Indoor Lighting Solutions for Every Home
Types of Lighting to Transform Your Space
There are three basic types of lighting functions that fulfill different purposes. By combining them, you can bring versatility to a room and create an effective lighting setup.Illuminate a Room with Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting (also called general lighting) provides overall illumination for a room. Its purpose is to create a uniform light level throughout the entire space.You can create ambient lighting with fixtures such as:
- Recessed lighting
- Chandeliers and other ceiling lights
- Wall light fixtures such as wall sconces
- Track lighting
- Floor lamps
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Highlight with Accent Lighting
Accent lighting (also called highlighting) creates a focal point in a room. It’s used to draw attention to a particular object such as a piece of artwork, or to highlight a unique design feature. For effect, accent lighting generally requires three times more light on the focal point than the room’s ambient lighting produces.You can create accent lighting with fixtures such as:
• Wall light fixtures such as wall sconces
These fixture types allow light to be angled precisely on the desired object.
TIP: Indoor LED lights are ideal for accenting artwork and photos. They don’t emit ultraviolet light, so they won’t cause fading.
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Target an Area with Task Lighting
Task lighting is intended to illuminate a particular area so you can efficiently carry out a task. It is ideal for activities such as reading, cooking, studying and working at a desk. Effective task lighting should reduce glare and help prevent eye strain. This is especially important as you age.You can create task lighting with fixtures such as:
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Types of Fixtures for Your Dream Lighting Scheme
In addition to the three basic types of lighting, it helps to know the types of fixtures you can use to create your ideal lighting setup. Read on to learn about some popular fixtures.Pendant lighting
Pendant lights hang from the ceiling and direct light downward. They’re often located over a table or kitchen island to provide ambient or task lighting. They are usually decorative and add style to a space. Pendants look good alone or grouped together, and can have one or more bulbs.
Wall Lights
An indoor wall light or sconce is a versatile lighting choice that can serve as an uplight or downlight. It mounts directly to the wall to provide ambient or task lighting. Indoor wall sconces are often placed on either side of a bed or by a mirror in the bathroom. They are decorative fixtures, mounted at eye level, that add style as well as function to a space.
TIP: Some wall lamps feature an arm that swing out, so you can easily adjust light exactly where you want it.
Chandeliers
A popular choice for dining rooms, chandeliers hang from the ceiling and direct light upward or downward, providing ambient lighting. You’ll often find a chandelier over a dining table or in a main entry, but it can enhance other rooms as well. Chandeliers are decorative fixtures that often serve as a statement piece in a home.
Vanity lighting
Vanity lights are attractive fixtures mounted over a bathroom mirror to illuminate the mirror and vanity. They come as downlights for task lighting and uplights for ambient lighting. Bathroom vanity lights makes it easier to perform everyday grooming and hygiene tasks.
Flush Mount Ceiling Lights
Flush mount ceiling lights mount directly to the ceiling. They feature a glass or plastic shade that conceals a lightbulb and diffuses light evenly. As a result, ceiling light fixtures usually create more general, dispersed lighting. They discreetly blend in and serve to provide functional light, although you can find more decorative options.
Flush mount ceiling lights mount directly to the ceiling. They feature a glass or plastic shade that conceals a lightbulb and diffuses light evenly. As a result, ceiling light fixtures usually create more general, dispersed lighting. They discreetly blend in and serve to provide functional light, although you can find more decorative options.
Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lights
A semi-flush mount ceiling light gives off the same amount of light as a flush mount but offers more decorative options. The base of the light extends just below the ceiling, similar to a pedant light but it doesn’t hang as low.
Track Lighting
Another type of ceiling light, track lighting consists of several light heads on a linear unit mounted or suspended from the ceiling. You can adjust and position the direction of the heads. They provide task lighting ideal for kitchens or anywhere you want flexible lighting.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is installed above the ceiling and sits flush with the ceiling itself. It tends to be more discreet, and can provide ambient, accent or task lighting. It is a modern lighting style with a sleek appearance. Check out this selection of recessed lights for a contemporary lighting solution.
