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Post author By Philippe Gauthier
Post date 16 September 2021
No Comments on A better understanding of light pollution

However, the impacts of light pollution on our environment are real. The awareness of this issue is relatively new, so it remains mysterious for many people. In this article, you will learn about light pollution and possible solutions to minimize its impacts.

A brief definition

Light pollution is the projection of artificial light into the sky, making it difficult or impossible to see the stars at night. Did you know that 80% of the world’s population lives under a sky polluted by artificial light? For Europeans and Americans, this percentage even reaches 99%! Furthermore, most human beings will never be able to contemplate the Milky Way or the Zodiacal light. These luminous phenomena which are visible in the night sky, can only be observed in the most isolated areas of the globe, where light pollution is absent or very low.

Light pollution is increasing at a rate of 2.2% per year worldwide and causes all sorts of problems, such as economic, ecological and astronomical.

The impacts of light pollution

Since light pollution is relatively new, we are only beginning to understand its impacts on ecosystems. Notwithstanding this fact, many specialists and researchers have started to sound the alarm to ask governments to put in place measures to limit the damage of light pollution.

A disoriented migration

Fauna is strongly affected by artificial lighting at night. For nocturnal animals for example, predators use the darkness to hunt and prey use it to hide! As a result, the environment of these animals is severely influenced by humans, as their nighttime activity period is now shifting to daytime due to the amount of lighting present.

Illuminated city of Vancouver producing light pollution

Migratory birds are also severely affected by this type of pollution. When night falls, these birds must orient themselves with the light of the moon and the stars. The nighttime light from cities attracts birds to a dangerous environment of illuminated skyscrapers. In Toronto, light pollution is responsible for the death of tens of thousands of birds per year, according to the Fatal Light Awareness Program.

Light pollution also affects the migration cycles of these birds. Indeed, these birds use seasonal indicators to predict their migration and their perception of these indicators is biased by light pollution, so they do not migrate at the right time and miss the right weather conditions for their reproduction.

The economic cost of light pollution

Often, the excessive use and the misuse of lighting cause us to direct light towards the sky for no reason, which makes us waste energy and financial capital. In Quebec, it is estimated that it costs $45 million per year to light the sky. Light pollution has then an important economic weight in Quebec, if we consider that this amount could be reinvested for a better and more environmentally friendly lighting. For the United States, the cost of light pollution is $7 billion per year!

A significant impact on science

Astronomy is a science that is directly affected by light pollution, because the stars are much more difficult to study near large cities where light pollution is strong. This is why astronomical observatories are located relatively far from these cities. Finally, the fact that the stars are less and less present in the night sky near the cities, makes that there are fewer and fewer amateur astronomers. Already in 2003, the British government recognized that there is a link between the lack of interest in astronomy and light pollution.

How is light pollution produced?

Now that we know the impacts of the phenomenon of light pollution, it’s important to know how this is produced. The first cause is the lighting directed towards the sky. In fact, many street lamps and other light sources direct light inefficiently. They should direct the light only to the area in need of light.

Quebec is a major emitter of light pollution in Canada, for two reasons. First, the very low cost of energy means that people and businesses in the province can afford to install more artificial light. Second, there are currently very few government regulations governing artificial lighting in Quebec. Some regulations are in place near astronomical observatories, but it seems that these are very little respected.

Rethinking our lighting

With all these problems that light pollution creates, a question arises: is it possible for governments to ensure safe and useful lighting for the population while limiting light pollution? Yes, it is!

Smart Lighting

First of all, intelligent lighting could prove to be an effective solution in the fight against light pollution. Indeed, programming night lighting with intelligent control systems would ensure that only the amount necessary for the city’s safety and operation would be on during the night. For example, an intelligent street lighting system would ensure that street lights would only be activated when cars are on the portion of the road to be lit, and would remain closed when they are not.

Street lamps that respect the environment

Light up more efficiently

As mentioned earlier, many street lights do not effectively redirect light. Ideally, streetlights should be able to direct light properly so that it is not wasted. In addition to reducing light pollution, these streetlights would limit the intrusive lighting that disturbs those who live near roads. To do this, investing in lighting sources that effectively direct artificial light to the areas to be lit would greatly reduce the amount of light projected toward the stars.

