the way our room feels, and on how we feel when we’re in it. Aside from throwing out a rug and hanging some art, tweaking the lighting can also make a room feel more warm and less sterile.

What to try:

  • Use textured lamp shades to create depth, color, and coziness.
  • Swap out mismatched and too-bright bulbs for warmer colored bulbs. 
  • Add battery powered string or LED accent lights to light dark corners and to create a softer lighting environment for the evening wind down.

 

Not sure where to start? Check out your local lighting showroom for expert advice and a wide variety of light fixtures!

 

“There isn’t enough light in my apartment.”

A lack of adequate lighting can make any space feel tired and dull, and it’s hard to get anything done in the dark. Adding more light sources is a great way to improve the homey feel – plus, it’s really easy!

What to try:

  • Aim for 5-7 light sources per room, including existing lights and windows. Lamps are a renter’s best friend! 
  • Make the most of natural lighting by using sheer privacy curtains, light paint colors, and mirrors.
  • Use the best light bulbs for your needs. LED bulbs can give off a lot more light than traditional bulbs, so they’re a great option for a quick light boost.

 

Simply having enough light is one of the easiest and most powerful tools to make your space feel like your home.

 

“My light fixtures are outdated/don’t match my aesthetic.”

It’s pretty common for rentals to have either original (outdated) or builder-grade (basic) light fixtures. Installing new custom lighting isn’t often an option, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Some landlords will be fine with updating their lighting, especially if you remind them that it will increase their property value.

What to try:

  • Always consult your lease and your landlord before making permanent changes to your rental.
  • Before you start, make sure that your new fixture will work with the existing wiring and switches.
  • Switching a light fixture is a pretty simple DIY in most cases! Check out this Youtube tutorial for a typical DIY ceiling fan replacement.

 

Investing in a new fixture as a renter is a smart move if you plan to stay long-term. Great lighting completely changes the feel of a room – consider it an investment on your comfort! (Every lease is different – you may even find that you’re fine to replace the light so long as you switch it back upon moving out, so you can take it with your to your next place!)

 

“I can’t install new wired lighting, so I’m stuck with what came with the rental.”

Many renters feel creatively limited with their lighting options. If your rental had cruddy lighting and you’re not allowed to touch it –  it may feel like you’re stuck. But the good news is – there are a LOT of lighting options available now that don’t require hardwiring anything, and many can be installed without drilling any holes!

What to try:

  • Battery-powered sconces and LED strips add a lot of personality. They often need to be screwed to the wall.
  • Hate changing batteries? These also come in corded varieties, so you can plug-in sconces, lamps, and LED strips anywhere you need.

 

These options can help you elevate your apartment without creating permanent changes – and you’ll get to sell them or take them with you when you go.

 

“I don’t know what to look for when shopping for a light fixture.”

Light fixtures significantly impact your home, but they’re not something you shop for very often. While an endless number of online options can seem like a good thing, it can often lead to uncertainty. 

How do I know what style to shop for? What does the fixture look like in person? Is it well-made, or will it fall apart in 3 months? Are there hidden costs not shown in the listed price? Can I install it?

What to try:

  • Check out Pinterest, interior design social media accounts, and design magazines to get an idea of what your space needs. Create a mood board from these ideas to narrow down your style!
  • Visit your local lighting showroom with pictures of your space and your inspirational photos to get customized help.

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If you’re not sure what you want or where to start, it’s easy to get lost in a search filters nightmare. Find inspiration, then skip the hours of hunting and go to a showroom. 

Lighting showrooms specialize in making your home feel its best with great lighting. You’ll get better advice and find what you need faster. Plus, showrooms vet their products – so you won’t end up with a dud that breaks 3 days after the return window. 

It can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, renter restrictions, and a budget! If the lighting in your rental just isn’t cutting it, skip the headache and stop by our showroom. We’ll help you turn up the lights!

