A Guide to Grandmillennial Design

by admin · Oct 13, 2023

Today’s interior design trends are all about neutral color pallets and streamlined minimalist design. While some may love the simplicity, many millennials are tired of the muted, sparse interiors and are pushing back – resulting in the creation of a unique version of vintage interior design they’ve coined “Grandmillennial.”

The term “grandmillennial” can be understood in two parts: “grand” and “millennial.” The “grand” refers to the vintage and classic feel, with rich textiles, colors, patterns, and embellishments. The “millennial” portion nods towards the generation largely responsible for resurrecting these elements while acknowledging their twist on the classics.

In short – think Elizabeth Bennett’s drawing-room sprinkled with references to pop culture, LED lighting, and smart home capabilities.

The grandmillennial aesthetic focuses on storytelling through interior design. It uses brighter colors, vintage fabrics, and upholstery, filling the room with interesting points of view. In short, they seem to be embracing their grandmother’s home and furniture, bringing these pieces back to life in a modern application.

As it’s a brand new, trending, and eclectic style, it can be hard to understand how to capture the essence of the grandmillennials. This piece will walk through the essential building blocks – then you can mix and match modern grandma chic your way into grandmillennial design!

Antique Furniture and Inherited Pieces

Grandmillennials love to showcase the family heirlooms that may not have been important to their Gen X parents’ style. Whether it be old couches, tables, art, or even china, grandmillennials are determined to use grandma’s pieces in their homes.

The goal is not to recreate grandma’s house down to the perfumy potpourri, but to bring classic warmth and texture into a modern context. It’s perfectly fine to restore older pieces with a modern touch before using them in your home.

Pro tip: If you thrift or inherit a beautiful lamp that doesn’t work (or has suspect wiring), it’s easy to restore vintage lamps by replacing the wiring with up-to-code materials.

Brighter Colors and Lots of Patterns

Leaving the neutral palettes of minimalism behind, the grandmillennial style embraces layering pattern and color. However, this balance can be tricky since grandmillennial design isn’t fully eclectic. Instead, it uses complementary colors with one grounding pattern to anchor the others.

You’ll often see this done on the walls with floral wallpaper, textured surfaces, or large pieces of colorful art. If not on the walls, these colors and patterns are found in furniture items and accessories. They’ll be balanced out with solid, complementary colors elsewhere in the room – a floral wallpaper with board and batten below, or a bright sofa with a light, airy paint on the walls.

Pro tip: Spend time with your paint and wallpaper samples at home and watch how they change between the natural sunlight and your electric light. Modern light bulbs typically come in either warm or cool light, and what you choose will change how your paint looks!

More “Stuff”

In an anti-minimalist movement, grandmillennial design simply uses more stuff. Designers fill the shelves with art, plants, and figurines, walls are busier with wallpaper and art, and furniture fills up more of the space.

Grandmillennial style also focuses more on embellishments. Old fashioned tassels, crystal chandeliers, tapestries, and metallic accents are common. Showcasing collections and treasures for the sake of displaying them are returning in vogue.

Pro tip: Consider adding LED strip lighting on shelving to highlight your favorite art pieces or collectibles!

Mixing Textures

Velvet, wicker, and woven accents are all fair game in grandmillennial design. In fact, layering these textures will help create the complexity in design that millennials’ grandparents had. You’ll find these textures in furniture, tables, window treatments, and lighting options.

The great thing about grandmillennial design is that it allows you to use whatever textures you like, regardless of how it compares to other trends! Wicker has made a comeback in the last few years, often featured in trendy interiors.

Pro tip: Swapping out your lighting is a great way to introduce a new texture without overcommitting to it. Whether it’s an exposed bulb or rattan shade, an unexpected fixture can add that perfect amount of spice.

Modern Touches and Pop Culture References

A unique difference between grandmillennial and vintage design is a playful reference to pop culture. Next to flowery wallpaper, printed china, and velvet couches are vintage-style portraits of astronaut cats or stylized Stormtroopers.

