Hummell Brothers Blog | Westmoreland County Lighting Store

Lighting Design Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home Renovation

April 11, 2025 | Hummell Brothers | Lighting Design

At Hummell Brothers, we’ve seen firsthand how great lighting design in Murrysville can completely transform a space—and how easily it can go wrong if not planned properly. Whether you’re renovating a single room or updating your entire home, avoiding these common lighting design mistakes can help ensure your space is both beautiful and functional.

lighting design with two chandeliers over kitchen table and window in the background for complementary natural lighting

1. Relying on a Single Light Source

One of the most common missteps we see is relying on just one overhead fixture to light an entire room. This often results in shadows, dark corners and an uninviting atmosphere. A well-designed lighting plan includes multiple layers: ambient (general lighting), task (focused light for specific activities) and accent (used to highlight architectural or decorative features). Using a combination of these layers allows for flexibility and adds dimension to your space.

2. Ignoring Natural Light

Another mistake homeowners often make is failing to consider how natural light interacts with artificial lighting throughout the day. A room that’s filled with sunlight in the morning may feel dim by late afternoon. Incorporating dimmer switches or light fixtures with adjustable color temperatures can help your home adapt as daylight changes. At Hummell Brothers, we can help clients evaluate each room’s natural light and tailor lighting solutions that complement it rather than compete with it.

3. Skimping on Lighting in Work Areas

Kitchens, bathrooms, home offices and other task-heavy spaces need more than just general lighting. Poor task lighting can cause eye strain and make daily routines more difficult. Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, vanity lights in bathrooms and dedicated desk lamps in offices are all smart additions that enhance usability while maintaining design appeal.

4. Choosing Style Over Function

Stylish fixtures can add character to a room, but if they don’t provide the right kind of light, they can end up being more decorative than useful. We always recommend selecting fixtures that balance form and function. You can have a stunning chandelier or pendant light, but make sure it gives off enough light for the room’s needs.

5. Forgetting About Dimmers

Installing dimmer switches is an easy and cost-effective upgrade that adds flexibility to your lighting design. They allow you to adjust the intensity of the light based on the time of day, the activity you’re doing or the mood you want to create.

At Hummell Brothers, we understand that lighting is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a key part of your home’s functionality and comfort. If you’re planning a renovation, let us help you design a lighting plan that avoids these pitfalls and brings your vision to life.

Ready to light up your home the right way? Contact Hummell Brothers today to get started! Give us a call today at 724-523-3611, contact us, or visit our store in Jeannette!

Outdoor Lighting for Winter Safety: A Guide from Hummell Brothers

November 11, 2024 | Hummell Brothers | Outdoor Lighting

As winter approaches, the days grow shorter, and the darkness arrives earlier. For many homeowners, this can create challenges when it comes to maintaining a safe and functional outdoor space. Ice, snow and freezing temperatures can make walkways slippery, while poor visibility can lead to accidents or falls. One of the most effective ways to enhance safety around your home during the winter months is by installing proper outdoor lighting in Westmoreland County. At Hummell Brothers, we believe that strategically placed lighting not only adds curb appeal but also plays a vital role in keeping your property safe during winter.

outdoor lighting with trees in background

Improve Visibility and Reduce Slip Hazards

Slippery conditions caused by snow or ice can turn your driveway, sidewalks and pathways into hazardous areas. Installing outdoor lighting along these routes can significantly improve visibility, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Motion-activated lights are an excellent option for walkways, as they automatically turn on when someone approaches, lighting the way without needing to remember to switch them on or off. This is especially useful if you’re coming home late from work.

Adding lights to key areas such as stairs, driveways and garage doors ensures that your family and guests can easily navigate these potentially dangerous spots, even in the dark, icy winter months. Consider using weather-resistant lights that can stand up to the harsh elements of winter, such as LED path lights, flood lights and string lights designed for outdoor use.

Deter Intruders with Proper Lighting

Winter’s long nights can also provide cover for potential intruders looking to target your home. In areas with reduced daylight, homes that are poorly lit become prime targets. Installing outdoor lighting around your property can deter unwanted visitors. Well-lit entryways, yards and driveways make it easier for neighbors or security cameras to spot suspicious activity, keeping your home safer.