3 Top Mistakes in Outdoor Lighting and How to Avoid Them

3 Top Mistakes in Outdoor Lighting and How to Avoid Them

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Your home’s outdoor lighting makes your home safe, creates mood lighting, displays your personality, and more! And while there are many excellent ways to light your home’s exterior, there are so many ways to make mistakes. 

Poor outdoor lighting might just make your home boring after sundown. But in other cases, improper outdoor lighting can create real hazards for your home!

We’re here to give you some advice from lighting experts. We’ll walk you through three of the most common outdoor lighting mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Then you’ll be able to safely enjoy your home at any time, in any season!

No More “Starry Night”

Have you ever looked outside in the countryside and noticed how many stars there are? Especially compared to when you’re strolling at night in the city? But, of course, it’s not because there are more stars in the countryside– it’s because all the city lights create significant light pollution. 

Light pollution refers to the interference of electric light with natural light, like stars and the moon. If you use too much outdoor lighting, you may unintentionally worsen your view of the night sky. 

Here are a few top ways to avoid putting out too much light and keep your nights starry:

  • Use motion sensors or automated timers. One way to reduce light pollution is to only have the lights on when you need them. By using motion sensors or timers, you can keep your electric light to a minimum without sacrificing safety or functionality.
  • Keep your lights relatively warm and dim. Bright lights emit a higher frequency of light, which leads to greater light pollution. Think of cities and how all those signs and street lights cause a haze. So, warmer, dimmer lights, like solar path lights and fairy strings, will help clear the air. 
  • Use downlighting. Downlighting is an excellent lighting technique that focuses light beams toward the ground. Try using lampshade sconces or other fixtures that concentrate light in a single direction. This strategy will allow you to light your yard while keeping the starry sky bright.

Can’t Take the Heat… Or Rain

Outdoor light fixtures and wiring must withstand water, ice, snow, wind, and animals. But not all fixtures are up to the task! Some homeowners simply pick a fixture or bulb they like without checking for outdoor grading. Using indoor grade lighting may get damaged by rain and snow or be vulnerable to animal teeth. 

Carefully shop for fixtures and bulbs so you can balance your aesthetic with durable, quality equipment. When in doubt, try running over to your local light showroom for expert advice on a safe and beautiful home exterior.

Keep your outdoor lighting safe from the elements and pests:

  • Use only outdoor grade fixtures, bulbs, and wiring. Read all instructions carefully to ensure that you’re keeping yourself (and your outdoor lighting) covered!
  • Location, location, location. Pick strategic places for your lighting to reduce exposure and risk. For example, you can tuck them under eaves, keep them away from drainage routes, and leave lots of space between lights and trees.
  • Inspect lighting regularly and after significant weather. Check on your outdoor lighting at least once a year to see if you can find damage or wire exposure. It’s also a great idea to do a quick check if you have a severe storm!

Leaving Things “Plain Jane”

While the house in this picture seems beautiful, we’re not really sure because all of its features are hidden in the dark. But your home shouldn’t become “Plain Jane” just because the sun went down! That means you’ll need to add more lighting than what you’re getting with the house from the builder. 

Let your home’s personality shine around the clock by:

  • Using enough light sources. Interior design recommends using 5-7 light sources per room. You can use the same principle for your home’s exterior! Your standard porch and garage sconces will only cover half your lighting needs. Don’t want to install fixtures on your home? Try using ground light sources like LED pucks or ground lamps! 
  • Create a story. Lighting lets you say more about your style– are you classic, magical, or dramatic? What about luxurious, mysterious, or modern? The outdoor lighting you use will help you create a unique view of your home, even in cookie-cutter developments. 
  • Incorporate safety. Start with walkway lamps, lighting stairs, or highlighting danger zones like pools or ponds if you’re having trouble knowing where to begin your outdoor lighting upgrade. Then you’ll cover the essentials and add some personality too!

Special note: Dressing up your home with light often creates light pollution. So keep your balancing act in mind if you’re a regular star gazer, and ensure that you can easily control when your decorative lights are on. Your local lighting showroom is a great resource for tricks to balance opposing needs!

