Fantasia Ceiling Fans

Posted on 8 May 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Fantasia Ceiling Fans

image of fantasia ceiling fans logoWhile we’re experiencing the coolest May in 100 years it’s possible that the last thing on your mind is purchasing a ceiling fan, but it is a good time to start thinking about the choices available. directlight is an approved official supplier of Fantasia ceiling fans – a brand name synonymous with exceptional quality, value for money and style. Fantasia Ceiling Fans, formed in 1985, continue to develop new and innovative designs utilising cutting-edge technology.

Don’t just take my word for the exceptional quality of their fans – read the testimonials which can be found on Fantasia’s website.

Fantasia fans are certainly not the cheapest fans on the market but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for – and what you get for your money is a ceiling fan made from high quality materials.

All Fantasia ceiling fans have double sealed bearings which makes them much quieter than other fans on the market and they are much more stable even when fitted with a drop rod.

Fantasia Ceiling Fan Warranty

Fantasia has three different ranges of fans providing choices to suit all tastes and budgets.  Fantasia are so confident in their fans that the Elite fans are supplied with a 15 year warranty, Fantasia fans with a 10 year warranty and Eurofans with a 5 year warranty.

A Ceiling Fan to Suit Your Needs

image of the gemini ceiling fan from Fantasia in pewter finish

Gemini Fan in Pewter Finish

Fantasia fans come in many designs to suit your decor. They also come in several different sizes and different finishes to complement spaces of any size whether for a contemporary kitchen or a traditionally styled conservatory.

Whether you’re looking for a fan that will create a statement, a sleek, inconspicuous fan that will blend into the ceiling or a fan with or without a light kit Fantasia has something for you.

Fantasia Fan Accessories

Fantasia offer a collection of accessories such as wall controls, remote controls, and drop rods in varying lengths and finishes which enable the fan to be lowered to a suitable height for maximum efficiency.

The wall controls are available in polished brass, stainless steel, polished chrome and white. Fantasia fans need either a 22mm diameter or a 27mm diameter drop rod and the length of these can be cut to size. It is important to make sure that you check carefully which size your fan requires prior to purchase.

image of a conversion kit for Fantasia fans

Conversion Kit

A conversion kit is required when changing a flush mount fan to a drop rod style. A dual mount fan does not require a conversion kit. A conversion kit also enables the fixing bracket to be mounted up to a 40° angle on a sloped ceiling. They are also available in all finishes to match.

 

 

 

 

Their collection of accessories also includes glass shades and various blade colours and designs – useful to change the look of the fan at a later date rather than replacing the whole fan.

image of the blade options available for Fantasia fans

Fantasia Blade Options

How do Ceiling Fans Work?

Ceiling fans do not actually change the temperature in a room. What they actually do is create a wind chill effect, which is what happens when the breeze created by the fan pulls perspiration away from your body, allowing your body’s own cooling system to work more effectively. Of course, if you are running an air conditioning unit nearby you will feel a change in temperature because the fan is circulating the cold air from the air conditioner.

A Fantasia Ceiling Fan is Not Just for Summer

If installed and used correctly, Fantasia fans can be operated in summer for a cooling effect and reversed in winter to re-circulate and push back down the warm air trapped at ceiling level – this can save you as much as 10% of energy in winter months.

The Technical Stuff

Fantasia fan motors are of silicon steel construction with double sealed bearings, ensuring long, quiet, reliable and maintenance-free operation. All metal surfaces are powder coated or plated and lacquered to give a permanent seal and prevent tarnishing.

All models operate on your household mains 230 volt electricity supply. The power rating of their fan motors range from 30 – 75 watts with 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds. In general terms the larger the fan, the higher the motor wattage. Fantasia fans running costs are less than running a 100w light bulb for the same period of time – at today’s energy costs this is about 5p for 8 hours.

When choosing a ceiling fan you must take into consideration that when installed the blade tips must be at least 8” (20cm) from any obstruction such as a sloping roof or beam. Blades should be mounted at least 7ft 6” (2.3m) from the floor (see below for more about this).

