Village Lighted

Village Lighted

Energy Efficient Lighting Options in a Modern Home

Lighting is a necessary and powerful part of any environment. A new homes lighting should be versatile and energy efficient. With the dimmers and fixtures of today it is possible to have optimal lighting and save energy at the same time. In this article I plan to hit on some of the best suited places to put today's energy efficient lighting.

Lighting can be broken down in to three major types, ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting can be provided by many sources but for this article we will touch on two of the most common sources of general lighting in todays homes, the table lamp and the ceiling mount fixture. This is probably the easiest type of lighting to provide using energy efficient sources as the common retro-type fluorescent bulb can go in most any table lamp and flush mount fixture. In the past several years Verilux and Ottlite have created a niche market by offering lamps that take dedicated fluorescent bulbs that closely match daylight. While this can sometimes offer good general illumination in a room remember that these types of fixtures usually have a very white light that does not look good in most living areas.

The second type of lighting used to light a space is task lighting. Task lighting is needed anywhere tasks will be performed, the most common areas in a home being the kitchen, the office, and the laundry room. In the kitchen the way to be energy conscious is with fluorescent or LED under cabinet lighting. Many companies offer both types including Lithonia, Kichler, and National Specialty Lighting. It is important to mention that regardless of the type of energy efficient lighting you decide to use under cabinets for task lighting be sure that the Kelvin Temperature is close to that of the other fixtures in the room.

Finally accent lighting can also be achieved with energy efficient lighting. Flourescent bulbs and fixtures are not well suited to accent lighting due the large source of light from fluorescent tubes. Today's energy efficient accent lighting is provided with LED. There are now very good retro fit LED bulbs available in MR16 and PAR types but they can still be expensive. Putting dimmers on Halogen accent lighting is also can also be an energy conscious choice when designed properly.

This is just a quick overview of ways to remember the environment when designing and specifying the lighting for today's homes. Any space can be lit wisely and efficiently with the tools available today. For further questions or a consultation for the next space you will be lighting come by Village Lighting at 1616 North State Street inBellingham, WA. Village Lighting is a fully stocked showroom with knowledgeable staff that's now available online at www.villagelightinginc.com

About the Author

Nathan Gibson is a lighting consultant at Village Lighting in Bellingham, WA. He has a passion for lighting and design and has worked in the design industry for many years. Feel free to contact him with any questions concerning lighting and proper illumination by E-mail

Lighted Southwest Adobe Village Decoration $12.99 Give your walls a touch of architectural style. An ancient adobe village has been scaled down for display on a wall or side table and fitted with LED lights so it will glow realistically when you switch it "on." Beautifully detailed with cactus, a steer skull and ladders, it measures 14 1/4"L x 7"H.

Lemax Caddington Village Frame Station Lighted Building #15213 $34.99 From the Lemax Caddington Village Collection Item #15213"Frame Station" lighted building Exterior lighting surrounds and illuminates building Porcelain lighted building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switch Approximate dimensions: (H x W x D) 7.95 x 6.77 x 4.53 inches 20.2 x 17.2 x 11.5 cmMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 7.5 Lighted Nativity Village Inn Building Accessory $134.99 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionItem #54832Fontanini has hand crafted this lighted village inn, inspired to help build family traditionsIt has been skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master Italian artisansComes with a C7 bulbUL listed for indoor use onlyActual dimensions: 11.5"H x 15.5"W x 9"DMaterial(s): resin/glass bulbNote: building only - sheep shown are not included Type: Decorations