Needlepoint art is another trend that’s been rising in popularity recently. But in grandmillennial design, you’ll find this vintage technique now displays edgy sayings or outlines of famous icons. You’ll find similar pop references hidden in rugs, throws, and pillows too.

Pro tip: Just because you’re embracing grandma’s style doesn’t mean you have to embrace her technology – smart lights and LED strips are a simple, inexpensive way to make your home look much more modern without detracting from your decor.

Go Big with Statement Light Fixtures

The focus on historical pieces offers an excellent opportunity to play with bigger and bolder light fixtures. If you’ve cherished a childhood dream of having a big crystal chandelier, but have always worried it would feel too traditional or stuffy, now is your time to make it happen!

Keep in mind that effective mood lighting for any design requires five to seven different light sources. So while all styles will have layered lighting, the grandmillennial style allows you to really go all out and take full advantage of this layer-friendly trend to elevate your design. From wicker to crystal and velvet to fringe, you have free reign to play without being kitsch.

Pro tip: Lighting showrooms have a vast selection of fixtures at hardware store prices. A visit to your local showroom will let you see the lights in action before you buy so you can find what you want quickly, and the experts there can walk you through the installation process so you can install it like a pro when you get home.

Now You Know!

With these basics in hand, you are ready to embrace the granny chic movement with the perfect modern balance and function.

Display those inherited pieces, get creative with wallpaper, fill your shelves with interesting knickknacks, and try out that beaded light fixture! At the end of the day, grandmillennial design is all about nostalgia and freedom of expression. You do you.

Having trouble choosing what to highlight in your redesign? The dedicated experts at Desert Lighting can help you pick the perfect, showstopping light fixtures for your design. Contact us today to get started on your grandmillennial refresh!

5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home Office

by admin · Oct 6, 2023

More people are working from home than ever before! Because of this, having a dedicated home office space has moved to the top of the home improvements list for many homeowners seeking refuge from daily noises and distractions at home. (Who can focus in a kitchen with a 2-year-old belting “Let it Go” at the top of their lungs?)

Global Workplace Analysis estimated that “we will see 25-30% of the workplace working at home on a multiple-days-a-week basis.” If you’re included in this work-from-home exodus, then you understand what a difference having an office that’s both functional and comfortable can make for your workday.

Fixing up your office doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking – making just one small change can significantly impact the way your home office feels. We put together a list of 5 tips that will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home office.

Just remember, you don’t need to do all the things (unless you want to!) – any one of these projects on their own will still make a noticeable difference!

1. Refresh with Paint

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of changing the mood of any room is painting. Whether you go for light and airy, bright and colorful, or moody, sometimes all you need is a color refresh to get back that inspiration.

A fresh coat of paint can completely change the mood of your home office. Check these out for some inspo on your office update!

Light and Airy

This pretty peach wall and breezy curtains create a peaceful haven where you can get the job done.

Bright and Colorful

These terrazzo-inspired colors bring life into this space and complement the floor perfectly. Talk about inspiration for your work!

Moody

The dark grey walls of this office create a moody ambiance where work can take first priority.

2. Add Lighting

One of the most important elements in a home office is its lighting. Harsh fluorescents are headache-inducing and feel more like a hospital than a haven of inspiration and productivity. Dim lighting is perfect for taking a snooze, but may not be effective when tasks are begging to be completed.

Unfortunately, most people don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows. And even if you do, using a variety of lights is critical in creating an effective working environment without headaches or unintentional naps.

Overhead Lighting

A chandelier or pendant light will do the trick for indirect lighting that will give your office soft, all-over light.

Task Lighting

Functional task lighting is also important in a productive workspace. With the flip of a switch, there won’t be any more squinting to read the post-it-note reminder you scribbled for yourself in a rush earlier. A desk lamp, pendant lights, or wall lamps work perfectly when positioned above the desk.

Lamps

Now that you have overhead lights and task lighting, look around for places that need an extra boost of light! One idea is to create a nook with a cozy chair, then add a floor lamp. Otherwise, consider a side table and table lamp. Lamps with shades add ambient light to the various workspaces in your office so you can see your work no matter where you’re seated.