Ceiling fans can be installed in any room, except bathrooms.

Environmentally Conscious

Fantasia ceiling fans are better for the environment than many other air cooling systems. Amongst Fantasia’s many values and principles is the protection of the environment. Being energy conscious they expanded their DC motor range in 2010 which uses 60% less

Splash Ceiling Fan with LED Light

power consumption than a standard AC motor fan – these are contained within their Elite range. They have also introduced their first low energy LED fan-light and intend to expand on this in the future.

 

 

 

Sizing Guide

So, what size fan do you need? The space you have should determine the size of the fan and what length the blades should be. Both the aesthetics of the room and the fan’s efficiency need to be balanced. Fantasia recommend the following sizes for a room with a standard 8 feett 2 inch (2.5m) ceiling:

36” fan for a room up to 12ft x 12ft
42” fan for a room up to 12ft x 14ft
52” fan for a room up to 15ft x 15ft
Two fans will usually be required for a room larger than 15ft x 15ft

chart for measuring up for a ceiling fan

Measuring Guide

image of a kitchen with a Fantasia fan installed

Conservatory Fan with Drop Rod

For conservatories or south facing rooms Fantasia recommend that you increase the fan size relative to the room size to compensate for the higher temperatures reached in these areas. The British Standards Institute recommends that the blades should be no less than 7ft 6” from the floor.

The length of drop rod required when fitting the fan into a conservatory or a high ceiling is determined by the ceiling height. The optimum height from the floor to the blade is between 7ft 6″ and 9ft.

Generally speaking conservatories have a sloping roof. Fans can be installed up to an angle of 20° for 27mm drop rod fans and 30° for 22mm drop rod fans. A minimum of 6” must be allowed between the tip of the blade and the slope of the ceiling, or any other obstruction.

Now you have an overview you’re better equipped to make the right decision on the functionality and the design of a ceiling fan. However, if you do need any further advice on choosing the perfect fan for your living space contact us today, where one of our team members will be more than happy to help.

 

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Wendy Di-Tanna directlight Retail Manager

Posted on 24 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Wendy Di-Tanna – Retail Manager

Background Information

image of Wendy the Retail Manager at Lighting Bug Rotherham

Wendy - Retail Manager

Wendy Di-Tanna has worked for Lighting Bug for over 18 years which surely must warrant a medal as large as a dustbin lid! Wendy works hard to ensure that the retail office and retail showroom runs smoothly. Working to maintain customer service standards and ensuring that staff are fully trained are paramount to her.

Prior to Lighting Bug Wendy worked as a merchandiser for Clarks Shoes – her role also involved her measuring up children’s feet – Wendy’s patience is boundless! A natural attribute that enables her to deal adeptly with customers and suppliers alike.

Outside Interests

Wendy very recently became a Nonna for the first time and, being very much family oriented, loves spending her free time with her new granddaughter as well as with the rest of her family and friends.

“… pale, glistening with a brilliant green glow, crisp yet creamy, exploding into lemon butter and tropical fruit flavours with well-integrated vanilla oak notes ...” It’s a well-known fact that Wendy is partial to a glass or 2 of Douglas Green Chardonnay but not so many people know that she was a talented flute player when she was a young girl.

Wendy has become the birthday baker at work, baking mouth-watering chocolate and coconut cakes whenever there’s a birthday at work. The only thing that would make the cakes better is if there were more birthdays, resulting in more cakes! Keep up the good work Wendy!

 

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John Yates directlight Warehouse Manager

Posted on 24 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

John Yates

Warehouse Operations Manager

Background

image of John Yates directlight's Warehouse Operations Manager

John - Warehouse Operations Manager

Recently John celebrated his first year anniversary with directlight. John’s previous work history includes the various stages of the production processes of office furniture and kitchen units. A skill he utilises in our showrooms overseeing the building of our displays. John’s role is quite varied, however, his primary duty is being ultimately responsible for ensuring our customers’ goods are despatched timely and intact to our customers.

