Eclipse Round 250 LED Plaster Wall Light 9.4W 2700K 386lm 250mm Diameter Paintable, Astro 1333019

Changes in modern society during the early 21st century have led to many problems concerning people’s sleep cycles and general health. Bespoke human-centric lighting schemes are something that we should all consider. The adoption of electronic light has changed the ‘circadian rhythm’ of our bodies, which controls key features such as sleep-wake behaviour and hormone secretion. This disturbs the 24-hour sleep cycle we should be operating on for optimal health and happiness. Recent studies have shown we now spend close to 90% of our lives indoors, a historically unprecedented amount. This means we are simply not getting enough natural sunlight. ‘Human-centric lighting’ is a solution that works to maintain a natural light cycle indoors, no matter where you spend the majority of your day. In this article, we will discuss the practicalities and benefits of a tailored human-centric lighting scheme - especially in workplace environments. Human-centric lighting: what is it exactly? Human-centric lighting solutions can support the human circadian rhythm and enhance concentration. They also prevent sleeping disorders and improve our overall mental well-being. So how do they work exactly? Recent innovations in lighting technology (in particular with LEDs) has meant that ‘tuneable’ white light can be achieved in an energy-efficient manner. This light is then managed with advanced control systems. New, smart, connected lighting systems create endless possibilities with better user control. For instance, the SkyLux works its magic by replicating a natural 24-hour day cycle. It has a panel which realistically depicts scenes of sky, clouds and sunshine. The main control will be the level of brightness intensity, which is scaled all the way from 0 (which gives the effect of a cloudy day) to 100 (which exudes the light of an intensely sunny day). This means that the owner of this advanced lighting system can choose what type of weather is simulated in a building. Practical considerations for human-centric lighting schemes Luminaire specifications This is the Megaman 180162 - part of the Renzo range of drum fittings / LED bulkheads for wall or ceiling mounting. It is a 10.5W round LED fitting offering a warm white 3000K with a diameter of 280mm. Buy Outdoor LED Bulkheads at SparksThe components that make up the luminaire must guarantee an adequate level of performance. First and foremost, they must pass tests to ensure they meet all electrical and mechanical test requirements. They should also be tested to make certain that ‘LED flicker’ is kept to an absolute minimum. LED flicker originates from a mismatch of components - when the LED module, driver and control system are not working in harmony. This mismatch causes a flickering light which has damaging consequences. If left unchecked, flicker can result in chronic discomforts such as eye-strain and headaches. In workplaces, this is shown to lead to an increase in absenteeism. Manufacturers must guarantee that LED flicker is minimised to avoid this problem.Light distribution You must consider that not all luminaires are appropriate for human-centric lighting systems and certain design criteria must be satisfied. Many of the existing general-purpose lighting fixtures in commercial settings cannot meet these design criteria. The distribution of light from a luminaire in a human-centric system must not create glare. Glare is a serious problem at workplaces as it can cause long-term health problems. Excessive brightness entering the eye from intense luminaires reflecting from working equipment (such as screens) prevent workers from being able to read data and reduces productivity. However, if you arrange a system of quality luminaires in a well-spaced pattern there will be minimal amounts of glare caused. Furthermore, the optimal amount of light needed to aid the natural circadian rhythm will be achieved. The advantages of a human-centric lighting system The sheer quality of LED light has improved leaps and bounds over the last few years. New developments in LED colour schemes mean that we can now match the colour output that is created by the natural light spectrum. As previously mentioned concerning the SkyLux, this means we can accurately simulate weather conditions that are occurring halfway across the world. Human-centric lighting schemes are designed using ultra-high colour rendering LEDs, which consistently depict a colour accuracy of over 95 percent. This increase in the quality of colour rendering will reap health benefits. Currently, there are efforts to move colour accuracy performance even further, using ‘sunlight’ criteria for LEDs. These LED modules are designed to mimic the spectrum of sunlight. In doing this, LED manufacturers are seeking to reduce the ‘blue spikes’ in the LED spectrum that are considered poor for our health.Buy LED Light Bulbs at Sparks Lighting control With human-centric lighting comes dynamic lighting control. The latest thinking from designers is that the core lighting should be set according to a fixed scheme, which will fit a general ‘working pattern’, convenient to employees. Health benefits As mentioned before, the presence of blue wavelengths is negative for our health. It suppresses the effect of the pineal gland, which ‘tricks’ the brain into thinking that it’s safe for us to carry on working, when we should be preparing for a good night’s sleep. Human-centric lighting has the ability to reduce blue content in white light by shifting the ambient colour spectrum from ‘daylight’ to a comfortable warm light as we come to the end of the day. Lighting levels (illuminance) are also adjustable across the working day so they can replicate external conditions. As evidenced by the pioneering SkyLux, human-centric lighting is really making waves in the lighting industry. Hopefully, in the near future, bespoke lighting will be the norm in all modern workplaces.