3. Have Multiple Seating Options

Using a variety of seating options always helps when you get restless. Sometimes changing positions is all you need to get the job done! A comfortable office chair is a must, but you could also consider adding a couch (if you have the space) or a cozy armchair with a side table and lamp.

4. Declutter and Create a System

In the North American Journal of Psychology, researchers say “indecision and behavioral procrastination [are] related…to high degrees of office clutter.” Visual clutter is stressful, and it often leads to poor work performance.

Everything in your workspace should have a purpose and a place to live. Toss out the things you don’t need, and make homes for the things you do. Once you have a system down, you’ll be able to move more quickly from one task to the next. No more searching for a working pen when you need it.

Hide those cords, get bins or a filing system to keep your loose papers in, and make sure you have adequate storage. Built-ins or a bookshelf go a long way in creating a solution.

5. Accessorize

Don’t be afraid to play around with accessories you find or have hanging around. Books, wall hangings that inspire you, and even functional accessories like pencil cups can give your space a more lived-in feel without being cluttered or uninviting. Adding plants also will breathe life into an office that may be lacking. Try different pairings and get creative!

Office update: check! Now your Frozen-obsessed toddler can sing “Let it Go” behind your closed (and locked) office door while you get the job done. For more help with your design needs, contact Desert Lighting or visit our showroom! We’d be happy to assist and give you more tips like these.

Create a Balanced Home with Warm Light

by admin · Sep 29, 2023

Did you know that the color of the lights in your home has an affect on your health? Both your sleep and your mental health can be influenced by the type of light you’re exposed to during the day, and it’s about more than just the lightbulbs in your bedside lamp. In 2020, people spent an average of 13 or more hours a day on screens. Many of us are struggling to fall asleep at night, we’re less productive, and we’re noticing that our emotions are a lot closer to the surface. Parents are seeing their children struggle with emotional regulation. While these issues are multifaceted, the links to overexposure to blue light can be seen across the board. Consciously introducing warm light into the home could be a simple, yet powerful part of creating a healthier and happier home.

The Difference Between Blue and Red Light

Light is made up of many different wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as colors. Each color correlates to a color temperature on a spectrum from low energy (red) to high (blue). Light from each part of the spectrum reacts with our eyes and brain in a unique way and affects the way they function.

Blue light has high energy and its color temperature is around 5000+ Kelvin (K). As the Kelvins go higher, the light appears cooler, or more blue. Many people associate blue light with harsh fluorescent bulbs, but we get most of our blue light exposure from a more natural source – the sun! Most screens, from laptops to televisions to cell phones, emit blue light as well. Red light is on the opposite side of the spectrum. It has lower energy and its color temperature ranges between 2700-3000K. Red light is more commonly called warm light. Imagine the light given off by a candle’s flame or an Edison bulb, this is red light. This type of light plays a crucial role in a well-balanced home by regulating both the health and the mood of its inhabitants.

How Light Affects Your Sleep

The human body runs according to a circadian rhythm, or a 24-hour cycle. This rhythm regulates many functions in the body, with one of the most basic being the sleep cycle. In the morning, the sun’s natural blue light signals the body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which promotes alertness and focus. When the sun sets and gives off a warmer glow that fades into darkness, the change in light signals the body to make a hormone called melatonin, which promotes relaxation and sleep. The cycle of the sun signals the mind to fall asleep or wake up. There is nothing inherently unhealthy about blue light. Problems arise, however, when we interrupt that natural shift in light temperature by exposing ourselves to blue light for hours after the sun has set. The blue light from your light bulbs and device screens signal the body to keep making cortisol instead of switching to melatonin. This disrupts the circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycle, which can make it harder to fall asleep at the end of the day. While a late-night TV binge here and there won’t cause much trouble, regularly disrupting the natural sleep cycle by several hours can lead to health problems.