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Galleria Lighting for advice on your project!

 

Smart Lighting 101: 5 Top Tools to Upgrade Your Smart Home

Smart Lighting 101: 5 Top Tools to Upgrade Your Smart Home

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Everyone talks about “smart homes,” but what does that really mean? While smart assistants are often the foundation of any smart home, they aren’t truly smart on their own. Smart lighting is another essential element of your smart home. It includes a wide range of electrical products that use software to interface with your smart hub to give you enhanced control, function, and flexibility of your lights.

We know it can be overwhelming sorting through all of the options available to you as you build your smart home. So, we put together this quick guide to some of the most popular smart lighting tools to help you get started!

Special note: Before you go out and purchase any smart light accessories, remember to check for compatibility. Each smart lighting tool is programmed to work with one or more smart home hubs or apps, like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomePod, etc. It will be much easier to keep track of everything if you can control them all from the same place!

  1. Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs are a great way to get the most out of your lighting. Smart bulbs are often color-changing or range in temperature. These bulbs will work with most standard lamps and light fixtures. 

Smart bulbs are typically LED bulbs and are also energy- and heat-efficient. In addition, they have a long life and are safer than fluorescent bulbs since they use a microchip instead of gas to create their glow. 

Smart bulbs can range in price, averaging at $7-$15 a bulb. 

  1. Smart Plugs and Outlets

You don’t have to change all your bulbs to get the benefits of AI and voice activation. Instead, you can plug your lamps into a smart plug or swap out the entire outlet! This will allow you to use multiple light fixtures or devices in the same place. 

Smart plugs simply plug into your existing outlet as an extension. Then you plug your lamps or other devices into the smart plug, and you’re ready to go!

Smart outlets take a little more work to install, but it’s definitely within DIY reach. While specific installation steps will vary slightly by your smart outlet choice– the basic installation steps are the same. Check out this YouTube tutorial to get a good idea of what you’ll need to do! 

Special note: Always be sure to follow the brand-specific installation instructions that come with your device. 

Smart plugs and outlets range from about $15 to $30 each.

  1. Smart Switches

Try replacing your dumb light switches with something smarter! Smart light switches help you to click through programmed light scenes so you can switch from day to night to entertaining light scapes at the touch of a button. 

Installation is as simple as swapping your current light switch for the next. Check out this YouTube video for a quick and safe installation. 

Expect to pay $25 to $45 amount for your smart switch. 

  1. Smart Bulb Bases

Another way to keep your existing light bulbs but enhance smart features is to add a smart base to your light bulb. Simply unscrew the light bulb, screw the new base on, and reinsert it into the light fixture. Now your bulb’s power is controlled by the base instead of relying on the light switch!

Smart bases won’t enable features to a bulb that isn’t designed for dimming, temperature, or color changes. But it will allow you to incorporate AI, voice activation, and remote reach from anywhere with your phone. 

You’ll likely pay between $15 and $30 for a smart bulb base.

  1. Smart Lighting Kits

Skip the hassle of buying individual tech with a smart lighting kit. These kits include several bulbs and other pieces of tech to get you started for a discounted price. 

These kits range anywhere from $60 to $200, depending on your selected bundle.

Need Help Creating Your Smart Home?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Galleria Lighting for advice on your project!

3 Top Tips to Boost Eye Health With Proper Home Lighting

3 Top Tips to Boost Eye Health With Proper Home Lighting

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Your eyes are responsible for sending about 80% of the total information that goes to your brain so it’s crucial to keep them healthy. While technology has made certain things better for our eyes, it’s also introduced new challenges.

And while it may be common sense that balanced lighting promotes eye health, what really goes into balanced lighting? First, we’ll explain how to create the best lighting for your eye health, then cover three main ways your home lighting habits may negatively impact your eyesight.

