Lighting Universe: The Name Says It All

When you’re looking for light fixtures for your home, it’s best to look at a large selection, so you know what’s out there, and make an educated decision when choosing what you want.  Lighting Universe acts as a liaison between the light manufacturers and the seller, bringing many options and prices together for you on the same page.

If you’re looking to buy a new chandelier for your dining room, you probably have a general picture in mind of what you want; you just have to find the perfect one.  You can spend a lot of time and energy, running from store to store to find what you’re looking for, or you can do the serious shopping from the comfort of your home. With the simple click of the mouse, you can have all of the options neatly laid out for you, including their prices.  In the Lighting Universe website, everything is divided into categories, so you can easily find what you’re looking for.  If your personal taste is traditional or contemporary and modern, Lighting Universe has a large selection of each kind. 

Whether you’re looking for lights for the interior of your home or exterior, Lighting Universe has a big selection of both.  For the indoors, you can find lights for your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc.  The site will introduce you to new and different styles and designs and give you ideas on how to light up your home.  For the outdoors, the Lighting Universe offers decorative, security, and flood lights, among a host of other options.  In short, just about any kind of light you’ll need, you can find on their website. 

Another perk about this site is that they offer free shipping.  This means that you pay for the cost of the lights only.  They also carry many of the name brands, so you know you’re getting quality merchandise.  The website is easy to navigate thereby making the selection process as easy as possible.  If you read the Lighting Universe reviews, you will see that most customers are very satisfied with their selection, prices, and prompt service, but some complain that if the actual product is not to their liking, returning it is not a simple process. 

No matter if you are looking to light up a small closet or an entire landscape, Lighting Universe will offer what you are looking for. Assuming that you make sure you are going to like what you order, you will be pleased and satisfied when you find the perfect fixture with minimal effort and expense involved.

Outdoor living space is becoming very popular and more customized than before. Outdoor patios can be beautifully decorated with simple pop up gazebo, rattan garden furniture and patio lights to highlight special outdoor event. Patio lighting makes the yard and patio a safer place to be at night. There are different types of patio lighting such as deck lighting, step lighting, fountain lighting, moon lighting, silhouetting, and shadowing.

Deck lighting is a good option to highlight or spotlight any elevations, edges of the deck, or drop-offs. This way deck is decorated beautifully as well as made safe. The light fixtures can be concealed on vertical posts, beneath railings, and beneath benches. Step lighting allows the guests to navigate through yard or steps in safety. The lights can be placed beneath railings, recessed into steps, or on posts.

Different patio light fixtures can be used to highlight fountains. Underwater lighting gives great appeal while colored lights add more fun to the fountain. Mirror effect can also be created on the fountain by placing lights behind the shining or reflecting side of water. Moon lighting is another effect created by placing lights on a tree and illuminating them downwards. The light gets filtered through branches and looks like moon shining down.

Shadowing is a technique, where lights are used to highlight interesting shapes in the garden such as sculptures and structures. In this method, light fixtures is placed in front of the shapes or planted below the shapes to create shadows of the shapes. Different arrangements create different sizes of shadows. Silhouetting is a technique used to highlight the shape of the structures or items. Here, lights are placed behind the structures and shined against the vertical surface like walls.

Before selecting the patio lighting, the lighting goals of the chosen area should be reviewed. Patio lights must be safe and should also create a beautiful environment. The lighting needs of the area should be evaluated and tripping hazards and traffic patterns need to be analyzed. Chosen patio lights must enhance and match the color scheme of the patio. There are different types of patio lights such as patio string lights, patio party lights, patio umbrella lights, and patio solar lights.

String lights are the cheapest option and they are very easy to install. Party lights are available in different design such as cherry blossom paper lantern and bamboo paper lantern. These lights can be fixed temporarily or permanently. Solar lights use solar power and these lights give minimum light. You can find a wide selection of patio lighting and other light fixtures for around the home at Lighting Universe.

One popular way to save money on utility bills is grandma’s demand to “turn off the lights!” And so a lamp that uses only 5% of the power of a conventional type has us dreaming about dramatic reductions in electric bills. The LED GU10 is one such light bulb. So how much actual cash will you save by using this new technology?

If you burn a 25-watt night light 24 hours a day, and use two 60-watt traditional lamps for 6 hours every evening, the average cost to power these is ten cents per day, or about three dollars per month. So switching to lamps which only use 5% of the power will lower that cost to about fifteen cents per month. Of course, many people use more than two or three lights. And if you use constant light for security, landscaping or spotlighting art works within your home, you may enjoy substantially higher power savings by switching to LED GU10 bulbs.

Furthermore, these new led lamps are built to last, with many having a life expectancy of over 20 years. How many regular types would you use in 20 years? How many are unusable when you bring them home from the store because the filament has broken from vibration during transport?

The longevity of GU10 LED lighting can be very attractive in fixtures that are hard to access, like track lighting on a high ceiling. It’s no fun to change high lamps every few months. This is especially true if a bulb should become cross-threaded and stuck in the fixture. There you are, teetering precariously on a high ladder and can’t get the lamp out of the socket. And if you put too much pressure on it, the bulb shatters and you have to deal with tiny shards of extremely sharp glass as you continue to try to remove the bulb from the socket. This innovative new type is designed to eliminate this potential problem in several ways. First, the gu10 socket is not threaded, so it can’t cross-thread and become stuck. Second, it isn’t as fragile as the conventional glass bulb. And finally, the long life of this type means you may only have to replace it once every twenty years or so.

Finally, this new lighting technology offers several environmental advantages. Besides lower power consumption—and every little bit does help—the long life and sturdy design significantly reduce solid waste from broken and burnt out bulbs.

So while you may not see a dramatic reduction in your overall power bill, you will enjoy significant advantages by switching to these innovative new bulbs. You can find them in online stores such as Lighting Universe, as well as your local hardware shop.

Grow lights have been used for some years now to improve plant growth by mimicking natural sunlight. Over the past couple of years though, LED technology has been getting in on the act and seems to have caused a certain amount of controversy and confusion, with assorted claims and counter claims about how good “LED grow lights really are.