NOTE: For safe installation of recessed lighting, you must have at least 3” of clearance from a heat-generating source, unless the fixture is IC rated.
Under Cabinet Lighting
If you’re looking to brighten up your pantry or cabinets, there are plenty of lighting options available. Motion sensor puck lights are rechargeable and easy to install in your pantry or cupboard as they don’t require wiring. For cabinets, a bar light is a good option due to its slimmer profile that can be hidden under the cabinet. Another option is tape light. It has an ultra-slim profile so it’s ideal for smaller cabinets and the tape can be cut to fit any space.
Floor and Table Lamps
A table lamp provides task lighting and adds to a room’s décor. It doesn’t take up much room, is ideal for reading and is often found next to a sofa or bed. Table lamps often have removable shades, so you can change up their look.
A desk lamp provides focused task lighting and is easy to move as needed. It directs light downward and is ideal for study and work.
A floor lamp also provides task lighting and can enhance a room’s décor. It’s easily portable and can free up table space. Ideal for living room lighting, it’s a great way to add extra lighting to a room.
Light Bulbs to Brighten Up Your Living Space
A light isn’t complete without a bulb. In addition to lighting fixtures, you’ll want to think about the type of light bulb you need.Bulb Basics
Check out these common terms you’ll come across in your search for the perfect bulb.Bulb Shape and Base Size
Bulbs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and bases. A letter indicates the shape and a number indicates the diameter (size). For example, A19, B10, C15.
Bulb Base
The most common base types are screw bases and pin bases. They also consist of a letter and number.
For example, E26 base. The E means the bulb has an Edison screw and the 26 means the base is 26 mm across.
A19 E26 is the most common household bulb. You’ll also find B- and C-base candelabra bulbs for chandeliers.
IMPORTANT: Check your fixture to determine the type of bulb you need.
Fill Your Fixture with the Right Type of Bulb
When purchasing lighting, you’ll want to check for the manufacturer’s recommended bulb type. Some fixtures require a very specific type, while others have more flexibility.LED Light Bulbs
• Durable, energy efficient blubs that emit little heat
• Environmentally friendly and long lasting
• More options for brightness and light appearance
• Newer, omni-directional LEDs emit light from the entire bulb for diffused light suited to ambient lighting
Three important concepts when purchasing LEDs are:
Brightness. This is measured in lumens, not watts. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. A standard 100-watt bulb produces about 1600 lumens.
Light appearance. This indicates the colour temperature and is measured in Kelvins.
• Warm white (yellowish light): 2700k – 3000k
• Cool White: 3500k – 4100k
• Daylight (bluish light): 5000k – 6500k
Colour rendering. This indicates how accurate colours look under the light on a scale of 0–100. Any Colour Rendering Index (CRI) rating of 80 or above is considered high and will be sufficient for most applications. You may consider a higher CRI rating of 90+ for task lighting.
Vintage Light Bulbs
- Vintage bulbs add a decorative feel to light fixtures
- Combines modern bulb technology with a vintage-style appearance
- Identified by an antique-style filament in the center
- Often referred to as Edison bulbs
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
Smart Home/Connected Lighting
- Controlled by a remote, smart device or voice command
- Dimmable
- WIFI enabled
- Wide range of colours and hues
Halogen Light Bulbs
- These are a variation of an incandescent bulb, seen as more of a specialty bulb for track lighting, security lights or workshop lights
- Provides the closest approximation to natural daylight
- Colours appear sharper
- Dimmable
Incandescent Light Bulbs
- This is the most common bulb type, and usually the least expensive
- Provides a warm, flattering tone
- Usually lasts between 700 to 1,000 hours
- Works with a dimmer
- Not as energy efficient as other options
- Shorter lifespan than other types such as LEDs
You’re now ready to design a home lighting scheme that is both functional and aesthetic. Create layered lighting throughout your home with our versatile assortment of indoor lighting fixtures and light bulbs. Indoor lighting never looked so good!