Whenever you are redoing a space, one of the biggest questions is: what type of lighting will you implement? There are so many styles, colors, and types to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Here, Penn Construction & Design will go over the various types of lighting, and hopefully it provides you with some clarity!
Ceiling Lights
First, we will be going over the different types of ceiling lighting, and there are many different options to choose from. In this category, lighting options include flush mount, semi-flush mount, chandelier, pendant, hanging shade, hanging lanterns, linear lighting, recessed lighting, track lighting, and ceiling fans with lights. These different fixtures are common for certain areas of the home.
The flush mount fixture is connected to the ceiling directly, and is used to illuminate an entire room/area. They come in a variety of styles, and can be used in many rooms, but are best utilized in hallways, bathrooms, and closets with lower ceilings. They are great for minimalist spaces, and for spaces where people walk through.
Similar to the previous fixture, semi-floush mounts are also connected to the ceiling, but they hang slightly. Additionally, they also provide general illumination. They are best used in entryways, kitchens, foyers, and bedrooms. They are much more subtle than the following light fixture.
The most recognized type of ceiling fixture is the chandelier. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and have multiple bulbs. They are a focal point for a room, but they also illuminate entire rooms. They are best placed in dining rooms, foyers, and large, open spaces. Chandeliers come in various forms, and they have existed in various forms since the 6th century. They originally held multiple candles, but nowadays they commonly use lightbulbs.
Pendant lights are single bulb light fixtures, and come in a variety of ways. They can be used with one pendant, or in groups of pendant lights. They provide focused light to a single area in a room. With that, they are ideally placed above kitchen islands, sinks, or dining tables.
Switching to a more relaxed type of lighting, hanging shades are a perfect solution. They provide a cozy feel, and the light hanging shades provide diffused, soft lighting. They are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, or reading nooks.
Common in kitchen renovations is recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is installed with the ceiling, and the light bulbs are hidden with the ceiling. All the components of the recessed lights are hidden within the ceiling. Recessed lighting can utilize many different types of bulbs, but the most common is the reflector bulb (R bulb). They have a coating that directs the light downward, which makes them ideal for recessed lighting. Along with kitchens, they are best placed strategically in living rooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
While less utilized, track lighting is where a track is attached to the ceiling, and there are adjustable fixtures. They can be used as either accent or task lighting. They are perfect for anywhere art is displayed in a home, or living rooms, hallways, or home offices.
Most commonly seen in bedrooms, living areas, and home gyms, ceiling fans with lights are quite popular. They are light fixtures that are built into a fan that hangs from the ceiling. They provide dual benefits, general lighting of a room and air circulation.
Wall Lighting
Moving on to another category of lighting fixtures, there are wall lights. There are three major categories of wall lights. Wall lighting has an extremely long history, dating back to simple torches on walls in ancient times.
Firstly, there are indoor sconces. They are typically small, and they are a perfect choice to light specific areas in rooms. They are frequently found in hallways, entryways, and sometimes larger rooms.
Similar to the indoor sconces, swingarm lights are mounted to the wall, but they are adjustable for specific moments, such as bedrooms, offices, or offices.
Accent lighting comes in various forms. Under-cabinet lighting are lights that go beneath cabinets, that illuminate that area, and give the kitchen a sleek look. They also come as picture lights, commonly used to illuminate artwork with a soft, focused glow that beautifully enhances each piece.
Outdoor Areas
For outdoor areas, there are different types of lights for different areas. They are typically more durable, and are made to withstand various forms of weather.
Outdoor sconces are the same as indoor sconces, but they often come in the form of lanterns, and are used to highlight decks or front areas of homes.
Landscape lighting is where light fixtures are mounted into the ground, and are used strategically throughout the yard, either to highlight plant or yard arrangements.
Finally, there is path lighting, which is small lighting fixtures used to illuminate pathways, to ensure safety for people using the yard at night.
Picking light fixtures that work best for your home is essential. Hopefully, this article gave clarity to the various options of lighting. Intrigued in including any of these fixtures in your next home renovation? Reach out to us at (484) 452-5071, or visit our show room at 24 E. Eagle Road, Havertown PA, 19083 to make your dreams for your home a reality!
