Category / Light News

by sherwoodlights

Pros and Cons of Integrated LED’s

When something has integrated LED technology it means that the LEDs are fixed and cannot be easily removed. LEDs are largely considered to be the future of lighting so they’re often integrated into modern lights.

However, many consumers are plagued by fears of longevity and their light becoming redundant once the LED module runs out. Here we lay out the pros and cons so you can decide if integrated LEDs are right for you.

Pro:

CREATIVE FREEDOM

Integrated LEDs can allow for more creative designs. In recent years LEDs have advanced to the extent that they are flatter, smaller and more pliable than ever before. This technological leap has liberated designers and allowed them to explore lighting like never before. Designs such as the Ribbon Pendant Light and Michael Anastassiades’ Arrangement series are perfect examples.

CON:

AN INTEGRATED LED HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE

Integrated LEDs pendants will need to be replaced when the light stops working. However, with the increased use of LEDs, brands have begun offering replacement modules. For example, Tom Dixon’s LEDs are designed to be replaceable and Heal’s offers a five-year guarantee on all own-brand integrated LEDs

PRO:

LEDS LAST LONGER

LEDs last longer than standard bulbs and make an excellent choice over incandescent bulbs. According to DM Lights, the average LED module can last for up to 30,000 hours. This means that if you use your light for five hours every day it can last for up to 16 years. It is only after this time that your LED module will need replacing, giving it a very long lifespan.

PRO:

LEDS USE LESS ENERGY

LEDs are renowned as a low-energy alternative to traditional halogen bulbs. Because they use less energy they are better for the planet and also more cost effective. As of 2018, the EU banned importing new energy-wasting halogen bulbs so it could be that in the coming years we see them less in our homes.

CON:

HOW SUSTAINABLE IS IT REALLY?

Yes LEDs use less energy, but how sustainable is something that may need chucking away at the end of its lifecycle? With more and more brands offering replacement modules this is gradually becoming less of a concern. However, it’s always best to check with the supplier if replacements are available.

PRO:

A MORE VERSATILE GLOW

Lighting can really make or break a room and LED technology will definitely help. These state-of-the-art modules are often compatible with dimmer switches so you can change the room’s ambience to suit you.

by sherwoodlights

Lightbulb Colour Temperature: How to Light a Room

Since the retail phase-out of less efficient incandescent light bulbs, there has been a major shift to LED bulbs. When you purchase these, you might notice that they’re characterized not only by lumen ratings (brightness) and wattage but also by correlated color temperature (CCT). When you think incandescent, you know what light bulb color temperature to expect. Traditionally, incandescent bulbs have given off a warm, yellow-colored light. LED bulbs, on the other hand, are available in a variety of colors from classic warm white to cool (bluish) white that mimics natural daylight. Lights—and the shades of white that they emit—can be used to influence how a room looks and how colors are shown.

Before discussing which light bulb color temperature is best for each environment, it’s important to fully understand CCT. Correlated color temperature will tell you what hue and tone of white to expect from a specific bulb or fixture. It’s measured in Kelvin (K). Different temperatures on the Kelvin scale represent different colors. For example, light at 2000K-3500K looks more orange/yellow and is called ultra warm or warm white, and as temperature increases in Kelvin, color changes to more of a “paper white” known as natural or neutral white (between 3500K and 5100K) and finally into a bluish-white known as cool white (5100K-20000K).

Depending on where you’re shopping, light bulb color temperatures might not have the same names. For example, what Super Bright LEDs calls warm white, natural white, and cool white, other retailers might classify as soft white, bright white, and daylight. What’s important is color temperature in Kelvin. Regardless of what a store calls a certain Kelvin temperature or kelvin temperature range, a 2700K bulb will appear the same color from one store to another.

When you’re choosing an LED bulb, it’s best to plan for the atmosphere you want to create or the feel the room already has. Classic warm white bulbs have low CCTs. They will add a warm yellow hue to the colors in a room, and because of their warm color, they might not appear as bright as natural or cool white bulbs. With that being said, in-home offices, kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas, such as basements and storage closets, could benefit from bulbs with a higher color temperature. These spaces are often used to complete tasks, and because warm white light is designed to create a relaxed atmosphere, high-CCT, crisp lighting would be ideal. However, it’s your space; design it to your liking and as you see fit.

One thing to take into account when you’re choosing light bulb color temperature is that it can change how you see paint and furniture colors when the light is turned on. Warm white light can add a yellow hue to white paint or make other colors look muted in comparison to natural or cool white light. Similarly, cool white light has a blue hue.

Generally, the lower the CCT, the more flattering the lighting effect. Higher CCTs can show more blemishes or imperfections, but they also make colors look crisper—similarly to how they would appear outside in natural light. This information might help you decide which color is best for your bathroom, for example. Say you’re doing your hair or makeup in warm white light; you’ll notice less flaws. If you’re doing the same under natural white light, you might notice more work that could be done. This can be a pleasant or unpleasant experience depending on your goals when it comes to these tasks.

