Fixture Upper: Types of Lighting Fixtures

Refers to lighting systems that are integrated into our homes and strategically designed to fill a need. There are three basic types of architectural lighting—cove, soffit, and valance.

Located on a ledge, shelf, or recess located high on a wall, directing light upward and allowing it to bounce off of the ceiling or upper wall.

Located in a soffit or cornice near the ceiling, allowing light to radiate downward, illuminating the wall.

A valance is a horizontal shield, so it stands to reason that this type of lighting includes a light source within the valance. It allows the light to radiate upwards and downwards.

It is installed above the ceiling so that the opening of the light source is flush with the ceiling. Providing a straight line of light, it’s ideal as task, ambient, or accent lighting.

Generally installed on a “track” that’s mounted on a wall or ceiling. The lamp heads are adjustable, making this ideal for accent or task lighting.

It makes life easier in the kitchen. This popular task lighting generally uses LED tubes and is installed under cabinets, offering additional light to work by.

This type of light is suspended from the ceiling, and you’ll usually find them casting downlights over tables, kitchen islands, and anywhere that has both ambient and task lighting needs.

This light is suspended from the ceiling, generally over tables. However, unlike pendant lights, chandeliers cast their light upwards, providing an ambient glow.

Mounted directly onto the ceiling, offering ambient light through a covering lens or shade.

It is a smaller fixture that is mounted to the surface of a wall and covered with shades. They offer ambient or accent lighting.

These are mobile, versatile light sources that can go where you need them, offering direct downlight that’s perfect for tasks or general lighting.