One thing is certain however, and that is the fact that LED lighting is without question the most efficient form of lighting ever invented. Conventional incandescent type lights, such as high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, generate vastly more heat than light per unit of electricity consumed. LED lights lose very little energy as heat and in fact remain only very slightly warm to the touch even during continuous use.

However, what really marks out LED lamps from all other kinds of grow lighting is the ability to very precisely target quite specific wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. Conventional grow lights, by contrast, spread light fairly uniformly over the entire spectrum instead.

This means that not only do traditional grow lights waste electricity (and thus also money and precious resources) generating more heat than light, but most of the actual light they do produce also goes to waste. How so? Because plants absorb the vast majority of the light they need for photosynthesis from just two zones – one in the red part of the spectrum and one in the blue. They neither need, nor benefit from, most of the rest.

These specific features – accurately targeting specific wavelengths of light and using/wasting very little power – quite understandably caught many plant growers attention. Improved performance combined with reduced costs is always going to represent the Holy Grail in any field.

But the good news doesn’t end there. An interesting corollary to giving off virtually no heat is that the lights can be placed much nearer to the plants. Why is this a good thing? In a nutshell, because of the Inverse Square Law of light which states that each time the distance from a light source is cut in half, the amount of light received increases by a factor of four. In other words you can wring even more performance from LED grow lights simply by moving them much closer – not something that is possible with HID lamps since the heat would damage the plants.

LED lighting continues to tick boxes when you consider longevity and maintenance. You should expect to get over 50,000 hours useful life from LED lights – that’s about 10 years continuous (18 hours a day) use. HID bulbs will last maybe a year and you also need to be physically replacing two sets – metal halide to create blue light and high pressure sodium for red.

So one has to wonder why there should be any kind of dispute at all. Surely LED grow lights represent a great step forward in this field? Well, yes actually, they do; but that’s not the problem. The issue is one of perception, or put another way, comparing apples with oranges.

All new technologies attract bootleggers and predators capitalizing on the naive. The fact is that modern, well made units using individual LEDs rated above 1w each will match any HID light – such a device using say 100 LEDs and thus with a total consumption of 100 watts is a good replacement for a 600w HID.

Compare this with a typical “low cost” panel using 225 LEDs but drawing just 14 watts. Sounds great doesn’t it – all those LEDs with very low energy consumption. A quick tap on the calculator however tells you that each LED must therefore be rated at 0.06 of a watt. A so-called “LED grow light” such as this will absolutely not work.

So do LED grow lights really work as well as claimed? Yes and no – it depends what you call an LED grow light. Real ones do, cheap imitations don’t. To make sure that you’re getting a high quality bulb, make sure to shop at a reputable retailer, such as the Lighting Universe.

A white floor lamp brings not only light but a bright feeling to a room.  Floor lamps are effective fixture items in the house because they add light to any room and make a practical choice for small apartments that do not have overhead lighting. Aside from their lighting purposes, they also add beauty to homes. In these modern times, floor lamps have become common elements of home décor.

Floor lamps are available in different styles and shapes. There are so many of them in the market and you will never run out of choices. A white floor lamp is the kind of lamp that is flexible enough to be put in any room whatever the theme may be.

As there is great demand for white lamps, the number of manufacturers and sellers has also increased. With many sellers in the market, the price of these furniture pieces is becoming competitive. There are many places where you can buy white floor lamps. You can shop at online stores, such as Lighting Universe or Amazon, or in a local lighting shop. It is important to check all available options before a purchase is made so that you can buy the items of your choice at the lowest possible price.

First, you must decide whether you want a new lamp or you can settle for second-hand items. If you have decided to go for a brand new lamp, you can personally check out the available offerings at home furniture shops and malls nearest you. One constraint is that furniture shops may keep limited number of lamps because they also have to accommodate other furniture items.

You do not have to leave your house for you to check out what other options you have. Read magazines and websites to be aware of the different types of white floor lamps which are available in the market today.  You can also look at newspapers for advertisements on these lamps.

Compare the products in terms of design, quality and price. There are risks that are inherent when you purchase white floor lamps from online shops. The item that is delivered may not be the exact one that you expect. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at pictures, read the reviews and communicate with retailers, if necessary. Buy from reputable online shops.

If you decide to go for second-hand lamps, scout for garage sales in your area. You can also go to thrift shops as well as antique stores. You may be able to find cheap items which are still of high quality.

Make your selection and purchase of white floor lamps an enjoyable experience. The satisfaction that you will gain is greater if you know that you worked hard in order to get the best lamps for your home.

Some people think that driveway lighting is not necessary to install around their homes because of practicality or vanity reasons. They’ve missed the fact that driveway lights are not just for the purpose of creating a more secure home environment, but also very important is that it helps with the aesthetic value of the house. Any person would agree that their lawn, their garden and especially their driveway will all look magical with a touch of lights shining over them. This doesn’t only give light to the area – but it also transforms ordinary houses into warm homes that are welcoming guests to guests.

There are many ways to install driveway lights depending on what type of driveway you have. When you have a long parallel wall along your driveway, you might best accentuate it with wall mounted spotlights and down lights. Moreover, when you have a low-height wall, you may make use of wall-recessed step lights that are installed a few inches above the ground and provide lighting horizontally along the driveway. These days bollards are the most in demand way of installing driveway lighting. These lights project the light beams downward and horizontally in order to illuminate the areas around it.  Make sure you coordinate them well with your other outdoor lighting around your house, like any outdoor pendants or sconces.

When your driveway is surrounded by a garden, using bollards on a mounted spike can turn your driveway into a cozy and romantic view. For surfaces such as concrete, brick or paving, you may want to install the flange mounted versions. You must remember to keep the spacing carefully planned to avoid overlapping of light beams. The illumination should give you a fantastic triangular pattern on the surface of the driveway.

Another thing to consider is that you should use bollards that are made up of solid copper, if you live in a rural area, because these materials can blend with the theme of the house, giving a more natural design and look.