Floodlights, motion sensor lights and lights that are placed higher up can help ensure that no dark corners are left unmonitored. Additionally, incorporating timers or smart home systems can allow you to set the lights to turn on and off automatically, giving the appearance that someone is always home, even when you’re not.

Highlight Winter Beauty with Ambient Lighting

Winter weather can leave landscapes looking stark, but with the right lighting, your yard can still shine. The soft glow of outdoor lighting can highlight beautiful winter features like trees covered in snow, architectural details on your home, and other outdoor features. Additionally, lighting elements like lanterns, string lights and carefully placed spotlights can create a cozy ambiance, perfect for winter evenings spent outside or in a backyard gathering.

Lighting Up the Holidays

During the winter months, many people decorate their homes for the holiday season. Outdoor lighting is often one of the best ways to showcase holiday decorations, making your home festive and bright. Whether you go for classic string lights, wreath illuminations or light-up figures, outdoor lighting helps bring the spirit of the season to life. It’s important to choose lights that are specifically designed for outdoor use to withstand the cold, wet conditions.

At Hummell Brothers, we understand how important it is to keep your home safe, functional and beautiful during the winter months. By investing in high-quality outdoor lighting, you can ensure your property remains well-lit, secure and visually appealing throughout the cold season. Whether you’re looking to illuminate walkways for safety, deter intruders or highlight the beauty of your home during the holidays, the right outdoor lighting can make all the difference. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help with your outdoor lighting needs for the winter months. Give us a call today at 724-523-3611, contact us, or visit our store in Jeannette!

Bright Ideas: How to Illuminate Your Living Room with Ceiling Lights

September 21, 2023 | Hummell Brothers | Lighting Fixtures, Lighting Tips & Trends

The living room is often considered the heart of a home, where family and friends gather to relax, socialize and unwind. To create the perfect ambiance in your living room, lighting plays a pivotal role. Among the many lighting options available, ceiling lights are not only functional but can also serve as stylish focal points. When you need ceiling lights near Murrysville, choose Hummell Brothers!

1: Types of Ceiling Lights:

There are many different types of ceiling lights available for the living room. From options such as flush mount lights, semi-flush mount lights, pendant lights and chandeliers – there is a perfect type of ceiling light for every room and aesthetic.

2: Determining the Right Size and Placement:

Based on the dimensions of your living room, different ceiling light fixtures may not work. For large rooms, one tiny light won’t be enough. However, a smaller living room doesn’t need a giant chandelier to provide lighting and may feel like overkill. Placement is also an important thing to consider – do you want to draw attention to a certain part of the room, or simply illuminate the whole room?

If you aren’t sure what the right size is or where you think a lighting fixture would look best, stop by our store! We can help you determine what lights will work best and where based on measurements and pictures of your living room.

3: Choosing the Right Style:

Selecting a ceiling light that complements your living room’s decor style is also an important piece. If your aesthetic incorporates mostly minimalistic themes, then a maximalist chandelier may not be the best fit for you. There are various style options such as modern, traditional, industrial and minimalist – it’s just a matter of determining your personal style.

4: Layering Light for Ambiance:

Another thing to consider is layering light. By incorporating ceiling lights in addition to lamps and wall sconces, you can create the perfect ambiance for your living room. Plus, with various options for lighting, you can have different levels of lighting for every need – bright lights for gift giving, warm lights for reading, low lights for watching TV with loved ones and so on!

5: Maintenance and Cleaning:

Finally, when choosing a ceiling light, it’s important to consider the necessary maintenance and cleaning. If you don’t have time to dust hundreds of little beads, maybe an intricate chandelier is too much for your current lifestyle.

Thoughtful lighting design is extremely important in creating a cozy and inviting living room. Be sure to explore your options and choose ceiling lights that not only illuminate the space but also reflect your personal style and preferences.

Are you ready to learn more about ceiling lights near Murrysville or the rest of Westmoreland County? Give us a call today at 724-523-3611, contact us, or visit our store in Jeannette – just a short drive away!