Living Rooms: warm, ultra warm

Bedrooms: warm, ultra warm

Bathrooms: warm, natural

Closets: natural

Kitchens: natural, cool

Dining Rooms: warm, ultra warm

Basements: natural, cool

Game Rooms: natural, cool

Theater Rooms: warm, ultra warm

Utility/Storage Rooms: natural, cool

Garages: natural, cool

Nurseries: warm, ultra warm

Offices: natural, cool

Office Buildings: natural, cool

Warehouse/Industrial Environments: natural, cool

Retirement Homes: warm, ultra warm (natural or cool in medical areas)

Daycare Centers: natural

Hospitals/Doctors Offices: natural, cool

Mechanic Shops: natural, cool

Car Dealerships: natural, cool

by sherwoodlights

End of halogen light bulbs spells brighter and cleaner future

  • Halogen light bulbs will be banned from September 2021 with fluorescent light bulbs to follow, cutting emissions and saving consumers on their energy bills.
  • Halogen light bulbs to be banned from this September – with fluorescent light bulbs to follow suit
  • shift to LED bulbs will cut 1.26 million tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of removing over half a million cars from UK roads
  • new rules part of tighter energy efficiency standards for electrical appliances as the UK builds back greener, helping save British consumers £75 a year on their energy bills

The government has announced plans today (Wednesday 9 June) to end the sale of halogen light bulbs from this September, as part of the UK’s wider efforts to tackle climate change.

Legislation being brought forward this month will also include the removal of fluorescent lights from shelves from September 2023.

Currently, around 2 thirds of bulbs sold in Britain are LED lights, making a considerable impact in improving the energy efficiency of the country’s buildings. They last 5 times longer than traditional halogen lightbulbs and produce the same amount of light – but use up to 80% less power.

The UK began phasing out the sale of higher-energy halogen lightbulbs in 2018. The new legislation would mean retailers will no longer be able to sell the majority of halogen bulbs for general household use in the UK from 1 September.

To help people make the switch, ministers are also announcing that all light bulbs will start to feature new energy efficiency advice via ‘rescaled’ energy labels on their boxes. The labels will simplify the way energy efficiency is displayed on a new scale from A-G, doing away with the A+, A++ or A+++ ratings. The new labels will raise the bar for each class, meaning very few bulbs will now be classified as A, helping consumers choose the most environmentally friendly bulbs.

This measure is expected to mean that LED light bulbs will account for 85% of all bulbs sold by 2030.

In addition, the government also plans to start phasing out the sale of high-energy fluorescent lightbulbs, with a view to bringing an end to their sale from September 2023.

Taken together, these new rules will mark a significant shift to more energy efficient and longer lasting LEDs and will stop 1.26 million tonnes of carbon being emitted every year – the equivalent of removing over half a million cars from the UK’s roads.

The move is part of a package of energy efficiency improvements to electrical appliances, which will save consumers an average of £75 a year on energy bills.

Energy Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:

We’re phasing out old inefficient halogen bulbs for good, so we can move more quickly to longer lasting LED bulbs, meaning less waste and a brighter and cleaner future for the UK.

By helping ensure electrical appliances use less energy but perform just as well, we’re saving households money on their bills and helping tackle climate change.

Today’s plans also include a ban from September on the sale of lighting fixtures with fixed bulbs that can’t be replaced – meaning the fixtures have to be thrown away. Fixtures such as these account for 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste every year – out of a total 1.5 million tonnes of electrical waste each year.

Minister for Climate Change, Lord Martin Callanan, said:

Flicking the off-switch on energy inefficient light bulbs is a simple way that households can save money at the same time as saving the planet.

Phasing out halogen bulbs in favour of LED alternatives that last longer, are just as bright and cheaper to run, is another way that we are helping tackle climate change.

Chief Executive of Signify UK, which owns Philips lighting, Stephen Rouatt, said:

We welcome the UK government’s next step in the transition towards more sustainable lighting products. Using energy-efficient LED equivalents for halogen and fluorescent lighting on an even broader scale will significantly help the UK on its journey to decarbonisation, as well as lowering the annual electricity bills for consumers.

Overall, the government’s package of energy efficiency improvements will also cut 8 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2021 by reducing the amount of energy products consume over their life-time – the equivalent of removing all emissions from Birmingham and Leeds each year.

by sherwoodlights

LED Lights making Dent in UK energy demand!

Installing a single low-energy LED bulb may make a trivial contribution to cutting the carbon emissions that are overheating the planet.

But if millions choose LEDs, then with a twist of the collective wrist, their efforts will make a small but significant dent in the UK’s energy demand.

