Lighting Fixture Types Defined |
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Although the original light fixtures that were used thousands of years ago to harness fire were very simplistic in nature, many of the elements used today remain the same. Today’s light fixtures are often an art form. From the minimalist to art deco, renaissance to rustic, and everything in between, lighting manufacturers attempt to offer something for everyone when it comes to light fixtures. Lighting fixtures come in a wide variety of styles for various functions. Some are very plain and functional, while some are pieces of art in themselves. Nearly any material can be used, so long as it can tolerate the heat and is in keeping with safety codes. Light fixtures tend to be classified based on the use of the light, the installation, or the type of lamp that is used. Individual lighting fixtures that are chosen for use around the home have a dramatic effect on the final appearance of each room. There are so many types of fixtures that are aimed to fulfill specific lighting needs around the home, from task lighting to decorative lighting, there is sure to be a fixture that fits into every style and budget. Below is a description of some of the most common types of light fixtures and their most common uses. Each fixture type has countless possibilities and may be used both functionally and fashionably within the home. |
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Chandelier Lighting A Chandelier is a branched decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture with two or more arms bearing lights. Chandeliers are often ornate, containing dozens of lamps and complex arrays of glass or crystal prisms to illuminate a room with refracted light.When looking to make a statement, the chandelier is hands down the most impressive light fixture. Chandeliers have been used in a variety of settings:
A chandelier says luxury, glamour, drama, and upper class living. Today chandeliers rate as a brilliant idea just about anywhere -- from modest homes to magnificent mansions, contemporary digs to traditional houses. They dangle decorously in almost every room of the house.
Wall Sconce Lights
Sconces can also be categorized by the position of the lamps (bulbs) as: Pendant LightingPendant lighting is by definition a branched lighting fixture that is often ornate and hangs from the ceiling. The term pendant lighting generally refers to a lighting fixture that is mounted on a stem or a pendant. A wonderful advantage of the pendant light is that the stem length from which the pendant hangs is very flexible. This makes pendant lighting great on a sloped ceiling as you are able to adjust the stem length of individual pendants so that one row of lighting may shine from the same level. Often times, pendant light fixtures are designed with a sloped ceiling in mind so the angle of the pendant may be adjusted as well to keep it in line with the angle of the ceiling. Pendant lighting can be used to create an intimate space by lowering the light source.  Often, restaurants use pendant lighting over each individual dining table, and clubs or lounges use pendant lighting to create a special atmosphere for guests.In the home, pendant lighting can be used in a variety of different areas. Many people like to use pendant lighting above the breakfast bar or over the island in the kitchen. There are also pendant lights that are specially designed to be placed in a child’s bedroom. Vanity LightingA vanity fixture is the fixture that is placed around the vanity mirror and sinks in the bathroom. Common vanity fixture designs include a bar or light strip with a row of lights above the mirror, or sconces on either side of a mirror. The purpose of vanity lights is to illuminate the face softly but brightly enough to perform various activities such as brushing your teeth, shaving, or applying makeup. In order to evenly light the face without creating a shadow or a glare, it is important that vanity lights are not directional and are free to shine equally in all directions. The use of vanity lights greatly increases the lighting in a bathroom. Although some bathrooms are small enough to use a close mount light as the sole light source for the room, it is important to always have adequate lighting which in most cases means the addition of vanity lights. Flush Mount or Close to the Ceiling Lights
The flush mount fixture is a practical source for use in areas of the home that are busy such as:
Portable LampsA portable lamp is a light fixture that may be moved around freely from one room to another simply by unplugging the fixture from the electrical outlet. It is not meant to be a permanent change to a room as with most light fixtures. There are various types of portable lamps such as table lamps, floor lamps, and torchieres are available in a variety of styles to complement your decor. Other types of portable lamps include : Small specialty lamps, Desk lamps, and Piano lamps. Portable lamps can be used to provide various types of lighting. The most common type of lighting provided by a portable lamp is task lighting. Portable  lamps may also be used to provide general lighting or accent lighting.The portable lamp is probably the most common fixture, found in many homes and offices. The standard lamp and shade that sits on a table is general lighting, while the desk lamp is considered task lighting. Magnifier lamps are also task lighting. Outdoor LightingOutdoor fixtures are meant for use outside of the home. The fixtures are often used to illuminate:
