Types of Decorative Lighting

Pendant Lights

• Pendant lights hang from the ceiling and usually have one light bulb covered with a downward-facing shade. Shades are often artistically designed, using various types of glass -- sometimes incorporating unusual colors, patterns or whimsical shapes. Use pendant lights singly or in groupings as a design element, for general illumination or as task lighting.

Chandeliers

• Chandeliers are all about sparkle. They hang from the ceiling but have many lights fastened to protruding arms that display bare bulbs or attractive shades. Light bulbs for chandeliers are often designed to look like a flame. Multi-faceted crystals are often strung around, or hung from, the chandelier, reflecting light and adding luminous sparkle. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, designed to impart a sense of luxury and elegance. Use a chandelier for general illumination in a foyer, dining room or formal living room.

Wall Sconces

• Wall sconces have one bulb, often beneath an upward or downward-facing shade, and are affixed to a wall. Wall sconces may hold a candle rather than a light bulb for romantic lighting effects. Use wall sconces in a hallway or bedroom to provide gentle illumination, or group several in a room to cast mellow, indirect lighting. Place weather-proof, hard-wired or solar-powered wall sconces near exterior doorways for a stylish welcome.

Lamps

• Lamps are used for general, accent and task lighting. Use table lamps to provide a small area of general lighting for hobbies such as reading, knitting or completing crossword puzzles. Use brighter floor lamps to create a wider area of illumination. Place a desk lamp with a downward-facing shade at your workspace to brightly light a desktop. Lamp shades are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, textures and materials, such as fabric, glass, paper or metal.

Outdoor Lighting

• Place stringed mini-lights around patios and gazebos to create sparkling outdoor illumination. Hang Japanese lanterns around outdoor gathering places for an even mellower glow. Use solar lights to illuminate pathways, water features, flowering bushes or other landscape elements. Light tiki torches to create a tropical atmosphere.