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Styles & Trends

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

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

by admin · Sep 22, 2020

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

This is where the beloved illuminated
mirror comes into play.

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

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

LED
Illuminated Mirrors

1. They Amplify Your Style

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

2. They Add Atmospheric Lighting

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

3. They Maximize Your Bathroom Tasks
for a Better Look

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

4. They Magically Defog Themselves

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

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

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

Visit us here.

Filed Under: 2020, Bathroom Lights, Styles & Trends

Are LED’s Worth the Investment? Let’s do the math…

Are LED’s Worth the Investment? Let’s do the math…

by admin · Sep 8, 2020

It’s a fair question! I’ve seen their ups and downs, so let me tell you my experiences with the bulbs. When one of the first PAR30 bulbs came out, one of my clients invested a small fortune filling every can light in his home with those bulbs.  Supposedly, they were rated for 50,000 hours (about 20 years of life), but within the first year, he’d already lost one bulb. The second year, two more bulbs burned out. 

The Evolution of LED

So are LED lights a bust? Hang with me for the rest of the story. Over the years that followed, the industry went crazy about LEDs and the progress was astounding. Infamous hot-to-the-touch energy-sucking halogen bulbs were replaced by clean, crisp LED bulbs.

Similarly, some LED fixtures, such as the standard A-19 lamp, even have a clever filament-imitation inside the bulbs. This way, they provide all the functional benefits of LED lighting, while still catering to traditional expectations of how residential-use bulbs should look.

Function and Form

But does that mean LED lights are all style, with disappointing results? Actually, thanks to a few more years of trial and error, today’s LED’s are reliable, affordable, very functional and save lots of energy. They decrease wattage use and offer options all over the Kelvin scale (varying light color temperatures).  Almost any fixture can be fitted for LED bulbs, and most manufacturers recommend them for new fixtures.

Let’s Check the Math Out

A traditional incandescent bulb runs at 60 watts and will last a year with average use in a home, and average energy costs nationwide add up to $.15 per kWh (kilowatt hour).  A typical American home has approximately 50 light bulbs and run an average of 3 hours per day, requiring roughly 270 kWh to power those bulbs and need to be changed every 6-8 months.

Check out the annual costs of incandescent bulbs in both a home. The results will surprise you.

Lighting Costs in an average Home:

Incandescent Bulb Cost

$1.50 ea bulb x 73 bulbs (based on average life) =

 $109.50

Incandescent Energy Cost

60 watts x 3 hours x 365 days x 50 bulbs=3.3 million-watt hours (3,285 kWh) =

$493

Total Incandescent Cost Per Year in a Home $602.50

LED Energy Costs

At home: 9 watts x 3 hours x 365 days x 50 bulbs = 492k watt hours (492 kWh) =

 $73.80 per year

LED Bulb Cost

$3.50 ea bulb x 7.5 bulbs (based on average life) =

 $26.25 per year

Total LED Cost Per Year in a Home $100.05

Average LED Savings

$502.45 per year

Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient, longer-lasting bulbs save you an average of $502.45 in a typical size American home. Larger homes, or homes where power cost exceeds $.15 per kWh would see an even more dramatic savings. Not to mention that LED bulbs usually last much longer than incandescent bulbs and will save you the cost of constantly buying new bulbs.

These bulbs have finally become what they were intended to be—beautiful, functional, long-lasting, affordable bulbs.  All the things you want in a light bulb! So, are LED’s worth the money? Now that we’re past their beginning stages… Absolutely.

Filed Under: 2020, LED Lights, Styles & Trends

QUICK TIPS FOR BUILDING A COZY BOOK NOOK

QUICK TIPS FOR BUILDING A COZY BOOK NOOK

by admin · Sep 1, 2020

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

inglenook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: 2020, Lamps, Styles & Trends

Read This Before Installing Smart Lights

Read This Before Installing Smart Lights

by admin · Jul 7, 2020

Imagine getting in bed and then realizing you forgot to turn off the light, but rather than getting up, you use a simple voice command, and all the lights go off. Or imagine you just finished watching a movie and the whole room is dark, but instead of hunting in the dark to find a light switch (and running your knee into your coffee table), you grab your phone and instantly turn on all your lights at the touch of a button. If that sounds like science fiction, the future has arrived, and it’s high time you invest in smart lighting. However, if you’re new to smart home tech, you might not know where to start. You might assume that starts with a smart light bulb, but there are other ways to add smarts to your lighting. So let’s break down some of the basic smart lighting options and help you step into home automation.

