Valley Lighting CT

There are only a few more posts left in our lighting definitions series! Throughout the past few months, we hope you’ve been learning a lot about lighting, and we can’t wait to teach you more!

Sconce -  A wall fixture, which usually points light upwards and can be used to provide a room with ambient or decorative lighting.

Semi-Flush Mount - Unlike flush mount fixtures, which attach directly to the ceiling,  semi-flush lights leave space between the fixture and the ceiling.

Specialty Lighting - Refers to a broad group of lights, including line and low voltage strip lights, special display lighting, controlled lighting, etc.

Spotlight - A fixture that is used to light a small area, such as a driveway or backyard patio.

Stray Light - Light that falls away from the area where it is needed or supposed to be directed.

Swing Arm Lamps - Often used on a table, floor or wall fixture, swing arm lamps have a pivoting arm and a stationary base, allowing users to easily adjust the light.

Switch Leg - The wiring that connects the light switch output to the fixture.

T-Lamp - A tube shaped lamp, available in incandescent, halogen or florescent.

Table Lamps - The most common type of light fixtures, which are also referred to as portables.

Task Lighting - Light that is directed towards a specific surface or area, and is designed to provide light for a specific task.

Torchiere - A floor lamp featuring a decorative glass shade.

Track Lighting - Lights that run along a narrow, wall or ceiling-mounted metal track.

Transformer - An electrical device used to raise or lower the electric voltage.

Troffer - A recessed fluorescent fixture, which is often used in rooms with suspended ceilings.

Tungsten-Halogen Lamp - A gas filled tungsten incandescent lamp, which also includes portions of halogen.

Are there any lighting terms that you’d like us to define? Challenge us and let us know with a comment. Please join us next week, as we continue our bright lessons in lighting.

Our lighting terminology and definitions blog post series is nearing its end, as this week we’ll be discussing lighting definitions Q through R.

Quartz Lamp – Also referred to as quartz halogen, the quartz glass that holds the filament and halogen gas.

Recessed Lighting – A light fixture, which is installed into a hollowing opening usually located in a ceiling.

Reflectance – When light bounces off a surface.

Reflector – Controlling the output of a light using a mirror, or a piece of reflective material.

Refractor – Controlling the output of a light using a lens.

Relamping – Cleaning and replacing the existing light fixtures in a home or office with new lamps.

Remote – An electronic device, which is used to control a dimmer switch from multiple locations in a room or home.

Retrofit - The process of upgrading a lighting fixture, room or building by installing new fixtures or parts.

Romex – A cable made of flexible plastic sheathing, which holds two or more insulated wires that carry electricity.

Room Cavity Ratio (RCR) – The measurement of a room’s cavity proportions.

Please join us next week as we define many more interesting lighting terms. If there are any specific lighting terms you’d like us to define, please give us a challenge and let us know with a comment. Until next time, have a bright day! 

Our lighting terminology and definitions blog post series is nearing its end, as this week we?ll be discussing lighting definitions Q through R.

Quartz Lamp ? Also referred to as quartz halogen, the quartz glass that holds the filament and halogen gas.

Recessed Lighting ? A light fixture, which is installed into a hollowing opening usually located in a ceiling.

Reflectance ? When light bounces off a surface.

Reflector ? Controlling the output of a light using a mirror, or a piece of reflective material.

Refractor ? Controlling the output of a light using a lens.

Relamping ? Cleaning and replacing the existing light fixtures in a home or office with new lamps.

Remote ? An electronic device, which is used to control a dimmer switch from multiple locations in a room or home.

Retrofit ? The process of upgrading a lighting fixture, room or building by installing new fixtures or parts.

Romex ? A cable made of flexible plastic sheathing, which holds two or more insulated wires that carry electricity.

Room Cavity Ratio (RCR) ? The measurement of a room?s cavity proportions.

Please join us next week as we define many more interesting lighting terms. If there are any specific lighting terms you?d like us to define, please give us a challenge and let us know with a comment. Until next time, have a bright day! 

Over the past few weeks we’ve taught you about need-to-know lighting definitions, such as downlight, floodlight, louver and many others. This week we’re going to continue on our bright journey and teach you about lighting terms M through P.

Mounting Height – The measured distance between the workplace and the bottom of the luminaire.

Motion Detector - A control that uses passive infrared or ultrasonic detection to sense when someone is moving around the light or not, and to turn the light on when someone is. Motion lights are often used outdoors, to illuminate porches and driveways.

