Differences in Lighting

Basic Lighting Types

• Three basic types of lighting are used. Ambient lighting, also called general lighting, provides overall illumination. Rooms are generally lit by chandeliers or other ceiling fixtures, recessed or track fixtures. Task lighting is for a performing task, like writing and cooking. In the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting provides task lighting, and table lamps do so by the bed. Accent lighting emphasizes or highlights art and plants. Track lighting is a source of accent lighting since the individual fixtures can be positioned in different directions.

Ceiling Fixtures

• Ceiling fixtures are flush mounted and provide general room illumination. Ceiling fixtures are located in the center of a room or over a kitchen table or breakfast nook. Chandeliers are also located in the center of a room and suspend downward, providing general lighting. Pendant lights are decorative fixtures that also suspend from the ceiling but are more for task and accent lighting. The housing of recessed lights are installed in the ceiling, which allows for an uninterrupted view. Track lights can be installed on the ceiling and act as general and accent lighting.

Wall Sconces

• Another type of lighting fixture is a wall sconce. These fixtures are very decorative, provide general lighting and are installed on the wall. When planning lighting for a room, choose sets of chandeliers, pendants and wall sconces for a cohesive design.

Under-cabinet Lighting

• Specialty fixtures are designed to provide task lighting in kitchens. Under-cabinet lighting is available in strips, track systems and small round disks. Under-cabinet lights can also be installed inside glass-front cabinets to highlight china and crystal.

Types of Illumination

• You have different ways to light a room. One way is incandescent light bulbs; the standard type of bulb, it is available in 40, 60 and 100 watts. More common and energy efficient are compact fluorescent bulbs that last up to 10,000 hours and have a slight yellow glow. High-Intensity Discharge bulbs are extremely bright and are made for exterior illumination. Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) lighting are cool or warm whites bulbs, compact and last between 35,000 to 50,000 hours. Find LED bulbs in many small fixtures like under-cabinet lighting.