lightingandliving

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  • Consulting a lighting specialist

    The Benefits of Consulting a Lighting Specialist

    Consulting a lighting specialist when building a new home, planning an extension or simply renovating, it makes perfect sense.

    Most people are beginning to realise the importance of having the correct

    lighting in their homes and having a detailed lighting plan to give to your electrician takes away all the

    guess work. When dealing with a new build or extension the ideal time to consult a lighting specialist

    is when you are addressing your service requirements i.e. plumbing, ventilation, heating, multi room

    sound system etc.

    Save money by Consulting a Lighting Specialist

    Consulting a lighting specialist can advise you on lighting control, for example which lights to switch separately.

    By so doing you achieve the maximum in functionality without compromising on atmosphere. You can

    also save money on costly retro fits by making sure your home is wired correctly. Also advice on energy

    saving options can prove invaluable. Recruiting the services of a lighting professional can bring your

    lighting scheme to a whole new level.

    Consult a Lighting Specialists at Spa Lighting Farranfore

    At Spa Lighting in Farranfore, Kerry we specialise in lighting design and pride ourselves on the service

    we are able to provide for our clients. If a client requires an on site visit or has a set of plans we can work

    from we can assist them with all their lighting requirements. Our 6000sq ft showroom is set on two

    floors and has a designated bathroom lighting area, exterior lighting area etc. The showroom has lights

    to suit all tastes and most budgets. Please contact us on 0669764460 or info@spalighting.ie for more

    details. Alternatively please view our showroom on

  • Italian Lighting

    How To Light Your Living Room with Italian Lighting

    How to light your living room with Italian Lighting before any decisions are made on your lighting it is advisable to plan how

    the seating will be arranged and decide on the focal point of the room.

    A painting, vase of flowers or piece of furniture, such as a sideboard, can

    be accentuated subtly by a directional down light.

    It is possible to use different lenses in front of the bulb to create a

    variety of effects.

    If it is impossible to use recessed lights then consider a plug in solution

    such as a surface mounted spotlight.

    In large living rooms add floor sockets situated underneath furniture so that

    you can bring light to the centre of the room. Always have plenty of wall

    sockets in the corners of the room. Be careful not to use too many lamps

    however, as this can make a room look cluttered.

    A Simple Piece from our Italian Lighting Range

    A simple piece from our Italian lighting range would light a corner behind a piece of furniture can add

    interest and atmosphere.

    It is worth considering lighting a bookcase or display shelving.

    It is most important not to forget task lighting.

    A dedicated plug-in

    reading light,ideally one with an articulated head, that can be angled where

    you need it is most suitable.

    For more on our Italian Lighting range please refer to our main site please CLICK HERE

  • Danish lighting

    Danish Lighting

    Danish lighting is the ultimate in urban chic. Their design is always sleek and not fussy. Danish designers such as Eskild Hansen take their inspiration not only from traditional Danish design but from the global stage. One of Eskild Hansens Danish lighting creations is the Lenti which is a sculptured ceiling pendant.

    The light from the Lenti provides an exclusive atmosphere in the home. The design has an international flavour and is inspired by some particularly beautiful cloud formations. The chosen materials feature frosted glass bonded to a metallic core. You will find that Danish lighting features a lot of Led fittings which are not only incorporated for energy saving but designers choose to use the leds through choice as it adds to their design.

    Danish Lighting are a Stylish Design

    One such example is the Mellow by Jesper Sand. He has said that LED lights lead to rethinking of the lamp because of their size and versatility. In Mellow Jesper combines strict shape and open rib construction, where the diodes give possibility to work with the space in the centre of the lamp.

    The light from Mellow flows softly from the ribs in circumference of the lamp from the space betwen the circle and the elipse. Another Danish Lighting masterpiece is the Lampetta which is a stylish lamp designed by Jesper K Thomsen. This Danish light is a combination of a lacquered surface and solid glass producing a rugged and modern look that gives a room an international atmosphere.

    Danish Lighting Has So Much To Offer

    At the same time the lamp radiates a precise and pleasant light in the room. Danish lighting has so much to offer the modern home owner in terms of style and function there is an endless array of Danish floor lamps, Danish table lamps, Danish pendants etc.