Another factor that you should consider is the underlying lighting technology itself. You may need transformers that reduce voltage. When using halogen lighting, use transformers that can adjust voltage up to 12 volts. There are many transformers these days that are compact and lightweight and can be buried underground should you want to hide it from the sight. Some households include illuminating the trees with their driveway lighting. These lights however should be custom made to endure heavy vehicles passing over them without being crushed or damaged.

You can find a wide selection of different driveway lights at Lighting Universe, Amazon, and a number of other online retailers.

There are many aspects to consider when choosing candle chandeliers. First thing is on where you want to put your candles; it can be indoor or outdoor since candle chandeliers can be placed in both places. There are a number of designs, styles, materials and shapes to choose from depending on your preference. Such material is the glass which makes the crystal look fabulous, there are also other types of materials like bronze, copper and iron and more to pick from. A small room might look quite odd with a large multi-armed candle chandelier that is why you have to choose the proper size of your chandelier in regards to your room size. You also might consider on how much you are willing to spend on these beautiful lighting ideas apart from learning on how to maintain them.

These candle chandelier’s elegance and pleasant appearance makes it gorgeous especially the crystal variety on it. It features multiple pendants that reflect different facets of lights especially when they twinkle off the light from your fireplace or other lightings. These attributes that the candle chandeliers have make it more impressive. Candle chandeliers have the ability to bring a beautiful glow with ethereal beauty around them and are very relaxing and pleasant to the eye. This is why candlelight is considered more soothing compared to the electrical lights that we used to have nowadays. Whether the occasion is romantic or relaxing, the radiance and ambience of these candle chandeliers is very wonderful.

You can opt for small chandeliers if there is a space constraint, there are several of them that also create beautiful effects aside from those huge pieces with multiple arms. Simple cylindrical designs are also good for modern home decors while intricate crystal chandeliers would look good in a formal setting. Some chandeliers also use colored glass for a bohemian look. For large spaces, an ornate and elaborated chandelier can be good. Various styles are available such as the modern and contemporary look which many people prefer and also the Victorian type which is a traditional look that is the result of a medley of influences, including classical, Oriental, Gothic and Italian.

Apart from taking consideration the size and space of your room, you might also think about amount of light you want and also the design element. The best chandeliers do not only add a gorgeous look in your room but also be discreet enough in regards to your need. Most people these days choose those dimmer switches with which you can adjust the light according to your preference. Another important thing you need to consider with candle chandelier is the fixture. You have to make sure that your ceiling can carry the weight of a certain chandelier. Electrical connections must also be arranged accordingly if you intend to have those electrical chandeliers.

Candle chandeliers are a great way to add style and atmosphere to any living space. No matter what your budget, you can get a chandelier to suit your style, preference and budget quite easily; looking for those that appeals to you and your style is just a matter of choice. With the various designs that are available, both on online retailers like Lighting Universe, Amazon, and Ebay, and in local shops as well, you can enjoy a charm of a timeless work of art while you get the benefit of modern convenience.

Garden lighting can be awfully addictive. You get started with one light and the next thing you know, you’ve got more garden lights than plants, flowers and shrubs. Get hooked, in other words, and you might just forget to know when to stop. Because let’s face it – isn’t there always another rose bush that needs a little more illumination? Or a garden path that needs a few solar powered ground lights?

And it doesn’t necessarily end with the lighting, either. You head to the Lighting Universe or Amazon and start to look at gazing balls. You find yourself purchasing some garden wind spinners. And then you are stringing a dozen Japanese lanterns between the dwarf apple trees.

And then you realize that you have given up on the classy look in favor of something that’s a little more . . . well, let’s just call it busy.

The truth is, when it comes to expanding on or adding to your garden, all those decorative pieces can start to overwhelm your outdoor landscape. Because the truth is, garden lighting and garden design décor often boils down to one key fact. Less is often more.

So when you start getting a hankering to add some more exterior lighting, look hard at your garden space. What is the natural play of light and shadow? Does it look best when the morning sun is on it or the afternoon? Or perhaps you’ve got a garden that is at its best at twilight.

Heck, why not take a look at your garden under the light of a full moon?

When it comes to exterior garden lights, you want to imitate natural lighting. In fact, you may want to aim for nothing more than a subtle enhancement.

You need to pay careful attention to your garden at night. Why? Because that is when your lighting system is going to be working. So look at what you’ve got before the lights go in. Use a flashlight – or several, preferably with beams of varying brightness and hues – and see how they work when played across the garden.

How does everything look?

Be sure that you are aware of other sources of light that might affect your lighting plans. For example, there might be a street light or two nearby. Or maybe your neighbor up the street has a floodlight on the garage that hits your garden.

Isolate and identify every light that’s going to impact the garden lighting scheme.

Finally, you want to remember the basic rule – less is more. Don’t go and drown your garden in lights. Take it slow and easy and try to moderately boost the garden’s natural beauty and presence.

There is something so elegant about an antique chandelier. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about antler chandeliers or an antique crystal chandelier. At both extremes, the result is an elegant addition to your home. Of course you need lighting inside your home and why settle for utilitarian lighting when you can add a touch of class to your dining room, bedroom or living room with chandeliers lighting? Not every room will need a chandelier and restraint is an often missed quality when it comes to home decorating. Be mindful about how all the elements will work together. You want to invite your guests, not overwhelm them.

There are many kinds of contemporary and frankly, inexpensive chandeliers on the market now. Varieties like an antique brass chandelier can add a distinctive accent to your home. The chandelier light you choose should say something about who you are, while fitting with the surrounding decor.

This means that not every home will be able to accommodate an antique chandelier, but if it can, you are in for a treat. Antique chandeliers are among the most classic lighting choices. The traditional tear-drop antique crystal chandelier is an amazing accent to the dining room table. It can take a mundane space and turn it into something elegant. As you begin to shop for the right fixture for your space, the most important thing is size. How big is your space and how big is the chandelier that you want? Too small, and the effect is lost. Too large, and the effect is comical.