Ways Light Affects Our Eyes

Our eyesight is 100% dependent on light– the way it bounces around a space makes it possible for us to  see color, depth, and texture. Without light, there wouldn’t be any data for our brains to process. The quality of light you use has a big impact on your eyes – and your overall health – so getting the right types of light throughout your day is important. It can be a bit of a balancing act!

Bright light is essential to do good work– and working without enough light can strain or damage our eyes. Whether you’re reading a book, working at a computer screen, or slicing up veggies for dinner, you need lighting that supports your focus and subtle movements.

But dim light is also essential to eye health! Living with only bright light can seriously strain your eyes, particularly if you don’t decrease brightness in the evening. Top offenders include office fluorescents, overly powerful LEDs, and of course our phone and computer screens. 

Finally, we need a break from all light every day. Sleep resets our entire body, including our eyes. Dark spaces promote restful sleep, reducing dry eyes, itchiness, and vision-related headaches and increasing healthy eye nerves.

So how do you balance the need for bright, dim, and total darkness? And how does this apply to your home? Let’s dive into some specific tips.

3 Ways to Make Your Home Light Healthier

So, how customized does your home lighting need to be to pull off the perfect balance for your eyes? While high customizations are available, there’s no need to overdo it! By focusing on the following three categories, you can confidently know that your home has healthy lighting.

1. Screen Light

Screens are the number one culprit of today’s eyestrain and deteriorating eyesight for two reasons: the type of light and the proximity of the light.

All tech screens use blue light, from phones to tablets to computers. Blue light sends high-energy waves like the sun. This light spectrum shows true color and activates the brain to pay attention. So it’s typically a good thing that our screens use blue light.

However, shining that bright light at close range for eight or more hours a day can cause a lot of damage over time. To reduce the wear on your eyes from necessary screen time, consider the following tips:

  • Use task or bias lighting. Introducing additional light sources behind or next to your screen will help break up the contrast. Try adding lamps, improving your overhead light source, or sticking an LED strip around the back of your TV or computer monitor  to diffuse the light.
  • Take regular breaks. Experts recommend taking a screen break every hour for 5-10 minutes. Children should take more frequent breaks since their eyes are still developing. Kids should take a break every twenty minutes of screen time
  • Use blue light glasses. Blue light glasses help filter out harmful light waves and allow you to work longer, doing less damage.

2. Match the Light to the Room’s Needs

You use your kitchen, office, and bedrooms in a variety of ways throughout the day, so their lighting should change too! Otherwise you may accidentally strain your eyes with too much or too little light for what you need. With a bit of thought and a few simple tools, you’ll have your high-traffic areas perfectly prepared for all your needs, day or night.

  • Work Zones: Bright light is best for areas where you are performing skilled work. It will help you avoid mistakes and stay alert. So kitchens, offices, makeup tables, garages, and craft areas all need bright lighting. Make replacing current bulbs a priority in these rooms.
  • Resting Areas: Bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms are mainly for relaxing. Warmer, dimmer light is better for these locations. This will help you to give your eyes a rest, blend colors, and signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
  • In-between Places: You may have some spaces performing multiple functions. Bathrooms are a great example: you need bright light to get ready, but you also need a place to relax with a bath. Consider adding a dimmer switch in these rooms, or test out some color-changing LED bulbs that can be warm or cool with just the touch of a buttom.

Did you know that local lighting experts can help you get the right tools for your space? Bring your tricky areas to them to get help matching the proper lighting for your needs.