Founded in 1997, Astro Lighting is a British company that produces modern lighting for international audiences. Their designs are renowned for their clean lines, quality materials and precise manufacturing. From the discreet Borgo wall Light to the minimalist Enna LED Floor Lamp, their creations are always practical yet visually engaging. Astro’s creative beliefs have remained consistent throughout the decades – good design demands clarity. Nowhere is this better seen perhaps, than in the Eclipse range of LED wall lights: lights whose beauty stem from their clean, understated simplicity. The Eclipse wall light appears to float on the surface, producing a soft glow that blends into its surroundings. They come available as either a smooth disc or square and will bring an elegant atmosphere to any interior. Adding to the appeal of the decorative Eclipse range is their eco-friendliness; they all include integral LED drivers that use low voltage levels, for lower costs to you, the customer. The Eclipse Square 300 LED Wall Lamps The Eclipse Square 300 LED wall lamp is a wall light that boasts a multi-directional glow. It has an integral LED lamp (included), and an even warm white light distribution of 3000K or 2700K warm white light. This makes for a mesmerizing piece when lit in any dim environment. It earns its name the ‘Eclipse’, appearing to all but block a light that radiates from all sides of its square surface. This IP20-rated lamp is also paintable - either by spray-painting or with a good quality emulsion finish. With dimensions of 300mm (height) x 300mm (width), this model will fit in effortlessly wherever you choose to place it. The Eclipse Square 300 is one of the larger fittings from Astro’s Eclipse Square range and looks magnificent when arranged with other Eclipse lights. This fitting looks elegant whether turned on or off and comes in a stylish matt white finish. The Eclipse Round 250 LED Wall Lights The white plaster Eclipse Round 250 LED wall lamp boasts a circular glow emitted from an integrated LED, which has an even light spread of 3000K or 2700K warm white light. This makes for a mesmerizing piece in dark environments as it resembles an eclipse of the moon. The IP20-rated Eclipse Round 250 can be painted any colour you choose (with high-quality emulsion paint), and it looks great in concrete - if the background is right for this colour. With this seminal range of lights from Astro, the choice is placed into your hands.  With its small diameter of 250mm, this circular light will fit in easily wherever you choose to mount it. It can be painted with spray paint or a good-quality emulsion finish. An LED driver with a life span of 30,000 hours and a voltage of 220-240V is included, making it a highly cost-effective lamp. The Eclipse Round 250 is a great example of beautiful design combined with smart energy-saving technology.Buy Eclipse Round 250 LED Lamp The Eclipse Round 350 The Eclipse Round 350 meanwhile, offers a more substantial LED lamp which is included - it is integral - and has a higher driver life-span of 35,000 hours!It has a diameter of 350mm and it offers warm white light (either 3000K or 2700K), making it perfect decorative lighting for your kitchen, hallways, bedrooms, and reading areas. The integral driver is crucial to the performance of this fitting and has an output voltage of 12V with a supply frequency of 50/60Hz. This is a low amount of voltage when you take into consideration the strong light output of the device. This energy efficacy applies to all lights in the Eclipse range and gives even more evidence on how environmentally friendly they are. This light is IP20-rated and is suitable for any interior space outside the bathroom. With a projection from the wall of only 32mm, this larger option will fit in discreetly wherever you choose to place it.Buy Eclipse Round 350 Wall Light The Eclipse Range: bring a natural phenomenon to the inside of your home! By replicating the wondrous natural phenomenon of a solar eclipse, the Astro Lighting Eclipse range makes for a visually stunning light scheme, despite their minimalist form. The clean shape and smooth white finish of these fixtures create a low-key yet elegant design that befits a modern home setting. Meanwhile, the integrated LED light produces a gentle and glowing illumination all around them; whether they are in the living room, the bedroom, or hallway. The small projection from the wall and the “eclipse illusion” of these fittings gives the impression that these lights do appear to ‘float’ across your home’s walls. So why not bring the night sky into your house and buy an Eclipse light today?

