subject: Popular Light Source Selections For The Home [print this page] When it comes to home lighting, there are some popular choices for creating just the right atmosphere, highlighting specific areas, or even hiding flaws. Using light and shadow effectively can provide fantastic auras of joy, pleasure and romance within a happy and admired home.
Overhead Ceiling Fixtures
Overhead fixtures are installed into the ceiling and constitute the main source of lighting for a room in most cases. The light source is generally situated in the center of the room and focuses the light downward. These fixtures provide an even radiance and give a broad cover of light over the main room space.
Pendant Lights
Pendants are also attached to the ceiling and focus the light downward. What separates them from overhead fixtures is that they hang down a distance from the ceiling, providing more intense light to the living area. Chandeliers are a type of pendant fixture which is popular for dining rooms and living rooms. However, there are other choices of pendant lights which are not as fancy, but which can provide illumination from above.
Portable Light Fixtures
This is a term for any light source which can be easily moved from one area to another. Table and desk lamps are the most popular portable fixtures, but other creative options are available. Torchiere and other floor lamps that can project light either upward or downward and clip-on's that can provide a source of needed light in a dark area, such as a closet or pantry.
Undercabinet Fixtures
Undercabinet Fixtures have become very popular, especially in kitchens. Any place which requires extra illumination from a hidden light source is a candidate for undercabinet lighting. Kitchen cabinets, bookcases, curio cabinets, laundry room shelving, work area shelving, are all good choices for such lighting.
Recessed Light Fixtures
Recessed lighting is increasing in popularity, especially in newly built homes. Recessed puck lights provide a great deal of light which is focused onto one specific area, making them ideal as a task lighting option. They are becoming popular substitutes for large, overhead fixtures and undercabinet strip light fixtures. Their clean, modern appearance, pleasingly focused light and most models' ability to swivel give them an edge over other lighting options.
Track Lighting Fixtures
Track lights have enjoyed a strong comeback from their short-lived, but popular, debut in the 1980's. They've come a long way from their clumsy predecessors, providing modern and styles models which are elegant in appearance and smaller in size.
The appealing aspect of track lights is that they can be individually moved and swiveled to highlight any desired area. This gives them versatility as a source for task lighting, display lighting, or general lighting.
Sconce Light Fixtures
Sconces have become popular in home decorating because they are normally used in pairs and provide an aesthetically pleasing and balanced light source. Use them to illuminate entranceways or provide a kiss of light on either side of a bed, mirror, or fireplace.
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
The use of light to enhance the elegance of the exterior of a home while providing a warm, safe environment has become increasingly popular. Spotlights, entranceway sconces, solar walkway and garden lights, and light and motion sensitive fixtures provide safety and crime deterrence, as well as landscape highlighting.