3. Types of Bulbs

Finally, let’s talk about bulbs. Your bulb selection will help you get the right balance for your eyes and avoid having them work too hard. Here’s a rundown of common bulb types and their effects on your eye health:

  • Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs): These twisted bulbs were trendy in the early 2000s as a domestic fluorescent option. However, fluorescent lighting is generally hard on eyes because it emits more UV rays. They also flicker at a high rate, so even though you likely won’t notice it, flourescents are associated with headaches and eye strain. So we’d recommend using another bulb first.
  • Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs are quickly phasing out as a non-efficient energy light. But, with no UV rays and low blue light emission, they’re “easy on the eyes.” So you could leave a trusty incandescent bulb in your favorite reading lamp!
  • LEDs: LEDs are highly customizable, meaning you can easily adjust brightness and temperature to help reduce strain on your eyes anytime. However, they emit quite a bit of blue light. They also flicker at a high frequency– it’s not visible to most people, but those prone to seizures may be triggered by too many LEDs. In general, LEDs are a safe option!
  • Halogen: Halogen bulbs are very bright, making them great for task and outdoor lighting. They’re also dimmable, making them more flexible than CFLs. However, they can get very hot and have been known to cause fires. Handle these bulbs cautiousl!

A little research will help ensure that you have the best bulbs, lumens, and temperatures for your family.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Galleria Lighting for advice on your project!

Kitchen Light Fixtures 101

Kitchen Light Fixtures 101

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Whether you’re building or renovating, understanding your lighting options and making smart choices will completely transform the way your kitchen looks and feels.

Keep in mind – your kitchen will look best with multiple types of lighting! One light overhead just won’t do the room justice – and it probably won’t give off enough light to cook safely. Your best bet is to go with a mix of ambient (overhead, general lighting) and task (specific to place or purpose) lighting to make your kitchen both beautiful and functional.

 Here’s a quick guide to the different types of light fixtures you’ll find in kitchens.

Pendants

Pendant lights hang down from the ceiling, and typically only have one bulb. They’re most often used over countertops like a kitchen island or peninsula. Pendants come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and styles.

Recessed

Many modern kitchens now include recessed lighting. Recessed lights give off great light without having a fixture in the ceiling that blocks the view and needs dusting. Recessed lights can be used all over the ceiling to create general ambient light, or placed over countertops to create task lighting for chopping and cooking.

Chandelier

While this look may not be for everyone, for those who love having some extra sparkle in their kitchen, a chandelier is an excellent choice. A chandelier is a light fixture that hangs down from the ceiling and has multiple lights that shine out and around the room.

Skylight

Okay, so this might not be a light fixture, but this type of kitchen light is unconventional in the best way possible. When combined with other light fixtures, a skylight makes a stunning statement that earned it an honorary place on our life. A skylight is, essentially, a window in the ceiling or roof of the house. It lets natural light flood into the room, filling it with bright white light. While they may only be “useful” during the day, they’re a beautiful addition to any kitchen. 

Under-Cabinet Lighting

These tiny fixtures pack a powerful punch! Mounting lights underneath your wall cabinets will brighten your countertops, making it an easy place to prepare food. They’re also a great addition for late-night snacking – they give off enough light to see in the kitchen without having to be blinded by the full power of the ceiling lights. Under-cabinet lights come in a lot of shapes and sizes – you can get small, individual lights like these, or strips of LED lights that give off an even glow. Many are battery-powered, so they’re easy to install – but you can also have them hard wired to a switch (our favorite option!)

Cove Lighting

If your kitchen has a beautiful coved ceiling like this one, adding a small strip of inexpensive LED lights around the interior of the structure can create a beautiful, high-end look for next to nothing. 

Ceiling Fan

While it may not be the first thing you think about when you hear “kitchen lighting” – a ceiling fan can be a great choice for the kitchen! It’s most commonly found in kitchens with high ceilings or in large great rooms (spaces that combine kitchen, dining, and living areas) to help keep air circulating and comfortable across the larger space. It’s also the perfect option for outdoor kitchens to help keep insects at bay while you’re preparing and enjoying your meal.

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Regardless of which fixtures you choose for your kitchen, as long as you make sure that your countertops are well-lit and the light levels are comfortable for the way you use the room, you should be in great shape to enjoy your kitchen for years to come. 

If you’re not sure which fixtures would be best for your kitchen, or if you need help arranging your fixtures in the best positions for your space, stop by our showroom and chat with one of our lighting specialists! We’ll give you expert advice tailored to your room and help you get on your way to lighting your home just the way you like it.