    The Danish Lighting ranges also offer colour to suit home textiles. They offer shades in every colour imaginable to match your curtains, cushions, carpets etc. Any one who chooses Danish Lighting for their home will not be disappointed by the choice that is on offer. Any of the designs mentioned are available from and along with more information and products from Danish lighting.

  • Light Stairs And Landings

    How To Light Stairs And Landings

    Light Stairs And Landings can be thought of as a sculpture in the house and as such should be celebrated.

    Lighting in the stair area is essential from a safety aspect but ought not to stop there.

    The availability of discreet light sources means that there are endless possibilities.

    Low energy LEDs or individual stair lights could be used on every tread or every second tread.

    A glass staircase can be uplit from below or have lights integrated into the treads.

    Recessed downlights under a sloping soffit should be avoided as they will shine in your eyes.

    The underside of a staircase can be made into a feature.

    In a modern setting, recessed up lights can be used, while for a traditional interior, a freestanding up light plugged in behind a coal bucket or timber basket for example looks different.

    By lighting under the staircase you will draw that area into the hall thus making the whole space seem larger.

    A chandelier or pendant can be hung over the centre of a large staircase to provide visual focus and light.

    With regard to landings, the eye is drawn by lighting any features or objects that maybe present.

    It is important to have the stairs well highlighted for safety.

    How To Light Halls and Corridors

    These are very often the forgotten areas in a home but with a little creative thinking you can design a space which provides a seemless transitition from one area to another.

    These spaces can be difficult and you need to take into account the height,width and length of the space. For example, if you have a long narrow hall it is possible to convey the feeling that it is less so.

    In most corridors it is best to avoid using a single line of downlights because walking under them is always slightly uncomfortable,especially if the ceiling is low.

    You could use low voltage floor washers to highlight the floor area along with offset directional low voltage downlights to light the wall.

    If the ceiling is very high, it is a good idea to use hanging pendants to fill the void thus seeming to reduce the height of the ceiling.

    Create drama by using overscaled decorative pendants, dimmed for mood. Combine this with downlights that create effect whether lighting a painting o highlighting an ornament.

    How To Light Your Living Room

    Before any decisions are made on your lighting it is advisable to plan how the seatingwill be arranged and decide on the focal point of the room.

    A painting, vase of flowers or piece of furniture, such as a sideboard, can be accentuated subtly by a directional downlight.

    It is possible to use different lenses in front of the bulb to create a variety of effects.

    If it is impossible to use recessed lights then consider a plug in solution such as a surface mounted spotlight.

    In large living rooms add floor sockets situated underneath furniture so that you canbring light to the centre of the room. Always have plenty of wall sockets in the corners of the room. Be careful not to use too many lamps however, as this can make a room lookcluttered.

    A simple uplight hidden in a corner behind a piece of furniture can add interest and atmosphere. It is worth considering lighting a bookcase or display shelving.

    It is most important not to forget task lighting. A dedicated plug-in reading light,ideally one with an articulated head, that can be angled where you need it is most suitable.

    How To Light Your Kitchen

    Task lighting is essential in any kitchen. To light the work surfaces use low voltage downlights set into the underside of cabinets.

    If there is an island, use downlights above it to provide task light. If you are unable to use recessed lights, consider a track or surface mounted lights.

    In a small or gally kitchen, downlights give a warm glow and can be used to great effect to bounce light off fitted cupboards or accentuate their colour and give a feeling of space.

    If the kitchen has high ceilings the tops of kitchen cabinets can be used for uplights to provide general light. This will also reduce the number of downlights required.

    A good way of creating mood is to have lights set into the kick plinths of an island so that it washes light across the surface of the floor.

    If the units are freestanding or fitted LED strips can be used underneath to make them appear to float.

    It is wise to be aware that exposed light fittings will collect the grime that cooking creates so if it is possible always opt for recessed or semi recessed fittings. It is also advisable to have your kitchen lights operating separately.

    How To Light your Dining Areas

    Dining areas are often multi functional not only for dining but for office or study so it is important to consider this when choosing your lighting options.

    A pendant over the centre of the dining table on a dimmer is ideal when dining, with perhaps recessed lights also which operate off a separate switch.

    If unable to wire for a pendant, an arced standing lamp can be an ideal solution.

    Lighting for other areas such as curtains or art work helps to create atmosphere and a feeling of intamacy and relaxation. There are various options available such as directional downlghts or uplights set into the floor.