Do you fancy a different color for your wall lights? We at Sparks offer quite a lot of plaster light fittings and ceramic lights which can be painted to complement the interior design of your room or space. They are called "paintable lights", and painting such fittings will not invalidate your warranty, provided that no technical parts have been tempered with. But when you intend to paint a certain plaster wall light or ceramic light fitting, you need to take care of a few matters; they are porous materials, so there are a few processes that are recommended in order to obtain a quality painted finish. The following guide is based on the Astro Lighting painting guide, which we find very helpful. Painting your Light Fittings - General Rules First: don't paint the plaster or ceramic fitting while it is fitted to the wall. This is not recommended, for it may leave unsightly cracks around the edge of the product, and this may result in unwanted light spill. Second: if there are some dark marks on the plaster or ceramic fitting, it is recommended that you remove them. You can do this by either using a clean white eraser or P600 grit sandpaper (if the marks are heavier). If you don't remove the dark spots or marks, they may show through the paint. Third: take care when handling the plaster light fitting or ceramic parts, since these materials are naturally brittle. Handle with care. Fifth: Please mark off any electrical components, such as lampholders, LED lamps, etc. Sixth: after painting, make sure you remove the masking tape with care, to make sure the edges are even and straight. These are some general rules which should be followed no matter what kind of fitting you wish to paint. Let us see some more specific rules when it comes to painting Plaster Lights or Ceramic Lights with either spray paint finish or emulsion finish. Buy Paintable Lights at SparksBest Practice for Spray Painting the Paintable Plaster Lights First of all, here are some of the best practices for a spray paint finish for plaster lights, that is, when you wish to spray-paint your plaster light fitting: Spray Primer: Use two wet coats of white high build spray primer to seal the plaster surface. Priming on the Inside: Apply primer to the inside of the plaster part – this will make masking easier when applying the colour paint on top. Wait to dry: Allow to dry before applying the next coat. Masking tape: Use masking tape to mask off all internal surfaces to preserve original light colour, brightness and pattern. Spray Color Paint: Use a spray colour coat on top (must be compatible with primer). Multiple coats may be required to achieve desired finish. Best Practice for Emulsion Painting the Paintable Plaster Light Fittings Primer: Use a plaster sealer primer, brushed or rolled on. One coat should be enough. Wait to Dry: Allow to dry before applying top colour coat. Masking Tape: Use masking tape to mask off all internal surfaces to preserve the original light colour, brightness and pattern. Paint the Fitting: Apply colour emulsion on top, this can be rolled or brushed on. Please note: if you're using a brush, it may create a different texture. Multiple coats may be required to achieve desired finish. Best Practice for a Spray Paint for Paintable Ceramic Light Fittings Remove Sanding Marks: Remember, some sanding marks in the ceramic surface may show through. Remove any deep sanding marks on the surface using P600 grit sandpaper. Apply the Primer: Apply one coat of high build spray primer to seal the ceramic surface. Ceramic is slightly less porous than plaster. Spray-Paint the Fitting: Apply a spray colour coat on top (this must be compatible with primer). Multiple coats may be required to achieve the desired finish. Best Practice for an Emulsion Finish for Paintable Ceramic Light Fittings Remove Sanding Marks: Some sanding marks in the ceramic surface may show through. Remove any deep sanding marks on the surface using P600 grit sandpaper. Apply the Primer: Apply one coat of high build spray primer to seal the ceramic surface. Ceramic is slightly less porous than plaster. Paint the Fitting: Apply colour emulsion on top, this can be rolled or brushed on. Please note: if you're using a brush, it may create a different texture. Multiple coats may be required to achieve desired finish. Find the paintable ceramic lights here; as for the plaster light fittings, you can find them either via Wall Lights or Ceiling Lights on our website.Full range of Paintable Lights