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Every Season

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20 Beautiful Front Porch Pictures to Inspire Your Seasonal Project

Your front porch is the perfect place for a seasonal refresh when you get the itch to redecorate! With some classic furniture and lighting and a few simple decor swaps, you’ll have a front porch that’ll make you want to celebrate every season.

Spring

The earth feels brand new when the last bits of winter finally melt away. It’s the best time to breathe some life into your porch. Exercise that green thumb, or fake it with some faux plants. Either way, flowers and greenery are the way to go when spring is in the air. 

This picture is a florist’s dream. Hanging many garlands may be a bit unrealistic, but adding a few flowery garlands (possibly on a railing) and a matching wreath would give a similar result without all the effort!

Flower beds are a foolproof way to add some seasonal color. These tulips and daffodils are spring staples. They’re perfectly positioned for height and dimension. Plus, a black pendant light like this is a classic element that’ll work regardless of the season! For proof, check out the same porch in our fall and winter section!

Window boxes are another simple way to liven up your porch. If your green thumb has turned a bit brown, pick some faux plants or flowers instead. Some faux plants look so realistic nobody will know the difference!

Hello yellow! The neutral green and white wreath make this yellow door POP! If your door is neutral, pick a wreath with bold colors to provide a stunning focal point. When the seasons change, simply swap out the wreath and replace the matching greenery.

A vibrant door and warm-toned wreath combo are the perfect spring-summer tie-in. With this pretty pendant light hanging above the door, this porch won’t go unnoticed no matter when you’re decorating!

Summer

Summer nights spent on the porch evoke the nostalgia of simpler days. Sprucing up your porch to fit the season will make you want to grab your favorite drink, cozy up with a book, and pass the time. No deadlines or stress will get in your way when your porch feels like summer!

Nothing says comfort like a porch swing, and this one is to die for. The warm wood tones of the ceiling and swing compliment the black paint and greenery beautifully. This homeowner also gets bonus points for the recessed lighting – a great choice! They blend in nicely without detracting from that gorgeous wood ceiling.

This All-American porch is what summer dreams are made of. The rocking chair is a classic piece of furniture the sconces will fit any season. With a porch lacking a roof overhang, they fit nicely and highlight seasonal decor. Throw in an American Flag for Independence Day and you’ve got a simple summer porch you’ll want to enjoy immediately!

Remember those window boxes full of flowers that died last season? It’s time to say goodbye. Head over to your local plant nursery and find some new flowers that’ll last in your climate. These cute flowers with the amazing green shutters are all the inspiration you need to get to work!

Every cozy porch has one thing in common – comfortable furniture! If you’re still using the stiff, sun-worn furniture you inherited from your Great Aunt Susan 10 years ago, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Pick something you’ll be making excuses to go outside and sit in!

Summer porch decor is all about the plants! These rosebushes over the architectural awning give a minimal touch of color that whispers summer. A dainty pendant is the cherry on top of this charming design. It’ll illuminate this gorgeous porch on summer nights and will transition to every season seamlessly.

Fall

These porches make us want to don our best sweaters, grab some apple cider, and head to the pumpkin patch! The crisp air and flavors of autumn are tough to beat, but these fall-inspired porches make it a close call.

Meet your new best friends this autumn: buffalo plaid, mums, and pumpkins! Throw in some subtle lanterns to tie in the sconces and a neutral wreath that coordinates with the gray pumpkins, and your porch is dressed and ready for sweater weather!

More is more on this porch. Give me all the pumpkins, hay, wheat, and leaves! Adding some lanterns with with candles was a great call here too. Instead of choosing candles that will burn out and need to be replaced, consider solar lighting that’ll charge during the day and light your way at night!

