Overhead Lighting: The Main Event
Overhead fixtures are often the primary source of ambient light. The right choice depends on your ceiling height and the room's function.
- Chandeliers: The statement piece. Ideal for dining rooms, entryways, and large living rooms with high ceilings. They provide widespread ambient light and a powerful decorative punch.
- Pendant Lights: These hang from a single cord or chain and are incredibly versatile. Use a single pendant for a focused look or group them over a kitchen island or dining table for dramatic task lighting.
- Flush & Semi-Flush Mounts: Perfect for rooms with lower ceilings (8 feet or less). Flush mounts sit directly against the ceiling, while semi-flush mounts have a small gap, allowing light to spill upwards and outwards. They are excellent for hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Wall-Mounted Lighting: The Space Savers
Wall lights free up floor and table space while adding a beautiful layer of light.
- Wall Sconces: These can provide ambient, task, or accent light. Place them on either side of a bathroom mirror for shadow-free task lighting, line a hallway for a welcoming glow, or flank a fireplace to create a sophisticated accent.
- Picture Lights: A specialized type of wall light designed to cast even illumination over your favorite artwork.
Floor Lamps: The Flexible Friend
Floor lamps are versatile, portable, and can serve multiple lighting functions.
- Ambient Floor Lamps: Often called torchieres, these direct light upwards, bouncing it off the ceiling for a soft, room-filling glow.
- Task & Reading Floor Lamps: These have adjustable heads or arms (arc lamps are a popular style) to direct light downwards for reading or other focused activities. They're a perfect companion for your favorite armchair.
Tabletop Lamps: The Personal Touch
Table lamps are the ultimate accessory. They provide essential task lighting on desks and bedside tables and add a decorative, personal touch to console tables and sideboards.
- Desk Lamps: Essential for any workspace, providing focused light to reduce eye strain. Look for adjustable models.
- Bedside Lamps: Should be tall enough that the bottom of the shade is at eye-level when you're sitting up in bed, providing perfect light for reading.
- Buffet & Accent Lamps: Often tall and slim, these are used in pairs on sideboards or consoles to add symmetry and a warm, decorative glow.