Get Better Sleep With Balanced Light

Good sleep is crucial to overall good health. Our bodies need that time to rest and restore each day. The brain uses sleep to create new pathways to retain what it learned during the day, so one major side effect of poor sleep is poor memory. Studies have also linked increased anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease with poor sleep. These risks are greater in children. So what can you do to avoid the destabilizing effects of blue light? The obvious answer is to avoid all blue light after sunset, but that’s just not practical. The key to this issue is balance. Cool, blue light is only a problem when it overtakes the natural balance with warm, red light. Find ways to bring that balance back into your home by limiting blue lights and increasing warm light after dark. It’s a pretty easy fix once you know what to look for. A simple switch to warm bulbs (often called “soft white”) and limited screen usage at sunset will have long-term benefits for the whole family by promoting healthy, natural sleep.

How Light Affects Your Mood

Have you ever noticed that many sit-down restaurants feel as if they are only half-lit? This isn’t done to save on the electricity bill, there’s a science behind it! Restaurateurs take advantage of both types of light to keep their business running smoothly. Warm, dimmed lighting in the dining areas naturally relaxes guests and encourages quiet. The kitchens are brightly lit with cool light to help everyone working there to be fully alert and productive while working at high speed. You can do the same thing in your home once you know how it works. Warm, red light is naturally less bright than blue light, so it will feel softer in your home. Use it in the places where you spend time at night to help you wind down and relax. It’s also a great choice for family gatherings or an intimate dinner date at home, where you can use warm light to naturally make everyone feel comfortable. Bright light enhances emotions, making us more aware of everything we’re feeling. If you notice that bedtime is a constant source of chaos at your home, try dimming the light in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, etc. It won’t instantly make them perfect sleepers, but it will definitely help you to foster a calm wind-down strategy at the end of the day.

How to Use Warm Light At Home

Older incandescent bulbs are a great source for warm light, but they’re being phased out in the lighting industry in favor of safer and more efficient alternatives. But that doesn’t mean you need to break out the candles just yet! LED stands for “light-emitting diode”. Essentially they’re microchips that glow as electricity passes through them. This design not only makes them up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but it also makes them versatile. LED bulbs come in a wide variety of color temperatures, and they can be paired with dimmers to set the mood. Some are even color-changing, so that you can switch back and forth from warm to cool using a remote or an app. If you just don’t love the look of a standard LED bulb, there are beautiful Edison bulb style LED options available! They’ll still give you that soft, warm, old-world charm with all of the same energy efficiency and safety advantages.

Where to Use Warm Light

When you’re planning where you want to introduce warm light in your home, think about the main uses for each space. One method is to designate each space in your home as an active or rest area. Active areas are places where you’re working. Blue light promotes focus and alertness, so it’s great to have in places like the kitchen, homework stations, home office, and garage. Rest areas are places where you want to relax and feel comfortable. They’re often gathering places like the living room or dining room, or night-time areas like hallways and bedrooms. Some rooms will have a combination of uses, so you’ll want to use a combination of light types! Bathrooms could use a mix, as blue light is great for a makeup table but warm light is more relaxing for a soak in the tub. Large great rooms might have seating and dining spaces that are rest areas, and study desk and food prep spaces that are active areas. Play around with lamps, dimmers, and smart bulbs to get the right balance for the way you use your home.

This world feels chaotic at times, and finding balance can feel daunting. We can’t help much with office politics or your crazy neighbors, but when it comes to lighting we know a thing or two about helping you find just the right light for your home. If you’re ready to start creating a balanced home with warm light, give us a call or stop by our showroom. Our lighting experts are happy to answer your questions and help you get started!

Living Room Lighting and Interior Design: A Style Guide

by admin · Sep 29, 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!

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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.

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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.

9 Design Tips for Any Kitchen

by admin · Sep 21, 2023

Whether you’re the kind of cook who makes quick and easy meals after an exhausting workday or you’re a foodie dreaming of your own 5-star restaurant, the kitchen is one of the most important and well-used rooms in any home. For maximum practically and atmosphere, a well-lit workspace is a must! Here are 9 design tips, with plenty of examples, for a practical and fashionable kitchen that anyone can enjoy.

