Styles & Trends

7 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

by admin · Apr 14, 2023

Your living room shouldn’t be the only room in your home that showcases your style – it’s time to show your bathroom a little love too! Wondering how to get started? Here are 7 tips, and plenty of inspiring examples, to show you how you can transform your bathroom into a space that you can be proud of!

1. Use Striking Wall Colors

Coloring with contrasts make for a striking match with any vanity set. A simple, yet functional brass light fixture ties the whole look together, while still providing the bright light you need to get ready every morning.

Sometimes, simplicity makes for the best design. Matte black task lighting, bright yellow bulbs, and a textured black backdrop create a truly showstopping combination, adding a dramatic effect that’s sure to leave any guests talking.

2. Color-Coordinate Your Hardware

Make any vanity look luxe with gold features. Coordinate your drawer handles, faucets, and light fixtures for a put-together feel. Especially when paired with simple blacks and whites, these accents really shine!

This bathroom uses a brilliant geometric design as a wall accent, then simplifies the space with a clean-cut, over-the-mirror light fixture in a pretty accent color. The result is an engaging, but not overly busy, bathroom look.

3. Use Chandeliers to Make a Statement

Create a primping room fit for a Hollywood A-lister by using some surprisingly simple décor essentials: a classic vanity, glamorous chandelier, and patterned walls. The result? A bathroom with a touch of flair, lots of style, and a slight air of drama. We love it!

Want a more understated room with just a touch of glitz? You can still lounge in luxury as you soak beneath a dazzling chandelier.

4. Mix Natural and Modern Elements

Bring all of the soothing spa vibes to your own bathroom while still keeping it chic. Here, natural wood elements are balanced with sleek, simple light fixtures and mirrors that provide an understated modern touch.

This bathroom makes a great use of natural touches with wooden shelves and small potted plants. To top it off, the light fixture’s wavy, modern design sends an organic “go with the flow” impression that matches the tone of the room’s décor.

5. Choose Bold Color Accents

If you want a pop of color in your bathroom, but you aren’t willing to commit to a full accent wall, try colorful light fixtures! These red lights are a bright spot in a white room that draw attention and add style without being overwhelming.

If you’ve got some fun color elsewhere, like this vintage yellow toilet and sink, that’s great! This black fixture blends with the style and lets the colorful toilet and sink truly shine.

6. Embrace Classic Elements

If you’re looking for a simple, sophisticated bathroom, this one will suit your tastes. The vanity set and walls have subtle detailing, while the silver light fixtures boast clean lines and an elegant silhouette.

Here, a large, gorgeous vanity takes center stage. Combined with modest, shaded light fixtures, the overall effect is timeless and elegant.

7. Play Around with Interesting Shapes

Hoping to create a quaint, charming wash room? A minimalist vanity, pretty wall pattern, and small vase of flowers are a good way to start. The light is a beautiful finishing touch: it’s simple enough to highlight the other design elements, but the double-sided fixture is unique enough to add some extra flair.

In this bathroom, diamonds are everyone’s best friend. Flanking the mirror with unusual diamond-shaped light fixtures creates a distinctive, fashionable element, making this space seem subtly one-of-a-kind.

While the task lighting on each side of the mirrors is straightforward, it’s the unusual shape of the overhead lighting that commands attention in this modern bathroom. The overall effect? A bathroom that’s stylish, sleek, and unique.

Feeling inspired? Transform your bathroom into a space that’s truly yours with any of these simple tips. Whether you add an accent wall, a colored fixture, some interesting shapes or natural elements, we’re sure you’ll love the effect! Best of luck from us here at Super Lite.

Living Room Lighting and Interior Design: A Style Guide

by admin · Mar 31, 2023

When your living room needs an update, it’s easy to look to the obvious like replacing your couch or painting your walls. While these things are definitely important, don’t make the mistake of skipping one of the most crucial design elements in a space – your lighting!

Lighting can completely change the way a room looks and feels, and it affects how we interact with our spaces either for the better or the worse. For your redesign to really pull together, you need to make a plan for your lighting. Find ways to create “layers of light” with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Tailoring your lighting to the way you use your space will make your living one of your favorite places in your home.