We can help you reduce your ecological footprint!

To function it is sure that the cities cannot do without artificial lighting. It ensures the safety of the population and allows them to remain in activity during the night. With the impacts that this form of pollution plays on the environment, the need for cities to rethink their lighting systems is increasingly considered.

Offering a range of specialized products and services, LUX Lighting Solutions has the expertise for all your smart and environmentally friendly lighting projects. Please contact us to learn more about how you can give back the stars to the night!

Tags Environment, LED, Security

LED strip lights, a multitude of possible uses

In fact, the LED strip lights can be used to light up just about anything. The only limit is your creativity! Here are 10 original ways to use them to inspire you!

1. The Closet

The wardrobe or walk-in closet is usually an area of the house with very little light due to its isolation from natural light. Being mostly in a windowless space, the use of artificial light sources is the solution of choice for lighting your clothes. The flexibility of LED strips is advantageous for this, as it allows you to illuminate the most difficult areas. Using rods with a built-in molding for LED strip lights will allow you to illuminate the room in addition to your hanging clothes. These can also be used for shelves, in drawers, or even on the ceiling to make sure you light every nook and cranny!

2. The staircase

Never before has it been so easy to highlight the staircase with LED strips. Like closets, natural light sometimes has a hard time getting to the stairs. That being said, it is important to have a well-lit staircase to ensure the safety of the individuals using it. LED strips lights are ideal for this purpose, as they can easily be installed on handrails and underneath steps to create an indirect lighting effect. This is a good solution to make your staircase both safe and beautiful.

staircase illuminated with led strip lights

3. The aquarium

Aquariums are now being used more and more as a decorative element in a room. In recent years, they have gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts for several reasons. The possibilities that some LED strips lights offer in terms of color control and lighting intensity is great for aquarium enhancement. Other advantages are the low heat generation and low energy cost of this type of lighting.

4. The gaming room

The video game industry has a growing number of enthusiasts around the world. Often, these enthusiasts are eager to enjoy their favorite hobby in an illuminated room that is bright with vivid colors from all over. LED strips are perfect for indirectly lighting the computer table. Some of these strips can even be installed in the computer power supply which can add color to the computer itself! Color control is something that is highly desired for video game rooms, to create color schemes that match their keyboard for example.

gaming stands backlited with led strip lights

5. The cellar

Wine lovers usually like to have a wine cellar in their home to store their favorite bottles of wine. It can be difficult to see the products in the cellar because of the shadows created by the bottles and shelves. The LED strips lights make it easy to illuminate all the compartments, so you don’t have to search too long for the perfect wine to accompany your meal. You can even program them to light up only when the cellar doors open!

6. The Mirror

Mirrors have always gone hand in hand with lighting. We have all seen mirrors framed by large spherical bulbs. Used extensively in the show business industry, illuminated mirrors are also interesting for people who like to make themselves beautiful in the morning. Many mirror manufacturers are now integrating LED strip lights directly into their products. If you don’t have this type of mirror, you can always put them on the back of it to get indirect lighting. The use of LED with mirrors is a new trend that will gain even more popularity in the next few years, as this technology is easily integrated into this type of product.

7. The shower

Another original way of using LED strips is for the shower. Shower lighting is sometimes forgotten in bathroom renovation projects. It can be interesting to install lighting on the ceiling and floor of your shower. LED strips are perfect for this purpose, as they can easily be recessed into these surfaces with the help of moldings. Install your shower lighting with a motion sensor! This will cause the shower to light up when you step into it!

Industrial style shower with decorative LED ribbons

8. Plants

From a practical rather than decorative point of view, do you know that LED strips are also widely used for growing plants? If you want to have a small vegetable garden in your house to start your seedlings or grow vegetables in winter, LED strips might be of interest to you. Indeed, on a larger scale, LED technology is increasingly used in greenhouses around the world. Some studies are even emerging on the benefits of this type of lighting on plants!