This porch is a mood. The dead hydrangeas that this homeowner somehow worked into their decor are a stroke of genius! The candles in jars add just the right touch of elegance. We’re ready for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, how can you not love this decor? This porch has just a touch of spooky season, but it can easily be switched out once October ends. Just tuck the jack-o-lantern away and replace the Halloween railing decor with a leafy fall garland, and you’ll have a Thanksgiving-ready porch in no time. The classic black finishes on the stairs, sconce, and door make this house easy to transition between moods and seasons.

The decor on this porch will have you heading to the pumpkin patch to get lost in a hay maze. This porch proves decorating doesn’t have to be complex. Use what you have! A watering can, a few pumpkins, and a hay bale are all great decor ideas for your fall-inspired porch.

Winter

Bring on the red and green, holiday music, and peppermint hot chocolate! The holiday spirit is alive and well on these porches. Nothing brings more joy to this season than a festive front porch.

Winter may be our favorite time of year to decorate for, but I guess we’re a bit biased. The twinkle lights hanging everywhere fill the whole neighborhood with magic. This porch is no exception! The potted and lit trees and walkway lights lead you to the door. The hanging pendant welcomes you in. You can’t help but feel the holiday spirit!

Pillars like these deserve to be wrapped in red and green. Garlands are a simple piece of winter decor anyone can find a use for! Adding in the red ribbon and festive wreaths dress this porch up for the holiday season.

This porch’s over-the-top creativity has us swooning. Hanging ornaments from ribbons next to the pendants is brilliant! Lights are incorporated throughout this design – from the coordinating pendants, the sconces, and walkway light to the Christmas lights and string of globe lights, this porch is a holiday masterpiece. Planted poinsettias bring the look together and have us dreaming of winter all year.

Decorating for the holiday season doesn’t have to be time-consuming or break the bank. Red ribbons on some existing potted plants (faux or real), an elegant wreath, and a garland turn this house into a cozy holiday home without having to battle with your attic storage year after year. This porch is just missing some sconces next to the windows with red ribbons to tie together the look!

Holiday decor is done right on this styled porch! If you don’t have evergreens in your yard to dress up, a few potted trees like these do the trick. Garlands and wreaths are holiday classics, but we love how even the smallest detail is accounted for. The chopped wood reminds us of a cozy fireplace ready to be lit. Even Santa’s burlap sack is ready for Christmas! As always, lighting is the icing on the cake. With some globe string lights and a white sconce that blends so your decor can be at the forefront, this porch is complete.

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No matter the time of year, your porch can be a safe haven from the chaos of the everyday. Seasonal decorating can help you feel at home as you move through the year, but don’t forget to invest in decor staples, furniture, and functional pieces that’ll last the whole year. Light fixtures with a black finish, for example, will look good and stand out no matter what season you’re decorating for! For some expert advice on creating a front porch that’ll illuminate your decor, give Galleria Lighting a call!

10 Creative Ways to Style Your Hallway

10 Creative Ways to Style Your Hallway

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Do you have a hallway that feels disconnected from the rest of your home? Does it feel like dead space that could be more useful or interesting, but you’re unsure what to do?

We get it. Hallways can often be long and dark and usually have little open wall or floor space. But that doesn’t mean it has to be dull, dead space!

This article will cover ten ways to brighten up your hall, so you can love walking through your entire home. Of course, not everything will fit in every hallway– but remember that great design is all about layering. Try mixing a few elements from this list to get a polished, inviting hall or entryway.

1. Paint

Changing up the color palette of your hallway is an easy way to create interest– without taking up space. You can paint the walls your favorite color, get an exciting runner rug, or install a cool light fixture. This strategy is sure to surprise your guests and make the walk to your room much more enjoyable.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Great for small spaces
  • Few tools and no special skill sets
  • Inexpensive

Need help choosing a color? Then use color psychology to match the vibe of where the hall leads. 

