2020

Ready For An Upgrade – Try a Remote Controlled Ceiling Fan

by admin · Apr 25, 2021

Do you love the benefits you’ve received from your traditional ceiling fan, like increased air circulation or more cost savings per month– but feel ready for an upgrade? A remote controlled ceiling fan, just might do the trick in helping you reap all of the rewards one can offer.

When it comes to home design, a ceiling fan can be at the center of attention as many are now both functional and aesthetically compelling when compared to other lighting fixtures. You won’t have to trade beauty for function, as they are equally important in defining the design of your home. There are some great additional functional benefits to a ceiling fan with a remote.

The Benefits of Remote Controlled Ceiling Fans:

Convenience and Ease of Use

Though you may not know it, most ceiling fans can be adapted to work with a universal fan remote purchased after the fact. However, technology, designs, and engineering have now made it possible for most to come with their own unique ceiling fan remote control. Either way, having a remote to quickly change the speed, adjust the dimmer, or set a timer will make it easier to use. Don’t worry about fan pulls and pulling them one too many times any more.

Gone are the days of getting up off of your couch or out of bed to flip the switch and turn off your fan. Just program or install a remote and fully control your lighting or fan fixture. With minimal effort, you will have one of the conveniences of living in the 21^stCentury.

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Monochromatic, modern greyscale living room with two five-blade ceiling fans

Added Comfort

Ceiling fans can provide a bit of nostalgia, as your childhood home probably had one if not multiple fans. Making your home comfortable by installing a ceiling fan and connecting you to your roots, especially one with a remote, will add coziness and a sense of warmth.

Ceiling fans come equipped with a variety of features including a rotation switch, different speeds, sometimes attached lighting apparatuses, and can naturally cool or heat your home.

Temperatures tend to fluctuate making it difficult to get comfortable. Having a ceiling fan can help circulate the air and leave it eight degrees cooler in the summer months. Later in the year, reverse the direction of the fan and it will pull the heat upward making the entire space feel cozier.

Not all houses have the same ceiling height, but lucky for you there are a variety of ceiling fan designs, sizes, and models – all providing the sole purpose of adding comfort to your everyday living situation.

If your ceiling is less than nine feet, a flush mount ceiling fan might be best so guests or family members don’t bonk their heads as they enter the room. Another variegated style is a ceiling fan with light – a win-win situation. Both of these designs have the ability to be adapted to work with remote control. The number of blades on a ceiling fan does not have any significance but can influence your overall feel. Simply find a ceiling fan to best fit your home décor and comfort needs.

Traditional ceiling fan with wood blades, dome light, and pulls

Luxury or Necessity?

You might be thinking a remote control ceiling fan is for those who seek a luxurious lifestyle, but to be honest it can be a fixture for everyone. A ceiling fan could become helpful in a variety of situations, and even be a necessity.

Elderly People– The elderly to utilize their lighting fixtures and not risk falling. Getting up and moving around might create a risk for them, and this could help ease the difficulty. A ceiling fan remote control can also assist them in utilizing features they normally could not.
Task Lighting or Specialized Activities– Whether you are completing a specific task, chore, or activity around the house and want less air circulating instead of interrupting your focus by getting up and altering the fan speed, simply use a remote.
Young Children– If having a ceiling fan scares you because you have small ones who like to jump around and pull the fan pulls, altering the function and operation of the ceiling fan can minimize or remove the risk.

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Sleek, modern ceiling fan in black matte finished mounted in a neutral living space

Adapt and Install

Upgrade your traditional ceiling fan and turn it into luxury accessory, by making it work through a remote control. Installation is simple and easy and you will be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Most universal fan remotes available on the market work with a variety of brands.

At Super Lite, we have lighting specialists available who can help you discover what fan will work best with your home décor, which remote control fan kit to purchase, or the perfect size of fan for your favorite room.

Although there are options to integrate the remote control of a ceiling fan with smart home technology via your hand-held device, we recommend sticking to a ceiling fan remote control. Having a separate remote just for your fan will allow you to control it without messing up the frequency of your other devices.