9. The flowerbeds

Still in line with the garden center, another very original idea for using LED strips is in the backyard! Indeed, they are perfect to mark the flowerbeds in the gardens or to be embedded between concrete tiles to illuminate a path. In addition to making your outdoor installations more aesthetically pleasing, your backyard would also benefit from new discreet lighting sources!

Facade of a restaurant with exterior lighting

10. The RV

Do you have a RV or a minivan that you have converted into a motor home? On rainy days, travelers have to lock themselves in the car to spend the evening or part of the day. Therefore, having a good lighting in the car is essential for this moment. Dimmable LED strips are perfect for this kind of use, as they do not consume much energy and the lighting is discreet. When we are in a small space, the lighting should not be too bright or intrusive. Insert LED strips on the sides of your bed base to enjoy pleasant light all evening, without worrying about the charge level of your car battery!

Camping-car dans la nature pendant la nuit

The use of LED strips lights offers a ton of possibilities for any lighting project, and new ways of using them will emerge in the future. Stay on top of the latest trends! So, don’t hesitate to be creative, try new ways of using them and take advantage of the control systems of LED technology to make your projects even more unique! Do you have a lighting project to which you would like to add LED strips? Contact us and our team of specialists will advise you on the right lighting to make your project shine.

Tags Design, DIY, LED

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Post author By Philippe Gauthier
Post date 4 June 2021
No Comments on From sparks to LED: The lighting history

In the 21st century, artificial light has been widely used in several spheres of our societies for many years. Lighting is an essential factor in the proper functioning of cities and businesses. That being said, the need for man to light his environment is not new. In fact, we have to go back to prehistoric times to find the first lighting methods developed by man in the lighting history.

A history that starts with fire

The invention of the first method of lighting goes back a long way. Most historians even agree that fire was used for 250 000 to 300 00 years! The domestication of fire by Neanderthal man had a decisive impact on his way of life. This source of light was now going to allow them to keep predators away, to facilitate the working of certain materials, to keep warm, to cook food and to illuminate their environment once night fell. Still today, fire is used for lighting and has been the main source of light for humans for several hundred years.

Around 30,000 B.C., Homo sapien decided to burn animal fat and plant resin at the end of a branch to create the very first portable lamp, the torch. With this invention, prehistoric man could now venture into caves where natural light did not reach. By using other types of fuel to light with flames, man opened the door to the discovery of a host of new lighting options. Indeed, over 15,000 years ago, the first oil lamp was invented. This lamp was a reservoir of vegetable oil in which a wick supported by a spout was dipped. 10,000 years later, the candle made its appearance. Indeed, by surrounding a wick of animal tallow, it is possible to obtain a light source which will last longer. The disadvantage of burning tallow is that the odor and smoke are not pleasant.

Derived from the candle, it is in the Middle Ages that the candle as we know it today was born. Mainly made of beeswax, these lamps were very expensive and therefore mainly used by the clergy and the lords. It was not until the end of the 15th century that the more affluent citizens were able to start replacing their tallow candles with wax candles. It was not until the 1820s that candles regained popularity with the development of stearic acid, a new material that replaced animal tallow for candle production. This advance made candles more affordable and less intrusive, and it was from this point on that tallow candles became less common.

Although oil lamps had already existed for a long time, it is towards the end of the 18th century that this mode of lighting became trendy, with the development of new processes. In 1782, the engineer Aimé Argand developed an oil lamp with a lateral reservoir and double air currents that was 10 to 12 times more powerful than a normal candle. Later, the French pharmacist Antoine Quinquet refined Argand’s invention and marketed the Quinquet oil lamp, which was widely used until the advent of kerosene in 1853. This light oil obtained from the distillation of crude oil became the main fuel for indoor lamps for several decades and completely replaced oil lamps.