2. Patterned Wallpaper

If painting isn’t your thing, or if solid colors just won’t cut it – then try mixing it up with patterns! It’s a great way to add dimension to a room. Wallpaper is an easy way to refresh your walls (or doors) without needing much skill.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Endless choices, from minimalist to maximalist
  • Wallpaper selection for all skill levels
  • Faster than custom paint jobs

Renting? No problem! You can still customize your walls with removable stick-on wallpaper!

3. Wainscoting

If you want to look subtly expensive, then Wainscoting is a great route. Adding geometric elements with trim gives your walls texture and interest without complications. They’re especially great for stairways or hallways since they don’t occupy any floor space.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Few tools required
  • Materials are relatively inexpensive
  • Customizable dimensions for your space

Don’t want to buy a table saw for the project? Measure ahead of time, then have the pieces cut at the hardware store.

4. Mirrors

Mirrors are genius design elements. Playing with the style of the frame and the shape of the mirror gives you a lot of room to add personality to your walls, but the best part is that they can make any space feel bigger and brighter.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Fits available wall space– big or small!
  • Makes any space look larger by reflecting light
  • No special tools or skills required

Don’t have a lot of wall space? Then try finding small mirrors and hang them as a collection– art over function.

5. Gallery Wall

Even with a lot of doors, most hallways have a stretch where you can stash a mini-gallery wall. Class it up with sconces or track lighting, and then you’ve got a casual museum experience.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Easy to refresh
  • Frames provide a second level of design
  • Easy to customize and install

Switching out art with the seasons will add intention to your design and help your space reflect your mood.

6. Lighting

Play with the lighting of your hallway to take away the gloom of a confined, windowless space. This designer used a vintage pendant in the main hall with a complimentary sconce to create a cozy nook. These simple touches take the color palette and existing decor to round out “French countryside” vibes.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Updating builder-grade installs immediately elevates the space
  • Replacing existing fixtures doesn’t require professional skill
  • LEDs light baseboards for nighttime vision and a luxury feel

Did you know that LEDs and sconces can come with a plug? No hard-wiring required!

7. Console Table

Console tables solve so many interior design headaches. These narrow tables match any style while providing a catch-all for keys, showing off decor and collectibles, and more. Finally, try adding a lamp for a finished look.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Thin enough to leave walking space
  • Provides storage or decor space
  • Layer with art or mirrors above for an Instagram worthy configuration

Try flipping a thrift find to manage costs– a little TLC can give you a unique piece for a fraction of the price.

8. Rugs

Rugs are an excellent design option, even if you already have carpeted floors. They add texture, color, and pattern to your space. They can make the hall appear larger and protect the flooring underneath them! Get an extra high pile for a cloudlike experience on bare feet.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Easily fit any hall without taking up needed space
  • Switch out seasonally– no long term commitment
  • Find options on any budget!

Have you been itching to take a risk with color and pattern but can’t commit? Rugs seem to be an exception to the rules, so go for it!

9. Seating

Benches, chairs, or stools– a place to sit makes all the difference. Seating adds excellent functionality to your entry hall and offers a new design element at the same time. You can layer it with decor, position it under shelves or mirrors for layering, or even have it double as storage.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Combines design with function– get space for putting on socks or shoes
  • Layer with pillows or blankets for added texture
  • Use an armchair or stool in corners if there isn’t room in the walkway

Use the material of your seating for an unexpected surprise– metal in a soft space, velvet in a minimalist zone, or wood in an industrial realm.

10. Shelves

Great design is all about layering different elements. Floating shelves provide a place for new decor without taking up valuable walking space. You can play with the shape of your shelves for added interest!

Why you’ll love it:

  • From planks to grids to honeycombs – you can customize your shelves any way you like them
  • Need very few tools to hang them
  • Try corner shelving for tight spaces

Can’t find what you like? Try your hand with a TikTok or Pinterest-inspired DIY project!

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Having trouble choosing what to highlight in your redesign? The dedicated experts at Galleria Lighting can help you pick the perfect, show-stopping light fixtures for your design. Contact us today to get started on your grandmillennial refresh!