A Guide to the Many Types of Light Fixtures

light fixtures Pacific Grove California

A light fixture is also known as a luminaire or light fitting. Light fixtures can have one or multiple lamps. The lamps in LED fixtures are often hard-wired in place, but most lamps are usually in sockets, so they are easy to replace. It is essential to understand the lighting basics since the type of light fixtures you choose sets the ambiance and significantly transforms your space.

General or ambient lighting uniformly lights up the whole room. Task lighting gives light for specific tasks like cooking, writing, computer work, reading, and accent light highlights a particular point of interest. There is a wide array of light-fixtures available to choose from for these three types of lighting. Listed below are the different types of light fixtures for your home lighting.

Types of Light Fixtures

Pendants

Pendant lights are often suspended from the ceiling by either a pipe, cable, or cord. The light from a pendant light is directed down. Hence it is also known as a downlight. In most cases, a pendant light has a shade that encloses the light bulb. Pendant lights provide task and ambient lighting, so they are often located over a kitchen island or a table. Since they are visible, they always add character to your space, and they also exude a strong element of style. So if you would like to add décor to your household lighting, pendants would be an excellent choice.

Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures

Ceiling-mounted light fixtures are directly mounted on the ceiling. They often have either a fabric, plastic, or glass shade that conceals the light bulb and diffuses the light evenly. They light up the entire room, and are the most common indoor lighting fixtures since they have been in existence for over one hundred years. If you would like ambient light, a ceiling-mounted fixture would be the best pick since it will provide a more dispersed and general light in a room.

Spotlights and Track Lighting

Depending on the type of fixture, Spotlights and track light-fixtures are usually attached to a track hung off the ceiling or mount to the ceiling. Since the linear housing has several movable heads, you can reorient them along the track to focus on different directions. Track lights can be used as either accent or task lights and are appropriate for galleries and kitchens because of their ability to be repositioned and adjusted. They are quite flexible since you can change their focus to whatever direction you desire. If you like hosting, track lights are appropriate since you can use them to draw attention to whatever you want.

Table and Desk Lamps

Table and desk lamps are often used as task lights since they are flexible, and you can position them wherever you would like to. For instance, you can place them on top of a desk when working or beside a chair and use them as a reading light. They cannot be used as ambient light because they illuminate light in a downward direction to light up the surface directly below. However, they can be a significant design feature in a room since they are visible. Table and desk lamps are available in a range of styles and sizes.

Recessed Lights

Recessed light-fixtures are installed above the ceiling. The wiring and mechanism are hidden with a lens or flush bulb in the ceiling. A ceiling-mount fixture can be seen easily, but a recessed light is level with the ceiling, so it is more modest. For installation, it needs about four to eight inches of space above the ceiling. A narrow band of light is sent in one direction by recessed lighting. Depending on the type and number of fixtures, recessed lighting can be used for various functions such as task lighting, accent lighting, or ambient lighting. Ensure condensation does not drip on the light fixture by having insulation in the ceiling

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are lighting fixtures that are surface mounted to the wall. They direct light either downwards or upwards, and their shades or covers often add a touch of style to a room. Depending on the light fixture, they can be used to provide task or ambient light. However, note that they are not quite powerful enough to light up a large space. They are usually installed at eye level, and they are also one of the most decorative light-fixtures. Wall sconces are often installed on either side of a bed or a fireplace for additional illumination.

Cove Lighting

Cove lighting can either be incorporated into or mounted to the upper part of a ceiling or wall. It is often hidden from direct view, and it provides an uplighting along a room’s edges towards the ceiling. A cove light provides ambient, diffuse lighting. Most cove lighting today is provided by a thin strip of LEDs along a niche or cove. Cove lighting is a common type of architectural lighting, so it is often integrated into the room’s structure. They provide indirect lighting, which is the technique of bouncing light off ceilings and walls. It minimizes glare and shadows.

Undercabinet

Undercabinet light-fixtures are usually mounted under kitchen cabinets. They can be a single puck shape fixture or linear lighting used as task lighting in a kitchen. They illuminate your countertop so that you can read a recipe without straining, and they also help you avoid cutting yourself.

Chandelier

Chandeliers are often suspended from the ceiling and are indoor lighting fixtures that provide ambient light. They continually enhance and add to the style of a room. Chandeliers can be quite breathtaking and can be used as a statement piece in your home. There is a wide array for you to pick from since they are available in different materials, styles, and sizes. Since everyone is likely to notice it when they visit your home, it would be best to pick one that fits your décor while providing excellent home lighting. They are often installed over dining room tables, but you can install them in other rooms in your house.

Vanity lights

It is essential to have sufficient light in your bathroom. This allows you to see what you are doing, whether it is your nighttime skincare routine before bed or wearing makeup in the morning. Vanity lights can be installed above your bathroom mirror to make it easy for you to see yourself whenever you are getting ready. Consider your bathroom mirror’s size when choosing vanity lights to not pick a too big or too small light. The wrong size of lights will look out of place.

The type of light-fixtures you choose for your home lighting is essential since they set your home’s general mood. If you live in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, California, and you are looking for high-end outdoor and indoor lighting fixtures, visit The Home Lighter. They have a wide array of light-fixtures you can choose from whether you are looking for kitchen, interior, LED, bathroom and vanity, outdoor, or landscaping-lighting. They also offer commercial lighting solutions, and you can call them to book an appointment so they can serve you better.