1. Use Metallic Touches

A clean, open-concept workspace pairs well with these gorgeous silver fixtures, like a flavorful wine with a good meal. The large fixtures offset the empty space from high ceilings, yet they are still minimalist in detailing, so the look isn’t overbearing.

This kitchen embraces the dramatic: bold black cabinets and countertops offer a beautiful backdrop that allows striking metallic gold fixtures to hang front and center. The result is a showstopping kitchen with plenty of flair.

2. Incorporate Sleek Lines

Now you can whip up gourmet goodies in a glamorous space. This contemporary kitchen employs a beautifully streamlined design. Light woods and belled glass fixtures provide an air of graceful elegance, fit for any aspiring 5-star chef.

These modern lights have a beautifully chic silhouette. Evenly spaced with the rest of the room’s features, like the long island and the simple, sleek cabinet hardware, these lights make good use of visual lines and the space as a whole, giving this kitchen a cohesive look.

3. Find Pieces with Function and Flair

When you’re hosting guests and have too many different dishes and sides planned, it can really turn up the heat in your kitchen. Install a fan to provide necessary light and a comfortable breeze to keep temperatures under control. Plus, everyone will be a fan of this chic look!

Bright lighting beneath these cabinets creates a beautifully lit workspace for all of your food prep needs. These hidden light fixtures blend in with the outline of the rest of the kitchen, leaving the smooth lines of the hardware, appliances, and cabinets unbroken for a lovely modern aesthetic.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Bare Some Bulb

Sometimes, a little goes a long way: here, simple bulbs hanging from the ceiling make for a gorgeous fixture. These bare bulbs are neat enough and placed deliberately enough that the resulting group adds an artistic touch.

If you’re a woodsy soul, use your style to bring the outdoors in. The mixture of bulbs and circular metallic elements makes these fixtures look like lanterns, giving this kitchen a charmingly rustic feel. Now, you can pretend you’re camping every day – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

These fixtures are stylishly understated. The exposed bulbs mix with the other natural touches in the room, like the simple tile and the wood counters, for an organically home-y style. (Of course, a furry friend never hurts to make a room feel like home, either).

5. Use Shades to Express Unique Style

If you share a living space but not the same design tastes, then there’s no need to fight; vastly different styles can be made to work together, with stunning results. Here, the metal shades provide a touch of industrial flair in an otherwise rustic room, bringing the two styles in harmony with each other.

Kitchens aren’t just a workspace – they’re also where you can spend restful Sunday afternoons baking cookies or brownies (and licking the batter from the bowl). Soft colors and sophisticated shades give this kitchen a calming, fresh air, perfect for enjoying yourself as you bake some sweet treats!

6. Maximize Texture

Cool textures can give any room a stylish edge, and the kitchen is no exception. These wire shades have some heaviness to them, and the colors complement the wood counters and beams, creating an appearance that is perfectly tied-together.

Sometimes, subtle features can be the most striking. These barely-there wire shades give a little bit of body to the lights, without any bulkiness. This textured fixture makes the space feel like a delicate expression of a distinctive style.

When in doubt about the direction of your design, try pulling ideas from textures you already have in the room. Here, these lights boast a mix metal and wood that complements the seating, making this room look flawlessly coordinated.

7. Soften the Space with New-Age Candles

Who says candles have to be a thing of the past? If you love the aesthetic appeal of candles but aren’t willing to risk the potential fire hazard, never fear. You can bring modern-age candles into your design by combining electric candles and modern metalwork in a beautifully polished piece. Extra bonus: you don’t have to tidy up any wax.

If sharp lines and angles aren’t your deal, but you like the look of the candles, then play with the shape of the piece. Here, a round metal setting still sets these candles apart, making for this a tasteful piece for any kitchen.

8. Use Unusual Shapes

Who needs date night in an expensive, stuffy restaurant when you can make magic in your own kitchen? The iron spirals around these candle-like fixtures add a romantic charm to a beautiful space. Whether you’re trying to impress a new S.O. or you’re just cooking something new with your longtime partner, this kitchen is a sweet space to cook a wonderful dinner for two.

