The History On Christmas Lights By Robert Huff Illumination

An Introduction to the History of Christmas Tree Lights

Have you ever wondered about the history of Christmas lights? You probably understand that electricity was not around at the birth of Jesus; so, when did the populace begin associating electrical lights with the birth of the Savior?

Christmas Lights Began with Fire

Christmas lights, also known as fairy lights, are used around the world in Christmas displays and decoration during the holiday season. The tradition started when Christmas trees were lit using candles. The light from these candles was to symbolize Christ as the “light of the world.”

Early Germans (1500 to 1800) were the first people to bring Christmas trees indoor and decorate them with candles. However, because the candles used to light the Christmas trees posed a fire hazard, Christmas trees were not brought into the home until a couple of days before Christmas and immediately disposed of following the holidays. The Germans attached the candles to the Christmas tree using either melted wax or pins.

The danger associated with using candles was so great that Christians would keep constant watch and have buckets of water or sand on hand to douse the tree should a fire occur. Additionally, the candles were only allowed to burn 15 to 30 minutes before they were extinguished.

Additionally, Christians placed candles in their windows to let passersby know that a Christian resided in the home. These candles were an invitation for other Christians to enter the home and worship with them. Finally, Yule Logs were used in Germany as early as 1184.

Early Christmas celebration often used Yule Logs, Christmas trees lit with candles and candle in the windows; however, light has played an important role in Winter festivals even before the birth of Jesus.

During the winter solstice, fire and light were used. Lighting fires and candles during the darkest day of the year not only provided warmth but was also thought to encourage warmth and light to return from the Sun.

The Invention of Modern Christmas Lights

Thomas Edison was an inventor, showman, and businessman. He would entertain investors and businessmen on the first floor of the Menlo Park Laboratory with his phonograph concerts. Additionally, Thomas Edison was the first person to ever use electric Christmas lights during the holidays.

Edison kept an incandescent light bulb burning for thirteen and a half hours in 1879. Later the same year, he was able to invent bulbs that continued to burn brightly for more than forty hours.

By the Christmas holiday of 1880, Edison hung the first electric Christmas lights in his home and around the Menlo Park Laboratory. According to an article in the New York Times on December 21, 1880, Edison hosted a private exhibition for approximately forty gentlemen, including those in the New York City government, to explain the principles behind his electric lights and showcase his display.

While the purpose of the private exhibition was about business and replacing the city’s current gas lights with new electric one, many reported that they were impressed that the glass globes were shiny and clean. The 800 lights used was a sight to behold, according to attendees.

Many have debated whether Edison’s original intent was to associate his electric lights with Christmas; however, the timing of the introduction of these strings of electric lights made people associate them with Christmastime.

At the end of his demonstration, he held a private phonograph concert and a meal featuring roasted turkey, duck, ham and chicken salad.

It wasn’t long until Edward H. Johnson, Edison’s partner, used these electrical lights to eliminate his own Christmas tree. Eighty red, white and blue lights were hand-wired and strung on to his Christmas tree. Mr. Johnson’s illuminated Christmas tree was visible through the windows in his home and crowds would gather outside to witness this electrical engineering feat.

Nowadays, Christmas tree lights are used to illuminate homes, windows, villages and Christmas trees around the world. In Texas, Houston Christmas lighting is one of the most important things. Those bright, twinkling lights are found throughout the city both inside the homes and outdoors, signaling the beginning of the holiday season.

For more lighting tips, tricks, and trends call or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today!

Robert Huff Illumination Suggests These Houston Outdoor Lighting Techniques For Your Business

Commercial Outdoor Lighting Techniques

If you are looking for an outdoor light installer that is going to bring about a unique design to every commercial project, it is time to get in touch with Robert Huff Illumination experts. Regardless of whether you are looking to change the appearance of a restaurant or a nursing home, each is going to have specific needs that need to be addressed. An example of this would be a nonprofit hospital located in Fort Worth, Texas that used a wall wash technique to highlight the multiple facades of the many buildings.

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting | Commercial Lighting Services HoustonSo what exactly is a wall washing lighting technique? Basically, this technique is going to create a warm and soothing look over the wall of a particular building. It is designed to look as though the light is bouncing off of the wall, this type of lighting will bring much more attention to any form of a building. This lighting technique will also minimize the texture of the building as it distributes the light evenly. Our Houston commercial lighting experts use this technique to liven the building up and offer the building a chance to shine in the evening.

