Monday, February 29, 2016

Tips for Landscape Lighting in Jacksonville, FL

Outdoor lighting is a big part of finishing the look or feel of your home and is critical to creating good curb appeal. There are many issues that must be faced with outdoor lighting that differ from those of indoor light. Reflection and glare are big issues to work with as is the necessity to ensure your lighting is confined to your own property as much as possible so it is not impacting the homes and businesses around you.

Here are some things to remember about light use and positioning as you work on your landscape lighting in Jacksonville, FL.

Paths – Ensuring your pathway leading to the front door is well-lit is one of the biggest factors that lead to good curb appeal. High illumination isn't always necessary as you just need enough space to light the way so people can get from their cars to the front door safely.

Entries – Place lights to each side of a door or overhead at front, back, and side entry doors. Even entry points that are not used that often need to be kept illuminated for safety and security sake.

Driveway – If you have a long driveway at your house or a parking section for your business you need to make sure the area stays well-lit at all times. Low-voltage landscape lighting can be a very good option along a driveway and post lightings are good for parking areas.

Steps – Steps must always be well-lit for safety; either the risers or the treads can be lit. The important thing to remember is to make sure every step is well defined so someone does not miss a step in the dark and fall because of it. 


Decks or Patios – Use directional lights on a deck or patio to focus on a particular area or you can light up the entire area with lamp or post-style lights. If the area is covered, hanging lights are another great option for attractive lighting.

Architectural Features – Outdoor landscape lighting in Jacksonville, FL relies heavily on accentuating the design features of the building and the landscape itself. Use statues, ponds, trellises, planting areas, and other features that enhance your property.


Friday, February 19, 2016

Light Bulb Types You Can Find at Jacksonville Lighting Stores

There are many types of light bulbs available for use in the home. Each type has its pros and cons and some rooms need a certain type of light, while some light bulbs work better in one room than another. It might take a bit of research to comb through the different types in order to see where each should be used and what works best where. With this handy guide this should be easier than ever to sort through the light bulb types you can find at Jacksonville lighting stores.

Incandescent – This is the type of light bulb most people think of and is the most common type. It is easy to use, fits in many fixtures, and is usually the least expensive. This light bulb type has a warm and soft light and does not bleach out or discolor skin tones and other colors.

Halogen – This is a variation of the incandescent. Halogen bulbs produce what is known as a white light and is the closest we can get to natural daylight. It is important not to handle these bulbs with your bare hands. They get so hot that the oil from your hands can cause hot spots to form on the bulb, which can cause them to shatter or explode.

Fluorescent – These bulbs give off a flat, cold light that is often described as being bluish in color and it can be very harsh on the eyes. It is similar to daylight but cannot be put on dimmer switches. There are many types of fluorescent light bulbs available. Fluorescent bulbs work well to light large areas.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) – This is a light bulb type that consumes a quarter of the energy needed to light the standard incandescent bulbs and they will also typically last 10 times longer. Unlike the other types, these bulbs have warmer, color-corrected tones so they do not discolor and affect light quality.

LED – LED stands for "light-emitting diode," and is long-lasting and extremely energy-efficient, and burn cold to the touch. They are best used for spot lighting such as under a display case or such, but not where diffused light is needed — like in a bedroom.

Monday, February 8, 2016

3 Major Purposes of Wall Sconce Lighting

Household lighting, although a very important element in the design of your home, is often overlooked. The right lighting will truly make the other elements of your house shine, including yourself. Wall sconce lighting in particular is often ignored, because people don’t understand the purpose that it serves. With wall sconces and lighting as a whole, there are three main objectives to achieve: task, ambiance, and accent.


Task lighting comes in handy for exactly what the name suggests, performing tasks within your home. This type of lighting helps you read, cook, and create throughout various areas of your house. Instead of table lamps, wall sconces can be used in the bedroom as a light source to get close to you for late night reading or studying in bed.

Wall sconce lighting can also be used for ambiance. Sometimes lighting can be used merely to make your home more comfortable to live in. When you need a slightly more light or need to balance the light within a room, a pair of wall sconces can provide illumination without being too harsh on your eyes. If you can see better in your home, you will feel better.

The other major purpose of wall sconce lighting is to provide accents. Wall sconces can be used to tie a room together, or highlight plants, artwork, and interesting architectural elements within your home. The size, shape, and style of your wall sconces can liven up understated areas, or simply bring light to an already unique part of your home.

Wall sconce lighting is important to the overall design and flow of your house. Picking out the right wall sconces for your home can be challenging. If you need help choosing the best fit for your home, contact Stewart Lighting today!