    Candles can also be an attractive addition in any dining area, helping to create a feeling of intimacy.

    It is important to avoid positioning any light fixtures so that they cause unnecessary glare as this can be upsetting and not create the type of atmosphere you are trying to achieive.

    How To Light Your Bathroom

    The lighting in your bathroom needs to be both functional and atmospheric. Task lighting is important near your mirrors for obvious reasons. The most successful way to achieve this is by lighting from both sides so that the face is illuminated evenly.

    All lighting used must be specifically designed for the bathroom. Check that the IP rating of the fittings is appropriate for the area in which it is intended.

    Don't forget to adequately light the shower area. Think about feature lighting to create atmosphere. You could put recessed lights into alcoves, maybe use colour changinng LEDs behind an opaque bath panel, uplight behind the bath with uplighters.

    The lighting should be controlled on at least two different switches and dimmable. It is also an idea to use a preset system so that the mood changes instantly, providing different settings for day, evening and late at night.

    How To Light Office/Study Areas

    It is important to have a dedicated task light so that the level of light can be increased for more detailed work at your desk.

    Ensure that the task light operates seperately to the rest of the lighting. This is especially important if the work space is part of an open plan room. This allows the rest of the lighting to be dimmed for television viewing, for example.

  • Light Your Garden

    How To Light Your Garden

    Light Your Garden When lighting your exterior try and think logically and start at the entrance. Do you need to indicate to drivers where the entrance is? It can be quite difficult at night time to locate the drive way. You could have two bollards either side or lights on top of a pillar. If you have nice stone pillars, which you would like to high light, you could have lights shining onto the stone. Always be careful not to use any outside lighting that will interfere with road users as this can be dangerous.

    Continue then into the garden. Is there an impressive tree you would like to light up? Maybe you have a drive way of yew trees; it is a nice idea to light each one individually. Think of the shape and size of the tree when positioning your light and experiment with different positions before fixing your light permanently. Also consider the type of tree you are lighting when determining the colour of your lamp, a cool colour works best with pine and cedar to show off the natural silver in the wood and leaves. A warmer colour works better with oak and beech.

    Most of the lighting in your garden should be near the house to help create outside living areas with maybe one or two other points of focus in the distance. Do you have a water fountain or pond? If you do you can have a light shining onto your feature or from within the water. This would be a feature worth lighting and be able to look upon from within the house itself or from an outside seating area. It is a good idea if you have a large garden to be able to operate the lights separately so that you do not have to have them all on at once.

    If you have a small garden it is a good idea to be able to move your lights with the changing seasons this is achievable with certain types of outdoor lighting, it is possible to consult a lighting designer who can advise you on this (not all exterior lighting has to be wired by an electrician there are other options giving you more flexibility).

    Be sure not to direct your lights straight up into the sky as this is a pointless exercise as all you are doing is lighting the skyline. Light needs something to reflect off to be effective.

    When lighting your outside seating areas be conscious of not positioning lights so that they cause a glare. Subtle lighting is all that is really needed. You do of course need to light steps, if you have any, which can be difficult. One solution is to set small low glare LED’s, into the side wall, if there is one. If this is not possible small exterior spotlights positioned so that the light skims across the top of the step are a good option making sure you use glare guards on each fitting.

    Exterior lighting is often over looked but is an essential part of the overall scheme of your house. The amount of value that a well lit garden can add to your home is often immeasurable and not just in monetary terms. You can add so much space to your home with a well thought out and well lit exterior.

  • Consulting a lighting Professional

    The Benefits of Consulting a Lighting Professional

    Consulting a lighting Professional When building a new home, planning an extension or simply renovating, it makes perfect sense to consult a lighting specialist. Most people are beginning to realise the importance of having the correct lighting in their homes and having a detailed lighting plan to give to your electrician takes away all the guess work. When dealing with a new build or extension the ideal time to consult a lighting specialist is when you are addressing your service requirements i.e. plumbing, ventilation, heating, multi room sound system etc.

    Save money by Consulting a Lighting Professional

    Consulting a lighting Professional can advise you on lighting control, for example which lights to switch separately. By so doing you achieve the maximum in functionality without compromising on atmosphere. You can also save money on costly retro fits by making sure your home is wired correctly. Also advice on energy saving options can prove invaluable. Recruiting the services of a lighting professional can bring your lighting scheme to a whole new level.