Living room light fixtures come in a huge variety of styles and finishes, so no matter the style you’re going for, there’s a light fixture that will suit your space! To help you bring a new life to your living room, we put together this style guide for you with some stunning light fixtures in beautiful living rooms that are sure to get your creative juices flowing!

A picture containing indoor, floor, living, wall

Description automatically generated — *^{Photo by: Capital Lighting}*

Country Chic

Rustic rooms make the most out of simplicity and carry a certain quaint charm. It’s easy to make a room that already has a lot of wood details in it feel rustic, but if your space is lacking lumber, you can add it with your furnishings and fixtures! If you’re looking for a touch of that Country Chic vibe, look for fixtures made with natural materials like wood or iron, and stick to neutral colors on the shades.

A picture containing indoor, living, floor, room

Description automatically generated — *^{Photo by: Golden Lighting}*

Contemporary Cool

If antlers are really not your thing and you prefer your living room to feel modern and minimalist, look into contemporary light fixtures. The best way to get that contemporary vibe is with fixtures that are sleek and glossy, and composed of simple, clean lines. Geometric chandeliers and angular lamps mesh with a modern, contemporary style perfectly. Stick with neutral colors like black and white, then add some shine with metallic accents.

Eternally Classic

Sometimes you can make a space feel new by adding pieces that have been around forever. A beautiful piece of heirloom furniture is timeless and classic, like a little black dress or a bold red lip. Traditional lighting staples like an elegant, romantic chandelier will never go out of style! Want something smaller, but still eye catching? An antique lamp hand-picked from a flea market or inherited from grandma will help your living room tell a story that means something to you. Time-proven pieces blend well into many décor styles, and they give your space a richness in design and history that you just can’t replicate.

Beachy Brilliance

If you long for the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of sand beneath your toes, then you already know how the color palette of the sea is cool, calm, and relaxing. Bring that feeling home with you by going nautical with your living room décor. Decorate with coastal colors like whites, blues, and sandy tans, and find pieces and natural wood tones. A ceiling fan is a great overhead fixture that doubles as your own personal man-made sea breeze. Stick with neutral colors and natural materials for your light fixtures. Add a little visual interest with an unexpected material, like the gold trim on these pendant lights that’s a nod to the industrial lights on the wharf, or a statement chandelier made from natural materials like jute or glass.

Hollywood Glamour

You don’t need to be an A-list celeb to have a swanky living room! Make your space feel extra luxurious with silver, gold, or crystal accents. Be bold and add a gorgeous focal point that’ll wow your guests, like a sparkling chandelier that draws the eyes up and catches every shred of light. If an oversized chandelier won’t work in your living room, look for smaller overhead pieces with glitzy details and luxe lamps that will elevate your design and bring your living room to the next level. Hollywood Glamour is all about the bling, so don’t hold back! Find fixtures with reflective surfaces that will catch the light. Go big on statement pieces, and show off every inch of your space!

Artistic Flair

You have a creative spirit – why not apply your artistic vision to your home? Style your living room with unique, funky, one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you – and don’t leave out your lighting! You can find fixtures that have wild, one-of-a-kind shapes to suit any budget. Make a statement with sculpted lamp. Be bold with pops of bright color and fun textures. Your living room is the perfect canvas for you to make your house a home.

The sky’s the limit, so let your inner interior designer run wild and dream of the possibilities! When you’re ready to make your dreams a reality, make sure you use your lighting to take your living room redesign to the next level. Need help finding your perfect match? Visit our website to browse our options or call one of our locations for expert advice.

6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Backyard into an Inspiring Oasis

by admin · Mar 24, 2023

Whether your backyard is large or small, verdant or concrete, you want to make the most of your outdoor space by making it a beautiful and comfortable place where you want to spend your time. No matter what you have to work with, we’ve put together 6 suggestions that will help you make your backyard feel like a true oasis from the world.

1. Create cozy spaces

Make your outdoor space feel comfortable and inviting by adding soft elements to your space. Cushions and pillows made with durable outdoor fabric will add a pop of your favorite color to your space while also making it feel more relaxed and cozy. Boost the coziness factor even further with some candles or install some dimmable bulbs on your home so you can adjust the light level to get the perfect ambiance every time.

