Light fixtures can make or break a room design. Not just for aesthetic purposes, but for practical reasons too. In certain rooms, like a kitchen or bathroom, ample lighting is a must. However, in other rooms, like a bedroom, you want your lighting to be soft and dimmable.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the definition of popular light fixtures and where they are commonly used so that you know how to choose the right one.
Recessed Lighting
What Is Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is a light fixture installed directly into a surface, most commonly a ceiling. The bulb and the trim on the outside of the opening are the only visible parts of the light fixture.
Where Should I Use Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is great for high-traffic areas that you would prefer to be well lit, like a kitchen or bathroom. They can be used in other rooms as well, but we’d recommend getting dimmable bulbs so that you can adjust the ambiance to your preference.
Recessed lighting pairs well with other light fixtures that give off a softer light, such as chandeliers or pendants. They come in handy when you are trying to brighten up a space.
Chandeliers
What Are Chandeliers?
Chandeliers are grand, tiered light fixtures that add soft lighting to any room. They come in various styles: modern, vintage, farmhouse, and more. One thing all chandeliers have in common is that they add a sense of elegance to wherever they are placed.
Where Should I Use Chandeliers?
You could honestly make a chandelier work in any room, even your closet. But they are most frequently seen in foyers, dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
Chandeliers are great for homes with tall ceilings because they are large in size and tend to hang fairly low. They will truly make a statement for your house guests.
If you plan on adding a chandelier to your bathroom, or any light fixture for that matter, be sure that it is rated for wet or damp locations.
As far as maintenance goes for chandeliers, you will need to lightly dust it just like you would other light fixtures. This may seem like a chore since they are usually hung up so high, but with an Aladdin Light Lift, you can easily and safely lower your chandelier to your level. This makes regular cleaning and changing a bulb so much simpler!
Pendant Lighting
What Are Pendants?
A pendant light is a hanging light fixture that only contains one bulb. The bulb is either exposed or covered by a glass shade. They are hung by a rod or chain that typically has customizable heights so that you can use your pendant light close to a surface if needed.
Where Should I Use Pendants?
Pendants are great for areas where you want task lighting. For example, they are great on top of kitchen counters, so you can have more light when prepping food.
You also commonly see pendant lighting in bathrooms, closets, dining rooms, and entryways. They are a great substitute for chandeliers if you have lower ceilings. They aren’t as grand of fixtures as chandeliers, but they still add a charming appearance to the room.
Track Lighting
What Is Track Lighting?
Track lighting is a versatile light fixture that can be used as ambient or accent lighting, depending on how and where it is hung. The fixture consists of a series of bulbs, usually LED, mounted on a metal track that is attached to the ceiling. The lights point in different directions to ensure the area they are in is well lit.
Where Should I Use Track Lighting?
Track lighting is great for illuminating any room. If you have any nooks in your home that need to be brightened, then track lighting is a great solution. You will commonly see track lighting in high-traffic areas of a home, such as a kitchen or living room.
Sconces
What Are Sconces?
Sconces are a type of wall lighting that can really bring more dimension to a room by adding a dim, accent light. This type of light fixture is great for small spaces because it doesn’t take up floor or ceiling space! Sconces can be hard-wired into your wall and controlled by a wall switch or they can plug into an outlet and be powered on by a switch on the fixture.
Where Should I Use Sconces?
Sconces are great for cozy lighting in a bedroom or living room. They are great to turn on at night when you don’t want harsh, bright lighting from your main light fixture. They are also commonly found in hallways, bathrooms, and home exteriors. Their wall placement helps to balance out any overhead lights and can make a room feel larger.
Choosing the Right Light Fixture for a Room
Now that you know the different types of common light fixtures and where they are typically used, you should be able to narrow down which light fixture to choose for a room. Remember to also keep in mind each room’s purpose. If you entertain a lot, then a well-lit room is key, so be sure to use a light fixture that provides ample lighting. Also, consider your home’s overall aesthetic and construction. For example, adding in additional wiring for a pendant light or recessed lighting may be difficult in an older home.
Hopefully, this blog post has helped you decide on a light fixture choice. If you do end up going with a light fixture that hangs from a high ceiling, like a chandelier, then you’ll want to be sure you get an Aladdin Light Lift to easily access it for cleaning and changing a bulb.