Outside Interests

With his dry Bill Murray-style humour John is a great character to have around – you never know what he might say next to have you in fits of laughter. John is a relaxed, family guy with an abundance of empathy who has a calming effect on us all.

Several members of our staff have claims to fame and John is no exception – he was once gifted a packet of Love Hearts by British actress Tilda Swinton – certainly not to be sniffed at considering John is such a film buff. When he’s not mingling with the stars John enjoys spending his time watching productions by the highly prolific Japanese film-maker Takashi Miike or reading books such as his favourite satirical novel Ape & Essence by Aldous Huxley.

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Kitchen Lighting Guide

Posted on 19 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

A Guide to Kitchen Lighting

Lighting the Multifunctional Kitchen Space

 

image of decorative pendant lighting

Decorative Lighting

Our kitchens are generally multifunctional, in that we cook, dine, wash the dishes, entertain and study at the kitchen table in them. By layering the type or style of lights in a kitchen we can mark out the different zones, This is especially important in an open-plan kitchen/diner space. Whether our kitchens are small or large, long or square we still need to define these zones in order to light them adequately. directlight have therefore created this kitchen lighting guide to help you along.

Years ago harsh single- and double-batten fluorescent light fixtures were about as exciting as kitchen lighting got. Nowadays there are so many possibilities that it can cause palpitations just at the thought of trying to sufficiently light our kitchens. However, it’s not as difficult as your might first think. You can assess the functionality of your kitchen simply by knowing what tasks you do or will perform in your kitchen and where. By separating your kitchen into little “rooms” or areas where specific tasks will be performed you can identify the main types of lighting required. No single light source can provide all the necessary light for a kitchen.

image of kitchen plinth light

Plinth Lights

Installed in the correct places our kitchens can utilise lighting products from a choice of  recessed spotlights, efficient track lighting and spotlight bars, dimmable wall sconces, hanging pendants, LED plinth lights, and ropelight to adequately illuminate the space. This will also enable the kitchen to be utilised to its maximum potential.

 

What Type of Kitchen Lighting Works Best and Where?

General/Ambient Lighting

This is the general, indirect light from a central ceiling fixture such as a central chandelier or ceiling light which provides you with enough ambient light to go about everyday tasks and moving around the room.

image of fluorescent kitchen lighting

Modern Fluorescent Lighting

If you preferred the bright light produced from the old fluorescent lights there are many up-to-date alternatives. These can still be added to the layers of other lighting and will complement both contemporary and traditional kitchen decors.

Task Lighting

Where will tasks such as food preparation, cooking, eating and washing dishes be undertaken? Areas such as the sink, work tops, and the oven require a good direct light for safety.

image of decorative lighting

Decorative Lighting

Examples of suitable, practical lighting for these areas are track lights, spotlight bars and spotlight plates. This type of kitchen lighting is generally adjustable and therefore can be directed at specific areas.

Spotlights give a directional light source, and whilst they are not useful for overall general lighting are perfect to highlight such areas.

 

If you do not have an extractor fan above your oven consider recessed downlights in the area above the hob – though you should choose IP rated downlights to ensure safety against steam ingress.

If you were to only install an overhead light when you stood at the work surfaces your body would create a shadow. Under-cabinet lighting is a great addition here, as they reflect the light directly onto work surfaces with no shadows. This in turn provides a safe environment for chopping or transferring hot pots and pans to different areas of the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting is also handy for providing ambient lighting in the evening when you just want to put the kettle on for a cup of tea. General lighting is not necessary to perform this simple task. Using an under-cabinet light is more economical due to the energy efficiency of both fluorescent and LED under-cabinet lighting.

image of Endon LED under cabinet lighting

LED under-cabinet lighting

Further benefits of linkable under-cabinet lighting are that there are no electrician costs associated with them, as they can be simply plugged into a mains socket. The fluorescent tubes that they contain are low energy and are now available in warm white, white and cool white versions. LED under-cabinet lighting is also available. The fixtures are often individually switched so that you can be selective of the space you are lighting.