Lemax Harvest Crossing Village Weaver's Carpet Barn Lighted Building #95823 $29.99 Lemax Weaver's Carpet Barn BuildingFrom the Harvest Crossing Village CollectionItem #95823Porcelain lighted building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switchApproximate Size: ( H x W x D ) 5.31 x 8.43 x 6.06 inches 13.5 x 21.4 x 15.4 cm Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Harvest Crossing Village Round Top Market Lighted Building #95835 $24.99 Lemax Round Top MarketFrom the Harvest Crossing Village CollectionItem #95835Porcelain lighted building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switchApproximate Size: ( H x W x D ) 5.12 x 8.23 x 6.3 inches 13 x 20.9 x 16 cm Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Caddington Village Collection Park View Realtors Lighted Building #15253 $34.99 From the Lemax Caddington Village Collection Item #15253"Park View Realtors" lighted buildingExterior lighting surrounds and illuminates buildingIncludes a 6 foot white cord (183cm) with a C7 bulb and an on/off switchApproximate dimensions: (H x W x D)8.27 x 7.91 x 5.08 inches 21 x 20.1 x 12.9 cmMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Officially Licensed Elf on the Shelf Lighted Musical Rotating Christmas Village $95 From the Elf on the Shelf CollectionItem #34422Officially licensed merchandiseThe Elf on the Shelf is watching youThis village has a double rotating center, lighted windows, and plays the "Elf Theme Song"Convenient on/off switch located in each baseRequires 3 "AAA" batteries - not includedDimensions: 4.5"H x 5.5"W x 5.5"DMaterial(s): acrylic Type: Decorations

Lemax Christmas Village LED Lighted 4 Oh, Christmas Tree #14357 $12.99 From the Lemax Village CollectionItem #14357LED lighted " Oh, Christmas Tree!"Requires (3) "AA" batteries - not includedA/C adaptable, by using Lemax Power Adapter #64517 or #74706 This unit will draw approx. 135mA current at 4.5V DC Approximate size: (H X W x D)3.94 x 2.56 x 1.97 inches 10 x 6.5 x 5 cm Material(s): plastic/resin Type: Collectibles Color: Green

Lemax Caddington Village Tudor Style House Lighted Christmas Building #15205 $39.99 From the Lemax Caddington Village CollectionItem #15205"Tudor Style House" lighted buildingInterior lighting illuminates building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switchApproximate dimensions: (H x W x D)7.68 x 8.35 x 4.88 inches19.5 x 21.2 x 12.4 cmMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles

Lemax Village Reptile House Lighted Table Piece #84849 $24.99 Lemax Reptile House Lighted Table PieceFrom the Village Collection, Item #84849Battery OperatedThree "AA" size 1.5V batteries required Batteries not includedA/C adaptable, by using Lemax Power Adaptor #64517 or #74706 This unit will draw approx. 50mA current at 4.5V DC Approx. size: ( H x W x D ) 5-3/4 x 8-1/4 x 4-1/8 inches 14.6 x 20.8 x 10.6 cm Material(s): Ceramic & Plastic Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Vail Village Deer Creek General Store Lighted Building #15231 $34.99 From the Lemax Vail Village Collection Item #15231"Deer Creek General Store" lighted building Interior lighting illuminates building Building is lit with one interior C-7 light 1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switch On/off switch120V 60Hz, 60mA 7W Approximate dimensions: (H x W x D) 7.17 x 7.01 x 5.83 inches 18.2 x 17.8 x 14.8 cmMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Vail Village Timberline Day Spa Lighted Building #15251 $34.99 From the Lemax Vail Village Collection Item #15251"Timberline Day Spa" lighted building Interior lighting illuminates building Building is lit with one interior C-7 light 1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switch On/off switch120V 60Hz, 60mA 7W Approximate dimensions: (H x W x D) 7.52 x 7.76 x 4.69 inches 19.1 x 19.7 x 11.9 cmMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

10.5 LED Lighted Musical Holiday Village Book Christmas Tabletop Decoration $59.99 Musical Winter Village BookItem #76011022Give your guests a story to tell with this beautiful LED lighted, musical tabletop decorationFeatures (2) "on" switches which allow you to have your tabletop decoration just lit up or lit up with music playingPlays the tune: "Jingle Bells"Embellished with glitter drenched snow glistening along the village with music written in the sky and Santa in his sleigh flying aboveClassic worn book pages are accented with gold pain and glitterBattery operatedRequires 3 "AA" batteries (included)Dimensions: 10"H x 8"W x 4"DMaterial(s): resin/plastic/glass Type: Decorations Color: Brown

