Lighting Up the Ceiling
When it comes to ceiling lighting, there are so many styles and varieties, that you can easily find one to fit almost any style, theme or décor. Ceiling fixtures are available in styles of contemporary, traditional, old world and modern as well as other styles to choose from. They also come in a full array of colors and finishes such as black, white, stainless steel, bronze, brass, antique brass and more along with different shapes include- oval, round, square and rectangle.
These fixtures are generally divided into three types - flush-mount or recessed and semi-flush and pendant lighting. The flush-mount fixture fits closer to the ceiling; pendants, single lights suspended by tubing or chain; and chandeliers, fixtures with multiple lights suspended by chain or tubing and these fixtures provide general room lighting for the rooms in your house. They are available in incandescent, fluorescent and energy efficient compact models. The more specialized and ornate ceiling light designs include chandeliers, mini-pendants and ceiling fans with built-in light kits.
Semi-flush lighting fixtures will light up your ceiling as well as bounce light off the ceiling to light your whole room. Your ceiling height, your area and your physical dimensions of the room will determine the proper ceiling lighting fixture to choose from. They provide you with unique styles and designs for low ceiling applications. Semi-flush lights come with different kinds of glass shades that include: marbleized, faux alabaster, cut crystal, seeded glass, clear glass and frosted glass. Tiffany ceiling lights and tiffany semi-flush lights are also available. The proper ceiling fixture can add a decorative focal point to any room in your home.
Hanging fixtures shouldn't be hung so high that bulbs shine in your eyes, cast heavy shadows or leave awkward space between fixture and table. Hung too low, they are in the way and narrowly focus the light. Kitchen and dining room fixtures are generally hung 30-36" above the table or work surface. Many hang from chains that allow you to fine tune the height after the fixture is installed. When used over nightstands or end tables, they can hang much lower. The lighting that you choose for your ceiling will determine the total look and ambience of the room it is placed in. Just remember, you can easily add sparkle to those dark corners, set the mood for a dinner party or read a book more clearly, simply by the turn of a switch.