Depending on your budget and inclination, you can buy authentic antique chandeliers or look for well done replicates. While the real thing can be a treasure, finding an antique chandelier and getting it up to modern electrical code can be its own journey. Unless you live for the thrill of the hunt or are handy with wiring, you may want to opt for the antique look without the extra work of using the real thing. Most home lighting superstores such as Lighting Universe will have an adequate selection of chandeliers. You can also check specialty places like Rejuvenation for excellent reproductions of those classic chandeliers.

Whatever you decide — authentic or reproduction — the most important point is that you love the design. The chandelier will grace your home for the next 30 or 40 years so don’t be hasty in deciding which one is right for your taste and decor. It is not a race. Decorate your home as your pocketbook, calendar and energy level allow. If you spend too much, make a hasty decision or think you are going to replace all the major light fixtures in one weekend, you will end up with lots of regrets. Relax and enjoy the adventure of adding antique chandelier lighting to your home.

When a friend of ours had a local general contractor build the family a wide deck on the back of their home lots of fun and excitement floated around the home. A built in outdoor kitchen was added, padded patio furniture was selected, and the white PVC railing was added around the edge. Decks are a super way to enjoy the outdoors while still having the convenience of being close to the house itself. One downfall for our friends was the exclusion of lighting. Wiring was on incorporated into the original plans. Believing that the family would only want to spend daylight hours on the deck, due to the cool evenings, made them over look the architect’s recommendation to install exterior wiring, outlets, and outdoor boxes. Soon after the covered deck was completed it became apparent that everyone enjoyed staying outside into the hours after sunset. So the question became, “What lighting options do we have without electricity?” The answer came in the form of solar outdoor lighting and outdoor candle chandeliers.

Chandeliers, many times only thought about for the inside of a home are also very good for the outside. For electricity powered units the chandeliers are specially approved by the UL rating system for outdoor wet or dam locations. Features are added to the fixture to help insure safety outside. Sealed circuitry and rubber covered switches are just to of the safety features built into them. But in the absence of electricity, eyes turn towards the candle variety.

Candle chandeliers range in weight, number of candles, shapes, and metal. Wrought iron metal chandeliers are very heavy. Some have a square appearance with decorative metal ‘threads’ of metal winding around them, mimicking the lights which hung from carriages in the yesteryear. Others are very light weight and can even be suspended from the center of a portable yard canopy or gazebo. Lighter weight ones typically have three or four candle holders.

So an outdoor candle chandelier was the light that was chosen to hang aloft over the covered deck. Weighing in at about 15 pounds, light but durable fixture was just what was needed to finish the deck. The family actually found it fun to light the candle and watch them as they flickered and the flame slowly made it’s journey to the end of the candle sticks.

Adding outdoor light to your landscape and to the exterior of your home can make a huge impact. Highlighting architectural features of your home or favorite specimens in your landscape make them stand out. By the same token, you can effectively hide things you would rather not see by keeping them in the shadows. Remember though that highlighting a certain feature doesn’t mean trying to replicate sunlight in that particular area. Instead the light should softly accent the area to bring it to attention.

In addition to highlighting special features, outdoor lighting also adds to the security and safety of your property. Outdoor flood lights discourage thieves or others who may be up to no good. Pathway and step lighting will guide your family and friends safely at night.

Using motion detectors or timers are a great way to insure that you don’t have to worry with turning lights on and off and that your home is well lit when needed. Adding outdoor lights can also increase your enjoyment of your outdoor areas and encourages your family to spend more time outdoors. A children’s play area that is well lit at night will allow your children to enjoy their swing set and sand box in the cooler hours after the sun goes down.

Create a outdoor dining area and use some patio umbrella lights so you can enjoy summer meals outdoors. Speaking of meals outdoors, summertime wouldn’t be the same without occasional meals prepared on the grill and adequate lighting makes the cooks job much easier.

The right outdoor light fixtures also allows you to create a resort like feeling in your own backyard. Your patio, deck or pool area can become your own private retreat with the addition of some twinkling string lights, a fun set of patio lights, or a decorative outdoor wall light to light up the night.

Installing lighting to your landscape is a easy project for most homeowners if low voltage or solar lighting is used. However, lighting that must be wired into your home power source should be installed by an electrician. Tips and ideas for lighting up your outdoor areas can be found on a variety of sites online, such as Patio Lights Galore and right here in the “Lighting” category of Timber & Textiles.

A ceiling fan can be a great home improvement. Whether you want to install a ceiling fan indoors or outdoors, here are some basics to understand. Ceiling fans are measured by blade span and range from 29 to 68 inches. The most popular size for ceiling fan blades is the 52 inch model, but there are some guidelines to choosing the most efficient and effective size ceiling fan for your space.

For rooms or outdoor areas up to 75 square feet, EnergyStar suggests a fan with a 29-36 inch span size. For spaces ranging from 76-144 square feet, a 36-42 inch span is better, and for areas ranging from 144-225 square feet, a 44 inch fan will be a good choice. For spaces larger than 225 square feet, a 50-68 inch will be necessary.

When your ceiling fan is installed, it should be mounted in the middle of the room or outdoor area at least 7 feet above the floor or ground and 18 inches from any walls. For the best airflow, mount the ceiling fan 8 – 9 feet above the floor whenever possible. Standard mounts have a 3-5 inch downrod which extends from the ceiling to the top of the fan. For higher ceilings, you may need an extended downrod mount in order to hang the fan at 8-9 feet above the floor. For low ceiling clearance, you can purchase a low profile or hugger model that mounts flush to the ceiling. These models are great for areas where clearance is less than 8 feet, or where the ceiling is too low to allow a light to be added to the fan.  You should take note of the size of the blades before the fan is installed, to simplify things in case you have to buy ceiling fan replacement blades in the future.
Whether indoors or out, if you plan to install the fan in a  humid location,  select one that has been UL listed with a “damp” rating. For outdoor ceiling fans in areas where there will be rain or water exposure, look for a UL “wet” rating. These fans have added safety features such as sealed or moisture resistant motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all-weather outdoor ceiling fan blades.

a guest post by Suzanne Grassham

Are you thinking of buying some grow lights for your indoor garden but are unsure of what type you should choose? Would you like to get the best results for the least amount of money? Are you disappointed with the mediocre results you’ve been getting? Well if the answer to any of these questions is yes or if you are just simply looking for information on why LED grow lights are some of the best lights on the market today check out the rest of this article.

