A well-lit room should have layered lighting from multiple sources that include ambient or general lighting; task lighting for reading, preparing meals, or desk work; and decorative accent lighting that creates ambiance. The quality of light cast by built-in fixtures can be modified by your choice of bulb or by using a dimmer switch, but it’s rare that built-in lighting will be the sole source of lighting in a room. Choosing the right mix of light fixtures will help you to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere from the living room to the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and beyond. And light fixtures often serve as decor objects that can function as a sculptural element to enhance your room design even when the light is switched off. Here is a brief guide to the main types of light fixtures and their functions. Larger formats, such as arc lights, column lamps, tripod lamps, or oversized floor lamps, are most suited to large rooms such as the living room or an open-plan loft. Smaller profile standing lamps such as metal reading floor lamps can be placed behind an armchair or at the end of a sofa. Tall thin torchère lamps can be placed in corners. Until recently, table lamps required having an electrical outlet nearby to plug in, but these days lighting manufacturers offer a range of LED-powered table lamps that can be charged using a USB cable and moved around as desired. This includes new table lamp designs as well as re-editions of classic lamps such as the recent portable LED version of the iconic 1968 Flowerpot lamp by Verner Panton. A large chandelier or pendant light may be hung in the center of the ceiling to add ambient light to a room and create a focal point. You can also hang smaller chandeliers or pendant lights on either side of a bed, over bathroom sink vanities, or over a dining table or kitchen island to define the space. You can control the light by hanging your light fixture at the right height. A wall sconce is a decorative light fixture that is either hard wired into the wall for a seamless look, or powered by a plug-in cord. Wall sconces come in many styles and may be hung singly, in pairs, or in multiples depending on the space. When turned off, they function as decor. When illuminated, they spread soft light onto the wall. Sconces free up space on a nightstand, add ambient light to hallways, and provide flattering light in bathrooms.