2. Protect your seating

Keep your outdoor space comfortable no matter the time of day or season by adding flexible shade and shelter. Look for a roller shade in a color you love, hang some outdoor curtains, or go for something like these umbrellas that can be raised or lowered and will keep you safe from the sun or rain. If you live somewhere where the winters get chilly, look for shade options that can also act as wind protection, like a trellis, awning, or an evergreen tree or shrub.

3. Hang some string lights

*^{Paclocska Yevheniia/Shutterstock.com}*

There’s a reason this inexpensive upgrade never goes out of style. A few well-placed strands of string lights will add a soft, dreamy light to your outdoor space and create the perfect ambiance for your late night summer BBQs.

This can be done by DIYers of any level! To get started, draw out your space and where you want your lights to be. If you want, you can add poles in the ground or attach them to your deck or fence to make extra places to hang lights, but this isn’t necessary! Measure how many feet you’ll need (add extra length if you want them to drape), and find a style you like. Don’t forget to buy zip ties or exterior hooks to hang them on! When you’re ready to hang them up, make sure you start on the end with the plug so that you get the right distance to your power source. This project is so simple that it’ll only take an afternoon to install them start to finish, then you can enjoy them all year!

4. Add a living feature wall

Create a visually stunning backyard space by planting a vertical garden feature wall! Look for hanging planters that attach to your fence, or secure small flower pots to a trellis. If you have a blank wall on your house that you want to transform, look for planters that can be installed safely right onto the exterior of your home! Plant some pretty annuals to get a pop of your favorite color, or stick to all green to make a statement. You could even mix in some container-friendly garden plants like strawberries or peas!

5. Upgrade your covered patio

This backyard glow up idea might require you to swap out your shovel for a screwdriver, but there’s no denying the way it transforms your space! Is that tiny little sconce by your front door leaving you in the shadows once the sun goes down? Are you constantly swatting at mosquitoes and gnats? Talk to an outdoor lighting specialist and ask them how to add an outdoor ceiling fan to your covered patio. You’ll be amazed at the way better lighting and airflow can transform your patio into a whole new living space! Outdoor ceiling fans are surprisingly affordable, and they’ll light your space while keeping the bugs and the heat away!

6. Simplify

If gardening isn’t really your thing, making your yard low maintenance is the key to being able to spend more time enjoying your space. Large open flower beds look beautiful, but they need hours of weeding each week to keep them looking pristine. Try filling in the gaps with gravel or pavers. If you still want more greenery, add potted plants. They’ll add life to your yard without all the extra weeding! When you’re finished, sit back and enjoy the cozy and beautiful oasis you’ve created in your own back yard.

In an age when so much of our world is online, it’s more important than ever to get outside and disconnect as often as you can! Bookmark this list of ideas, then turn your computer off, set your phone down, and go outside! Take a look at your outdoor space and see what you can do to make it a true oasis. Go ahead, get started! You’re gonna love how it turns out.

Let the experts at Super Lite help get you going! If you have any questions about how to get the light just right in your outdoor space, give us a call!

Before and After: 10 Stunning Bathroom Remodels That Will Inspire You

by admin · Mar 17, 2023

Whether you’re anticipating an upcoming bathroom remodel or simply brainstorming for a future day, this collection of bathroom remodels is sure to inspire! Below you’ll find bathrooms of all sizes, styles, and layouts. Some undergo a professional transformation while others are budget-friendly and DIY. Let the remodels begin!

1. Green to Pristine

This bathroom remodel cost under $100 dollars! This basement bathroom feels like new, thanks to some fresh paint, a plank wall, a quaint wire light fixture, and some homemade décor. Find more pictures of the project and how-to advice here.

2. Less Wall, More Light

These designers transformed a dingy bathroom by knocking down the wall between the toilet and vanity. The extra space lends itself to a well-lit, airy bathroom with a unique hanging globe, golden accents, and a clean wooden vanity.

3. Rethink the Pink

This too-pink tile was dated and dysfunctional– so a fresh remodel brings clean, white tile all the way up to the ceiling. Blue accents and a boxy bar light add some additional style to a totally new space! Check out how the homeowner’s daughter inserted some designs of her own in the process.

4. Wallpaper Power

Anything would have been an improvement in this unfinished space, but this homeowner went all out with a stylish vanity, bright patterned wallpaper, and two eye-catching sconces flanking the mirror. We love the bold look!