Consider pendants over the dining table which will provide you with a soft, diffused light that not only creates ambience, but creates unobtrustive, sufficient illumination. Pendants can also be controlled by dimmer switches to create ambience.

image of Franklite FL1924 pendant

Pendant Light

Accent Kitchen Lighting

image of Endon EL-10078 LED overcabinet light

LED Over-Cabinet Light

Accent lighting highlights areas and creates an ambience or mood. You can highlight architectural elements or glassware and ornamental objects in cabinets with glass doors. Recessed downlights are an ideal source of light for such purposes, as is LED tape or rope lighting mounted on plinths or above eye-level kitchen cupboards.

Consider dimmers on the electrical circuit to control your accent lighting and the level of illumination.

 

Decorative Kitchen Lighting

image of Clifton chandelier

Decorative Crystal Chandelier

I recently read that decorative lighting is often considered the architectural jewellery of a home. I think is a wonderfully apt analogy. Decorative jewellery reflects our personalities and through decorative lighting we can reflect our personality into our kitchen. Decorative lighting also prevents our kitchen from appearing bland, giving a finished look.

 

image of Clifton pendant light

Pendant Light

 

Decorative lighting could also encompass the task lighting aspect with 2 or 3 smaller striking pendants fitted in a row over the kitchen island. This would give both the necessary light to eat and entertain, and provide decoration to the kitchen. Larger matching pendants could be placed over the kitchen or dining table.

 

Other Factors to Consider in Kitchen Lighting

Once we’ve identified the areas we need to light we also need to take into consideration other factors. Factors such as the kitchen surface finishes, the amount of natural light that flows in through the windows, the colours of the wall decoration, the heights of the ceilings. Light diminishes the further away we perform the task from the light source itself. Rooms appear darker if we have dark coloured surfaces in the rooms, bright colours in the room can create glare when teamed with some types of light such as halogen.

A more indepth post on the ramifications of the above is to follow.

For further assistance in choosing the perfect lights for your kitchen or any other rooms in your home please feel free to contact us with your query, email us at sales@directlight.co.uk or call us at our offices in Bramley, Rotherham.

 

 

 

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BELL Halogen Adaptor Range

Posted on 19 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

The BELL Halogen Adaptor Range

Replace traditional bulbs with the BELL Halogen Adaptor Range

Many of our customers prefer the pearl and opal conventional bulbs which are no longer being manufactured. In the future they will not be available at all. BELL (British Electric Lamps Ltd) designed an ingenious BELL halogen adaptor range to replace the conventional bulbs. Although the range was launched last year they are a secret that many are yet to be let in on.

BELL, established in 1920, have built a reputation within the lighting industry for manufacturing quality products. They continue to develop innovative and exciting new energy-saving products.

Benefits of the BELL G9 Halogen Saver Adaptor

There are many chandeliers and ceiling fixtures available which look more aesthetically pleasing when they are teamed with opal bulbs rather than clear bulbs. For example fixtures such as traditional fittings in brass and antique brass finishes, where a clear bulb would not suit the fitting. With the specially designed halogen adaptor range you do not have to compromise your decor with clear bulbs or spiral energy-saving bulbs. Opal bulbs also diffuse the light to give a more ambient effect – in this instance this design works marvelously.

It is not only the advocate of pearl and opal bulbs that benefit from the BELL halogen adaptor range:

  • lasts 3x longer than traditional bulbs
  • fully dimmable
  • 35% energy-saving
  • reduces carbon footprint and landfill waste with 75% less material for disposal
  • can be used with or without the cover

Here’s How The Halogen Saver Twist G9 Adaptor Range Works

The BELL halogen adaptor units are split into 3 parts -

  1. the G9 halogen replaceable bulb, which is what lights the fitment up,
  2. the adaptor base in various cap sizes, which allows the bulb to work as a conventional bulb, and
  3. the decorative glass cover which screws on creating the effect of a conventional bulb.

The adaptor unit and the bulb is purchased as a whole unit with the covers available separately. To fit this into your light fixture simply screw the cover onto the base with the bulb inside and then fit the adaptor like any conventional bulb. The bulbs are available for purchase individually which contributes to the reduction in carbon footprint and landfill waste. When the bulb’s life ends you simply unscrew the cover, remove the spent bulb, replace the bulb and refit the cover. There is no need to remove the adaptor from your light fitting.