    Consult a Lighting Professional at Spa Lighting Farranfore

    At Spa Lighting in Farranfore, Kerry we specialise in lighting design and pride ourselves on the service we are able to provide for our clients. If a client requires an onsite visit or has a set of plans we can work from we can assist them with all their lighting requirements. Our 6000sq ft showroom is set on two floors and has a designated bathroom lighting area, exterior lighting area etc. The showroom has lights to suit all tastes and most budgets. Please contact us on 0669764460 or info@spalighting.ie for more details. Alternatively please view our showroom on

  • Arco Floor Lamp

    The Arco Floor Lamp, Art in Your Living Room

    The Arco floor lamp is the perfect light. What do you think about your living room? Does it have what you need to feel comfortable? Have you thought that it may need some new furnishings? Remodeling your living room could be a very pleasant activity but it may be expensive, if you want to refresh the look of your living room you might need just one object, a great object, the Arco lamp.

    It’s true that we don’t need a large amount of new items to make our house look renovated and totally new, design experts affirm this minimal style equation: less is more, and more is less, and this talks about having just the perfect thing at the exact place to have a balanced and harmonious living room.

    The Arco Lamp is a very exclusive and famous design, you should know more about it. For those who thought that this is a new design, there is a secret for you to know, it was 1962 when Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed this piece of art. The Arco Floor Lamp is timeless and elegant, minimalistic and sophisticated these are some of the words that can describe this universal and famous design.

    Something about the designers and their multiple awards:

    Achille Castiglioni

    Born in Milan (1918-2002), he started work as an architect and designer with his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo in 1938. One of the great masters of Italian design, he was a founding member of ADI in the fifties. The long list of awards he has received include eight Compassi d'Oro.

    Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

    The Italian designer and architect Pier Giacomo Castiglioni is the second of the three Castiglioni brothers, The Castiglioni brothers exerted a strong influence on the younger generation of Italian designers. Pier Giacomo Castiglioni taught design at Milan Polytechnic from 1946 until his death.

    The Arco floor lamp provides direct light, just as a ceiling top light, The thinking behind the design of the arco floor lamp was to fill a need for a lamp that could reach over a table and dispel the need for additional wiring in the ceiling. The Arco Lamp base is made with highest quality marble (carrara) the preferred material of Italians, you can find the base on white or black marble, the design of the lamp has remained and the current production is the same as the ones produced in 1962 with exception of the electrical system which was upgraded for a better performance.

    So, as you can see, this is one of the best choices you have to fill your living room with a timeless and gorgeous design made with the best materials around, position this lamp near your sofa or your favourite table and you will make your living room just rock!

  • kitchen lighting

    Kitchen Lighting With a Wow Factor

    Kitchen lighting , says David Cahill of Spa Lighting Farranfore, Kerry and Lighting&Living is the most difficult area of the house to get right. A lot of thought and planning needs to be invested in this area if you want to get the best from your kitchen lighting.

    You need to consider whether you wish your kitchen lighting to be visible as with pendants and spots or more unobtrusive and discreet as with recessed. It is of course possible to mix the two options. The following is a brief summary of possibilities for your kitchen lighting.

    1. Low voltage energy saver recessed lights, will give your kitchen a clean sharp look. (they have the added bonus of not collecting grease in cooking areas)

    2. Consider under counter kitchen lighting lights to light up work surfaces so you are not standing in your shadow.

    3. Where there are high ceilings uplights can be used on top of units to reflect light and reduce the number of downlights needed. Alternatively consider using high powered spot lights strategically placed so they are invisible and all you see is the light that they give.

    4. With your kitchen lighting you can afford to use lower hanging lights over an island for dramatic effect .The choice available is endless and the size of the island will dictate how many pendants are needed and their size. This is also an opportunity to really add your own stamp on your kitchen design and even add some colour if you wish.

    5. Leds set into kitchen unit plinths are great for effect and to highlight flooring.

    6. Using colour changing kitchen lighting behind a glass splash back is a really fun and effective addition in modern kitchens.

    7. Have your light sources operating separately so that you can use different levels of your lighting to cater for functionality and ambience.