Ceiling Light Effects

Pendant Lights

• Pendant lights create bold, direct lighting effects if they have metal shades that keep the light from illuminating surrounding areas. Once reserved for lighting tables in pool halls, pendant lights are now commonly used above kitchen bars, islands and tables where they provide light for reading, cooking and doing homework or paperwork. Translucent or clear shades with low-wattage, frosted dome light bulbs create softer lighting than metal shades.

Chandeliers

• Chandeliers can transform a simple foyer or entryway into an elegant room, especially if they have crystals on them that reflect light. They also add a classy touch to formal dining or living rooms. Modern bowl-style chandeliers are more subdued and typically use three or four dome light bulbs, while traditional crystal types normally require five or six smaller light bulbs of various sizes and shapes.

Recessed Lights and Spotlights

• For maximum dramatic lighting effects, use recessed lights and spotlights. Recessed lights can be installed around the perimeter of a room, used along a specific wall to highlight paintings or pictures, or discreetly hidden in a recessed ceiling molding to create a natural light that beams upward to softly light the room. Strategically placed spotlights can focus on a fireplace, sculpture or other items in the room that you want to draw attention to. Artistically combining the illuminating effects of these two light fixture styles can significantly alter a room’s appearance and character.

Fluorescent Lights

• Although not very practical for mood creation, fluorescent ceiling lights work well for rooms where visual clarity is important. They provide lots of light for cooking and baking, as well as making laundry room and garage tasks easier to complete without eyestrain. They are energy-efficient and long-lasting but cast a cold, clinical light that depletes a room’s warmth.

Dimmer Switches

• All incandescent ceiling lights can be controlled by conventional dimmer switches that let you increase and decrease illumination at the touch of a switch. Specially designed dimmer switches for fluorescent lights are available, as well. For added convenience, some dimmer switches can be manipulated from a central control panel or by remote control.