Antoine Quinquet and his oil lanterne, an important man in lighting history — Credit: Detroit Institute of Arts

In those same years, a new type of lighting arrived on the market: gas lighting. At that time, the world’s major cities, in desperate need of modernizing their public lighting, decided to follow the lead of gas lighting in order to replace oil lamps. At the time, gas lighting cost a quarter of the price of oil, which made it very popular in Europe and America. By the mid-1840s, almost all of London and half of Paris were lit by gas! This new type of lighting was relatively dangerous, however. When used indoors, it was common for buildings to be set on fire because of the operation of this type of lamp. They raised the temperature of the rooms and had to be lit with a long stick at the end of which was a flaming cotton ball, which was relatively dangerous, not to mention the risk of explosion. In addition, gas lighting also seemed to be harmful to the environment because of gas leaks in the pipes. A safer lighting solution was now required.

The transition to electricity

On August 15, 1881, Paris, the City of Light, hosted the very first International Electricity Exhibition. A young American inventor came to present a product that would revolutionize the lighting industry forever: Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb. At that time, only a handful of prestigious buildings were lit with electricity in Paris. Specifically, it was with arc lamp technology, an electrically powered lighting system that was commercialized in the late 1860s. With his invention, Thomas Edison presented the general public with an invention that could democratize electric light. As early as 1881, Edison’s Company, which later became General Electric, was already manufacturing complete lighting systems including bulbs, wires, dynamos and bases.

In the midst of industrialization in Europe and North America, such a lighting system would allow industrial buildings to be lit efficiently and easily. The advantages of the incandescent bulb are numerous. It is safe, inexpensive, easy to install, can be turned on immediately with a switch and the light output is higher than gas lighting. In the years that followed, propelled by the development of electricity and the lighting needs of industrialization, incandescent bulbs gained drastically in popularity, eventually replacing gas lighting in large cities. Still present today, the incandescent light bulb has been lighting up our daily lives for over a hundred years, although it has undergone several improvements over the years.

The incandescent light bulb of Thomas Edison — Credit photo: Pinterest / Archive.org by Edison Electric LIght Company

The first half of the 20th century marks the arrival of 2 new types of lighting: the neon and the fluorescent tube. The neon will be widely used for commercial signs, because this type of lighting can be shaped to obtain writings or forms. The fluorescent tube will have a more traditional function of lighting. It is in the 1930s that the marketing of fluorescent tubes will begin. This new technology offers a white light that is close to daylight. The benefits put forward by the manufacturing companies are the low heat production, the long life, the light output and the simplicity of operation.

In 1959, a variant of the incandescent lamp was born. It is the halogen lamp. Working in the same way as the invention of Thomas Edison, the halogen lamp is equipped with a quartz glass bulb that can withstand high temperatures in which have introduced halogenated gases at high pressure. These gases increase the efficiency and life of the tungsten filament that produces light when exposed to electric current.

It was in 1962 that the first visible spectrum light-emitting diode (LED) was invented. The invention of this diode was made by Nick Holonyak, a young American engineer. For several years the LEDs were available only in red, yellow and green. In the 1990s, two Japanese researchers have developed a diode of blue color of high brightness. This invention will then allow to adapt the colors of the LED to obtain a white color that will be widely used in the design of TV screens. This invention will also reveal the potential of LED as a lighting device. Indeed, having an interesting lighting efficiency and having a very low energy consumption, this new technology will start to replace quietly the more traditional lighting devices. Today, LED lighting is available in many forms and its use is becoming widespread for public, residential and corporate lighting.

A history that is still being written

Man has always needed to illuminate his environment in order to function well in society. Depending on the availability of technology, he has had to develop his lighting methods, starting with fire and ending with LED lighting. Lighting is an industry that will continue to develop over the coming decades to meet the growing needs of consumers who are now looking for aesthetic, functional and energy efficient solutions.

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Pointing the light upwards

First of all, by directing the light upwards, towards the ceiling, it will certainly be more visible and give an original aspect to the room. Indirect lighting is ideal to achieve this goal, whether in the form of LED strips or wall sconces. It is also possible to install suspensions that light upwards instead of downwards, or even both at the same time.

Illuminating a low ceiling

Second, upward-facing lighting can be used to enlarge a room with a low ceiling. Indeed, in some forms, lighting will make a room brighter, but it will also make it look much more spacious! Floor standing lamps are perfect in such a room because they avoid overloading the already oppressive low ceiling. Otherwise, wall lights and indirect lighting are always welcome.

