3 Stylish Lighting Fixtures You Should Consider Getting

Our homes are the most diverse spaces we encounter daily. We typically experience several tasks and activity rotations in those four walls we call home more than in a typical work environment or a commercial space. Living rooms for one take on various cloaks, occasionally serving as a study area for the kids before winding down to a cozy lounge room, and finally on the laid back weekends, transforming into an ambient home theatre – and that’s not even half of it. Not to say there’s anything extraordinary about repurposing your living space now and again; however, it’s critical to acknowledge the role lighting plays in all these transformative phases. Admittedly, lighting goes well beyond its primary purpose of illuminance. Chief factors like placement, choice and function of the light fixture settled on truly dictate the end goal of lighting.

Three notable lighting fixtures to invest in

Categorically, illuminance takes charge in three spectrums; ambience, task and accent lighting. Consequently, every light fixture available in the market today is streamlined to bring forth specific results. Understanding how each fixture works and its touted function is therefore crucial. Bear in mind most lighting fixtures can be paired up or used singly in different places to serve more than one purpose. So, those small pendant lights that had your eye at your favourite coffee shop can pretty much blend into your kitchen. Ahead we explore three different types of lighting fixtures and how they work.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers have come a long way from an 18th-century symbol of stature exclusively sought by nobility to a modern-day décor staple. Today, chandeliers bring more than aesthetics to the table as more and more people turn to them for complimentary lighting, among other reasons. Chandeliers are ceiling suspended lighting fixtures adorned with ornamental shades made from crystal or glass with various shapes, materials and forms. The design versatility of these favourite vintage fixtures guarantees the availability of styles and designs to suit any home theme. On a more technical note, these ornamental lighting fixtures provide a unidirectional light with streams cast on its reflective surfaces to create shadows across the room. Additionally, most chandeliers come with a changeable light bulb allowing you to switch to the different temperatures bringing your preferred atmosphere into the space.

Pendant lights

Like their description, pendant light fixtures imitate jewellery pendants as the light bulb hangs encased from an electrical cable. Pendant lights are the go-to for homeowners looking for accent lighting or task efficiency illuminance. For the most part, pendant bulbs are small and come with an option to muster these babies up in threes or fours. While single pendant fixtures offer spotlight lighting perfect for concentrated task lighting, paired up pendant lights offer a more range, consequently catering to a broader area. Just like chandeliers, pendant fixtures are also impressively chic and elegant, with options to fit industrial homes, rustic cabins and even Victorian-inspired spaces. Pendant fixtures are ultimately forgiving, accommodating layering with other fixtures without muting either of them. These modern light fixtures are conversation-worthy due to their efficiency in lighting, affordability and versatility. However, a factor to consider is their installation complexity; you can’t dive right into hanging your pendant lights over your dining table; you will need a professional’s assistance with rewiring and installation.

Wall lights

Wall lights are directly fitted onto the wall surface hence the name. Wall-mounted fixtures are often installed during construction since their cable wiring goes through the wall cavity; that said, if you’re looking to have wall lights post property construction, you might have a challenge on your hands. Wall lights make a neater look on the brighter side since their cords do not stick out. Because these lights are mounted on the walls, you have the option to angle them straight ahead, upward or downward. Upward angled lights and down angled lights are pretty much self-explanatory- these fixtures are installed with their bulbs facing up or down, respectively. The idea behind angled lights is multifaceted; they see to the formation of shadows, creating ambience and task lighting. Uplights, for instance, animate structures like hedges or statues while creating a mysterious dark and alluring shadow around them. On the other hand, wall fixtures facing forward cover a more comprehensive range. Essentially, your choice of angle with wall lights entirely depends on your needs and the look you’re going for.

Bottom Line

When it comes to lighting, the major driving factor is need; what are you looking to achieve with your lighting fixture? Are you looking for task illuminance for your reading nook? Or are you looking to impress your guests while they walk through your hallways? Could it be you simply after a primary light source that’s all rounded? All these are essential factors to take into account before making your choice. Similarly, you’ll also want to factor in the space you’re working with; fixtures like pendant lighting, for one, are not always a good look for low ceilings, as they could get obstructive. Research is, therefore, the key to making an informed light fixture purchase that’ll transform any space from drab to fab.