The opposite of this technique is known as the moonlighting lighting technique. In this situation, the fixtures are placed above as opposed to down. So here the light will be shining down on the building. This helps to create some incredible shadows on the ground.

Another option that our experts can use is up-lighting which makes a remarkable contrasting effect. When a wall washing technique is used, the lights are placed about 12 inches from the wall plane which creates that flat appearance, with up-lighting the spotlights are placed close to the facade for an incredible effect. When this form of lighting is viewed from afar, it creates a dramatic view. Our Houston light installers will use this same technique for trees and other elements of the landscape.

Down-lighting technique is a form that is similar to moonlight with the exception that it is quite a bit bolder. Here the light fixtures are placed high to create a full circle of light over an area.

For an illuminating backdrop, our installers can use the process of silhouetting. This spectacular light show is created with a spread light that is placed between plants, trees, or another structure. This is another form of lighting that can be used for a dramatic effect due to the sharp contrast between the background and lighted area. The Houston commercial outdoor lighting installers know that silhouetting works incredibly well with dark green vegetation.

If you are looking for a way to add safety to the property, you may want to consider path lighting which is actually one of the most important aspects of a commercial property. In this case, small lighting fixtures are placed along walkways, driveways, and to direct people.

The Robert Huff Illumination experts want individuals to know how important this form of lighting is. Once these lights have been installed they will be used to direct pedestrians and keep the property safe.

Path lighting is an aspect of lighting that no commercial property in Texas should underestimate. If you are looking for an incredible way to bring more pedestrian traffic to your business or just want to ensure the safety of your customers this is one of the best ways to do it. In addition, the right type of path lighting can be sued to create incredibly striking pathways through gardens and otherwise dark areas of a commercial property. Contact out Houston commercial outdoor lighting experts to create an incredible design that will work for your business and customers.

If you have any questions about commercial lighting in the Houston area, you need to get in touch with Robert Huff Illumination for the best advice and installation. Our crew has years of experience and a stellar reputation to bring you the absolute best in commercial lighting. Our experts will work any commercial project whether big or small with the same type of enthusiasm and standards. Contact us today to see how commercial lighting can offer your business more safety and profits.

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A Houston TX Outdoor Lighting Company Can Boost Your Profits By Boosting Your Visibility

Commercial Outdoor Lighting And Its Benefits On Your Houston Business

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting | Commercial Outdoor Lighting in HoustonIf you wanted to play it safe, you never would have gone into business for yourself. The responsibilities, risks, financial uncertainty, and seemingly endless work are not for the timid. Regardless of whether your business is an electronics store or a coffee house, it’s critical that you make your name known since advertising and visibility are necessary to grow your consumer base and your profits from one year to the next.

All sort of advertising can prove an expensive endeavor. You might spend thousands just to get a digital banner on the Internet, and a magazine and might run you just as much. Even promoting something on social media might break your budget. However, your budget should not limit your dreams. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get plenty of consumers talking about what your business does and who it is without spending a ton. Keep reading to learn a handful of these awesome tips:

You might want to consult a Houston TX outdoor lighting company if your business has a physical, brick and mortar location. If your area is rather dark or ‘quiet’ so to speak, then you might want a commercial lighting installation to draw attention to people driving by. A long pathway can make an obvious entrance to your location or just light up your spot inside a strip mall more than others. Even when you’re closed, people can remember your location and maybe see your hours.

Talk to your Houston TX outdoor lighting company about the right mood to set. Your coffee house might use wall sconces, spotlights, and accent lights to create a rather romantic ambiance. Once the day workers are gone, your location might become part of date nights. If you’re looking to cater more to families and children, then use a variety of lights for a rainbow look.

Your Houston TX outdoor lighting company should have options that keep your budget in mind. Installing lights is an unavoidable cost, but using LED landscape lights can provide energy savings that let you keep your utility bills down after everything is put in place and lit up. The right LEd landscape lighting should be able to withstand the climate and elements, so weather isn’t going to speed up your need for replacements. Anytime you can install lighting and save money, your business truly has a brighter future.