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Everything You Need to Know About DIY Track Lighting

by admin · Jan 12, 2021

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.

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!

4 Keys for Successful Stair Lighting

by admin · Dec 22, 2020

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 Super Lite with any questions about how to get started on stair lighting!

Timeless VS. Trendy: Which Works Best In Your Home?

by admin · Dec 8, 2020

Keeping up with trends, whether commercially or only as an observer, can be a fun hobby! There’s so much variety, beauty, and class in this world. However, trends in fashion, décor, and even lighting, revolve quickly. If you’re thinking of replacing a more permanent part of your home, such as the flooring, plumbing, or lighting, it’s tricky to be trendy and timeless at the same time.

So how do you decide? Should you choose the latest look, with all the “Ooh”s and “Ahhh”s it’ll bring? Or should you be conservative and avoid something you’ll regret in 5 years? After all, tiny details can date a home. You know, wallpaper from the 70’s, pink tile in the 80’s, burgundy and forest green from the 90’s, bronze and faux finishes from the early 2000’s…

There isn’t one right way to go about this, nor is there one easy answer to the “trendy vs. timeless” debate. However, here are a few things to consider.

It’s Not All or Nothing

You may love some of the styles that have withstood the test of time: subway tile, herringbone (fabric and flooring), or wood floors. That’s great! On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that you can’t also incorporate this year’s hot paint colors and some trendy macramé hangings into your décor as well. Don’t try to decide everything at once, and don’t base all your decisions off of one piece of your home.

Consider Your Resale Plans

There are some cases when it’s better to choose trendy décor and finishes, even if the current trend is not your personal favorite. If you’re building a new home, remodeling, or flipping a home with any intention to sell soon, go trendy. Homes that are on trend show well and sell faster.

Avoid Over-Decorating

Though you could argue that “minimalism” is a trend in itself, we’re convinced that good use of space is timeless. Though it can be tempting to fill every shelf or cover every wall with your latest finds, an over-decorated, crowded space diminishes the artistic effect of any style. In addition, it’ll be easier to update your look later if you have few, carefully chosen accent pieces that can rotate with the next trend.

Be Smart About Trendy

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have unlimited time and funds to remodel the kitchen or buy a new couch every time popular trend takes a new direction. However, there are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to make your space trendy and new. Here’s a list of our favorite ideas!

1. Change an indoor paint color. Indoor paint runs its course in about 5 years, so it makes sense. You could even start with a small room… less time, big reward!

2. Rotate your rug or change it altogether. Rugs have a natural knap to them depending on how they are woven. A quick rotation may surprise you with a significant difference.

3. Update your throw pillows on the bed and couches. It’s a quick, cost-effective change!

4. Especially during the winter, add a plant or some kind of earthy décor element to bring a natural, refreshing feel to your space.

5. Switch out some art. Frames may be pricey, but prints usually aren’t! Buy a new family photo, modern print, or custom piece of art to freshen up your frames

6. Replace a key lighting fixture. In addition to updating your look, switching to new bulbs will save you money on your utility bill. Check out our catalog for some good recommendations!

7. Buy new dish towels or dinnerware. An extra pop of color can change the atmosphere in the kitchen or add some extra fun at dinner.

Make Your Home Your Own

Trends will come and go… And traditional styles? Even there, there’s a ton of variation! Contemporary. Transitional. Rustic. Vintage. Urban. Eclectic… no matter the style, take the time to create a home environment that speaks to you. If it suits your needs and appeals to your unique style, it’ll be timeless. Best of luck from Super Lite in your decorating adventures!

6 Crazy Ways Lighting Affects Your Health

by admin · Nov 24, 2020

Bright, natural lighting can contribute to alertness and increased energy in the mornings, or any time of day. Of course, it does the same at night, so it is best to avoid bright, overhead lights when it’s time to rest. Darkness and warm dim lights, especially at eye level, mimic the natural rhythm of the sun and notify your brain that it is time to slow down, so they’re a great tool to use in the evening hours.

