Decorating a home involves a lot of personality. When it comes to bringing light into every room, homeowners have a lot of options for light fixtures. Whether you decide to integrate lighting into the architecture of the home, or simply place a stylish floor lamp, everything needs to be wired correctly and safely.
You may choose lighting for ambient or practical purposes, and there are many choices of light fixtures for every application.
Architectural Lighting
When light is reflected off walls and ceilings, designers call it indirect lighting. This type of lighting minimizes shadows which can be cast with a floor or table lamp. This kind of architectural or structural lighting is known as ambient lighting.
There are several basic types of architectural light fixtures:
- Cove lighting is built into a ledge, shelf or recess. It is located high up in the room, so that light is reflected off the ceiling or an upper wall.
- Soffit lighting is placed in a soffit or cornice near the ceiling. The light shines downward, illuminating the wall.
- Valance lighting is built into a wood, metal or glass shield which is typically installed above a window. The light reflects both upward and downward.
- Recessed light fixtures are installed above the ceiling. They require 6 inches of clearance above the ceiling, and the fixture appears flush with the ceiling. These need to be properly installed, as insulation is critical to ensure that condensation does not affect the fixture. Recessed lighting provides a more focused beam and is often used to luminate task areas, such as over a desk or kitchen counter.
- Track lighting is made up of a linear housing mounted or hung from the ceiling. Bulbs can be situated anywhere along a track, and are capable of pointing in multiple directions.
- As its name suggests, undercabinet lighting is installed under kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Undercabinet lighting is popular with homeowners as lighting to illuminate task areas.
- Pendant lighting is suspended from the ceiling, shining its light directly down onto a highlighted area such as a table or island. Pendants are often highly decorative as well as good for specific tasks.
- Chandeliers are light fixtures which are hung from the ceiling, directing their light upward. Chandeliers provide ambient lights and are often a major decorative focal point in the room.
- Ceiling fixtures are the most common types of fixtures in American homes. They are attached to the ceiling and have a glass or plastic shade covering the light bulb. These fixtures typically provide all of the ambient light in the room.
- Wall sconces can be utilized in a variety of ways, casting direct light upwards or downwards from their surface mount on the wall. Wall sconces often add definitive style and design to a room, and provide primarily ambient lighting.
Desk, Floor & Table Lamps
Lamps are extremely versatile, and one of their best attributes is that they can be moved when needed. They are available in a broad spectrum of styles, sizes and designs. Most lamps direct light downward, with notable exceptions (such as a torchiere). Lamps are typically task-oriented, directing light in the specific area needed.
If you are looking at installing any type of architectural lighting in your Sarasota area home, call the professionals at Promise Electric for a consultation. Our expert master electricians will ensure that your home is illuminated beautifully, safely and efficiently.