Social media is a great way to get advertising done even on a shoestring budget, given the fact that you can create and grow a community of like-minded individuals without paying to promote your posts. Attract and gather those that like your products or services, or just those with similar tastes. Engage them in conversation and learn about their interests. If you run a coffee shop, learn what flavors, beans, and blends people like. Post content about the history of coffee and its health benefits.

Most every modern business has a website or at the least some landing page, where they promote their services or products. An email subscription prompt is a great thing to add to any website you have since you can then collect the email addresses of your site visitors. As your list grows over time, you can sell exclusively to those that once showed interest in your business more than other visitors. That’s a great way to boost your sales.

Another tip for the digital world is adding a search button to your website. It lets your visitors find what interests them most, which means you are catering to your audience. For instance, if you sell DVDs online, you might find out what titles or movie stars people are looking for. If it turns out your visitors have a penchant for science fiction over romantic comedies, you can skew your selections in that direction. You can also find out if there are things that people are looking for that you don’t yet carry so you can add it to your inventory.

Advertise Your Business With Commercial Outdoor Lighting In Houston

There are more ways to improve your business sales and opportunities other than just traditional advertising, and they’re not as expensive either. Whether it’s learning online or doing outdoor lighting, you can find tips, tricks, and tools you can use to make more money and enhance the visibility of your business. Running your own business can mean putting in long hours and facing tough decisions, many of which aren’t going to be in your comfort zone, but if you believe in it and want it, then do what it takes. If you want to shed light on your business for the world to see, then we just might be the Houston TX outdoor lighting company for you. Call us or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today for more information on the commercial lighting services we provide.

Setting Up An Outdoor Living Space With Houston Outdoor Lighting: Tips For Success

Why Outdoor Lighting In Houston Is A Necessity For Your Outdoor Living Space

When you set up an outdoor area, you extend the living space of your home. This is particularly beneficial if you have a small house or you just don’t have enough room to store all of your things. When you create a purposeful area outside of your building, there is no limit to what you can do. You can set up a place to go when you are feeling stressed. You can set up a place to entertain others. Keep in mind that outdoor areas generally improve your curb appeal, so if you plan to sell in the future, you’ve got a feature that will be attractive to buyers. Just think of it; you could have your own place to do yoga, become one with nature or even just read.

If your family includes kids, you definitely need an outdoor living space. This area will give them a place to imagine, a place to run and jump and a place to enjoy nature. You can put up a play structure if you want. A tree house is a possibility as well. And, of course, if you think you will be outside in the evenings, it is a good idea to utilize Houston outdoor lighting services by getting them done correctly. Lights add visibility, which means it will be safer to play outside at dusk. Ultimately, an outdoor living area can help you relax and enjoy life. It also comes in handy when you need to sell your home.

We have worked in the Houston area for several years, and we enjoy lighting up the night for our customers. We’ve installed path lights, pool lights, and accent lights, and we feel confident that we can turn your outdoor living space into something amazing. Based on the work we’ve done, we’ve come up with several tips to help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams.

1. Come Up With A Design First

Before you get started on anything, make your design. You don’t want to dig up part of the yard without having a clear plan for what you want to do going forward. As light installers, we always design a plan first and present it to our clients. We then discuss and revise as necessary, making sure that we adhere to their vision of what they want from the project.

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting | Residential Outdoor Lighting Houston2. Set A Goal

The size of your house and the size of your yard doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you have a goal and an idea of what you want to see happen in your space. Lighting projects are all different. That’s because the homes and properties are all different as well. You never know what you might run into while on a job. Sometimes, we may need to bring in other professionals to help with your lighting project, like an engineer or an architect. This is done to ensure that you get the best outdoor space possible.

3. Go Green

Eco-friendly lighting is always the best option. You help the planet and you help your wallet as well when you choose to go green. We have LED lighting options that conserve energy and that won’t break the bank. There are even a variety of color options to choose from, so you don’t have to stick with the normal blue, green and red if you don’t want to.

LED lights are useful in a variety of ways. They can set a mood. They can light up an area or simply mark a walkway. They conserve energy and there are so many fixtures that you can choose from as well. Talk to your Houston outdoor lighting services professional and find out what you can do with your space.

4. Get Creative With Seating

You don’t have to keep everything uniform in your outdoor space. Why not set up a few metallic stools and then add some wooden benches as well? Don’t forget your children, either; there is plenty to choose from in the way of kid’s outdoor seating. Get creative and express your personality. Also think about how and who will use the space. You may enjoy lounging in a hammock, for example, while your spouse might prefer a bench. The only caveat here is to make sure that you don’t include too many patterns. In addition, have an overall theme that you can build around.