Living room lit with a pendant light and LED recessed spots.

Suspension for a cathedral ceiling lighting

Thirdly, if you are lucky enough to have a high ceiling or a cathedral ceiling, suspension fixtures are the perfect choice! With all this space, we can afford oversized suspensions, which will be the stars of the room. They will indeed occupy the space, while conferring a warm atmosphere and an original style. Do not hesitate to hang them low, so that they are a real eye-catcher.

Very high ceiling illuminated by a large light fixture

The LUX team can design custom lighting solutions for you that will make your ceilings look majestic. We also have many products that are perfect for all your lighting projects, such as wall sconces, LED strips, recessed lighting, fixtures and more.

Tags Ambiance, Design, LED

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Éclairage de la chambre à coucher avec spots sur rail

Several functions of this important room must be considered when choosing bedroom lighting. Indeed, the room is used not only for sleeping and resting, but sometimes also for reading, working, exercising, playing, etc. Lighting must therefore be versatile and well adapted.

Bedroom with indirect led lighting and floor lamps

Adapt your bedroom lighting

First of all, there must be general lighting, which must be warm and relaxing, while allowing good visibility. Dimmable lighting is to be preferred, as it will allow the intensity of light to be adjusted according to need and time of day. Ceiling or pendant lights are generally the perfect products to fulfill this function.

Secondly, other light sources, such as accent lamps, will obviously be needed if, for example, you want to do a bit of reading before going to sleep. This second light source must be more direct and less distant. Wall lights above the bed, table lamps or floor lamps are ideal and practical for this purpose.

LED strips for indirect lighting

After having seen what is necessary to have proper lighting, it is time to have some fun and to integrate a bit of madness and originality to our decor and lighting. The room can indeed be sublimated by a huge chandelier, or various elements backlit with LED strips.

LED strips are perfect for creating spectacular backlighting around the bed base, headboard, behind a post, in a wall or in shelves and shelving.

Modern bedroom with walk-in closet and LED recessed lights

The trend is also towards multiple suspensions, which fill the room and create an intimate and muffled atmosphere by lowering the ceiling. The shape and material of the suspensions will greatly influence the atmosphere. For a relaxed atmosphere, opt for textiles rather than metals and rounded, soft shapes.

Bedroom lit by natural light and pendant lights

Let your creativity flow

In the bedroom, it is more than permissible to mix styles and create a space that is truly to your taste. After all, what room is more personal than this one? So treat yourself to the decoration and lighting, because even though many of the elements have different styles and don’t seem to go well together, the result can be surprising and original.

Bedroom with oriental decoration and LED spotlights

Strings of lights or LED strips can also give the room a fairy-tale look and provide enough light for relaxing moments. They offer many interesting possibilities. Let them inspire you!

Tags Ambiance, Design, LED

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Post author By William Langevin
Post date 2 March 2021
No Comments on A modern office due to lighting

Bureau de travail avec une lampe et une plante

Office design is changing a lot, and while the emphasis used to be more on productivity, the emphasis is now on atmosphere, originality and vibrant colors. A great office lighting is necessary to create a great workspace!

What kind of atmosphere do you want your offices to have?

Several new trends are emerging in 2021 for the design and decoration of offices and lighting is obviously part of the game!

First of all, the orientation and layout of the space are revisited. Offices are no longer just a place to work and must be able to accommodate a more relaxed atmosphere as well.

Modern office with large windows and plants

Pleasant materials such as wood, velvet and felt will give a certain warmth to the décor and make employees feel calmer and more confident.

Open and modern workspace with plants and several windows

Plants can also be a great addition to office decor and atmosphere! Also, the use of color temperature lighting that is warm rather than cold will create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Consider LED for a modern office lighting

Secondly, you can let yourself go with fashion and style and dare to incorporate unusual elements into the office decor.

Conference room with decorative recessed lighting

For example, huge designer chandeliers, sofas with famous designs, backlights or recessed LED strips with amazing designs, emblematic decorative elementsand etc, are more than welcome. The goal is to capture people’s attention and stimulate them.