Lemax Harvest Crossing Village Smith Family Restaurant Lighted Building #15217 $35.99 From the Harvest Crossing Collection Item #15217"Smith Family Restaurant" lighted building Exterior lighting surrounds and illuminates building Porcelain lighted building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switch Approximate dimensions: (H x W x D) 6.42 x 7.68 x 5.75 inches 16.3 x 19.5 x 14.6 cm Material(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Village $20.29 Village

The Village $6.99 The Village

Amusements Animated & Musical Lighted Red Ornament with Christmas Village Scene $79.99 From the Amusements CollectionItem #34532Shiny red Christmas ornament features an LED lighted winter scene of a town inside it; walking townsfolk rotate around a Christmas tree and a family singing carolsPlays "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Silent Night", "Deck the Halls", "The First Noel", "Hark! the Herald Angel Sings", and "O' Christmas Tree"Convenient on/off switch and volume control dial on the sideRequires (3) "AAA" batteries - not includedDimensions: 6"H x 6"W x 5.5"DMaterial(s): resin Type: Decorations

48 Pumpkin 3-Post Village Sign Lighted Gel Halloween Yard Art $44.99 Gel Pumpkin 3-Post Lighted Yard ArtBy Product Works, Item #77085 3-post sign reads "Pumpkin Patch", "Bay Bayou", and "Goblin Garden"Sparkling glitter effectWeather resistantIlluminated with 70 clear mini lightsDimensions: 48"H x 11"W36" black cord with end connecting plug, 120VMaterial(s): metal and color enhanced glitter PVC gel UL Listed for indoor and outdoor useIncludes 6 replacement spare bulbs, 2 replacement fuses, ground stakes and installation instructions Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Plymouth Corners Village Springfield Lanes Lighted Building #95817 $49.99 Lemax Springfield LanesFrom the Plymouth Corners Village CollectionItem #95817Exterior lighting surrounds and illuminates the building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switchApproximate Size: ( H x W x D ) 5.63 x 10.55 x 6.1 inches 14.3 x 26.8 x 15.5 cm Material(s): Resin Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Set of 3 LED Lighted Snowy Victorian-Style Christmas Village Lamp Posts 16 $64.99 From the Christmas Amusements CollectionItem #36153Snow flocked Victorian-style holiday village lamp postsLED lightedEach lamp post requires 3 "AG13" button cell batteries (not included)Convenient on/off switchesDimensions of each lamp post:Large: 16"HMedium: 14"HSmall: 12"HMaterial(s): plastic Type: Decorations Color: White

Lemax Harvest Crossing Village David's Fort Lighted Table Piece #04218 $49.99 From the Harvest Crossing Village CollectionItem #04218"David's Fort" table piece Requires 3 "AA" batteries - not includedA/C adaptable, by using Lemax Power Adapter #64517 or #74706 This unit will draw approximately 20mA current at 4.5V DC Approximate dimensions: (H x W x D) 10.91 x 9.29 x 5.55 inches27.7 x 23.6 x 14.1 cm Material(s): porcelain/plastic Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Lemax Christmas Village Battery Operated 9 Lighted Blue Silhouette Tree #74657 $22.99 From the Lemax Village CollectionItem #74657"Lighted Silhouette Tree" accessoryRequires (2) "AA" size batteries - not includedA/C adaptable, by using Lemax Power Adapter #64515 or #74704 This unit will draw approximately 70mA current at 3V DC Approximate dimensions: (H X W x D)9 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches 23.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm Material(s): plastic/metal Type: Collectibles Color: Blue