 

image of bell halogen adaptor light bulbs

How the BELL halogen adaptor works

BELL halogen adaptor light bulb cap sizes

Cap Sizes

The adaptor and bulb is available in a 24w (equivalent to a 40w bulb), a 40w (equivalent to a 60w bulb) and a 60w (equivalent to a 100w). Please refer to your light fitting prior to purchase to confirm the maximum wattage it can take.

The adaptor is available in all the common cap sizes ie bayonet (BC/B22), edison screw (ES/E27), small bayonet (SBC/B15) and large screw (ES/E27).

The decorative covers are available in the following styles:

image of BELL halogen adaptor glass covers

Decorative Covers

These covers are available in various colours including clear, soft tone, opal, amber and gold. Such a range of style and colours will compliment the whole range of light fittings and chandeliers available today.

View the full range on the directlight website.

 

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Lee Hobson directlight Sales Administrator

Posted on 11 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Lee Hobsonimage of lee hobson of directlight

E-Commerce Sales Administrator

Lee can be contacted at lee@directlight.co.uk

Prior to directlight

Lee Hobson joined us very recently and is also studying his HND in computing at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT) – providing him with many skills that he can utilise inhouse.

Outside Interests

In his spare time you’ll find him repairing or restoring one thing or another – be it a computer, a mobile phone, or one of the many cars he has owned in the short time since he has passed his test – and, he tells us, he passed first time! Though cars are his main passion he cannot resist his Grandad’s meat and potato pie.

Lee is a family orientated young man with a very down-to-earth, affable nature. He has a typical young-Yorkshireman’s sense of humour. When we asked him about his ideal car, he told us his ultimate car is a Ford Escort RS Turbo (90′ spec). We are still trying to figure out whether this was a serious answer or if it is simply his crazy sense of humour. Only time can tell.

 

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Aurora Lighting

Posted on 11 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Aurora Lighting

Aurora – Passionate about Lighting

 

is a leading energy-saving lighting brand and the UK’s leading lighting manufacturer. They are synonymous with superior, dynamic and inspirational lighting solutions. Their corporate strategy says it all:

” Transform the way people interact with their environments by providing inspirational lighting solutions.”

They took their company name from the natural light display known as an Aurora, which is a phenomenon that occurs on both far northern and southern horizons when charged solar particles enter the earth’s magnetic field. In northern latitudes this effect is more commonly known as the Northern Lights. It is this phenomena which inspires Aurora to realise new and innovative lighting solutions.

The Aurora Group is a huge organisation employing over 600 people within their global manufacturing, distribution, and sales & marketing facilities. They continue to develop and manufacture power, control, luminaires (light fittings) and lamps (light bulbs) in 36 countries from the UK, throughout Europe to Asia, South Africa to the USA.

“Lighting is a fundamental human need bringing to life the environments we live in.”

It is important to understand that Aurora do not just manufacturer and supply lighting – they are passionate about the environmental effects and the impact lighting has on both our lives and those of people all over the world.  Andrew Johnson, the Founder and CEO of the Aurora Group of Companies, founded in 1999, created the Aurora Light Foundation with the objective of making an impact on the world by distributing environmentally friendly, sustainable lighting to the underprivileged.

Read more about the Aurora Light Foundation and its aims and achievements.

directlight an Aurora Approved Distributor

As one of Aurora’s Approved Distributors, Lighting Bug Ltd trading as directlight can offer Aurora’s full range of unique and innovative energy-saving lighting products. Their products are designed for a wide range of applications and target markets – residential, bars, clubs, restaurants, retail, offices and hotels. Whether your requirement is for energy-efficient indoor or outdoor lighting, kitchen lighting and bathroom lighting, or emergency lighting, Aurora Lighting has the practical, safety, effect or display lighting solution for you.