Saving money that is what most people are no matter what the project are always trying to do. This is no different in the indoor gardening world. Just like everywhere else you have, your grow lights that cost you a lot of money and promise big results and then you have your so cheap that they do not even have letters on the box they came in lights, and then you have your middle of the road lights the ones that promise results but also require you to have common sense as well these are the lights that we are going to be talking about today. An LED grow light is by far the most cost efficient type on the market. There are a couple of reasons that this is true.

The first reason out of many is that LED or light emitting diodes save you money is that they only use one watt to power them enough to put off enormous amounts of light, this compared to other types of grow lights such as the HID grow light that uses around four hundred watts to power a single bulb saves you tons of money. It is said that on average people who use LED growing lights save around eighty percent of energy that they would have otherwise spent on their indoor garden lighting, not to mention the cost of the cooling fans used to cool the hot lamps, and the cost of reflectors and ballasts needed to help give the plants the light that they need in order to grow.

The next reason that people should consider using LEDs when growing plants indoors is that they only put off the type of light that plants use to create photosynthesis. What this means is that other types of grow lights such as incandescent, florescent and HID all waste around eighty to ninety percent of the light they put out. It is even said that some of the top LED grow lights on the Market can even be switched to create the maximum results for the stage of maturity that the plant is in. If all of these things are not enough then even consider that these lights are eco friendly in a lot of ways such as they contain no heavy metals such as mercury so they are easily disposed of and they last for over ten years on average which helps the earth not have to use its precious resources.

a guest post by Ezra Makey

Out of the two options for landscape lighting, most people will find themselves choosing between solar garden lights and low voltage lighting. Both have their upsides, as well as their drawbacks, so which do you choose? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and pitfalls of each, so you can make up your own mind as to which will work best for you.

Solar Lights

Solar garden lighting is best used if you plan on having the lights stay on all night. The main reason for this is that, since it is completely powered by the sun, they don’t cost you any money to run. Although they usually cost a little more than low voltage lighting to purchase, they more than pay for themselves with the savings to your energy bill.

Solar powered garden lights are also a lot easier to install. Most come with the solar panel built right into the fixture, and even those with an external, remote panel will be much easier to install than lights that need to be wired to an external power source. They also have lower maintenance costs since most use LED bulbs, which are manufactured to last much longer than other types of bulbs.

These fixtures do come with their drawbacks, however. The two biggest of which are light output and the fact that they rely on the sun. If you need a fixture that puts out a lot of light, or have issues with lacking enough sunlight to be able to recharge the on-board batteries, solar garden light will likely not be your best alternative.

Low Voltage Lighting

Low voltage lighting has the ability to put out a lot more light than solar lights, due to the fact that they do not have to worry about running the batteries dead. They can also be used in areas that do not have access to a lot of sun. They do, however, have an impact on your electrical bill, and some models can influence your bill significantly. They are also much more difficult to install, since they must be wired to a power source.

If you are looking for accent lighting to add beauty to your garden, or another type of light that does not need to be too bright, AND you get regular sunlight throughout the year, solar lights are probably your best bet. If, however, you need more light than the solar fixtures can create, or don’t get much sunlight, you may have to opt for low voltage lighting.

There are actually hybrid systems available that can offer the best of both worlds, but these systems are in their infancy and still out of reach of your average do-it-yourself homeowner. But once they do come onto the market it will be interesting to see how effective the combination of low voltage and sun-powered solar lights for garden budget lighting will be.

a guest post by Gracie Edgell

There are quite a few erroneous yet widely held beliefs about LED landscape lighting that cause many folk to either shy away from installing any in the first place or to make mistakes when they do try and install outdoor lights. Which is a shame since it’s really neither difficult nor expensive to achieve a great looking result in your garden and/or patio.

So let’s start with the popular idea that LED garden lighting is best left to professional lighting designers and installers. It’s not hard to see why the professionals might prefer not to shatter this particular myth, but the truth is that getting a designer look is really quite easy. Just cheat and copy one you like and think would suit your lifestyle. The world is not short of garden shows, articles and books to adapt ideas from.

Next we have the school of thought that holds that a garden isn’t properly lit unless it’s visible from space. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The point of landscape lighting is to create different aspects at night and enhance key features (water, ornaments, interesting shapes etc), not to light the garden up like a football stadium. Outdoor lighting should complement the natural setting and even around functional area such as the deck you should veer more towards restful than dazzling.

There is also the associated belief that, in addition to being bright, it must also be extensive. But the fact is that if you overdo it and put in too many lights you lose the very thing that gives outdoor lighting its unique quality – the darkness. It’s the contrast and the fact that you can’t actually see those areas that aren’t lit that provides much of the visual appeal. Using low voltage LED landscape lighting with slight restraint allows you to create a different look at night by hiding some parts of the garden and accentuating others.

To finish off, we get to two pervasive myths that relate to specific types of landscape lighting, and first up is the idea that solar lighting is free. Well, it’s true that you don’t need to provide any electricity in order to run those nice solar deck lights that are so popular of late. But that’s not the whole story.

Aside from the initial purchase, solar lights work by recharging batteries and these have a finite number of recharge cycles before they won’t work any more. So there is the cost of the batteries to consider, plus it has to be said that solar garden lights do have a far from exemplary record where longevity is concerned. Put simply, these have to realistically be considered disposable items. They certainly have a valid place in most landscape lighting schemes, but free they aren’t.

Finally there is the outdated notion that LED landscape lighting is not powerful enough. Sure that was a fair criticism a few years back but now? Forget it. LED is very much the way forward for all types of lighting and the garden is no exception.

Outdoor LED landscape lights are these days just as bright as conventional incandescent light bulbs, but with many more advantages. Very low running costs, virtually no heat, very long lasting, extremely robust and endless variety in colors and effects are just five good reasons to consign this particular myth to the same bin as the preceding four.

