Once you know what you want to light, now you have to decide how you’re going to light it! Here is the low down on all the various types of lighting options available…

Ceiling Fixtures or “Flush Mounts” usually provide general or directional lighting. They are most commonly used in areas that receive a look of use or traffic such as entryways, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, playrooms, and offices.

Chandeliers can add an enormous amount of style and decor to a room while also providing a significant source of general lighting. Particularly common in entry ways, dining, living and bedrooms.

Decorational Lighting provides a light source but also has an aesthetic purpose to it. Light boxes and tea lights are two examples of lighting that provide both form and function. Decorational lighting is appropriate in living, bed, and dining rooms.

Desk lamps are used on table surfaces for work or study. The light source should sit about 15″ above work area.

Floor Lamps are a tall lamp with a base that stands on the floor and are typically used for general lighting. These fixtures can have both decorative and utilitarian functions in any space.

Light boxes are a box or canvas that contains electric lighting. When the piece is lit, diffused light is transmitted through the cover.

Mirror Lighting is a type of accent lighting that is commonly a single strip with multiple lamps. These fixtures are often used to add illumination in vanity mirrors or to reflect light throughout a room.

Pendants can provide both task and general lighting and are suspended from the ceiling over dining tables, kitchen counters, work areas, beds, living room areas, etc. They can also be used over end tables or night stands in place of a table lamp to free up table space.

Portable Lamps gives you the flexibility to move your lighting whenever you want. Examples of portable lighting include desk lamps, floor lamps, and most lighting that does not require hardwire installation or wall/ceiling mounting.

Spot Lights focus a direct beam of light to highlight a specific surface. Spot lights are commonly used to feature artwork.

Swing Arm Lamps are functional floor or wall lamps with an arm that can be moved from side to side for reading or project lighting. These lamps are an excellent option for bedside or desk lighting.

Table Lamps are a medium sized lamp fixture with a base, shade, and light source and typically used on top of a table.

Task Lamps are most often used to illuminate an area where a visual activity like reading, hobbies, or food preparation occurs.

Tea Lights are ambient lighting that are generally produced by tea candles rather than by electricity. Tea lights give off very poor light unless grouped together.

Torchieres are a standing floor lamp that diffuses or directs light upward. Depending on the setting, they can emit ambient (general) lighting or accent lighting.

Track Lighting is composed of adjustable lamps mounted along an electrified metal track. Track lighting is a great way to create general lighting for most indoor spaces.

Undercabinet Lighting fixtures are used under cabinetry to create mood lighting or ample light in hard to fit spaces of your home.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures can furnish general, task, and accent lighting. Many are designed to match and supplement dining room chandeliers, or to provide hallway, bedroom, or living room lighting.

Wall Sconces are a decorative wall bracket for holding candles or lights. It is recommended to mount a wall sconce 66″ from center of sconce to the floor. Wall scones are commonly used in entry ways or halls, up stairwells, or as accent lighting in dining, living, and bed rooms.