This colorful kitchen embraces an eclectic spirit. The light fixture especially embodies this style: the multitude of bulbs, hung at varying lengths, has a unique look that suits this kitchen’s unusual color and vibrant atmosphere.

9. Add a Pop of Color

On lazy Saturday mornings, relax with your cup of coffee in this cozy kitchen. The soft shade of these domed fixtures gives the room a gentle touch of color, which subtly infuses the space with calming vibes.

This contemporary kitchen is perfect no matter what event you host! Set a line of dishes on this bar for a potluck or lay out hors d’oeuvre for a fancy dinner party. The tint of the glass in these fixtures provides a rich dab of color that complements the cabinets, resulting in a classy space for entertaining guests.

Moral of the story? With a little bit of good design, any kitchen can be a stylish, functional getaway. Depending on your style, layout, and budget, try embracing metallic finishes and bare bulbs. Throw in some dramatic colors, textures, and shapes for a breathtaking look. You could even try electric candles or unique shades to emphasize the atmosphere of the space. Whatever you decide to do, Desert Lighting is here for your design needs!

Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

by admin · Sep 14, 2023

Morning routine matters. Plenty of health experts have shared their research and expertise on the topic, and it’s about time we shared ours. We are staffed with people just like you—people who sometimes wake up late and stumble out the door, who wish they had more time for the gym, who care about doing their best and getting a good start to the day.

When we wake up each morning, we want a routine that maximizes energy, increases confidence, and creates momentum for the day’s tasks. And because we work in a lighting showroom, we know how much the atmosphere of your surroundings can influence that.

Specifically, a good portion of the morning takes place in the bathroom. The ambiance (or lack thereof) in your bathroom can have a significant effect on your morning. Dingy, dim bathroom lighting hardly reflects the high energy levels our bodies experience after a full night’s sleep, nor does it lend confidence for your day.

On the other hand, good bathroom lighting:

Augments your body’s natural energy
Improves confidence and mood
Create a powerful charge for the day
Aids relaxation in evenings

Wondering how to make this happen in your bathroom? Here’s a breakdown of different layers of bathroom lights, then an in-depth review of how to apply them in your space.

Lighting in Layers

Ideal bathroom lighting has 3 categories, or layers: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

General Lighting lights a room without help from other sources. Also called ambient lighting, it is even-spread and uniform. Can lighting is one popular option here. A large window can also provide natural ambient light.
Task Lighting addresses a specific task. Pendant lights flanking a vanity, for example, aid in makeup application or shaving. Bathroom task lighting is usually bright and direct for full face illumination.
Accent Lighting is mostly atmospheric, often drawing attention to a high-lit or low-lit area. Think over-the-tub chandeliers, floor-lighting, etc.

Between these three layers of bathroom light, aim to have between 70 and 80 lumens of light per square foot of bathroom space. You can calculate this by multiplying the length and width of your bathroom (including bathtub or shower), for total floor space. Determine total lumens by adding together the capacity of each bulb in the bathroom, then divide the lumen total by square footage.

Example: Your bathroom is 10’ by 6’, which totals 60 sq. feet. You have an over-the-mirror fixture with four bulbs, each with a capacity of 1100 lumens. 4,400 lumens divided by 60 sq. ft. is 73 lumens per square foot. Plenty of light!

General Lighting

If you’re new to the lighting game, here are four types of ambient fixtures that work well in the bathroom. Recessed lights are inserted into the ceiling itself, whereas flush lights are attached directly onto the ceiling. Semi-flush lights hang with a little space between the ceiling and the fixture, while chandeliers hang furthest from the ceiling. Let’s go through each type.

1. Recessed (Can) Lights

Recessed lights are wonderful. They’re more difficult to add into an existing bathroom, but if you’re remodeling or building a bathroom, these are a great choice! Around the house, setting cans 3-4 feet away from walls in a 6-8 foot spaced grid pattern is a good general rule to follow. In bathrooms, the spacing tends to be closer, at 4-5 foot apart throughout the room and in the shower.