 Outdoor light fixtures come in a variety of styles. A wall mounted outdoor fixture may be used on either side of the garage door , Flush mount lights may be seen above the entryway or on a lanai , Pole mount lights are often used in the yard, and chain hung lantern style lights are useful in a number of areas outside the home. Outdoor lighting is often used to illuminate a walkway, pool area, or special  plants in the garden. A variety of lighting forms are now used outdoors including uplighting, downlighting, and shadowing. A homeowner may provide uplight against a tree to highlight it, or downlight from a tree to accent a specific area of the yard. Shadowing is often used to create a decorative look against a wall.Read More About How to Prevent Salt Corrosion on Outdoor Light Fixtures by the Coast How to Save Energy with Outdoor Lighting Reduce Light Pollution with Dark Sky Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Cabinet LightingCabinet light fixtures, often referred to as Under-cabinet lighting, are mounted below kitchen wall cabinets. This type of fixture is used to provide illumination for the work surface on kitchen countertops. Cabinet lighting is typically in the form of a strip or a small round disk.Although cabinet lighting is often overlooked, it can be extremely useful in providing both task and accent lighting in specific areas of the kitchen. Further, under cabinet lights are a great way to show off those granite countertops that many homes have today. Cabinet lights may also be used in a workshop or a display cabinet. They are useful anywhere that you need lighting right at hand. Whether you are showing off prized possessions, accenting a granite countertop, or simply chopping vegetables, cabinet lighting has a use around any home. Read More about How Under Cabinet Lighting Make Effective Task Lighting Utility LightingUtility lights are often in the form of fluorescent lamps that are built for endurance. Many utility fixtures are made for harsh environments where it is common for dust, dirt, humidity, and moisture to be present.Most often, utility fixtures are found in the garage and in workshops around the home. Sometimes they are found in closets, attics, kitchens, and laundry rooms as well. Utility lighting is also very common in:
Recessed LightingRecessed fixtures are installed into the ceiling of the home with only the trim of the fixture showing. Typical recessed fixtures are called “cans” as the shape of the housing is that of a can.  Recessed fixtures are found all over the home today including outside underneath the eaves. Recessed fixtures are ideal for low ceiling areas and may also be placed in areas that have cathedral ceilings. They are available as: Downlights, Adjustable Accent lights, and Wall washers. Recessed lighting can be used to provide general, task, or accent lighting inconspicuously. Most common areas to use recessed lighting include the kitchen and main living area; however the use of recessed lighting is becoming more common throughout the entire home. Other Articles that may assist your Recessed Lighting Project: How to Upgrade the Light Quality in Existing Recessed Light Fixtures Choosing Recessed Lighting for your Home Choosing the Best Recessed Housing for your Space How to Choose the Right Light Bulb for Recessed Lighting
Track LightingWith a track lighting fixture, individual fixtures, also called track heads, may be positioned anywhere along the track which is the main power source. Track lighting allows you the  ability to move, swivel, rotate, and aim the individual fixtures in any direction along the track. This gives you the versatility to change your lighting scheme when the need arises.Track lighting may be used in the kitchen to provide general lighting or task lighting. It may also be used to accent a piece of art. The possibilities are endless with track lighting as you are able to direct the light in so many ways. Flexibility is the greatest advantage to track lighting. Designing and Installing a Tech Lighting Monorail Track System Lighting Around the HomeThere are numerous ways to provide light around the home. When choosing a fixture for a specific room it is important to think about the purpose of the light—task, general, accent, etc. Maybe you need some added light next to the desk in your office, or over the kitchen sink, or in the corner of the family room away from the television. Maybe you simply want to accent a piece of art or an architectural column in the home. There is a fixture that is made specifically for this.Today’s fixtures are available in many finishes including the traditional brass finish, bronze, polished steel, brushed nickel, and tuscan patina. There is a fixture to coordinate with every decorating style and room in the home. Read about How to Make the Lighting in Your Home More Energy Efficient | |||
 Article created on Mar 24 by marylmphr
in: Lighting
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certain atmosphere. Sometimes, wall sconces are useful when the ceiling is too high to install additional light fixtures. Sconce lighting can complement other elements in the space without overpowering the room.
Flush mount light fixtures are ceiling fixtures with the internal components installed in the ceiling so that the dome of the fixture is flush with the ceiling. They are very common in: small rooms baths closets hallways foyers , and any room with minimal ceiling height. Ceiling lighting is a valuable source of general lighting. 
