All of The Different Lighting Fixture Types Explained- Sina Architectural Design

 

Let there be light! Lighting is one of the most vital elements in interior and architectural design. It can set the entire tone for your custom home. Picking the right type of lighting fixture can be challenging though; there are tons of options! Here are all of the different lighting fixture types out there and everything you need to know about them.

 

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is installed above the ceiling, with an opening that is flush with the ceiling. The trend in home building today is to use recessed lighting whenever possible. It’s minimal look and maximum light makes it ideal for homes, where it can provide ambient, task, and/or accent lighting. But not all homes can have recessed lighting. At least 6 inches of clearance above the ceiling is required for installation.

 

Track Lighting

Track lighting is mounted or suspected from the ceiling. This type of lighting has a linear base that has several heads on it that can be positioned anywhere along the track. The heads are also adjustable. Task lighting is a good option for when putting lights into the ceiling isn’t an option.

 

Undercabinet Lighting

Have a dark kitchen? Undercabinet lighting might be your new best friend. These lights are mounted under cabinets to provided task lighting in a kitchen. They can either be linear strips or puck shaped. More people are installing undercabinet lighting in their custom home kitchens these days due to how useful it is.

 

Pendants

Pendants are suspended from the ceiling and hang down. The light they cast goes directly down, which makes them great for hanging over tables of kitchen islands. Pendants can provide ambient or task lighting, but they’re also really great at enhancing the decorative style of a room.

 

Chandeliers

Nothing says grand and elegant like a chandelier. These lighting fixtures are suspended from the ceiling, but they direct their light upwards. They’re perfect for providing ambient lighting, but their real power is providing style to a space. Chandeliers are also a great way to fill negative space in areas with tall ceilings like foyers or multi-story living rooms.

 

Wall Sconces

The name gives it away, but wall sconces are mounted onto the surface of walls. They can either direct light upward or downward. They’re typically used for ambient lighting, or for task lighting when ceiling lighting isn’t possible. The covers and shades on them add style to a room. They’re also great at highlighting artwork or interesting architectural design features like wall cutouts.

 

Ceiling Lighting

Ceiling lights are light fixtures that are mounted on the ceiling and have a shade concealing the bulb. This type of fixture has been used in homes for around a hundred years. There are two types of ceiling fixtures, flush mount and semi flush mount. Flush mounts are directly on the ceiling, with the fixture right up to the ceiling. Semi-flush fixtures hang down just a few inches from the ceiling.

 

Architectural Lighting

Architectural lighting is used to enhance, you guessed it, architecture within the home. There are three common types, of architectural lighting, cove, soffit, and valance. Cove lighting is placed on ledges, shelf, or recessed high up on a wall. Soffit lighting is located in a soffit near the ceiling. Valance lighting is mounted above a window or a high wall and located in a valance, a horizontal shield that’s a common window fixture.

 

Desk, Floor, and Table Lamps

We’ve covered most of the mounted lighting fixtures, but there are also lamps. Lamps, whether they’re desk lamps, floor lamps, or table lamps are just as important. These are the most versatile lighting source in a room. They’re important task lighting sources, but also provide ambient lighting.

 

Conclusion

There are tons of lighting fixture options out there. Home should utilize the best lighting for each individual part. Most homes layer lighting for the best look. If you have any questions or want to get started building your dream custom home feel free to contact us!