1. Excessive Blue Light Can Lead to Sleep Deprivation and Stress

All lights have a color rating that ranks them on how much warmth (reddish, yellowish lights) or coolness (blue or white lights) they emit. Our bodies respond differently to each, but blue lights are especially worth mentioning. While exposure to blue light can provide a much-needed energy boost during the day, it also makes it much harder to sleep at night. Exposure to blue light from smartphones, laptops, and even low-quality bulbs in the hours before bedtime suppresses the bodies’ production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, which can make it harder for us to drift off to sleep.

Though it’s difficult to achieve a consistent sleep schedule, sleep-deprivation has a whole host of emotional and physiological side effects, from impaired judgment and heightened stress to higher blood pressure. To avoid this and protect precious sleep, consider using indirect or accent lighting at night, or perhaps installing a dimmer to make your main light adjustable. Whenever possible, limit screen-time before bed to reduce your exposure to blue light for a better night of sleep.

2. Warm Lights Enhance Relaxation and Mood Regulation

Just like blue light from screens can keep you awake; warm lighting can aid relaxation and emotional regulation. In one study, participants experiencing anxious feelings calmed down more quickly in rooms with warm, cozy lights, as opposed to rooms with bright, blueish lights.

The principle applies equally in your home, which is why residential spaces most often use bulbs between 2700k and 3000k. Lights in this Kelvin range (the ranking of light color) are warm and relaxing, well-suited for your everyday environment. Lighting your spaces with lamps, dimmable lights, and layers of lights can enhance this even more, allowing you to control the quantity of light as well as its calming color.

3. Poor Lighting Worsens Depression, Vitamin D Deficiencies, and Migraines

We’ve all heard that poor lighting could cause eye damage, especially when reading, but what other effects can poor lighting have on us in our homes? Inadequate light can irritate existing conditions such as depression and vitamin D deficiencies, while proper lighting is known to improve mood and energy levels.

Surprisingly enough, insufficient light is not the only health-related lighting hazard. Overly bright, harsh light can be similarly detrimental to mood and productivity since it often triggers headaches and migraines.

4. Glare Causes Poor Eyesight and More

As stated above, many are already aware of the danger that dim lights have for our eyesight. What most underestimate, however, is the similar risks posed by reflected light and light glare. Blazing overhead lights, badly positioned spotlights, or reflected lights from screen can increase irritability, drowsiness, headaches, and double vision.

This obviously varies based on eye conditions, exact lighting configurations, and more. However, next time you flip that switch, it would not hurt to ask how that lighting makes you feel, and if different lighting might be more helpful for productivity and positivity.

5. Natural Light Increases Work Productivity

Research on office lighting and employee productivity provides great insight into personal and professional productivity. Natural light, and lots of it, helps to create the happiest, most productive work environment, while dim lighting can decrease work productivity. Working in a room with dim lights can cause eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness, all of which interfere with typical tasks.

Life has plenty of complexities, and a house full of perfect light bulbs obviously cannot solve all of them. What proper lighting can do, however, is eliminate visual stresses from your environment and send the right signals to your brain, helping it do what is best for you.

Lighting done right increases energy and productivity, not to mention relaxation and mood regulation, while bad lighting can interfere with sleep and worsen depression and migraines. For any questions about how to light your home and maximize health through lighting, call our experts at Super Lite. We are committed to your well-being and we are confident we can help.

6 Simple Hacks for Perfect Kitchen Pendants

by admin · Oct 13, 2020

The kitchen is not only one of the most functional rooms in the home, but it’s also a central place to express your style! Kitchen lighting should combine excellent functionality with equal flair, and there’s no better way to do that than with pendant lighting. Here’s an in-depth guide of 6 vital principles to help you choose and hang the perfect pendant light in your kitchen.

1. Quantity

Odd numbers make for natural design groupings, so aim for odd groupings of lights when you hang pendants. Consider each kitchen area separately, creating one group over the kitchen island, another over the sink, and a new one in other unique areas of your kitchen. You’re the boss here—so break the rule here if you think two lights are better than three.