MR Lamp – A multi-facet reflector lamp, such as a MR16, which surrounds a halogen capsule.

National Electrical Code – The organization that sets the standards for wiring electrical fixtures and devices.

NEMA – The National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Nominal Watts – The power rating of a lamp, which is designated by the lamp’s manufacturer.

Outdoor Lighting – A hard-wired, low-voltage, or solar powered lighting system that is used outdoors, usually to brighten a porch, deck, walkway, garage, etc.

Outlet Box – Often called a junction box, this is an enclosure that protects wires and supports surface light fixtures.

Over Voltage – When an incandescent lamp is operated above its recommended voltage it has a shorter life.

Photocell – Light-sensitive fixtures and devices, which operate according to the amount of daylight available at a certain time.

Photometric Report – A report that explains the output characteristics of a lighting fixture or luminaire

Power Feed – The point that connects electricity to track lighting and other types of lights.

Are there any lighting terms that you’d like us to define? Challenge us and let us know with a comment. Please join us next week, as we continue our bright lessons in lighting.

From the bedroom to the front porch, lighting is all around us, which is why it’s important to educate yourself on some of the most basic lighting terms and definitions. Over the past few weeks we’ve discussed lighting terms beginning with A through F. This week we’ll teach you about lighting terms I through L.

Illumination – The density of light flow on a surface.

Indirect Light - Light that is cast upwards from a light fixture and then bounced downwards to provide light with a minimal amount of glare.

Initial Lumens – The lumens produced by a lamp after the initial burn period is completed.

Input Watts – The total number of watts required by the ballast and the lamp in the luminaire.

Kelvin Temperature – A scale used to describe the color of light.

Kilowatt – 1000 watts

Kilowatt Hour – The work of one kilowatt of electric power performed in one hour.

Lamp – Often referred to as the light bulb, the lamp is the source of light in a fixture.

LED (light-emitting diode) – The electric semiconductor, which emits light when an electric current is passing through it; LED light bulbs are much more eco-friendly than incandescent light bulbs.

Louver - Baffles that are used to absorb unwanted light.

Lumens- The unit measure of light.

Luminaire – A complete lighting fixture or unit. This includes the housing, wiring, electrical sockets, lens, louvers, and lamps.

Luminaire Efficiency – The number of lumens leaving the opening of a light fixture divided by the lumens produced by the lamp

Luminance – The amount of light that leaves a surface in a certain direction.

Lux - A unit of illuminance.

As you continue to learn more about lighting it will be easier to know what types of lights you should be using in different areas of your home. Please join us next week as we help improve your knowledge of lighting.

Eco-friendly lighting!

As we continue with our lessons on lighting, this week we kick off with eco-friendly lighting which is a simple way to make your home more environmentally sound. Here we go with definitions E through F!

Eco-friendly Lighting – This type of lighting is made with recycled metal for the fixture and recycled glass for the bulb.

Emergency Lighting – When normal lighting fails during a storm or other type of emergency, this option of lighting kicks in.

Faceplate – A metal or plastic plate placed over an on/off switch or dimmer which goes over the wall opening to protect the wiring for the light.

Flexible Track Lighting System – With this system the suspended track holds light fixtures in place and conducts electricity to each fixture.

Floodlight – A high intensity light which is placed outdoors for vision at night. Floodlights are usually placed near garages or on patios with a motion sensor.

Fluorescent Lamp – This is a gas discharged lamp which uses electricity combined with mercury vapor to transform ultraviolet energy into visible light.

Learning more about lighting types and fixtures helps you to find what’s best for your needs. Maybe you wanted emergency lighting for your home, but weren’t sure it existed; hopefully this helped. Stay tuned for more definitions!

Ceiling Lighting

We want to help you learn more about different types of lighting; maybe you didn’t know that ceiling medallions bring chic dimension to your fixtures! We’re here to shed light on definitions from C to D.

Ceiling lighting – A type of lighting attached directly to the ceiling which provides general illumination to a room.

Chandelier – A decorative lighting fixture with branches that holds a number of bulbs, suspended from the ceiling.

Ceiling medallions – A ceiling ornament cast in plaster; a light fixture such as a chandelier is hung from its center. Ceiling medallions add elegance to the ceiling fixture.

Contemporary lighting – A light source that incorporates sleek, modern design.

Ceiling fans – A versatile appliance which generates movement of air and also provides ample lighting.

