Lighting Basildon

Now let’s look at the different types of lights available.

Ceiling Lights

Pendants

The humble ceiling rose is the most common light fitting found in Basildon homes. They hang from the ceiling, commonly holding a single bulb and lampshade (some have multiple bulbs). We can upgrade your existing ceiling roses and lampshades or install pendants over kitchen islands and dining tables for decoration and performing tasks.

Flush Lights

Flush lights take up minimal space they sit close to the ceiling, hence the name ‘Flush’. Suitable for homes with low ceilings and for storage areas where space needs maximising. Bathroom lights a commonly ‘flush’ by design to keep the dampness and moisture out (which doesn’t mix well with electricity). Step ladders are usually required for flush lights as the bulbs sit higher up than other lighting styles, which in turn gives fair light distribution. Tall homeowners/tenants generally prefer flush lighting as different styles of lights are prone to banging their heads.

Semi-Flush Lights

Semi-Flush lights are like a combination of pendant and flush lighting, a space-saving design that hangs a few inches, more than a flush light but less than a pendant light. Semi-Flush lights are a favourite for kitchen and dining areas.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are classy decorative lights usually made from decorated metal (such as chrome or gold coloured)—some incorporate glass. Chandeliers hold multiple bulbs (generally from 3-12) candle shape bulbs are commonly found in chandeliers. Smaller Chandeliers are fitted directly to the ceiling, while chains suspend larger ones. The largest and heaviest of Chandeliers use extra support, sometimes built into the ceiling especially.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights sit flat inside the ceiling (in specially cut holes). Recessed lights achieve a minimal look and save space. Recessed lights are common in homes that incorporate multiple lights inside the ceiling. Recessed lights often feature glass, which is excellent for keeping moisture at bay, so a good bathroom light design.

Track Lights

A track fits the ceiling along with multiple lights that can be moved and positioned to point in various directions. Handy for lighting up specific areas and features in any given room.

Wall Lights

Wall lights are generally used to set the mood and ambience of rooms and sometimes as task lighting, a multi-directional spotlight over a reading chair. Sometimes ceiling lights are not a viable option, so numerous wall lights are used to illuminate the room instead.

Here are the different types of wall lights

Single Arm

Single-arm wall lights can be used to light the whole room, eliminating the need for ceiling light. A bulb’s mounted on an arm that’s fitted and wired into the wall. The bulb can be naked or covered with a small lampshade.

Double Arm

The same as single-arm wall lights except holding two bulbs, allowing lower wattages and creating a unique decorative look.

Uplights

Uplighters cover the bulb and shine the light ‘up,’ adding a uniquely warm look to the wall. Uplights are usually installed for cosmetic reasons and sometimes to enhance features fitted to the wall.

Up & Down

Decorative lights fitted with two bulbs. One shines up, and the other shines down, illuminating the wall in two directions.

Flush

It sits flush with the wall, great for lighting hallways and any walls where space is an issue.

Picture

Fitted above pictures, the light shines down, showing off art or your family photos. Picture lights generally use a striplight, ideally the same size as the picture.

Mirror

The bathroom mirror is vital for putting on make-up and shaving. A mirror light sits above the mirror, lighting it correctly, making the job easier.

Bulbs

Lightbulbs have been with us for around 140 years. Invented by American inventor Thomas Edison who patented the idea in 1878. The incandescent bulb was the standard for well over a century until modern energy-saving bulbs took over. There are various types of bulbs available for your lighting.

LED

LED Bulbs are the new ‘standard’ for lighting. LED bulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs. They run cooler and use significantly less power (around 90%) than dated incandescent and halogen bulbs. Old bulbs used to last approximately one thousand hours. Modern LED bulbs last around fifty thousand hours. LEDs may be more expensive than traditional bulbs but cost less in the long run due to lasting 50 times longer. LEDs are incredibly efficient at converting energy to light, and they have become cheaper since they were first released.

Smart

These days we have ‘smart’ everything phones, TVs, heating, homes and even Smart Bulbs, which work in conjunction with an app on your phone (or alternative device). Bulbs can be switched on and off, timed and adjusted to various light levels (from dim to super bright). All bulbs are connected and run from your device. When you’re on holiday, you can set or manually turn the bulbs on (to deter burglars). Some even are designed to help with sleep adjusting to the right levels for melatonin regulation.

Incandescent & Halogen

Incandescent and Halogen bulbs have been banned and are being phased out by the EU. You can, however, still buy them for existing lights. We recommended you invest in LED/Smart bulb lighting for new light installations.

Interior Lighting Considerations

While lighting is easily replaced (remove the old, fit the new), there are various considerations for designing a new lighting installation for the home and business. Careful planning ensures perfect illumination of every room, space and corner, neglect lighting design, and you’ll be left disappointed.

For homeowners undergoing full refurbishments, extensions and rebuilds, your architect or builder may design the lighting installation, in which case we can work to the plans provided. A good architect or builder will always include lighting in the planning stage. Homeowners and landlords looking to install new lighting should use qualified, experienced professionals for the best results.

Plan lighting around your space and decoration. Don’t worry about it afterwards. One of our specialised lighting electricians can help you with this. The lighting in every room will be meticulously planned to your specific requirements.

What, Where & Who?

When designing a lighting installation, areas are analysed on a room-by-room basis to determine the bests lights and locations.

The following is taken into consideration.