So to sum up: you don’t need to pay an expensive professional; brightness and quantity are not actually important; solar lighting is not the same as free lighting; LED garden lighting is very much a force to be reckoned with.

a guest post by Darcy Erler

Outdoor ceiling lights provide a number of benefits, of which, the two most important ones are beauty and security. Apart from these benefits, such lights give your home a classy and an upscale appearance. These outdoor lights are preferred by several homeowners on account of their style and utility. They are usually fixed on the ceilings outside the home or any covered area to provide sufficient light outdoors. Today, there is a large variety of these lights available in the market.

You can find very attractive outdoor lights for ceilings, either in conventional (traditional) or modern designs. These lights, because they are attractive and displayed outside homes, are designed using materials like high quality brass and other eye-catching finishes. The use of these lighting fixtures is growing in popularity because they are considered to be stylish and fashionable. Surely, they look modish and elegant on outdoor ceilings.

With ceiling lights installed outside, you can entertain your guests more often. If your house inside gets overcrowded when hosting any parties, you can always keep some of the crowd outside. And better still, during summer, when it is hot indoors, your guests would rather be outdoors, enjoying the lovely, fresh air. What’s more, this outside lighting truly enhances the appearance and beauty of the place.

A majority of outdoor lights have protective covers so that they can be protected from any damage or moisture. You can find a whole range of outdoor ceiling lights online, or in the market, too. Therefore, you will not find it difficult to select the most attractive lights for your area outside.

When shopping for your outdoor lighting, make sure to purchase those that will match the ambience and décor of your home and outdoors. With appropriate lighting fixtures, you can make your home warm and welcoming, as well as safe and secure.

by Rae Wertman

Most people know that recessed can lights use a lot more energy than regular lights, and if you don’t already know that you will as soon as you get them installed!  The problem is not that each fixture uses more energy than standard fixtures do, it’s the fact that you will have eight or ten fixtures to light one room.  There is also the problem of air leakage between your living space and the attic, which causes the AC or heater to run more frequently.  In this post I want to offer some ideas to help you tackle both of these problems so your recessed can lighting doesn’t become too expensive to run.

The obvious solution to reducing the energy drain of a lot of recessed lights is to install energy efficient bulbs.  The problem is that running a bunch of CFL bulbs will still use a lot of energy.  One of the best things that you can do is fork over the extra money for LED bulbs.  These use a fraction of the energy that a CFL bulb does, and has the advantage of only burning out every couple of decades.  That is extremely helpful if you have very high ceilings since these fixtures are notoriously hard to change bulbs in.

Should you be totally against the idea of energy efficient lights, a dimmer switch can make a big impact in the life of your bulbs and the amount of energy they use.  A dimmer will only help you out when it’s not turned all the way up, but with a little bit of training this is easy to do.

Sealing recessed lights is another important task that will stop air leakage from the attic.  Simple kits are available to seal up your light fixtures.  Be very careful if you choose to add insulation around the fixture because some of them are not designed to be placed around anything flammable.  Check your fixture first to make sure that it’s IC rated, if it’s not DO NOT put insulation anywhere near it or you’re running a major risk of an attic fire!

Reducing the amount of energy that your ceiling can lights use, and the heating and cooling costs associated with them is not difficult to do.  Use any of the three ideas discussed above and see a major impact in your utility bill right away!

There’s basically no question about it. If you want to do both yourself and the environment a favor, you have to light your outdoors with solar garden lights. Once upon a time, solar garden lighting was expensive to buy, difficult to install, and a costly hassle to maintain. With the popular use of LED bulbs, however, costs and installation have decreased tremendously, making solar power an option for almost everyone. The initial investment is minimal. The bulbs are rechargeable. They’ll also last up to a decade, or even longer. Colors are become more of a possibility, as well.

So how do you go about choosing the appropriate LED garden lights? Well, there’s no end to the designs to choose from.

Recessed lighting and deck lighting. These solar powered garden lights are perfect for patio walls, floors, pool decks, and steps. You’ll find them round or square, and framed in anything from brass to steel, to copper. Use recessed lighting to cast a glow in trees or line your driveway, as well.

Downlights and hanging lights. If you have a pergola or gazebo, these designs are precisely what you’re looking for. You’ll never feel guilty having the pretty gazebo lit when it’s powered with LED garden lighting; you can simply enjoy the luxury.

Garden spot lights and floodlights. These lights can be positioned to spot on specific plants, shrub border, or other outdoor features. Lighting beneath a large tree is another way to make use of these illuminated beauties.

Spreadlights. If you can’t install or don’t like recessed lighting, then bollard type lights are what you’ll need for the paths, steps, decks, and terraces. The fact that you can get these outdoor garden lights in LED form as well just makes the bargain that much better.

Do remember that even if you can’t or don’t want to take advantage of the solar garden lights idea, make conscious decisions as to how you’ll use your energy. For example, buying low voltage garden lights for wherever possible is a great idea. It’s ecologically responsible. It can also be a subtle and worthy design choice. Some areas, like accents on the shrubbery, only need low voltage lights, and others will actually look better with softer illumination, like delicate flowers or pots. It’s up to you to make your garden look beautiful. It’s also up to you to care for the energy costs. And there’s no reason for contradiction.

If you live in a house or condominium, you’ll quickly realize that as twilight sets in and the sky gets dark, your home can look very dreary, lonely, even unwelcoming. Unless you have proper exterior lights, that is. A home really comes alive at night with tasteful exterior lighting; it’s a design feature that should not be passed up. There are plenty of lighting options between design and cost, so you shouldn’t feel stifled, either.

Who is the light for, you ask? For everyone. In the wintertime, your kids might come home after basketball practice long after the sun has set. Nighttime pool parties are common enough. Visitors who come in the evening hours, or even you yourself, returning after a night out, will feel all the more welcome and safe when those exterior light fixtures are aglow. They may even scare away thieving threats. Whether you’re home or away, it’s best to leave something lit as soon as night sets in.