5. Chandelier and Atmosphere

In this professional makeover, an average bathroom becomes a something totally new. Raised double sinks and framed mirrors add functionality and flair, and the chandelier compliments the luxurious walk-in shower for an atmosphere of glamour.

6. Bland Whites to Bold Blues

This DIYer was bored with an all-white bathroom and found a solution in this navy, hexagon tile floor. The new black and white vanity basks in light from stainless-steel sconces, and the greenery balances and freshens the space.

7. Minimize to Maximize

With little available space and a little too much teal, this small bathroom felt cramped and outdated. Minimizing the vanity and eliminating the old cabinet storage created some much-needed space. A light coat of paint does wonders here with some modern sconces, adding much-needed light to the bathroom.

8. Eye-Popping Fixtures

This handy couple used a stunning black over-the-mirror fixture, along with a black curtain rod, to add a lovely sense of contrast in this bright, airy space. Décor and storage make all the difference here with wire baskets and floating shelves.

9. Wall Textures for the Win

These DIYers transformed their space by accenting their vanity and mirror with custom board and battens. The wall texture is incredibly refreshing, especially juxtaposed with bright towels and a dark, moody paint on the upper half of the wall.

10. Clean and Crisp

This walk through bathroom began with blaring floral wallpaper and insufficient light. A few budget-friendly fixes like painted walls, a repainted vanity and some updated décor transformed it into a very comfortable space.

Feeling inspired? We are! With a little planning and a lot of work, the perfect bathroom is always within reach. For questions about a new fixture or even how to pick a paint color that makes a room feel bright, call us at Super Lite. We love to make your projects easier!

Choosing the Perfect Ceiling Fan

by admin · Mar 17, 2023

When carefully chosen, a unique ceiling fan will add to your home’s beauty, value, and ultimately save you money. Whether you are shopping for your first fan or you’re updating an old-fashioned relic, the process can be enough to make anyone’s head spin. Fans should be functional as well as attractive, but it’s easy to get buried in all of the expert recommendations and lighting lingo. If you give up and just pick the first fan you see that matches your room, you could be setting yourself for disappointment. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when searching for the perfect fan to complete your space:

Location

Before you do anything, you need to decide which areas in your home need better airflow and temperature control. Every house has a room or two that’s always hotter than the rest of the house! Also, consider putting a fan in the spaces where you entertain. When you have guests over it’s nice to be able to get the air moving to keep your guests comfortable.

Looking for outdoor fans? Pay attention to the rating. Wet rated fans have a special coating to help avoid water damage and rust. If your fan may come in direct contact with ocean spray, rain, or snow, a wet rated fan is what you need. Damp rated fans aren’t meant to come in direct contact with water, so they’re better suited to covered patio areas.

Outdoor fans can be used anywhere, but you should never hang an indoor fan outside.

Size

Once you’ve picked the perfect spot for your fan, take a look at the size of the space it needs to cool. Is it for a smaller space like a bedroom, or a larger area like a living room with vaulted ceilings? If your fan is too large, it will overpower your room and make it feel like you’re in a wind tunnel. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to move the air in the room, which will leave you disappointed.

Ceiling fans are measured by the diameter of the blades, and there are a couple of ways you can figure out which size is right for you. The first option is to measure the longest wall in the room.

Wall Length	Fan Size
12 ft or less	36 in or less
12-15 ft	40-48 in
15 ft or more	52 in or more

The second option is to calculate the square footage of your room. Most manufacturers have recommendations right on the box based on square footage, so you’ll definitely want to know that number!

Square Footage	Fan Size
Up to 100 sq. ft.	18” – 42”
100 – 225 sq. ft.	42” – 52”
225 – 400 sq. ft.	52” and up
Over 400 sq. ft.	Multiple fans

Height

The next step is to find the perfect height to hang your fan, and it all depends on the height of your ceilings. So grab a friend and pull out that tape measure!

If you have high, vaulted, sloped ceilings, you’ll need a downrod fan. A downrod is the metal bar that separates a ceiling fan from the ceiling itself. It’s purpose is to move the fan to the sweet spot in a room where it can circulate the air the most effectively.*

Ceiling Height	Downrod Length
10 ft	12 in
11 ft	18 in
12 ft	24 in
13 ft	36 in
14 ft	48 in
15 ft	60 in
16 ft	72 in

*If your ceiling fan includes a light kit, reduce the length of the downrod by 12”

For more standard, 8-10 foot ceilings, you should look into a flush mount ceiling fan, often called a hugger. It does just what it sounds like: hugs the ceiling so the blades stay safely above the average person’s head.

