Hummell Brothers Blog | Westmoreland County Lighting Store

Lighting the Way for 100 Years: Hummell Brothers – Your Trusted Lighting Store in Jeannette

November 12, 2025 | Hummell Brothers | Lighting Tips & Trends

When it comes to brightening homes and businesses, few names carry the same legacy as Hummell Brothers. For more than a century, our family-owned lighting store in Jeannette has proudly served the community with exceptional products, trusted expertise and personalized service. As we celebrate our 100-year anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our history and what has made Hummell Brothers a cornerstone in the region for generations.

Founded right here in Jeannette, Hummell Brothers began with a simple mission: to bring quality lighting and electrical products to local homeowners, builders and businesses. Over the decades, technology and styles have changed dramatically—but our dedication to quality and service has remained constant. From traditional chandeliers to modern LED fixtures, we’ve evolved alongside the lighting industry, always keeping up with the latest trends and innovations to help our customers find the perfect lighting solutions.

Today, our showroom showcases a wide selection of indoor and outdoor lighting to suit every style and budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or designing an entire home, our experienced team can guide you through the process. We take pride in helping our customers choose lighting that enhances their space, fits their needs and adds a touch of personality. From classic designs that evoke timeless elegance to sleek, contemporary fixtures that make a statement, Hummell Brothers offers it all.

In addition to lighting, we also provide a range of electrical supplies for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. This unique combination has helped us build lasting relationships with homeowners, electricians and builders across the region. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer questions, offer recommendations and ensure that every project—big or small—goes smoothly.

As we celebrate 100 years of service, we’re deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty of our customers. It’s their continued support that has allowed us to grow and thrive for a full century. We invite you to stop by and see for yourself why Hummell Brothers has been a trusted name in lighting for generations.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect light fixture, planning a remodel or simply want to browse our latest arrivals, visit Hummell Brothers in Jeannette—the lighting store that has been illuminating homes and hearts for more than 100 years. Contact Hummell Brothers today to get started! Give us a call today at 724-523-3611 or contact us!

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!

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