Lighting Part 3: Types Of Fixtures

In part 1 and 2 of our series, you learned about light characteristics and the different technologies at work in modern lights. Today’s post will cover the common types of light fixtures you might come across. 

Surface mounted ceiling fixtures

Common in older homes, the single ceiling fixture is fairly standard. The “tit light” is as basic as it gets, which is just two bulbs and a glass diffuser that hangs off the ceiling. This single light source, usually from the center of the room, provides poor lighting for most tasks. The fixtures typically accept any standard Edison screw bulb, so one can use incandescent, compact fluorescent, or LED products.

Surface mounted ceiling fixtures connect to a standard octagon box so one can always upgrade the fixture to anything with the standard mounting pattern (e.g. pendant light, track lighting, chandelier, etc). 

Our basement before. Eww. Note how the surface mounted position highlights all the imperfections in the ceiling.

Track lighting

A subcategory of surface mounted fixtures, track lighting typically connects to a standard octagon box which supplies power to the track. Lights clip on to this track and can be repositioned. Usually track lighting is low voltage, requiring a transformer (which may or may not be included in a kit). The lamps used are typically standard low voltage MR16 halogen lamps.  

Modern track lighting via Houzz.com.

Recessed lighting

Sometimes referred to as pot lights, these are small lights ranging from 3” to 6” in diameter. While they are fairly directional/hard light sources, multiple can be installed together to achieve more even illumination. They are versatile, being used for general illumination of a room or can be used on their own to accent or highlight objects. Given that the fixtures are flush with the ceiling, they do a great job of hiding any potential imperfections in the plastering.

Recessed fixtures are comprised of a housing (hidden in the ceiling/attic) and a trim (decorative face plate seen on the ceiling). They come in line level voltage (120V, GU10 bulbs) and low voltage (12V, MR16 bulbs) varieties that require a transformer. The low voltage fixtures themselves cost more upfront but theoretically are less expensive to run. A point that not many people mention is that there are many more retrofit LED products made with the low voltage MR16 base than the high voltage GU10 base. Also keep in mind that low voltage lighting requires special low voltage dimmers (magnetic or electronic LV dimmers, which should be matched to whatever type of low voltage transformer that is supplied with your lights). 

Square recessed lighting via Houzz.com.

Wall/floor lighting

Like ceiling light fixtures, wall lights come in surface mounted fixtures (sconces) or recessed fixtures. The surface mounted sconces connect to a standard octagon box, however, the fixtures are usually smaller with a more linear configuration. Nowadays, many modern wall lights are going the route of recessed LED fixtures that are flush with the wall. Floor lighting is exclusively recessed and use LEDs for heat/fire risk.

Recessed wall fixtures illuminating our stairs.

Lamps

Often taken for granted, lamps are an easy and cost effective way to add additional lights to a room without major tear up. The fixtures themselves are functional and can be incorporated into the design/look of the space. The scale can range from small table top designs to full free standing floor lamps. Lamps can provide point (hard) light sources via a bare bulb or a larger softer light source depending on the size and translucency of the lampshade. 

Here is a cool wall mounted swivel lamp by Moss Designs via Jelanie Shop.

Alcove lighting 

Hiding light fixtures out of sight is a great way to subtly add interest to a space. Examples include under cabinet fixtures, over cabinet lights, and lights hidden in recesses or reveals. Typically, light fixtures used in this application are long and compact. The small size of LED strip products make this a great choice, although the long and thin shape of fluorescent tubes are also well suited for this application. Tight spaces often times require low heat, another reason why LED and fluorescent technology are the best choices. Multi-light halogen banks in a slim profile are common too though and are specifically used in under cabinet lighting. 

Great color scheme and moody under cabinet lighting found on ArchiDesignClub.

Since alcove lighting fixtures are out of sight, you can always improvise. Something as simple as a string of Christmas lights thrown on top of kitchen cabinets out of sight can really add that finishing touch to a space. In fact, we used Christmas lights behind the mirror in our downstairs stairs half bathroom.

Hidden alcove lighting behind a floating mirror in our half bathroom.

Nothing fancy here, just some Christmas lights attached to the mirror's 2x4 mounting bracket. Evenly spaced holes were drilled to hold the base of each light before fixing them in place with PL. These are incandescent lights and are therefore compatible with a standard triac dimmer.

Thus concludes part 3 of our epic journey into the world of residential lighting! By now you should be a pro on light characteristics, lighting technology, and common light fixtures. But how can you apply this knowledge, and where should all these fancy lights be placed? Stay tuned for part 4 of our series which will cover this and go through some real life examples from our home!