Light Kit

Most – but not all – ceiling fans come with a light kit, making it a multi-purpose fixture. The blades circulate air and the light kit provides ambient light. If you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, double check your fan to make sure it comes with lights so that you don’t end up in the dark!

Style

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, you’re ready to find your fan. Ceiling fans are a lot harder to swap out that throw pillows, so it’s really important to pick out a fan that matches your style! Here are some things to consider:

1. Light shades: This is the hardware that covers the bulbs on the light kit. Some shades are clear, providing ample light, while others have a more frosted look to soften to the glow. They come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, so don’t be afraid to ask around if you don’t immediately see something you love at our showroom!. Our lighting experts can get you pointed in the right direction quickly so that you don’t have to waste hours of your life comparison shopping online!

2. Blades: Fan blades come in a variety of finishes, including black, white, natural, oak, etc. Many fans have double sided blades, so that you can try both options in your space and choose the one you like best.

3. Hardware: Fan housings and hardware typically come in metallic hues like brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or a painted color like black or white. Take a look at the other finishings in your room – if the handles and doorknobs in your room are silver, you probably won’t want gold hardware on your fan. Similarly, a sleek fan with black blades and chrome hardware would feel out of place in a country cottage.

If you see a fan that you love but the finishes are off, don’t be afraid to ask! Many ceiling fan models are available in more than one set of finishes.

Efficiency

Did you know that an inefficient ceiling fan will cost you money on your electric bill every month? To avoid this costly mistake, consider these tips:

Look for Energy Star rated fans. These fans can use up to 20 percent less energy, helping you reduce your energy bill.
Think airflow. An underpowered fan will need to be left on at all times to keep a room cool. An overpowered fan will use more energy than you need. Make sure your fan is properly sized for your space.
Change the blade direction. Nearly every ceiling fan will have a small switch near the blades that will change which direction they spin. In the summer, run your fan counterclockwise. This pushes air downwards, which creates a cool breeze in the room. In the winter, run your fan clockwise. This pulls air upwards, which pushes the warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the room.

Finding the right fan doesn’t have to be a headache. If you follow these steps, you can feel confident in knowing that you are choosing the best ceiling fan for your room.

Come on in and see us! You can check out your new fan in person before you take it home to make sure it’s exactly what you want! And our lighting specialists are happy to help you with any step along the way, from choosing to installing the perfect ceiling fan for your home.

5 Tips to Create the Dreamiest Porch

by admin · Mar 14, 2023

The front porch is an often overlooked space which is, in our humble opinion, a shame. A cozy front porch is a perfect refuge from any inside chaos. It’s the first thing a guest sees and a private place for an intimate conversation with a close friend or family. Here are some tips to help you create the front porch you’ve been dreaming about:

When in Doubt, Add Plants
Let Your Door Speak For Itself
Lighting, Lighting Lighting
Less is More!
Pick Comfortable Seating

1. When in Doubt, Add Plants

One of the simplest ways to level up your porch is to add some plants and flowers. Choose real plants if you have the time and motivation you to keep them alive or, if your thumb is less-than-green, just stick with faux. Either way, a little bit of green adds a lot of life and color to a house!

Throw a couple of potted ferns like these on either side of your door to add a touch of green without going overboard. Simple, but effective.

Look, we know not every house is blessed with beautiful draping greenery like this one, but who could resist this Secret-Garden-like oasis? If you’ve got a green thumb, this front porch is one to aspire to.

Flowers

If you want to turn the head of any passerby, flowers are the way to go. They add a pop of color and are a guaranteed way to brighten everyone’s day!

Potted flowers are a good solution if you have a minimal front yard or no flower beds. This porch’s flowers are to die for, but you don’t have to have this many for a stunning result! Even tossing a couple of pots next to your door can add vibrance and life.

Hanging flower baskets are a classic way to add some dimension to a porch. Choosing to hang flowers instead of having them on the ground can also save space so you won’t have to sacrifice the porch set you’ve had your eye on.