2. Scale

Hang something too big, and it will encroach on needed space. Hang a fixture that’s too small, and it won’t provide enough functional light or stylistic pizzazz. The edge of a pendant fixture should hang 6” from the outside edge of the island, with appropriate space between pendants.

Tall ceilings can handle a larger pendant, so if you’ve got vaulted ceilings, consider choosing a fixture with extra height and bulk to capitalize on the grandeur of your ceiling. If you’re debating between several good options, bigger is better!

3. Light Output

Some finishes, like chrome or polished nickel, are reflective and seem to ‘disappear’ when the lights come on. Other finishes are bold, providing high contrast against kitchen cabinetry. Most fixtures come in multiple finishes, so decide if you prefer architectural and bold, or a light floating feel.

Even better? You don’t have to match the finish of the fixture to your kitchen hardware. Consider the colors in your kitchen—appliances, flooring, décor, accent pieces. If your kitchen has gold knobs and a dark hardwood floor, those tones easily justify a gold, bronze, black, or even two-tone fixture! Don’t limit yourself here.

5. Style

The kitchen island is a great place to define the style of your home, so be daring! If you’re decorating your forever home, hang a pendant you really love. If you plan to resell, consider hanging a trendy, popular fixture that will appeal to the largest group of buyers later.

Whatever you hang, avoid an awkward look by hanging your light at the correct height. The bottom of the fixture should sit 30-36” from the top of the counter to best emphasize the beauty of your pendant and preserve needed space.

6. Function

Light output is one element of a pendant’s functionality, but the styling and shape of the light also have significant impact. Open and airy fixtures lighten the look of the kitchen, creating negative space and emphasizing kitchen openness. They spread light more generally throughout the kitchen.

Opaque, metal fixtures create solid, positive space that fills in gaps and draws the eye. This solidness directs the light downward and brightens usable counter space making solid fixtures better task lighting than glass ones. Both options are good, but some will be better for your needs than others.

With such a wide array of pendants to choose from, you’re sure to find one that works for you! Compare your top favorites for their functionality and flair, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Super Lite with any questions.

Dark Sky Lighting: Mysteries Revealed

by admin · Oct 6, 2020

When was the last time you really saw the beautiful night sky? Was it in your backyard last night or your last camping trip? Too often, the breathtaking night sky is just a summer memory, overshadowed by street lamps and light pollution.

That’s where Dark Sky lighting comes in. Dark Sky outdoor lighting is designed to point the light towards the ground and not up into the sky, where it can contribute to light pollution. In fact, a growing number of communities are now introducing dark sky ordinances that require dark sky outdoor lighting with specific types of reflectors, shields, cut-off angles, and bulbs.

Seem drastic? You’d be surprised how far-reaching the effects of overly bright outdoor lights can be. Not only do they add to light pollution and make it difficult to enjoy the stars, but they also disrupt the natural cycle of nocturnal animals. Excessively bright lights can also cause “sky glow”, an unnatural, manmade illumination of the sky that resembles smog.

Luckily, Dark Sky lighting is becoming increasingly common, and there are plenty of ways to transform your outdoor lighting to meet these new guidelines. Start from scratch with stylish, efficient new fixtures, or try some of the tips below.

Consider adding a motion sensor on your outdoor lights. It’ll turn on the light when needed and turn it off automatically when it’s not.
Instead of a new fixture, try a new bulb. Decreasing the lumens of outdoor bulbs makes for better night lighting, since it illuminates the area only as needed.
Consider shading your outdoor fixtures, blocking light from entering the sky unnecessarily. You can also point your fixtures at the ground to increase the accuracy of the light.
Avoid using light that crosses property lines. This can detract from property values and irritate neighbors, so try to be considerate by angling lights away from neighbors’ fences and windows.

Make your nights clearer and your lights smarter by investing in Dark Sky lighting. Not only does it protect the environment, it boosts your efficiency and saves you money. Not a bad deal, right? So give it a try and go enjoy those stars.