 

 

 

Aurora’s domestic indoor lighting collection varies from cabinet lighting to downlights, shaver lights to track lights. They also produce a range of fire-rated downlights and firehoods for downlights not fire-rated which comply with BS476 Part 21 (the British Standard for fire tests on building materials and structures).

The make-up of these products ensure that the downlight fixture and the cut-out are completely sealed in the event of a fire. These downlights come in a variety of finishes, sizes and styles to compliment your home, workspace or hotel.

Aurora supplies lighting accessories and sundries such as electronic transformers which are suitable for dimming with both resistive [designed to control lamps with a filament for example GLS and mains halogen lamps] and inductive [used to control light sources such as low voltage lighting] dimmers. Insulation-covered transformers are also available from Aurora that are suitable for use with fire-rated downlights. Other sundries such as LED drivers and control units, lampholders, junction boxes and replacement lamp reflectors and flush and recessed light trims are also available.

Aurora produces a huge variety of LED products ranging from spotlights, bulkheads, cabinet lighting, walk-over lights, strip/tape effect lighting, marker lighting and recessed wall lights suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Whatever energy-efficient lamp (light bulb) you are looking for Aurora are sure to have it amongst their immeasurable selection. From compact fluorescents to halogens to coloured reflector lamps for low voltage and mains connections in various wattage. Many LED retro-fit lamps are also available, providing you with an alternative to expensive running costs of incandescent lamps.

Aurora Lighting at directlight

As the leading supplier of energy-saving products, their portfolio amasses to over 5500 lighting products and we could therefore go on and on listing and recommending their high quality product. We recommend you take a look for yourself and view our current Aurora collection.

We are always expanding our range of Aurora product that we supply – but if you cannot see what you are looking for please get in touch – providing the product is still current we can always order them in for you.

 

 

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Indoor Modern Lighting

Posted on 10 April 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Modern Lighting

Modern Living

When we consider modern home décor we envisage simplistic clean lines, minimalism, and a stylish sophistication together with neutral shades. But this blend can make the home appear cold, sterile and uninviting. Therefore our modern lighting choices are fundamental in terms of turning our homes into a warm and inviting sanctuary – a place we can escape to for relaxation or conversely a perfect entertainment space. Not only can good modern lighting dramatically affect the overall feel and appearance of a room, it also plays a key role in our mood.

image of modern indoor lighting

As modern lifestyles have changed so too has our need for lighting.  We are no longer satisfied with a single source of light and use highlighting, uplighting and downlighting, depending on what effects we are trying to achieve. There are so many types of lighting from floor lamps and table lamps, ceiling lights – both flush fittings and pendants, together with recessed lighting and track lights. Each and every category offers a contemporary design that will complement our modern homes.

The lighting requirements of every room is different whether its our living space, our bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms. Whether your preference is bold statement or subtle style, all contemporary lighting needs to satisfy the following primary functions.

Decorative/Accent Lighting

One of the essential features of contemporary living is minimal accessories and, selected correctly, our modern lighting choices can provide decoration that best reflects our personality. This in turn prevents the space from becoming too  stark.

Why not use a dynamic luminaire as a focal point, or let your artwork take the spotlight – by fitting an understated polished chrome picture light or spotlight above bold artwork or an uplighter to enhance a sculpture.

Even corridors and areas under the stairs can benefit from accent lighting, making them appear warmer and more energised. Floor lamps can create a cosier feel by placing in darker corners.

 

Task Lighting

Select steel, chrome and nickel fittings with sleek, geometrical lines which provides task lighting without detracting from the overall decorative feel you are trying to achieve.

 

From our work desks and kitchen counter tops to kitchen tables and dining tables, pendant lights give a focused lighting solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For an extra modern look why not hang multiple pendants together over a kitchen island, dining table or coffee table.

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of traditional undercupboard light why not use an overcupboard light. There are many versions of these and even come with LED lamps, which is a highly popular option in the modern home.

 

 

 Ambient Lighting

In a modern setting light fixtures that provide ambient light without causing any distraction from the functional aspects of the room decoration are largely utilised.