Fall Ideas for Your Lighting Fixtures

October 17, 2022 | Hummell Brothers | Lighting Fixtures, Outdoor Lighting

This fall, spruce up your home by adding new lights inside and out. New lights can be a great way to create the welcoming, cozy home appearance that you have always wanted – and what better time to up your lighting game than fall? Days are becoming shorter, meaning lights will be utilized more and more until spring, thus making fall the perfect time to consider these ideas for your lighting fixtures.

If you have any questions or want to look at new lighting fixtures near Irwin, give Hummell Brothers a call today!

Light Up Your Sidewalk

Prior to Halloween, add lights along your walkway to make the trek to your door safer for kids! Use orange, purple or red bulbs to create an eerie effect to really tie together your spooky, fall vibes!

Lighting the way to your house makes your home feel more welcoming to guests, and what better time to encourage loved ones to come together than fall? The holiday season is almost upon us, so make sure your home is ready to welcome all of your guests.

Brighten Up Your Porch

Once you’ve added lights to your walkway, consider brightening up your porch! New porch lights can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere before even stepping foot inside your home.

Beyond adding new lighting fixtures, you can utilize string lights to create an even cozier space to drink coffee or tea outside as temperatures begin to cool. Try stacking pumpkins and LED candles in crates, then wrapping string lights around to create beautiful lighted displays for fall! Then, reuse the crates for other seasonal displays to keep your home inviting all year round.

Incorporate Statement Lighting

Illuminating your space isn’t the only goal for some lighting fixtures. Choose a statement piece to draw attention to a specific focal point in the room while also lighting up the area. Choose a grand chandelier that you can use to display garlands throughout the seasons or choose a statement fixture that allows for fake cobwebs and colorful lighting choices.

Add Lights in Windows

Have you considered placing permanent electric candles in your windows? Create a year-round cozy vibe by bringing candlelight into each of your windows. In the fall, add pumpkins to complete the autumn aesthetic! Each season, simply change out the decoration and enjoy the look of soft candlelight flickering on your windowsill.

No matter which lighting fixture you choose to incorporate fall aesthetics into your Irwin home this year, Hummell Brothers has you covered. Give us a call today at 724-523-3611, contact us, or visit our store in Jeannette – just a short drive away!

Tips for Brightening Up Your Interior Space with Lighting Design

October 25, 2021 | Hummell Brothers | Lighting Design

Fall has arrived and the days are getting shorter. As the light outside begins to dwindle, now is a great time to bring the light indoors and brighten up your home or business exterior for winter. Not sure where to begin? Our lighting experts are here to guide you every step of the way in selecting the right fixtures for your space. We are a trusted name in lighting design near Latrobe and we are here to help you brighten up your world with the right lighting. We believe that the right lighting can improve the overall comfort of a home and are here to help you achieve the lighting design you’ve always envisioned.

Lighting design serves many functions, including providing light and atmosphere for a space. Above all else, lighting is beautiful and can bring your house to life even in the darkest and dreariest of seasons. You need adequate lighting while completing household tasks. The right fixture should also match the size of the room and provide the kind of lighting needed to complement your design. It is also important to see the actual lighting fixtures in person to determine if they are the right fit.

When shopping around for the right lighting design, it can be extremely beneficial to come into a full-service lighting showroom like ours and speak with a lighting design expert in person. It is quite difficult to make critical decisions about color and scale as well as essential light levels without seeing the quality and the full scope of the illumination.

When you come to Hummell Brothers, you will have the benefit of a trained lighting professional to help you make the correct choice in lighting design. You will also be able to touch and feel the lighting fixtures first-hand. We have a huge selection of lighting fixtures in a multitude of finishes and important items that you might not think about such as bulbs, dimmers, and other accessories. You can even bring in elements from your home to be sure your lighting design matches perfectly.

Our job as lighting design experts is to help you choose and customize the lights that are just right for your home or business if that’s the case.

Visit our lighting showroom at Hummell Brothers today to learn more about lighting design for your Latrobe area home or business. For more information, feel free to call us at 724-523-3611 or contact us.

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