Installing Smart Lights In Your Home

Smart Bulbs

Many light bulb manufacturers have developed smart light bulbs. This is often one of the first product people add to make their home “smart”.  If you haven’t heard, a smart bulb is an internet-connected LED light bulb that allows lighting to be customized, scheduled and controlled remotely, usually through a smart phone app.

Smart light bulbs are a great option to achieve automated, remote controlled lighting. The biggest advantage for going this route is that light bulbs are super easy to install and most bulbs are compatible with your current light fixtures, and your preferred digital butler (such as Alexa or Google Assistant). With automatic compatibility, you’ll are able to control light bulbs by voice command and a smartphone app.

When trying to choose what smart bulbs to get, you need to know what your home’s lighting needs are. For example, if your home doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you will want to make sure your bubbles have a whiter color temperature so that they really brighten up your otherwise dim room. If you’re looking to save money on your utility bill (who isn’t?) then you want to be sure you get smart LED bulbs. Using highly efficient LED bulbs capable of yielding up to 20,000 hours of use while saving you money each month on your power bill.

A smart phone using a smart light app to automatically turn on and off light fixtures

Installing Smart Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs are super easy and screw right into the existing light sockets you currently have in your home. Once in place you connect light bulbs with an internet connection hub that then allows you to control the light bulbs through a smartphone or other device connected to your router. Once you have them you can then enjoy greater control over the lighting effects in your home and establish automated lighting schedules around your lifestyle.

Check out these smart bulbs

Smart Light Switches

Another option for smart lighting is smart light switches.Smart switches are a great way to make your lighting smart without the hassle of replacing every light bulb in your home. Smart switches are a great option that lets you control your lighting like before, but with some added benefits. With a smart switch, you can manage dimming and use a pop-out remote that will give you easy manual control of your lighting. The great thing about smart light switches is that they will be able to work with your current light bulbs and they make an entire fixture smart, with your current bulbs.

A white dining table with a chandelier and wall lights around it

Installing Smart Light Switches

Installing smart switches can be a little more challenging then light bulbs, but once installed they are not tough to use. If you don’t mind calling in an electrician and you want a fully integrated method of controlling the lighting throughout your home, it’s worth going all-in with smart switches. Light switches are a great option when you can’t find the right-sized light bulbs. Light switches can also be a great option when you have lots of light bulbs that would need to be replaced because it can save you lots of money. As said by The Inventory, “ a single smart switch is more expensive than a single smart bulb, but the bulbs can add up very quickly if you have a lot of fixtures in each room.”

Smart Lights with Our Products

No matter which way you choose to approach smart home lighting, you won’t miss wandering around your home to turn off all the lights before bedtime, or stumbling through the hall to find the light switch for a midnight snack.

If interested in getting smart lighting in your home, check out our website to find the perfect lighting. Our experts have lighting systems that measurably improve wellness and safety in your home. In addition to being the leading healthy lighting provider, we also have the best price, selection, and value for lighting as well. They have options for smart lights bulb and smart light switches. If you have further questions about smart lighting, come visit our store. We are happy to answer all your automotive lighting questions. Hope to see you soon!

Filed Under: 2020, Smart Lights, Styles & Trends

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

3 Bathroom Dilemmas We Don’t Talk About Enough

by admin · Jun 9, 2020

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

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

1. How to Hang: Up or Down?

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

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

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

2. Clear or Frosted Glass?

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

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

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

3. What Fixture Size Is Best?

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

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

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

Filed Under: 2020, Bathroom Lights, Styles & Trends

Why You Should Use Your Ceiling Fan All Year Long

Why You Should Use Your Ceiling Fan All Year Long

by admin · May 26, 2020

Ceiling fans are no new invention. Yet, despite their prevalence, many renters and homeowners are in the dark about how to properly use one. Simply turning it on and letting the blades spin might not always do the trick. Your ceiling fan is equipped with a special feature to keep you feeling great through every season.

In the warmer months, ceiling fans are commonly used to circulate the air in a space to keep it cool.

But did you know that there is a ceiling fan switch that can also work in the winter to keep you warm and toasty?

Here’s how to determine which way your ceiling fan should turn:

How It Works

It all has to do with fan direction. Setting the blades to rotate in different directions affects how the air in the room is felt. How can you make use of this feature? A small ceiling fan control switch on your is the key to changing your fan’s rotation. One setting rotates the blades clockwise, the other works for counterclockwise rotation. The fan direction can be determined by assessing its direction from a point of view while standing below it.