Dimmer – Device within an electrical circuit which allows you to vary the brightness of lighting and lamps.

Downlight – This is a light fixture installed in ceiling that sheds light downward.

Dining room lighting – This type of lighting defines the room by acting as a focal point above your table.

Knowing the use for different types of lighting and lighting accessories helps making decorating your home a little easier. Lighting is not only a necessary component to any room, but allows you to showcase your personality!

As with any industry, the lighting industry uses certain definitions to describe different types of lighting, light fixtures, parts of fixtures, etc. Understanding the definitions used in the lighting industry can help you light your home properly. Please join us as we teach you about lighting terms beginning with the letters A and B.

Accent Lighting – A type of lighting that is used to highlight or draw attention to a certain object.

Ambient Lighting – A type of lighting that is used to illuminate an entire room or space.

Architectural Lighting - Light fixtures that have an architectural appearance. Some of these built-in fixtures include down lighting and valance lighting.

Area Lighting – A type of lighting that refers to lighting large landscape areas.

Baffle – Often referred to as stepped baffle trims or step baffle trims, a baffle is a grooved surface, which redirects and controls the flow of light, as to reduce glare.

Ballast - An electrical device used in fluorescent and HID lamps, which is used to provide the lamp with the proper amount of voltage needed to start the lamp and to limit the amount of current used as it continues to operate.

Base - The end of a lamp that is used to connect the electrical and mounting connections.

Bollard – Often used to light walkways, this type of outdoor light is a short post with the light source located at the top.

Brushed Finish – A lightly textured finish that is created by brushing metal with a wire wheel, or by buffing the surface with a fine abrasive.

Bulb – The outer glass part of the lamp.

If you know of any other lighting terms beginning with A or B that we didn’t define, let us know with a comment. Check back with our blog again to learn about more lighting terms.

Breath already! We’re finally ready to announce our final five of the top stylish lights for your home. With no further adieu, here they are!

5. Outdoor Lighting – Light up your porch or front walkway with elegant outdoor lighting. Light posts illuminate the way for a path and wall lighting brightens the porch and front door. See: Quoizel NY8315A outdoor light

4. Pendant Lighting – Pendant lighting looks stylish and elegant at the bottom or top of any staircase. The best part about pendant lighting is it can really go anywhere in the home. See: Quoizel YU1545IB pendant light

3. Undercabinet Lighting – Light up your counter space with undercabinet lighting. While you can’t see the lighting and it isn’t exactly stylish, the lighting it will create on your countertops will add a glow to your kitchen.
See: National Specialty Xenon Undercabinet Light

2. Floor Lamps – Place a floor lamp in the family room or the bedroom for a stylish warm glow that will light up the room.
See: Skye Buffet Lamp

1. Table Lamps – Table lamps can really be placed on any table surface in the home. End tables and bed side tables are the most common. Use these lamps for reading or just to add decor to any room.
See: Stylecraft Pair of Bronze Lamps

Just by adding a few or all of these lights in each room or outdoors, it will give the perfect stylish touch to your home.

Have you been wondering what is missing from a certain room in your home? You might just be missing the perfect accent lighting in each room. We are here to help you decorate your home with style and elegance by choosing the most stylish and affordable lighting for each room. We also have listed the first five our our ten favorite affordable and stylish lighting below – in no particular order!

10. Island Lighting – Island lighting is a great way to elegantly light up your kitchen. Whether it be over an actual kitchen island or just over the kitchen sink this lighting is a great way to add the perfect amount of light to any kitchen space.
Example: Maxim 11669LTLG

9. Vanity Lighting – Light up your vanity or the whole bathroom with chic vanity lighting. Add an extra flush ceiling light for extra some extra lighting. Example: Trump Home Regency Vanity Bar

8. Chandelier Lighting – Chandeliers give a statement about your home. You can hang the chandelier in the foyer or in the dining room. If you have a foyer this may be the first thing your guests will see upon entering your home.
Example: Designers Fountain

7. Wall Sconces – Don’t let your family or guests walk down long dark hallways. Light them up with wall sconces. Wall sconces give the wall a decorative touch while keeping the path to the bedroom well lit.
Example: Maxim 11669LTLG

6. Semi Flush Lighting – Semi flush lighting works best in the kitchen or family room. It gives the room a nice calm and warm feeling with its dim lighting.
Example: Maxim 11669LTLG

Check back next time for the final five of our stylish list!