Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Lighting by Room: The Bathroom

If you’re in the process of remodeling your bathroom, chances are that you’ve run into some problems when it comes to figuring out how to light it. Stewart Lighting just happens to be experts when it comes to bathroom lighting – or any lighting for that matter, so we have a few tips to share!

There are usually two types of bathroom lighting – ambient and task. Ambient lighting is the source of light that brightens the room or sets a relaxing mood, while task lighting if the source of light in which someone would need to properly complete a bathroom task (brush their teeth, do their hair, etc.). Task lighting can also be referred to as vanity lighting, and needs to be 150 watts or more – which should be spread out evenly over a mirror or the place that the person will be performing the task.

Ambient lighting is what the source of brightness is other than the task lighting. This lighting doesn’t have to be as bright as the task lighting, however, you do want the ambient lighting to be bright enough to move around in. This means that it can be a bit dimmer than the task lighting, but still has to be bright enough for people to see where they are going.


Want to see what we have to offer when it comes to bathroom lighting fixtures? Visit us today at StewartLighting.com!

How Certain Lighting Can Affect Your Mood


Interestingly enough – when you’re feeling a little down at work or home, it could have something to do with the lighting in your environment. Whether it’s your living room lighting that’s playing with your brain or the amount of light you have in your work area, the amount of lighting that is in your life plays a huge part of your mood. We found some great facts on how your brain processes light and how you can change it in your environment.

It all starts in your eyeballs. We literally mean the center of your eyeballs, or your retinas, is what affects the way light is processed in your brain. The cells in your retinas, which are also known as photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (PRGC), are the cells that are directly linked to that part of your brain which processes the different lights that pass through them. These wavelengths of light often give off different colors that are processed by the brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps us get to sleep. That means that when the light you’re seeing is giving off a blue hue, you’re likely to feel more lethargic and grumpy.

All of this light that gets processed by your PRGC’s is also hooked to something called your circadian rhythms. These rhythms are what help your brain produce the chemicals it needs to sleep, to wake up, and to feel alert throughout the day. When light messes up the circadian rhythms of your brain, your limbic system – or the place in your brain that controls moods – becomes out of whack. The bottom line is – the less of that blue light you’re getting, the more likely you are to experience more moodiness and restlessness at night.


Want to see what kind of bedroom lighting or living room lighting we have to offer? Visit us today at StewartLighting.com!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Modern Lighting for a Modern Kitchen

Many of the lighting fixtures here at Stewart Lighting are perfect for the modern design aesthetic. But how do you incorporate that into your home? The modern style is defined by its sleek and uncluttered look. When you want to add a modern vibe to your kitchen, choose some contemporary finishes for your appliances—like stainless steel, concrete, and slate. Modern style is also quite minimalist, so it might help you to reduce your kitchen budget—you won’t have to spend money on too many design “extras.” With a few simple lighting fixtures from Stewart Lighting, you’re well on your way to the modern kitchen of your dreams right here in Jacksonville. The biggest challenge of a modern kitchen is being able to make it feel comfortable and inviting with all of the sleek surfaces.

A few modern kitchen tips

  • Paint the walls a neutral color. This will help everything blend together in the modern style.
  • Cabinet doors with glass panels or open shelving are ideal for any modern kitchen.
  • Hang just a few decorations in the room—but make sure they have a big impact. We have many different décor options here at Stewart Lighting. You could choose a wall sculpture, unique clock, or simple painting.
  • Choose sleek lighting fixtures that add to the style of the room and also accent the modern styling. Need help? You can always reach out to the design specialists at Stewart Lighting for some guidance and design inspiration.

Outdoor Chandeliers: Yes, Really!


A chandelier outside? Really?

We think it’s a wonderful idea! Anywhere you can hang a beautiful light fixture is all right with us. Here at Stewart Lighting, we’ve got an extensive selection of outdoor chandeliers that can really make your summertime entertaining something special. We’ve got a few tips to help you make the most out of your outdoor chandelier.

Outdoor chandelier tips
You should consider where you’re going to put your outdoor chandelier.

Are you going to put it in a gazebo? Many gazebos have a steep pitch to the roof. This is a perfect place to put an outdoor chandelier! You can even use one with more height than usual.
If you’re putting your outdoor chandelier in a sunroom, you’re sure to appreciate its functionality. Many normal chandeliers can’t withstand the heat and extra humidity of a sunroom—especially if you have plants and a hot tub in there! With an outdoor chandelier, you can get the light you want without worrying about it.


Your outdoor chandelier should reflect the overall character of your exterior home design. There are many décor styles that incorporate outdoor chandeliers beautifully—from a rustic log cabin to a beach motif. Whatever your choice is, have fun and turn an outdoor area into somewhere that you love spending your time.