 

 

 

For kitchens consider plinth LED strip lighting which come in various colourways and provide a splash of colour, warmth and ambient lighting.

 

 

 

You may not consider chandeliers to be associated with modern decor, but due to vast changes in chandelier design they can create a focal point in many rooms, whether it be in our living rooms, over the dining table or in hallways and reception rooms.

 

A highly popular choice at the moment is crystal and finely cut glass pendants in vibrant colours. When placed against the neutral shades of our decor these can create a spectacular conversation piece.

 

There are so many ways contemporary lighting can be displayed – don’t be afraid to experiment – just be true to your own persona, this way you create a space that you want to be in, relax in and entertain in because it reflects you and your personality. Keeping up with design trends can be challenging, however, quality lighting will never date.

Contemporary Lighting for directlight

Take a look at our contemporary lighting which can be found in the indoor lighting section of our website. We have a huge selection of quality modern lighting that will suit all budgets. If you don’t see what you are looking for give us a call or email us at sales@directlight.co.uk and we will be more than happy to help.

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Solar Garden Lighting

Posted on 30 March 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Solar Garden Lightingimage of solar garden lighting

Solar Lighting Benefits

Imagine … you’ve got all your garden planned out, everything is ready for summer – or so you thought – except you’ve forgotten to plan in the garden lighting. Solar garden lighting is an ideal solution.

Solar lighting is perfect to light your garden without the negatives of electrical lighting, in that:

  • no mains connection is needed and therefore no running costs
  • no wiring – so no electrician’s fees
  • no wiring also means no trailing cables
  • minimal installation is required
  • little or no maintenance needed

Which demonstrates that they are:

  • flexible – as they are not fixed, they can be moved around the garden
  • ideal for camping
  • environmental friendly
  • safe – no power outlets, therefore no risk of fire, they will never get too hot to handle, and no trailing cables to tumble over.

Solar Lighting in Winter Too

With the right product and a little planning solar lighting can work year-round here in the UK. Clearly they will not produce exactly the same output during the winter as they will during the summer due to the difference in lighting conditions, but they can still provide you with a good source of lighting through the winter months.

The solar lights we supply here at directlight are IP rated, completely waterproof and remain functional even during poor weather conditions.

How Solar Lights Work in Simple Terms

Instead of relying on our mains electricity supply, the solar cells in the solar module enable the LED bulbs to function. Solar cells are devices that don’t need a separate electrical supply to work. These cells convert the sun’s energy during the day into the electricity needed to power the LED bulbs. This energy is conserved within the rechargeable battery contained within the module. The stored-up energy enables the LEDs to light as night falls.

These days solar lighting is manufactured with LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs. LEDs produce brighter light, use much less energy and last considerably longer than old style incandescent bulbs.

Some brands of solar lights will work better than others – this is dependent upon the type, capacity and efficiency of the batteries and the quality of the solar panel within the unit. By using a unit with high-capacity batteries and a more powerful solar panel, more power is collected during the day and the excess energy collected will be stored in the batteries for the next day. The benefit of this is that the batteries should not start each day flat, giving a better start to the process on a cloudy day. A very useful advantage for us here in the UK, where we generally experience an abundance of cloudy days!

Installing Your Solar Lights

A poorly positioned panel is often the crucial difference between satisfaction and disappointment when it comes to the performance of your product – the fewer obstructions between the sun and your solar panel the better your unit will work.

Your solar panel should be:

  • South facing or as near as possible to south-facing
  • Free from any shadows – especially important between 10am and 2pm
  • Angled towards the sun for the correct time of year.

Solar Lights at directlight

directlight stock a range of solar lighting suitable for a variety of purposes and we will be developing our range in the near future, as we approach the summer months. Our solar lights are manufactured to a high standard and utilise the latest battery, LED and solar technology to ensure year-round reliability. Our current range comes with a 12 month guarantee.

 

Our range currently includes practical garden lighting and utility lighting – from spotlights to wall lights to decking lights. We will also be complementing these categories with decorative lights too. A number of these solar lights have multi-functioning fittings included, enabling them to be staked in the ground, attached to fencing or decking, or wall mounted.