2. Let Your Door Speak for Itself

You can do a lot to dress up a front porch, but if the door is lackluster, you’ll be hard-pressed to make the rest of the porch shine. Whether you paint your door, replace the hardware, or replace the whole door with something more your style, don’t forget to give it some TLC!

Whoever picked the color on this door should be given an award! This minty green pops against the red brick, and the gold hardware ties the whole look together.

A simple wooden door can bring warmth to a neutral-painted house like this one. We love how the sconces match the hardware on the door of this home to create a cohesive look. Even the smallest detail is accounted for and we’re impressed!

3. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

Lighting is a simple way to take your porch to the next level. There are tons of options to choose from, but two of the most common (and effective) front porch fixtures are sconces and pendants. If you have a larger porch, you should also look into recessed lighting to give you more light.

Sconces

A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture that’s often used next to or above the front door. Picking the right ones for your house makes a big impact on your porch’s aesthetic and style. Check out how well these homeowners did!

These sconces have a rustic feel that contrasts beautifully with the white siding. They give this home just a spritz of farmhouse!

This sconce has a little more flair but is still a classic style you won’t need to replace when trends change. We also giving this porch bonus points for the fan above the rocking chairs! There’s nothing better – or more refreshing – than a cool breeze in the summertime.

This porch’s clean lines flawlessly match the sconces, giving the whole look a modern edge we love!

Pendants

A pendant is a light fixture with a cord or chain and usually just one light attached. They’re commonly used above a door in an entryway with a higher ceiling. Pendants are practical, but they also make a gorgeous focal point. Here are a few to inspire your next porch project!

The warm stone flooring on this porch needs some contrast to make it feel up to date. The black-finished pendant combined with the matching black door complete the whole ensemble.

This porch is timeless. A warm door combined with a simple, but elegant pendant is a classic combination to make any house feel inviting.

Pendants are incredibly versatile and work well in a number of locations – not just above the doorway. They’re also a great choice above porch furniture to create a comfy space for a leisurely chat with a friend.

4. Less is More!

Redoing your front porch can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. These simple porches prove that less really can be more with some expert advice!

There’s nothing prettier than a warm wood door and black shutters, especially on clean white siding. This porch has. it. all. Symmetrical greenery, gorgeous sconces, some simple furniture, and a fan are truly all you need to have a beautiful and functional porch.

If you have a small porch, using some hanging elements (pendants, flowers, etc.) will add dimension and will give you space for some furniture without sacrificing a beautiful result.

We love the creativity of this small porch! Since there’s no room for plants next to the door, this homeowner added greenery on the sconces. The arched window above the door is the prettiest focal point to bring together an elegant, but minimal look.

This porch looks bigger because of the reflection of the windows on the door. The rest of the space is also well-used. From the small plants placed on stands to make them look taller to the hanging pendant, every inch is accounted for!

5. Pick Comfortable Seating

There’s something nostalgic about sitting on the porch on a summer night – like an ode to the simpler times of days gone by. Picking comfortable seating will make you want to sit on your porch, reflecting and enjoying the simplicity of the moment.

Porch Swings

There’s nothing more soothing than the back-and-forth motion of a porch swing!

The cozy cushions and pillows on this swing make it the ideal spot to snuggle up with a blanket for an autumn nap or to curl up with a book.

This swing lends itself perfectly to a conversation with a friendly neighbor, family member, or friend.

Rocking Chairs

Make the most of warm spring and summer days by relaxing on a rocking chairs with an ice cold lemonade sitting on a table beside you!

Rocking chairs are a comfortable seating option, but they take up less space and aren’t quite as permanent as a swing. The pillows on these pretty white rockers tie in the shutters on the house and are the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of nature.

Rocking chairs are simple and inviting whether they’re styled or not. We love the idea of watching the neighborhood kids ride their bikes, watching the dogs be walked, and seeing the world slow around you as the sun sets from the comfort of your rocking chair.

Don’t let your front porch fall by the wayside any longer! When you’re ready to get to work creating the porch of your dreams, give Super Lite a call. We’ll give you all the tips you need to make your dreams a reality.

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

by admin · Mar 13, 2023

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Super Lite for advice on your project!

« Previous Page