Studies show making products more efficient has – along with other factors – already been slightly more effective than renewable energy in cutting CO2 emissions.

The difference is that glamorous renewables grab the headlines.

The “Cinderella” field of energy efficiency, however, is often ignored or derided.

Who says this?

The new analysis of government figures comes from the environmental analysis website Carbon Brief.

Its author says EU product standards on light bulbs, fridges, vacuum cleaners and other appliances have played a substantial part in reducing energy demand.

Provisional calculations show that electricity generation in the UK peaked around 2005. But generation per person is now back down to the level of 1984 (around 5 megawatt hours per capita).

How much carbon has been reduced?

It’s widely known that the great switch from coal power to renewables has helped the UK meet ambitions to cut carbon emissions.

The report says the use of renewables reduced fossil fuel energy by the equivalent of 95 terawatt hours (TWh) between 2005 and now. And last year renewables supplied a record 33% share of UK electricity generation.

But in the meantime, humble energy efficiency has contributed to cutting energy demand by 103 TWh. In other words, in the carbon-cutting contest, efficiency has won – so far. And what’s more, efficiency is uncontroversial, unlike wind and solar.

What role has industry played?

The energy efficiency story doesn’t just apply to households. There have been major strides amongst firms, too. Big supermarkets have worked hard to improve the performance of their lighting and refrigeration.

And because firms and individuals are using less energy, that has offset the rise in energy prices. So whilst the prices have gone up, often bills have gone down.

The issue is complicated, though. Other factors have to be taken into account, such as energy imported via cables from mainland Europe, population growth and shifts from old energy-intensive industries.

Should ‘Cinderella’ efficiency be allowed to shine?

Simon Evans from Carbon Brief told BBC News: “Although the picture is complex it’s clear that energy efficiency has played a huge role in help the UK to decarbonise – and I don’t think it’s got the recognition it should have.

“Say you change from a B or C-rated fridge to an A++ rated fridge. That can halve your energy use from the appliance, so it’s pretty significant.”

The UK government has consistently said it champions energy efficiency, but campaigners say it could do more. The UN’s climate body also supports energy efficiency as a major policy objective, although the issue features little in media coverage.

But supporters of efficiency argue that ratcheting up efficiency standards for everything from planes and cars to computer displays and freezers offers the best-value carbon reductions without the pain of confronting the public with restrictions on their lifestyle choices.

Joanne Wade from the Association for Conservation of Energy told BBC News: “I haven’t seen these figures before but I’m not surprised.

“The huge improvement in energy efficiency tends to be completely ignored. People haven’t noticed it because if efficiency improves, they are still able to have the energy services that they want. I suppose I should reluctantly agree that the fact that no-one notices it is part of its appeal.”

Scientists will be keen to point out that government-imposed energy efficiency is just one of a host of cures needed to tackle the multi-faceted problem of an overheating planet.

by sherwoodlights

Top Interior Lighting Trends for 2019

When searching for the best interior lights for your house, it is good to look at the currently trending pieces to get the best idea on what will truly give a modern and trendy look to the home, look at some of the suggestions we have for you below!

MID-CENTURY MODERN

Mid-century modern covers several decades of simple yet elegant style. It is a trend that is not going to go away anytime soon.

The mid 20th century was an iconic style era for interiors. Whether you want to fully immerse yourself in the style with furniture and decor or just dip your toe in, our lighting designs can help you achieve the desired effect.

With ways to add a pop of colour to your industrial style living space or a piece of art in the form of a fabulous floor lamp, this trend is certainly one that can suit all tastes. 

Clean curves, bold designs or natural shapes are all part of this style. Whether you want to incorporate your light into the design of the room and have it blend in or add a pop of colour to make it stand out, our pendant lights are the perfect solution. A bold single pendant light may be what you want or if you have the space, maybe consider adding a row of suspension pendant lights.

Arc floor lamps make a beautiful feature in the corner of a living room to create an ambient reading area. Whereas a tripod floor lamp may fill a space in a hallway creating a great artistic piece.

A bedroom may benefit from the organic curved table lamp placed on a bedside table to create a luxurious hotel boudoir feel.

ART DECO

Although part of the mid-century design period, the art deco designs are more angular and sharp than the ergonomic curves of the rest of the era.

A strong geometric pendant light would make a great centrepiece for any room in the house where you want to add that art deco feel.

What 2018 has brought forth from all designs, however, is a more fun and relaxed aspect to the design. The lighting is more of a piece of functional art creating a focal point in the room.

RETRO URBAN INDUSTRIAL STYLE

The modern twist on industrial lighting may still incorporate the rustic finishes and neutral colours of the original designs but are now much more sleek.