Why would people paint their light fittings?, one would ask, and the answer is quite simple, To match the colour of their wall or ceiling! Besides the standard wall lights, ceiling lights, and some LED lights - which come in a specific finish that cannot be changed or modified - there is such a range of light fittings called "paintable lights". Paintable lights are usually made of plaster or ceramic (in the case of the wall lights and some of the downlights) or in a primed white colour, allowing you to paint them in the desired colour to match the design of the room. The fitting itself is quite stylish, modern, and nice, but just in case you want to paint it, you can do that. It's the same with switches and sockets: both Heritage Brass and Forbes and Lomax provide a wide range of paintable switches and sockets, allowing you to match your sockets to the colour of your wall - total colour coordination! Let's see some of them in more detail.Buy Paintable Switches and Sockets Paintable Wall Lights - Ceramic and Plaster Lights Astro Lighting has a wide range of plaster wall lights that are paintable; starting from the classy Amalfi stepped ceramic wall light to the more modern LED wall lights (see Bologna and Rio), these fittings give you the full control over their colour. Do you want a discreet up-and-down wall fitting that matches the exact colour of your wall? Try the Astro Rio Paintable Wall Lights. Do you prefer a discreet down-light with a brighter up-light? See the Ovaro 0554 ceramic paintable light, the lovely Parma 625 plaster wall light, or the Veneto range of plaster wall washers. Take a look at them by searching "paintable wall lights" on our website. Paintable Ceiling Lights - Surface or Recessed When it comes to the ceiling lights, there are all kinds of chandeliers, pendants, downlights, etc which are either flush, recessed, or surface mounted.  If you prefer the surface-mounted fittings and you don't mind their projection from the ceiling you have a great selection from Astro Lighting: see the Osca square or round plaster ceiling lights (coming in a fixed or adjustable version, as needed). Most of these allow you to use an energy-efficient GU10 LED light bulb. See them all online at paintable ceiling lights.Paintable Lights at Sparks Paintable Switches and Sockets Switches and sockets usually come in a polished chrome, brass, stainless steel, white plastic, or even glass finish, but sometimes you may want to paint the plate of your socket or dimmer to match the colour of the wall. Heritage Brass has a wide range of "Primed White" switches and sockets, a range of plates finished in a high-quality white primer designed to enable total colour coordination of decor schemes. Basically, the front of the plate is painted with a white primer, and it can be painted to meet the specific requirements of the user, the architect, or the interior designer. Furthermore, the primed white switches and sockets from Heritage Brass come in a screwless version and in the version with Allen screws (with an Allen key supplied). Forbes and Lomax also provide a range of "painted sockets", a range created to complement their Invisible Lightswitch. These plates are supplied with etch-primed face plate ready to be painted in the same colour as the wall so as to make them as unobtrusive as possible.Primed White Switches and Sockets So if you're looking for paintable switches, sockets, or light fittings, there's a wide range of such items at SparksDirect.co.uk. And if you need more help in choosing them, you can always email us or give us a call.