Home Style Decorating

There are many different types of lighting fixtures that are used in our homes. The purpose of employing different lighting fixtures is to achieve the desired lighting condition and to get the maximum effect that lighting will give to the room.

Ceiling Fixtures

Ceiling lighting fixtures provides the major illumination that the room needs. The rest of the lighting fixtures in the room will depend on the amount of light the ceiling fixture give. The ceiling lighting fixture will determine what will you need to provide adequate brightness as well as enhance the room’s beauty through lighting effects.

Wall Fixtures

These type of lighting fixtures are frequently used as accent pieces and illuminate areas that aren’t brightened enough by larger fixtures. A wall fixture in a foyer or hallway or even on a stairway can add just the right amount of illumination to promote safety as well as a nice decorating touch. One of the things to consider is the wide variety and styles available today in these fixtures. The goal is to not draw attention to the wall fixture but rather to make it fit in to the overall decorating scheme.

If you have a fairly small area that is used primarily as a living room and if this area has lighter walls, to make the space look more spacious, less ambient light will be needed in contrast to a living area that is fairly large or which has darker wall covering or wood. Wall fixtures strategically placed in various sizes and styles offer the discriminating homeowner the perfect way to create tasteful ambient lighting. If a bathroom area is large enough, tasteful, understated wall fixtures will go a long way to increase the attractiveness of the area.

Hanging Fixtures

Hanging lighting fixtures includes chandeliers and pendants. Hanging fixtures can easily overpower a room which is one of the lighting no-nos. One of the most common areas that a chandelier or pendant is used for general lighting is in the dining room or large foyer. A guideline to consider is to make sure that the fixture is 7″ to 13″ smaller than the narrowest side of the table. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 32″ above the table. Be sure that the lamps used in the ceiling fixture fully illuminate the eating area without making it too bright. Eating should be an intimate activity and the illumination should accent both the food and the guests.

Hanging fixtures are sometimes very attractive when hung in transitional areas and can often become a conversation piece if tastefully done. The goal in these areas is to create more decorative appeal than illumination. Therefore, understatement is more desirable. A pendant fixture will often serve this purpose particularly if it is simply designed with a great deal of eye appeal.

Installing a great hanging lighting fixture in your entryway or foyer will create a good first impression that will be carried throughout the rest of the house. Besides providing basic illumination, you want the fixture to be a welcoming beacon for your guests. It is important that the chandelier or pendant fits the size requirements of the foyer or entryway. If your house has a second level that overlooks the area where the chandelier or pendant is hung, make sure that the fixture has good eye appeal from the second story perspective.

If your hanging fixture is being hung from an 8-foot ceiling, it should be positioned at least 6 ½’ to 7’ above the floor. When hanging your fixture from cathedral ceilings it should be suspended 3 inches higher for every additional foot over the standard 8-foot ceiling height. You can consider accent lighting such as wall sconces to complement the hanging fixtures particularly in large areas. Make sure that the styles match and that the wall sconce is mounted above eye level which will typically be 66″ to 70″ above the floor. It is important that the lamp is not visible when walking through the area.

Floor and Table Lamps

When it comes to floor and table lamps, strategic positioning is the key. The use of these fixtures should generally be reserved to areas used for visiting, reading and general socializing. Most of these fixtures are relatively inexpensive and good taste should prevail when buying these fixtures. Floor and table lamps should be placed to create a triangle of light that does away with undesirable, shadowy nooks in sitting areas. Remember to keep lampshades just below eye level to avoid glare.

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