Metals are more rich and varied in their tones, think about the finish being more smooth and stylish than the original industrial styles, having undergone a makeover to make it less harsh.

The fixtures themselves are now considered more of a piece of art bringing a room together. Whether this is through unique designed wall lights or a decorative centrepiece above your dining area, there are lighting solutions to suit all areas.

This mid-century modern updated industrial style suits the 21 st century home interior design beautifully. 

SOFT METALLICS

In contrast to the bright colours and polished metals of the mid-century designs, another interior lighting trend we see this year is soft gold fittings.

With a move towards various gentle toned colours as a trend for decor, these soft metallic finished lights are a way to perfectly bring a room together.

Using warm pendant lights for a natural glow or lighting a dark corner with a floor or table lamp with the matte finish of this soft gold is going to help finish off the mellow feel of your room.

Whatever design you choose, it is important to think of the function of the lighting as well as the feel of the atmosphere you are trying to create. A kitchen will require quite different lighting, for example, to a bedroom. We are sure that you will find the lighting solution to suit your design and taste within our range.

by sherwoodlights

The Old made New again? Vintage LED Bulbs Edison style!

Hi Light readers! Today I am bringing you an info bite on a retro piece that is becoming very popular in the industry lately, I am of course speaking of Vintage LED Bulbs! Very fashionable for both home and commercial use, these bulbs make use of advanced LED technology to have the old-fashioned vintage style and the soft warm glow it gives out without the painful cost of operating a traditional incandescent bulb.

Owing to their retro vibe, these bulbs are an interesting addition to spice up plain walls or basic fixtures. Their warm glow is perfect for showing off the bare bulb, we find its very effective especially in pendants.

These bulbs are heavily reminiscent of the classic Edison style bulbs used in the 20th century. Whilst they were unapologetically inefficient in an incandescent style, the all new LED are perfect for a low cost yet traditional appeal.

With led bulbs increasing in popularity in the last 5 years, ranges of increasingly popular designs have been made available. In the present these retro styled bulbs can be bought in many different shapes and sizes such as; candle, flame tipped and globe, running them is the equivalent of a tenth of the energy it takes to run an incandescent.

We at Sherwood Lighting have a selection for ranges in this ourselves, feel free to take a look!

B22 Rustic LED Vintage

E27 4W LED Vintage

ST64 6W LED Vintage

by sherwoodlights

BANNED BULBS!!

Hi Light-readers! a quick news blast for something that has been in effect for near a year now, but I wanted to fill you readers in on the fact that both incandescent and halogen bulbs are now ILLEGAL to manufacture and due to that it is rare that you will find them being sold.

Consumers have mostly been left in the dark on this change, with a survey commissioned by LED manufacturer LEDvance showing that 64% of consumers were unaware of the pending ban, which is crazy! So i hope that this newsbite hits you all and gives a bit more awareness that our industry is moving towards more energy efficient and longer lasting alternatives.

Why was it banned you say? Let me tell you! This is the final stage of a European Union directive (EC 244/2009) that has progressively banned less efficient light sources, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions across the EU, starting with traditional incandescent light bulbs in 2009.

The directive is part of an ambitious Ecodesign project to improve energy efficiency across a range of domestic appliances from light bulbs to washing machines.

Halogen light bulbs fall foul of the regulations as they use much more energy than alternatives such as LEDs or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. They also have a relatively short lifespan of around 2,000 hours – approximately two years when used for around three hours per day.

Don’t fret though! LED bulbs might be a tad more expensive than your usual bulb purchases, but they can last up to 25x more than a standard halogen or incandescent, and also give the same amount of light as any halogen whilst using less energy.

We have LED bulbs available in our very own store! if you are interested please check out our own ranges here

by sherwoodlights

Trendiswitches

Wow! The future of lighting switches has FINALLY arrived! You can have from 1 gang up to 4 gang switches in 4 different colour combinations from silver,black,gold and white plates.

You are going to like this though, as not only do they sell your average switches, but also sockets that include up to 4 USB slots for your everyday needs! Want to charge your phone? Power your Laptop? Trendi has your back!

I could not believe my eyes when I first saw these switches, and definitely will be buying a few to put around my house. I would definitely recommend these to anyone wanting to redo the sockets in their home.

by sherwoodlights

Flexform-Braided Engineering Cable

Hi Light Readers! Oliver here to deliver you a new look into a product that has become quite hot on the market lately, that being the flex-form braided engineering cable.

These skilled UK manufacturers make several quality ranges of SPT-1,SPT-2 and SVT cords certified by the UL. This particular product has 70 different variants and if you aren’t in the UK do not worry! These people will deliver.

Here at Sherwood Lighting we can attest to the worth of these products ourselves, using it in a lot of our day to day use, as well as frequent uses by our electrician. I would definitely make sure to give this product a try, a definite 10/10!