• What is the size of the room?
• What is the room used for?
• What time of day is the room used?
• What permanent fixtures are present?
• What are the special features of the room?
• What are the decoration and colours?
• What do you personally like when it comes to lights, fixtures and fittings?
• Where is the furniture placed?
• Where are the current light switches?
• Where best to place new light switches?
• Where does natural light come on? (and at what times of day)
• Who uses the room?

Once we have built up a good picture, every room is measured to determine exactly how much light each room needs. By measuring the square meterage, we can determine the number of lights needed and the bulbs to produce the optimal light for the space.

Every room serves a different function. Your kitchen has different lighting requirements for the bedroom.

Age is significant. Older people require more light than younger people, so we establish the number of people in the home and their ages. Eyesight deteriorates with age. Older people generally need more task lighting.

Furniture positioning is important. Designing lighting around your furniture is necessary to create the right ambience. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know exactly where your furniture will go. A rough idea allows us to present the lighting positioning options.

Windows are a permanent feature that produces natural light. The direction in the natural light flows is considered. Lights are commonly positioned away from windows and work with natural light.

Some rooms will have natural permanent features such as fireplaces, feature walls and exposed beams. Other features may include pictures, ornaments or trophy cabinets. Although these are not a natural part of the home, you may want these illuminated also.  Attractive features are purposely highlighted while necessary and unattractive features (such as radiators) are not.

Existing homes already have light switches wired in. You may want to upgrade the light switches (no new wiring), or you may want them moved to an entirely new position. If you have a new build/extension, you’ll want the new switches installed in the best position possible. We can advise on optimal positioning.

We will have already worked out the required bulb power for each room (size, amount of lights, positioning) next. We need to decide the best colour to complement your existing or new decor. Bulb choice will depend on the type/look of light installed.

Outdoor Lighting

Our Basildon Electricians install all types of outdoor lighting. We can upgrade your existing lighting or install new lights. We regularly work with builders, architects and landscape gardeners and are happy to work on existing plans you may have.

Exterior lighting serves several functions.

Safety – Exterior lights allow you to move around drive, garden and garage areas safely in the dark, reducing the risk of tripping or banging into unseen objects such as posts and garden furniture.

Comfort – Lit garden areas are lovely to sit out in both the early morning and the evening, also great when hosting parties.

Security – Motion detector lighting helps deter vandals and thieves

Decorative – Lighting up your exterior walls and driveway adds another dimension to the look of your home.

Outdoor lighting’s designed to withstand the elements and last several years.

Types Of Exterior Lights

Brick

Brick lights are a great addition to any garden wall. Fitted when the walls are built at equal distances, they make the wall look better by adding a decorative element and providing extra safety in the dark. Brick lights can be fitted into house walls also, good for outdoor seating areas.

Decking

Decking lights sit flush into the deck and illuminate upwards. They can be walked over with ease and provide a nice subtle touch. Cables are easily concealed beneath the decking. Decking lights can be fitted to new boards as they’re installed or to existing decking.

Post

Post lights come in various lengths. Longer 6ft post lights are common at the start of driveways, while rows of shorter posts (1-2ft) can be fitted along paths or around decking, providing both decorative and safety lighting.

Wall

Walls are the easiest and most convenient place to fit exterior lights. Spotlights can be fitted and pointed towards existing areas, while up and downlights are fitted for decoration. Standard wall lights give some light to specific areas, commonly fitted by doors. Most motion sensor lights are fitted to walls (see security lighting below)

Security Lighting

Most homes and businesses have a vulnerable area that is easily protectable by installing motion sensor lighting. As soon as someone walks past in the dark, the light switches on.

Motion sensor lighting has been proven to deter vandals and thieves, it also helps with CCTV, so if there is an incident, the police have more explicit evidence to catch the culprits.

Security lights are available in various designs; the latest ones use modern energy-saving LED  bulbs.

Proper sensitivity settings allow lights to tell the difference between a person and a smaller animal and even debris like leaves and dust. The light will only come on when a human passes by.

Installing security lights around doors, garages, and gates is best in the home. Commercial properties are best served by installing lights around doors, vulnerable windows, and fire escapes.

One of our electricians can undertake a risk survey and determine the best areas to place your security lighting.

Commercial Lighting

WE design and install all types of commercial lighting.

From

Small businesses (like hairdressers who require task lighting to undertake their work and clean illumination to enhance the unique look of their salon)

To

Large operations (like warehouses that need powerful lighting for optimal productivity and employee safety)

Whatever your line of work, we can design and build the perfect lighting system for your business.

Many commercial properties in Basildon have dated lighting, sometimes wasting thousands of pounds per year in wasted electricity. We can upgrade your dated lighting to modern LED versions, which are cheaper to run and better for your employee’s health and safety.

Every business has unique needs we can assess your premises, considering your specific needs and requirements. Afterwards, we’ll write you a free, no-obligation quote. Our Commercial Electricians are fully qualified with years of experience. Our prices are also excellent when compared to other companies in the Basildon area.

Stay On The Right Side Of The Building Regulations

All lighting installations must adhere to the latest building regulations and be undertaken by a fully qualified Electrician. TM Hughes and Son is an NICIEC Domestic Installer. Our Electricians know the building regulations inside out.

All Electrical work undertaken is safe and adheres to the required building regulations. All works are accompanied by certification proving the works have been done by a certified Electrician.

Call – 01268 351560