Lighting
Decorative lighting is one of that last things installed on a project, but it should never be an afterthought. There are so many different types of light fixtures that can be used in your project to add to the aesthetics but also serve an important function. Understanding the differences between them all and where each one works best can help make the fixture selection process easier. Light fixtures are not a huge financial investment compared to many other decisions made in design, so it’s nice to be bold and have some fun with it. We always suggest checking out a local showroom to narrow down what you like (and don’t like) before overwhelming yourself with the endless options online. A balanced mix of recessed lighting and decorative fixtures provides layered lighting and can help to accent artwork, furniture and even break up large spaces. Below are the different types of fixtures most typically seen on projects and where we love to use them.
Surface Mount (flush mount and semi-flush mount)
These ceiling mounted fixtures are great in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms and any room with a standard ceiling height where a fixture can’t hang down too low. Flush mount fixtures will sit right up against the ceiling, white semi-flush fixtures will drop down a bit. They are represented the same way in the lighting plan, but can come in many shapes and sizes. They’re great in larger closets in addition to recessed lighting to add a decorative element, and are wonderful at helping to break up long hallways by visually breaking up the ceiling plane. They can be simple and soft for a bedroom, or fun and unique for an entry foyer. They can even be used outside on a covered porch to give character to the exterior.
Sconces
Sconces are probably one of the most versatile decorative light fixtures and can be used in almost any space. Classic examples are bathrooms and exterior entry ways, but they can be used in kitchens, dining rooms, above fireplaces and even in a bedroom on a switch for reading before bedtime. Depending on where the sconce is located, you will want to make sure the height is thought through so it doesn’t feel obtrusive.
Chandeliers
When you think of a chandelier, you probably think of an ornate fixture hanging over a fancy dining room table, sparkling crystals dripping from the ceiling. Well, chandeliers certainly can look like that, but they’ve become pretty modern and more approachable lately to suite any style. Whether it’s a mid-century modern fixture over your dining table or perhaps do you want something sparkly in your entry foyer, there are lots of options to choose from. Chandeliers are best used in either spaces with high ceilings, or where a table will be located underneath. Not to be confused with a pendant fixture which can also be used in the same way, a chandelier has multiple bulbs and sometimes multi-branched.
Pendants
Similar to chandeliers, pendants are used in spaces that have high ceilings or something underneath them, like a table. They are often seen over kitchen islands, but can also be used in vaulted bedrooms, bathrooms, over dining tables or at an exterior entry porch. If your ceilings are high enough you can use them in lieu of surface mounted fixtures to add an extra element of design to the space.
Lamps
Lamps might seem obvious when it comes to lighting, so why bother thinking about it before the project is complete? Well, lamps can actually be crucial to create the look of layered lighting that many people prefer. Lamps can be plugged in to outlets that have switches, making it easy to turn them on and off while entering and leaving a room. This needs to be planned out with the electrician in advance. Another thing to think about is floor outlets. If you’d like lamps on your side tables in a large open room, you don’t want visible wires. Locating floor outlets is a great solution to this. There are now even rechargeable LED lamps that are versatile and great for locations where you forgot to add an outlet.
Tape Lights
Although they may not be the most well-known or widely used lighting type, we had to include it in our list as we love its endless uses and the high-end look it creates. Although on the more expensive side to install, this flexible, thin light tape can be used almost anywhere and since its LED, it is very low cost to operate. Under kitchen cabinets, along bookcases, interior and exterior stairs, anywhere it goes it gives a warm glow that takes design to the next level. Because it’s a flexible tape, it can be cut to size on site for custom applications. It does require a remote transformer though, so planning it out is important.
Track Lighting
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Track lighting? Really? Well, it’s come a long way, trust us! You may think of your kitchen from the 90’s when you think of track lighting, but there are sleek, modern options available that provide dynamic lighting for your home. The ability to adjust each head, change them out over time, and even add pendants to the tracks, achieve a flexibility other fixtures can’t. The tracks provide power to the lights, and can either be mounted directly to the ceiling, or suspending for added drama. Whether you have high ceilings and need some lighting on a lower plane, or want to light up art along a gallery, track lighting might be your best option. In remodels where opening up the ceiling and adding recessed lights and wires isn’t an option, track lighting comes to the rescue. With the endless options available these days, we encourage you to revisit this classic lighting method.
Recessed Lighting
So recessed lights might not be the most exciting or fun lights out there, but their also great for adding layered lighting to a space when combined with decorative fixtures. They are very functional, and are important in spaces like kitchens where task lighting is vital. The size, shape, trim and color can vary greatly, as well as the color temperature of the bulb. Modern day downlights have come a long way, and can be specified as LED bulbs with an adjustable temperature. The color temperature refers to whether or not the light is cool/bluish (5000 K and higher) or warmer and yellowish (2700 - 3000 K). The recessed lights are something you have to think about, but unlike decorative fixtures, the electrician will provide and install these, so no need to purchase them yourself.