But how do you know when to use which setting?

Outdoor ceiling fan with tropical imprinted, wicker design with additional features including a switch for winter

For Cooling

In the summer, your ceiling fan should be set to rotate counterclockwise. This way, cool air is pushed downwards and causes a “wind chill” effect that makes your body and room feel cooler.

For Warming

In the wintertime, ceiling fans can be a great asset for warming the home. A clockwise setting (on the lowest speed) will slowly pull the air upwards (away from you) and towards the ceiling.  This pulls cool air up and displaces the warm air that collects near the ceiling when it rises. The warmer air this then pushed lower down, toward the floor, making the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat.

Simplistic 3-blade ceiling fan with control switch in modern, minimalist, neutral-colored living space

Energy Savings

With a simple ceiling fan switch, you can significantly reduce your energy costs. Because the ceiling fan only moves the air, it doesn’t actually change the temperature of the space. This explains the wind chill factor that results in your lowered body temperature with the breeze from your ceiling fan. If your air conditioner is set to a certain temperature and you are sitting under a fan in the hot summer months, your skin will begin to cool down without any actual change in room temperature.

When used in conjunction with air conditioning in summer, you can raise the thermostat 4-5 degrees with no loss of comfort and still save up to 30 percent on your energy bills And in winter, you can cut costs by up to 15 percent! That adds up to some serious savings.

Shop Our Store

Filed Under: 2020, Ceiling Fans, Styles & Trends

Lighting Design to Match Your Home: Modern, Traditional, and Transitional Lighting Styles

Lighting Design to Match Your Home: Modern, Traditional, and Transitional Lighting Styles

by admin · May 12, 2020

When Super Lite clients furnish a new home or upgrade their lighting, one of their main concerns is matching light fixtures to their overall design. After all, what kind of lighting look good with shabby-chic or modern farmhouse décor? It’s a valid question!

Just like fashion or interior design, lighting fixtures can be divided into general styles based on common qualities and trends. It’s worth looking into—knowing what general style you’re looking for can help narrow your search to only the fixtures that fit you best. Read on to learn more about the three main lighting categories: Modern, Traditional, and Transitional.

Modern

In architecture, it might look something like that. As for lighting, the modern style was born in the early 20th century and hit peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Modern designs are often minimalistic with neutral tones. Lighting fixtures, like the one below, incorporate straight, clean lines with a seamless flow. 

Popular materials are bubble glass and natural materials, such as wood and metal. LED integrated fixtures are also the epitome of “modern”. For further examples, browse the Stix Collection from Sonneman – A Way Of Light. Similar fixtures showcase minimally scaled LED linear pendants and wall bars in a variety of lengths, finishes, and lighting configurations. 

Traditional 

Traditional style lighting and design has staying power! Like the timeless architecture above, these light fixtures last a long time and never go out of style. Traditional design is typically more formal and ornate. These refined fixtures, like the one below, feature intricate details and thoughtful design. Often inspired by classic architecture, traditional lighting fixtures add sophistication, warmth and richness to a space.

Bronze, brass and gold are commonly used materials within traditional decor. Traditional style usually matches from room to room, blending consistently throughout the home. For example, this Lorainne collection from Savoy House features oxidized black metal rods, along with arms and lamp posts topped with soft white fabric shades. It’s airy yet eye-catching, polished yet playful.

Transitional 

Find yourself drawn to styles a bit more unique, yet not quite as minimal as modern architecture? Transitional style is extremely versatile and widespread, making it hard to define but easy to love. In essence, it’s the midway point between traditional and modern lighting styles. Transitional pieces are less ornate than their traditional counterparts, but not as streamlined and out of the box as modern fixtures. They combine the best of both worlds for a clean, comfortable, contemporary look. 

Like in the fixture above, neutral colors are popular here, along with fabric and wood. Brushed brass and black are common finish colors, like the warm brass in the Kearney Collection by Savoy House. These fixtures have gently rounded brass rectangles surrounding a vintage black candelabra. The four lights have clear glass covers and a warm color temperature. The look is clean and sophisticated, making it the perfect piece for a transitional home. 

Feeling more equipped to find your perfect fixture? Obviously, there are plenty of variations on these three main groups of design, such as: Modern Farmhouse, French Country, Mid-Century Modern, and Contemporary. If you’re interested in learning more about those styles, or anything listed above, give us a call! Super Lite is here to make home lighting easy.

Filed Under: 2020, Outdoor Lights, Styles & Trends, Wall Lights

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