Exterior wall lights are a common design. Wall lights can be recessed into your home’s exterior for a sleek and modern style. Dusting the light covers of recessed lights is easy, so that keeping your outdoor lighting bright is no problem at all. Using a sconce as an exterior wall light is another great choice. Sconces are sophisticated, even Victorian in style. Though today you can find them in light covers that are more new age than that. They are beautiful when set on either side of a front door, porch entrance, or next to windows.

If you’re looking for something to illuminate your lawn and dress up the beautiful flowers, fountains, or delicate shrubbery, then exterior landscape lighting is what you need. These fixtures can be anything from underwater lights to mushroom style stubs placed along the walkway. Tall lamp posts at the lawn entrance are also considered landscape lights. You might even realize that some of your exterior Christmas lighting can double function as decorative lights throughout the year. Rope lights, for example, look delightful around a pool edge, no matter what night or season.

The two important technical aspects to remember when shopping for exterior lighting fixtures are energy cost and installation. Be aware of how much the electricity cost will add to your purchase. Consider solar LED bulbs as an excellent alternative. Make sure you understand what installation will be required, as well. Will you need to hire a specialist, or is this a simple DIY task? Beyond that, enjoy the bright selection!

The Xmas bells are ringing, the snow is falling and you’re busy decorating the outside of your home with outdoor Xmas lights.  It’s all part of the jolly holiday atmosphere.  Without the lighting, the holiday just isn’t complete.

There are some families that really like to decorate.  They go all out and buy all sorts of figures and lights, turning their property into holiday central.  Others just like to decorate simply by placing minimal outdoor Xmas lighting on their house.   And then there are the people in the middle who noticeably decorate but don’t go overboard.  All three ways are needed in any neighborhood and on any block, as they complement and balance each other out. No matter how you decorate, know that your efforts contribute to the overall holiday spirit.

Your options are numerous.  Outdoor LED Xmas lights are a popular choice, as they are long lasting and energy efficient.  If you really want to save on those bills, you should look into outdoor solar Xmas lights, which store the energy during the daylight hours to power your lights when it turns dark outside.  You can put them on a special timer or sensor to save you the job of remembering to turn them on, and they will be activated for you when you’re not home.  This was you can be rest assured that your lights will illuminate the holiday season in a timely fashion.  Just a friendly tip- when you are packing your lights away at the end of the season, don’t forget to pack them neatly and loosely, so next year you won’t have to spend hours and hours sitting there and untangling the string of lights, inevitably breaking some in the process. 

 One thing to keep in mind- have fun and enjoy the decorating. Remember that you’re creating memories that last a life time.

Decorating your home is the best way to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Today, people like to purchase things that are quick and efficient, items that do their job well without mess or hassle. For those who are opting for an artificial tree this year, an artificial fiber optic Christmas tree lights up the holiday like nothing else. Although it cannot really be mistaken for the real thing, it’s light, dazzle, and special effects more than compensate for the lack of authenticity.

Fibre optic Christmas trees are the real hit. The special fiber optic lighting gives the tree an almost surreal appearance, and will add a tremendous amount to your holiday experience. For the finishing touch, you can find a great fiber optic Christmas tree topper which will give the room an all around special glow. These artificial trees can make your holiday décor look really cool and inviting, even entertaining for the little ones, as they watch the tree changing colors time and time again.

If you want to be unique, you can purchase a white fiber optic Christmas tree, to bring a taste of the inviting white snow indoors, while keeping the cold out. Black or pink are other daring options. In fact, just about any color or color combination you could dream up is possible. There are scores of websites selling fun and festive trees, so let your imagination run loose.

Don’t worry, if you purchase an led fiber optic Christmas tree, you can still decorate it like you always do, although I’d advise choosing more lightweight designs, as the material is not so strong. That means more tinsel, aluminum, and blown glass ornaments, but stay away from the heavier ceramic baubles. Make sure to take good care of the tree, because it can be used from year to year, as long as it’s stored properly- you’ll have to read the instructions carefully to do it right. When making your purchase ask how to best take care of your tree.

Another great advantage of fiber optic Christmas trees is that they are pretty safe, so you don’t have to worry about the little ones getting to them. They can be placed all around the house, as they come in all different sizes and shapes. A large tree will be perfect for your living room, while a tiny table top fiber optic Christmas tree is a great centerpiece for the holiday dinner.

Purchasing your tree should be a cinch. You can go shopping for it at the local mall or tree shop, or you can head to favorite online retailers in search of an even better price. You should be able to find many a fiber optic Christmas tree sale online at a wide variety of reputable retailers. So surf away and find the perfect tree to build this year’s memories with.

One of the most popular attractions at every theme park are their night time light shows. As with fireworks, we have a natural draw and awe of light shows. For Christmas, it’s become popular to build your own amazing Christmas light show right on the front lawn. While it does require some dedicated time to set up, light show vendors make it a great project for anyone with a little bit of techie knowledge.

The basic equipment necessary for Christmas light shows are the lights, controllers to synchronize music and lights, audio equipment, and then accessories like snow machines. Lights include everything from basic rope lights to stars, icicle lights, statues, and more. Depending on the music your show is going to perform to, you might want solid color lights, multicolor lights, or even a mere abundance of clear and white lights. A classic Amazing Grace Christmas light show, for example, would probably just use white and amber lights. Turn it techno, and more color would come in.

If you don’t have an idea of where to begin, check out a Christmas light show video or two. Or three. Or four. Run a search on best Christmas light show 2008, for example, just to get started. Once you begin looking at these videos, you are going to get sucked in; there are so many, and they’re so much fun. Some are slow, some are fast. Some focus on tree lights, some on house lights. Make sure you see a shooting star effect. No one can tell which crazy Christmas light show will be the one to inspire you.

It could be that you’d love to make use of a Christmas lights show at your holiday party, but aren’t really skilled enough to do the work yourself. Don’t sweat. There is no shortage of light show techies out there who will be happy to do the work for you. He or she might even be willing to do the shopping and installation as well as synchronization for you. For a price, obviously. Investigate a number of prospective techies. Ask for portfolios. Get an idea if this person can create the effects you’re looking for…and if you can pay what he’s asking. One idea to minimize costs is to narrow your production to a Christmas tree light show. Focusing your show on a mega tree and all that it can do means you can have a center stage without spending money on strobes and other decorations all over the house and lawn. Ask your techie for cost cutting ideas, as well.