Lemax Harvest Crossing Village Holly's Day Care Center Lighted Building #15222 $35.99 From the Lemax Harvest Crossing Collection Item #15222"Holly's Day Care Center" lighted building Exterior lighting surrounds and illuminates building Porcelain lighted building1.83m (6 feet) white cord with on/off switch Approximate dimensions: ( H x W x D ) 7.09 x 8.15 x 5.39 inches 18 x 20.7 x 13.7 cm Material(s): porcelain Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Lighted Victorian Tree Skirt $17.99 Make the area beneath your Christmas tree as beautiful and memorable as the tree itself. The base of your Christmas tree will glow with this tree skirt featuring old fashioned holiday village art that really lights up with golden LED lights. Slit makes for easy fit to conceal your tree base. Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included). Polyester. Spot clean. 46"Diameter

48 White Decorative Snowglow Lighted Christmas Blanket $59.99 Snowglow Lighted Christmas BlanketItem #PW20610Beautifully detailed snow blanket is pre-lit with 60 clear lightsAdds a festive wintry touch to your Christmas village displays, or use under your tree! The decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions: 48 inches diameterMaterial(s): fabric Type: Decorations Color: White

Lemax Caddington Village Cheshire Cottage $39.98 Porcelain lighted building with 1.83m cord (6 feet) and ON/OFF switch. Approximate size 6.89"Hx7.8"Wx5.12"D.

Amusements LED Lighted Animated & Musical Christmas Village Decoration $114.99 From the Amusements CollectionItem #34537Crystal-like church and building at the top of the decoration light up with clear LED lightsTrain rotates around the trackPlays the tunes "O Christmas Tree", "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", "Silent Night", "Joy To The World", "Deck The Halls", "Noel", and "Hark The Herald"Convenient on/off switch knob with volume controlRequires (3) "AAA" batteries - not includedDimensions: 12"H x 11.5"WMaterial(s):resin Type: Collectibles

2-Piece Fontanini 7.5 Nativity Village Lighted Campfire Set #50813 $8 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionItem #508132-piece setRequires 2 "AA" batteries (NOT INCLUDED)Comes gift boxedActual Dimensions: 2.75"H x 2"W x 2"DMaterial(s): vinyl/plasticPLEASE NOTE: These are for the 7.5" Collection, but do NOT measure 7.5"! Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

Fontanini 7.5 LED Lighted Religious Nativity Village Blacksmith Shop #54818 $85 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionItem #54818Fontanini has hand crafted this blacksmith shop, inspired to help build family traditionsIt has been skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master Italian artisansLighted with a red LED to create the look of "fire" inside of the shopBattery operated (batteries are included)Comes gift boxedActual dimensions: 11.5"H x 8.75"W x 7.5"DMaterial(s): resin Type: Decorations

Oddity 94380 Welcome Friends Lighted#44; Wooden Houses Pack of 2 $37.8 Welcome one and all with our electric lighted wooden houses. Each of our five designs is handcrafted to fit perfectly in a window sill book case or on a mantel. Display one to add a welcome touch to a lonely corner or set side by side to create a village of friendship. Dimensions:. Length: 6.75. Height: 10.25. Width: 2.375

Oddity 94381 Welcome Friends Lighted#44; Wooden Houses Pack of 2 $37.8 Welcome one and all with our electric lighted wooden houses. Each of our five designs is handcrafted to fit perfectly in a window sill book case or on a mantel. Display one to add a welcome touch to a lonely corner or set side by side to create a village of friendship. Dimensions:. Length: 7.875. Height: 10.5. Width: 2.348

Set of 3 LED Lighted Snowy Victorian-Style Christmas Village Lamp Posts $54.99 Set of 3 Christmas Village Lamp PostsItem #36153Frosted and glittered thin lamp posts with scroll design and flickering lightEach lamp post requires (3) button cell AG 13 batteries - includedConvenient on/off switch on the bottomDimensions of lamp posts:Small: 11.75"H x 2.5"WMedium: 13.75"H x 2.5"WLarge: 16"H x 2.5"WMaterial(s): plastic Type: Decorations