We then rely on original and interesting colors, patterns, textiles and objects! In 2021, offices can stop being mundane and can finally take on a personal character.

A modern office is more than a workspace

Did you know that fashionable and personal touches in their offices greatly increase employee productivity, while giving them more confidence and strength!

Thirdly, spaces dedicated to team building, relaxation and play are becoming more and more popular, and in 2021 will even become one of the arguments used by companies to attract and recruit new talent.

Modern workspace with chairs and pendant lights

From relaxation areas with hammocks to reading corners and various playrooms, lighting is essential! These areas require subdued lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere. Several types of lighting are suitable for this purpose, such as recessed, wall or pendant luminaires.

Green Office lighting made of pendant and table lights

LED, to reduce the ecological footprint of your office lighting

Finally, environmental friendliness is at the top of the new trends and brings decorations with natural colors and materials. A feeling of comfort often results from the choice of such a decor. The addition of vegetation will make the space infinitely more welcoming and lively, in addition to allowing employees to rest their eyes more.

Rest area of an office with hanging plants and cushions

In addition, the use of ecological or eco-efficient technologies such as LED products is a must! Wall sconces, LED strips, recessed, ceiling lights and LED suspensions are indeed the best lighting products to follow the trend of respecting the environment, given their low energy consumption and their considerable lifespan.

Open collaborative office with colorful chairs

LUX has completed several office and workspace lighting projects over the years and has what it takes to help you with your projects! Contact us now, make an appointment online on our new platform or visit our website for more inspiration or to store!

Tags Ambiance, Design, Environment, LED, Office, Productivity, Well-being

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The trend of recessed lighting

Recessed lighting is extremely popular and is now visible everywhere, whether in stores, offices, stores, houses, restaurants, etc.

Hall d'entrée avec moulures noires au plafond

Several reasons explain this growing popularity.

First of all, recessed lighting offers many advantages. It provides a powerful and uniform lighting, but also creates different atmospheres, specific to certain rooms or work surfaces.

Recessed spotlights and LED strips

Indeed, recessed lighting can be used on the ceiling, but also under or in cabinets, in stairs, walls, floors and more.

Cuisine blanche éclairée à l'aide de spots encastrés

It also saves space and energy, since recessed fixtures are normally LED technology, compact and eco-efficient. There are many different styles of recessed lighting that make the possibilities endless. In addition, their lighting is mostly adjustable, both in intensity and color and color temperature.

Whether in the form of LED strips, square or round recessed lights or other, recessed lighting is suitable for all rooms and all utilities!

It can be used to highlight shelves or objects, make worktops more practical, enhance architectural details and much more. It is a decorative element that can be subtle or eye-catching, depending on its location and shape.

Cuisine blanche avec des spots encastrés et des luminaires suspendus

LUX Lighting Solutions offers tons of recessed lighting products and can always custom build recessed lighting for you.

Pictures credit: Pinterest & Pexels

Tags Ambiance, Design, Kitchen, LED, Recessed

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Hallway lighting is normally given very little consideration. However, it is very important and can be a fabulous decorative element.

Hallway with indirect LED lighting on ceiling and floor

Embellished with lighting

Since corridors are often devoid of decorations and furniture, lighting becomes the star of the show! Lighting fixtures of all shapes and styles can enhance these underestimated spaces.

Thanks to lighting, a hallway can become warm, colorful, dynamic and stylish!

A Hallway lighting made from multiple sources

In order to create stylish lighting, it is possible to combine different types of light sources such as wall sconces, LED strips, recessed lights, tracks, spotlights, backlighting, pendants, etc.

The repetition of light sources and a geometric arrangement of light sources can be used to make the lighting dynamic and quite stunning.

Corridor lighting must still be functional and well distributed. It is preferable to have several light sources. However, there are multiple options to accommodate those with a single wire outlet, such as track lighting or multiple suspensions, among others.

LUX Lighting Solutions has what it takes to light up the hallways with brio! Our team can also customize original lighting solutions that will make your corridors look great!

Pictures credit: Pinterest

Tags Ambiance, Design, LED, Recessed

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