2. Flush Lights

The most traditional and cost-friendly option for ambient lighting, flush lights are a safe option for any space. If you already have one but worry about its dim lighting, switching to LED bulbs is a great way to fix that. Check our catalog to learn more about LED bulbs and flush fixtures.

3. Semi-Flush Lights

If you’re looking for a little extra class without going full-blown chandelier, semi-flush is for you. There’s a lot of creative variation here, and semi-flush lights are sure to improve the look and lighting of your bathroom.

4. Chandelier

It might not seem possible in a bathroom, but trust us—it is! Upgrade your bathroom’s look by using a mini chandelier, which still accommodates an 8-foot ceiling with plenty of walking space. Chandeliers often have a 4-5 light capacity versus the traditional 2-3 bulb socket in a flush or semi flush mount, adding extra light and extra style.

Ambient Lighting Pro Tip: Whatever fixture type you prefer, choose one that’s U.L.-rated for wet or damp locations. Bathroom lights should feature tight construction that resists condensation.

Task Lighting

Targeted lighting can greatly improve the efficiency and quality of makeup application, shaving, and similar activities. Ideally, these lights imitate natural light without creating distracting shadows, making it easier for you to do your job. Here are a few common types of task lighting for bathrooms.

1. Pendants

These hanging lights usually flank your bathroom mirror, adding extra light at the level of your face. They come in a lot of beautiful varieties, but always choose function over form when deciding on these lights. Luckily, we offer plenty of bathroom pendant lights that accomplish both!

2. Sconces

These wall mounted lights come in several styles, such as lanterns, candles, or modern varieties. Some are meant to perform the task of up/down lighting and others are specific for shining out, more appropriately lighting your face. The latter is the better fixture for bathroom tasks.

3. Above Mirror Lighting

You could also consider a 2-5 bulb vanity light above the mirror. Conveniently, some fixtures are directional, allowing you to control where the bulb shines. Just be aware that light directly above your head can cause shadows on your face.

Task Lighting Pro Tip: Mount your sconces and hang pendant lights at eye level; between 60-72” from the ground up.

Accent Lighting

In bathrooms, accent lighting comes in varied forms, depending largely on the specific functions and layout of your bathroom. Accent lighting draws attention to architecture and creates an element of awe. It also enhances the functionality of your bathroom, as with the options suggested below.

1. Toe-Kick Lights

Reduce in-the-dark stumbling by adding motion sensor lights beneath your bathroom vanity. Called “toe-kick lights”, these motion-activated lights make midnight trips to the bathroom effortless.

2. Soffit Lighting

Most common in kitchens, soffit lighting is any kind of border or perimeter lighting, like on the tile shelf next to the bathtub in the picture above. They add a beautiful atmospheric light to the bathroom as well as enhancing functionality.

3. Additional Sconces

Though we’ve already addressed these as task lights, when they’re placed on other walls of the bathroom, they function as accent lights. Sconces are a classy way to add décor, light, and atmosphere.

Accent Light Pro Tip: Consider the “cleanability” of each fixture. Lighting fixtures made with a shade or fabric are harder to disassemble and clean, and may get sticky with bathroom moisture. Glass fixtures are easiest to maintain in bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

If morning routine really matters, so does bathroom lighting! For every bathroom, every style, and every budget, there is a way to start adding more light to your mornings. At Desert Lighting, our lighting specialists are always available to discuss your unique needs, so give us a call and we’ll help you get started. Until then, we’ll leave you with three more priceless Pro Tips for bathroom lighting.

Pro Tip: Light for Function

Not all bathrooms are a major or grand part of every home. Some bathrooms are small and intimate like small-scaled master bathrooms, powder baths, Jack and Jill kids’ baths, pool baths… so light for the function of the bathroom. For example, pool baths are utilitarian, so a simple vanity light over the mirror would be sufficient.