Further Information

For further information on each individual unit view our solar lighting section which can be found within outdoor lighting on our website, or contact us.

 

 

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Outdoor Lighting

Posted on 21 March 2012 by Alison Pendlebury-Brown

Outdoor Lighting

Al Fresco Lighting

With Spring upon us I’m certainly looking forward to getting outside into the garden. It’s great to be outdoors and even better if you can stay outside, even after the sun has gone down.

There’s a vast arrangement of outdoor garden lights for a variety of purposes … decking lights, lanterns, wall lights, contemporary lamp posts and bollards, traditional lamp posts and bollards, outdoor pendants, and bulkheads to provide security lighting. With all of this on offer it is not surprising that landscape gardening is now considered to be as important as designing the inside of our homes – it’s become our outdoor living space.

As we are spending so much time in our gardens these days, lighting them is as fundamental as the general layout and planning of the gardening – from laying the turf to planting the shrubs and trees.

Outdoor Lighting to Suit Your Needs

Each type of garden lighting comes in a range of finishes to complement both your garden’s style and whether your residence is a new build or a period property. There are also many ranges that have corresponding styles and finishes – an example of this is the Elstead Chelsea range (shown below).

There are various different types of lighting for specific areas of the garden and its intended use. Outdoor lighting can also increase security and safety as well as lending a hand in improving the aesthetics of our homes and gardens.

When choosing your lighting be conscious of proportions – a large lantern would have fantastic aesthetic appeal and be a great statement on the front of a large detached house but would not give the same aesthetic value on a quaint cottage.

Types of Outdoor Lighting

Decking lights can transform a simple patio area into a fabulous al fresco entertaining space. Options suitable for decking are step/brick lights (example shown to the left) and walkover lights.

 

 

 

 

Patio heaters can be a fantastic addition to your garden and are ideal for use from the beginning of springtime to cooler evenings as the Summer months draw to a close.

 

 

 

 

Bollards and posts are perfect for lighting up pathways and drives. Their running costs need not cost the earth as low energy, LED and solar versions are also available – so not only are you saving money you are also helping to save the environment. We are currently in the process of adding  completely new and exciting products to our solar range. A separate post on solar energy garden lighting will be available soon.

 

 

Ropelight

To add a little ambience why not use ropelighting around the decking, to edge borders, spiral up trees and columns, or outlining roof tops – the uses for ropelight are endless.  Ropelight is especially popular for festive occasions and other celebrations that we may host in our gardens. Available in various colours, ropelight is quite simple to install. A separate post will be available soon on our ropelight which will include simple, easy to follow installation instructions.

 

 

 

Outdoor spotlights can provide illumination to highlight focal points such as trees, ponds and fountains. Solar lights are perfect fitments in such areas as they do not use electricity nor do they have wires that need to be hidden!

To keep our energy costs low consider using motion detectors, some wall lanterns come with PIRs integral, whilst individual PIR sensors can be positioned where necessary and connected to the majority of outdoor lamps. This way the lights will only operate when they are needed.

Outdoor Lighting Safety

Not only are our outdoor lights sourced with quality and budget in mind, but all of our outdoor lights have an appropriate IP rating – each item of outdoor lighting is given an IP rating and this relates to the light fitting’s water resistance.

The IP (ingress protection) is always followed by 2 digits. The first digit relates to the protection against foreign bodies for example tools, dust and fingers. The second digit relates to the level of protection against liquid ingress. You will see that the vast majority of our outdoor lighting carries an IP44 rating which protects the fitting against solid objects over 1mm and against direct sprays of water from any direction, limiting the ingress of rain into the product.

An Outdoor Light from directlight Regardless of Your Budget

At directlight we have many ranges of outdoor lighting in various price bands so that there is something for everyone regardless of your budget. Each product line is chosen with quality and value in mind.

Take a look our our outdoor lighting section today – if you would like our expert advice or are looking for something in particular and cannot see it feel free to contact us or email us at sales@directlight.co.uk and we’ll try our best to assist you.

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