Tagged: Switch Lighting
Inspiration: Using Texture
Sometimes adding different textures to a space can really create some interest. Get inspired by a few of our favorite textural fixtures!
Featuring: Fairy Pendant
Today we are featuring the Fairy Pendant by Leucos!
This lovely fixture has been in our window for years and continues to be one of our number one sellers. Anyone passing by can see why! The pendant features crystal glass with a ribbed inner tube which encases the light source. This delicate fixture hovers in the air, and can seem to disappear into it’s surroundings.
It is available in three different configurations: geoids, spheres, and cylinders, and as a single pendant, or a three or five light cascading chandelier.
Tip: Under Cabinet Lighting
Today we are here to talk to you about under cabinet lighting! Although under cabinet lighting is a subtle visual addition to your kitchen, it really does make a huge difference when it comes to productivity. Being able to clearly see what you’re cutting, mashing, mixing, measuring, ect. while you’re cooking at all hours of the day and night certainly has its benefits, and general over head lighting tends to leave shadows on our counters cast by the upper cabinets.
There are a variety of options for under cabinet lighting. We’ll go over the most popular.
Pucks
Pucks are easy to install and can be wired together to all operate on one switch. Typically they come as LEDs, so they will never need to be changed. You can also get battery operated versions that simply stick onto your cabinets. These can be a good option for renters who can’t install hard wired fixtures. The downside to puck lights is that they create a sort of spotlight effect. You can definitely notice where each light is located from a distance.
Linear Strips
These tend to be the most expensive option. They come in many different variations and with various lamping options. We like to recommend LED for their longevity. These provide a much more even spread of light, and often offer dimming options. Most need to be hardwired and require a transformer. In new construction, this can be included in the electrical plan, but for existing kitchens, we often tuck it away into a cabinet.
LED Tape Light
LED tape light is one of the most popular options. It offers a low profile, so it can rarely be seen and is very discrete when applied under cabinets. It comes in any variety of lengths and color temperatures, as well as RGB, and it has a nice, even distribution of light. Tape light is simple to install and can be very versatile. Here at Switch, we use it in any number of scenarios. It’s one disadvantage is that it tends to have a lower light output than the other two options.
We hope this helps many of you when selecting under cabinet lighting for your kitchens! If you happen to have any questions or would like to discuss options with us please contact us!
Inspiration: Lighting Clusters
Here’s some inspiration for you all today! Try using clusters of fixtures in your homes or designs! It’s a great way to add drama to a space, and replacing a chandelier with a cluster of pendants can always look nice!
Featuring: Bourgie Table Lamp
Today we are featuring the Bourgie by Kartell!
Bourgie is a classic design with a new, modern twist, which is why we love it so much! It’s available in multiple color configurations, including a lovely gold, but clear is great for a clean, minimal space.
An Interview with Discoco Designer: Christophe Mathieu
Today we would like to share an interview with the designer of the iconic Marset Discoco fixture: Christophe Mathieu!
The Discoco has long been a best seller in our showroom, and it is always interesting to get a peek into a designer’s head.
Check out the interview HERE!
Project: Ascent Penthouse
Sharing another one of our past projects with you today! Check out these photos of our Ascent Penthouse project:
Inspiration: Using Dramatic Scale
Sometimes it’s fun to play around with using scale, especially if you have a large space to work with! Check out some inspiration using some of our favorite large-scale fixtures!
Featuring: Escape
Today we are featuring the Escape by LZF!
The Escape pendant is composed of wood veneer and is available in a wide variety of colors. It was designed by Ray Power for LZF this past year, and was inspired by falling dominos. This resulted in a wonderful layered fixture from which light ‘escapes’ from through the wood grains.
Tip: The Benefits of LEDs
Today we’re going to talk about the benefits of using LEDs!
LEDs (or Light Emitting Diodes) are really taking the world of lighting by storm, and it’s pretty obvious why. LEDs, because of their small size, can be used to create all kinds of new and exciting lighting fixtures with interesting shapes and sizes. They have opened up an entirely new door when it comes to lighting design.
Of course this is an amazing thing, but LEDs have so much more to offer!
Long Life
One of the most fantastic things that LEDs have to offer is their light hours. LEDs can last for up to 100,000 light hours! Let me break that down; at 100,000 hours, if you leave the light on 100% of the time, it will last for 11 years! Of course (we hope) you would never leave a light on continuously like that. Let’s say that you leave it on 50% of the time, it would then last 22 years! Basically, you’ll never have to change the bulb.
Energy Efficient
A traditional bulb typically operates around 20% efficiency. This means that only 20% of the energy going into the bulb is put out as light. The remaining 80% is output mostly as heat! LEDs operate at a much better 80% efficiency!
Less Maintenance
Since LEDs have such long life spans, they require virtually no maintenance. This is especially beneficial for businesses with many more lights than a typical home. No bulbs needing changed is always a good thing.
Environmentally Friendly
LED bulbs are free of toxic chemicals unlike fluorescent and incandescents. This combined with the fact that you never need to replace them makes them a good idea for the environment. Less toxic waste to dispose of!
Overall, LEDs offer many benefits that everyone, including the Earth, can receive!
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