Pro Tip: Pay Attention to Paint

The paint color in your bathroom influences the effectiveness of your bathroom lights. Lighter paint tones absorb less light, making your bathroom appear brighter. Darker paint tends to absorb more light and will require more lighting fixtures/more bulbs to compensate for that paint choice. Paint sheen (high gloss, satin, flat, etc.) also influences your light.

Pro Tip: Leveraging Light Dimmers

Wall dimmers customize the level of lighting and mood of the bathroom. As you examine fixtures, each product description specifies whether a lighting fixture is dimmable or non-dimmable. If the fixture is dimmable and takes light bulbs, be sure to purchase a bulb that is also dimmable.

7 Lighting Hacks to Boost Your Business

by admin · Sep 7, 2023

Is your workspace working for you? Studies have demonstrated that the way you light your business affects everything from how customers perceive your brand to your mood and even employee productivity. Get lighting right and take your business to the next level!

Here, we’ll cover seven lighting tricks to add that ‘it’ factor to your office or store.

1. Health Benefits

Every good business owner knows that a happy, healthy worker is a productive worker—but what can a business owner do to promote employee wellness? One influential strategy is investing in dimmable lights for your workspace. Bright lights are the best way to augment the natural energy we feel in the morning, and can even lead to increased productivity. As the day goes on, however, excessively bright lights (with too much blue light) can cause eye strain or induce irregular sleeping patterns.

To prevent this in your office, dim the lights slightly in the afternoon. Bright morning light and waning afternoon light match the natural daylight cycle our bodies crave, and will help regulate circadian rhythms for everyone in the office. This can lead to improved mood, more restful sleep, and increased workplace productivity.

2. Visual Emphasis

Your lights send a message—but how? Overall lighting is important, but here we’re talking about something specific: spotlights. Round lights, shining directly on an object of emphasis, communicate importance and draw a customer’s eye. Highlight a new item in stock, or make your mission statement a central part of the décor. Tell your customers about your brand values, great deals, and more by using intentional spotlights.

3. Increased Artistic Appeal

Artistic flair and evenly distributed light make any room feel classy. No matter the size of your office or shop, strategic lighting can augment the atmosphere. Use lights to create a visual division in a large space, or open up a small area by placing lights accordingly. Make a bland area more interesting or a gathering area feel inviting, using specific light color, brightness, direction, and placement.

4. Emotional Influence

Overall lighting affects more than just employee mood and productivity—it also influences your clients. The color, brightness, and placement of your business lights can make people feel focused, at ease, or excited. Bright lights heighten emotions and energize customers, while dim lights will calm and relax. Colors like yellow, blue, and orange tend to stimulate the brain while greens and browns tend to calm. Use light intensity and color to put your customers in the mood that most benefits your business!

5. Energy Savings

Cost cutting can be as simple as changing your lights. Energy efficient lighting is a must-have for small businesses, not to mention a great way to increase profit margins. Simple upgrades like switching to LED bulbs or implementing a timer can save money and the environment. It’s an all-around win!

6. Increase Brand Clarity

Selling your brand can be quite the task if your customers aren’t sure what your brand really is. Use spotlights to draw the eye to physical objects and areas in your office, but don’t stop there! Your brand colors communicate company values and help customers connect with your brand. For example, upscale offices might opt for a classic white on black look, while a hip downtown storefront might catch attention with a more colorful display. When appropriate, choose colored lights that match your brand image and use them around the office.

7. Photo Opportunities

In a world of selfies and peer marketing, it doesn’t hurt to make your business a photo-friendly space. Create an attractive, well-lit area primed for a photo, and don’t be surprised if it gets a lot of use! As customers have positive experiences with your business, photos are a natural way to capture memories and then take them to social media. You may even go the extra mile and make your logo a focal point for photos—satisfied customers will become your brand ambassadors!

Whether you run a professional office, a retail store, or any other type of business, your professional lighting really makes a difference. Color and brightness affect the mood and productivity of employees and clients. Placement and quantity of light change the visual appearance of your space, and colored, directional lighting can emphasize important brand messages. For personalized advice on how to maximize your business lighting, call our design experts at Desert Lighting. We’re happy to help!

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