Let the party begin!

It’s incredible how far from tradition we will go to entertain a spice of style and striking home décor. As people feel more comfortable moving away from “how grampa did it,” more and more colors and styles of Christmas trees make it on the market. Or perhaps it comes from a need to “self express” on this festive holiday. In any case, the artificial black Christmas tree is outselling traditional green ones on some tree lots across the globe. Bare branched trees, pink trees, and white trees are not doing too badly either. It might frighten your grandmother, but the holiday parties seem to love it!

Black Christmas trees have taken such hit because of their dramatic character. Whether your holiday décor is sophisticated or funky, black deepens the effect. Both multicolor and white lights look great on the black. In fact, all black Christmas tree decorations seem to come more alive on the dark backdrop. Green is softer, more natural and subdued. Black makes a statement.

For that elegant holiday cocktail party, you will most definitely need a striking centerpiece. A tall, slim black Christmas tree surrounded with mock gifts and lit with elegant lights, stars, and ornaments will fill the position beautifully. Your guests will be proud to strut their evening dress in its presence. Perhaps you can even buy a pre lit black Christmas tree, minimize your work load, and still have a stunning visual focus for the occasion.

If your Christmas bash is for the young and daring, you can make use of black artificial Christmas trees just as easily. Their drama can go elegant or funky. Decorate it with large, colorful black Christmas tree ornaments and strobe like lighting for a miniature light show right on the party dance floor. The night will be unforgettable.

Even when your main living room Christmas tree is the traditional green, these trees can take backstage positions. For the tabletop, you can buy a very small black Christmas tree. Place it on the piano, perhaps, or in your entryway. Strategically rested on a buffet table or reflected in a hallway mirror. You can use it as a delicate patio tree. Your home will come alive with Christmas charm.

Don’t let tradition get in the way of the total Christmas spirit. As a main centerpiece, or secondary décor, find a way to bring the black Christmas tree into your home. These onyx treasures deserve to play at least a small role in your holiday decorating plan.

It’s hard enough to invest in holiday decorations without having to fathom the electricity bill you’ll receive in the mail. If you want to drastically reduce your electricity costs, and make light installation easier, then it’s time to get yourself some solar Christmas lights. Solar powered Christmas lights charge during the day and light up at night. To buy the best lights, be sure to read solar Christmas lights reviews on whatever brand you’re considering. Remember that solar LED Christmas lights are the most energy efficient, compact, and long living. The LED bulb filament can’t break or die. Most companies offer a generous warranty on their life.

What do you want to look for in a solar Christmas light? Here are some design and installation points to look out for:

1. Solar Christmas lighting means that you need a light (bulb) and a solar panel to soak up the sun’s energy in daylight hours. Some lights, like figurines and statues, come with their panels attached making installation tremendously easy. Generally without wiring. Solar Christmas string lights, however, need a separate solar panel. Compare panel sizes and installation options before buying these. Know what space you’ll need (like the roof).

2. Companies will state how long their bulbs will be lit for according to how many sunlight hours they receive. For example, 3 nights of light per day of full sunlight. That’s a high call, but your best solar Christmas lights might be able to live up to it. Depending on how much sun you usually receive in Christmas season, you might be able to buy less expensive versions, too.

3. Also, some lights begin to blink out as their power runs low; this often does not mean they’re broken. They just need more sun. Don’t assume your lights are broken until they don’t recharge again. That’s when your warranty comes in handy.

4. Solar Christmas tree lights will work just like other string lights. You’ll probably need a separate solar panel. Ornament lights, figurines, and stake lights, can be used to decorate around the tree itself. These usually require no extra wiring or panel installation.

5. If you’re looking specifically for solar Christmas candle lights, then check the lighting description on your package. The original LED bulb design gives off a bright light; that’s typical white solar Christmas lights. For solar candles, you want a warmer glow. Recently, warm LED bulbs and amber LED’s have come on the market. Just make sure before you finalize your purchase.

So make your way to that solar Christmas lights sale without worries or qualms! You can decorate your entire home and lawn with beautiful, inexpensive lighting.

When you see those decorative lights illuminating the cold winter nights, you can’t help but enjoy them.  It’s nice when they’re on someone else’s property, but when it comes to your decorating your home, you can help but be a bit hesitant.  Keeping those lights on for many hours, for many nights really can hike up your electricity bill.  That’s where battery operated lights come in.  You too can join in the happy holiday decorating fun without the guilt, because you know that it won’t show up on your bills later.

Battery operated Christmas lights are an ingenious idea.  This means that you can decorate all you want- with stringed lights, trains, biblical figures, reindeer, you name it- the same decorations, even more than usual, without the guilt.   You also won’t be limited to placing your decorations only where an electrical cord can reach.  Battery operated lighting can be placed anywhere on your lawn or home.  Battery operated string lights can be strung along the length of your whole property, even your whole block if you want, without limitation- as long as you have enough of the decorations, that is.

In your home you can also enjoy the battery operated light.  How about adding a bit of class and elegance to the holiday table with battery operated tea lights that will surely add a lot to your feast.  Placing battery operated candle lights in your window is very befitting the holiday atmosphere.  Another way to decorate your home in energy efficient way is to illuminate a picture with a battery operated picture light.  If you’re really into the battery option, you can use battery operated light bulbs for all sorts of household uses.

There is a down side of a battery operated light bulb, and that is the battery itself.  Batteries do not last forever, and you may find yourself stuck midseason with a light-less decoration.  You should always keep extra batteries handy if you use battery operated lights.  They’re good for a few years, so even if you don’t wind up using them this year, they won’t go to waste.  Always be prepared, because you don’t want your battery operated twinkle lights to lose their twinkle.

When you get your December electric bill this year, you’ll be pleased that it won’t be as high as last year’s, thanks to your battery operated lights.  Now you can enjoy holiday decorating even more, without the pressure of bills clouding the fun.