5. Have A Focal Point

Outdoor living areas should have a focal point. You can incorporate any number of decorative elements, as long as there is a focal point that the eye is drawn to.

Call us now or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today for more information regarding the services we provide!

Houston Commercial Outdoor Lighting Done Right With LED Lighting

What Can Outdoor LED Lights Do for Your Commercial Property?

There are many decisions to make when it comes to landscaping and this is also true of the lighting. One option that you would certainly want to consider, however, is using LED lights. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they cut costs because of their energy efficiency. For those that own a business, staying within a budget is of prime concern and using LED lights is certainly going to push the needle in the right direction. The savings can be used in many other areas of your business, including marketing.

We are going to talk about some of the benefits of using LED lights but before we do, it’s important to know about the energy savings. You may see up to an 80% reduction in your electricity usage when using LED lights because the bulbs are more efficient. That is one of the reasons why it is recommended that all of your outdoor commercial lighting uses LED lights.

How much longer will they last? A typical incandescent lightbulb will last approximately 1000 hours but LED lights may last anywhere from 30,000 up to 50,000 hours. According to some sources, that number may be much higher and could be upwards of 100,000 hours. Another benefit of having these long-lasting bulbs on your commercial property is the fact that it reduces maintenance because they don’t need to be replaced as frequently.

Most people don’t know what makes LED (light emitting diodes) lights unique in comparison to an incandescent bulb. An LED light is a semiconductor device and when you pass electrical current through it, it creates the light that you see. There really is no comparison, because LED lights will last longer, run more efficiently and are a much better choice than a regular bulb. You even have differences in color, with the primary choices being red, blue and green. Did you realize that there isn’t actually a white LED light? When you see a white LED, it is because of a mixture of colors and phosphor material.

One of the downfalls of LED lights is that they aren’t ideal for lighting up an entrance or other areas that need a broad light. They shine in one direction, so that does make them ideal for lighting up a sign or using in landscaping. It is that unidirectional effect of an LED light that helps to make them more efficient. An incandescent bulb throws light in every direction, using much more energy as a result.

LED lights can be found in many different industries. You can find them in your home when you open your refrigerator or when you use a camera flash. They can also be seen in many areas throughout your local area, including traffic signals, aviation lighting and headlamps in your car.

Incandescent bulbs will produce heat when they produce light. When you use an LED fault, on the other hand, there is very little heat loss and they only work when they’re cool enough. They are designed specifically for this type of efficiency.

If you’re considering installing LED lights on your commercial property, it is always a good idea to contact the best outdoor lighting company Houston TX has to offer. They will ensure that the LED lights are not only well-suited for the task but are also compliant with any standards that may be involved in your industry. In addition, you can tell them what you want to have as an end result and they will take your vision and bring it to life. It doesn’t matter if you want to light up the walkway, advertise your sign on the building or shine some light up through the trees for beauty, they will make it a reality.

All types of businesses around the world are now making use of outdoor commercial LED lighting. When you use it at your place of business, it allows your advertising on a property to work for you 24 hours a day. This can be a real benefit because it gives you marketing without having to put extra money out of your pocket. Of course, you would want everything to be designed appropriately for your business and that is another reason why you should have professional designers and installers for your landscape lighting.

Along with using your property for advertising, you can also improve your curb appeal and brand your business using LED lights. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and types including different colors, mini lights and even specialty lighting that will really help to make your landscaping pop. There are even some commercial options available that are very low voltage and those with a strobe effect that will really make heads turn.

When you use a professional landscape company to design and install the lights, there is another benefit that you should keep in mind. Since those companies often work directly with the distributor, they can get you a much better price than what you would pay directly. This savings is passed on to you and can be recirculated in your business for a variety of purposes.

In addition, you don’t want to have your business down and out while the landscaping is taking place. Using the best outdoor lighting company Houston TX has to offer can get the job done quickly so that you can be backed up and running without a hitch. They will even respect the nearby landscaping so that they don’t disturb anything that you may have worked hard to achieve.

It’s time to consider LED lighting for your commercial space. Contact us or call Robert Huff Illumination for more information as to how you can use LED lights to improve your property and your business.