1. Recessed Light A recessed light is a lighting fixture that sits flush with the ceiling, creating a sleek, unobtrusive look. It consists of a metal housing mounted inside the ceiling, which contains a lamp socket, electrical wiring, and a reflector that directs light down into the room.
These lights are commonly used for ambient lighting , providing even illumination for walls and floors, or as task lighting in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and reading areas. You'll often see them in homes, offices, retail spaces, and galleries , where a modern, minimalist style is preferred.
The main advantages of recessed lights include their clean, seamless ceiling appearance, flexibility in positioning, minimal visual impact, and suitability for low ceilings.
However, they do require sufficient ceiling cavity space, are challenging to reposition once installed, and generally come with higher installation costs compared to surface-mounted lights.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your recessed lighting fixtures:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Clean ceiling appearance, flexible positioning, minimal visual impact, suitable for low ceilings
Limitations
Requires ceiling cavity space, difficult to reposition after installation, higher installation cost
Energy Efficiency
LED versions use 75-80% less energy, typical consumption 5-15 watts per fixture
Mounting Height
Standard ceiling 2.4-2.7 m (8-9 feet), spacing 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 feet) apart
Maintenance
Annual reflector cleaning improves output, check proper insulation clearance
2. Surface Mount Light Surface mount lights are installed directly onto the ceiling or wall, with the entire fixture visible and extending downward. Each light has a backplate that attaches to the surface, a housing for the lamp socket, and a shade or diffuser to evenly spread light throughout the room.
These lights are ideal for spaces with shallow ceiling cavities where recessed lights aren’t an option , typically hanging 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) below the ceiling. You’ll often find them in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and basements, where they provide even, shadow-free ambient lighting.
Their appeal lies in their easy installation, as they don’t require access to the ceiling cavity, simple replacement, and the wide range of design options available . They're especially practical in rooms with lower ceilings, typically between 2.1-2.4 m (7-8 feet).
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Surface Mount Light:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Simple installation, no ceiling cavity required, easily replaceable, wide design variety
Limitations
Projects below ceiling surface, may accumulate dust, limited directional control
Energy Efficiency
LED models consume 10-20 watts, lifespan typically 25,000-50,000 hours
Mounting Height
Functions well on 2.1-2.4 m (7-8 foot) ceilings
Maintenance
Clean shade every 3-6 months, check mounting screws annually
3. Track Lights Track lighting systems consist of a linear rail mounted to the ceiling that delivers electrical power , with individual adjustable lamp heads that can be positioned anywhere along the track.
The system includes a channel with electrical conductors, connectors to link multiple sections, and lamp heads that easily snap into place, allowing them to rotate and direct light in different directions.
This type of lighting is perfect for spaces that need flexible, directional illumination, making it a great choice for modern and industrial design styles. The adjustable heads are ideal for task lighting, highlighting artwork, or providing ambient light in kitchens, offices, and galleries.
Key advantages include its flexible positioning, the ability to adjust the light direction, and the ease of adding or removing lamp heads. Track sections typically come in 1.2 or 2.4-meter (4 or 8-foot) lengths , and the system works best on ceilings between 2.7-3.6 meters (9-12 feet) high .
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Track lights:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Highly flexible positioning, adjustable direction, easy to add or remove heads
Limitations
Industrial appearance may not suit all styles, visible wiring track, multiple shadows
Energy Efficiency
LED track heads use 5-12 watts each, dimming capability in most models
Mounting Height
Optimal ceiling height 2.7-3.6 m (9-12 feet)
Maintenance
Rotate heads occasionally, clean track contacts annually
4. Pendant Light Hanging from the ceiling by cords, chains, or rigid stems, pendant lights position their light source at a specific height below the ceiling. Unlike flush-mounted fixtures, pendants hang freely, providing both functional illumination and serving as a striking visual focal point.
The fixture consists of a ceiling canopy that covers the electrical box , a suspension system for structural support , and a shade or housing that holds the light bulb . Suspension lengths can vary widely, ranging from 30 cm to 3 m (1 to 10 feet), depending on the space and ceiling height.
Pendant light Their downward-facing light makes them perfect for both practical and decorative purposes, offering strong design impact and adjustable mounting height in a variety of residential and commercial settings.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Pendant light:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Strong design presence, adjustable height, focused task lighting, available in countless styles
Limitations
Requires sufficient ceiling height, can obstruct sightlines, may interfere with tall people
Energy Efficiency
LED versions consume 4-15 watts depending on size
Mounting Height
Dining table: 75-90 cm (30-36 inches) above surface, kitchen island: 80-95 cm (32-38 inches)
Maintenance
Dust shades monthly, check suspension hardware semi-annually
5. Linear Lights Linear lights are long, continuous fixtures that provide uniform illumination along a straight line, replacing multiple point light sources with a single, cohesive lighting element. This design ensures consistent, even lighting across the entire length of the fixture, eliminating gaps or shadows.
Typically made with an aluminum or steel housing that contains LED strips and is covered by a diffuser panel, linear lights generally range from 60 to 240 cm (2-8 feet) in length , making them suitable for various room sizes and lighting needs.
Linear lighting is ideal for modern, minimalist spaces where even, shadow-free lighting is crucial. These lights are commonly used in offices, kitchens, retail spaces, and garages to provide consistent illumination for large areas or specific work surfaces.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Linear light:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Even light distribution, contemporary appearance, energy efficient, minimal shadows
Limitations
Fixed length limits placement, modern aesthetic may clash with traditional décor
Energy Efficiency
LED linear lights use 12-40 watts per metre, last 50,000+ hours
Mounting Height
Office ceiling: 2.7-3 m (9-10 feet), suspended over work surfaces: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches)
Maintenance
Clean diffuser quarterly, most LED versions require no lamp replacement during lifespan
6. Chandeliers Chandeliers are decorative, multi-armed light fixtures that hang from the ceiling , with several lamps arranged around a central frame. These striking pieces not only serve as bold focal points but also provide ambient lighting that fills a room.
The design of a chandelier They are often adorned with decorative elements like crystals, glass, or metal . Chandeliers come in a range of sizes, usually from 45 cm to over 150 cm (18 inches to 5 feet) in diameter, making them a dramatic addition to any space.
Chandeliers are ideal for formal rooms with high ceilings , providing even, soft illumination without shadows. They enhance the room's decor, offer consistent lighting, and define its formality. However, they require high ceilings, structural support, and regular maintenance.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Chandelier:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Strong decorative impact, multiple light sources for even illumination, defines room hierarchy
Limitations
Requires high ceilings, heavy weight needs structural support, complex cleaning, expensive cost
Energy Efficiency
LED candelabra lamps use 3-5 watts each, total fixture consumption 15-50 watts
Mounting Height
Dining room: 75-90 cm (30-36 inches) above table, entryway: minimum 2.1 m (7 feet) clearance
Maintenance
Dust monthly, deep clean crystal or glass elements annually
7. Sconce Wall-mounted sconces project light outward, upward, or downward from the wall , providing illumination at eye level while conserving ceiling and floor space. These fixtures are perfect for areas where ceiling-mounted lights aren't practical or sufficient .
A typical sconce includes a wall-mounting plate, an extending arm or housing, and a shade or exposed lamp holder. Most sconces extend 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) from the wall, offering flexibility in both light direction and intensity.
Sconces are versatile fixtures, perfect for hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and bedrooms, offering ambient, task, or accent lighting. They're commonly used to flank bathroom vanities, light hallways, or provide a bedside reading light without occupying nightstand space. Sconces save space, create layered lighting effects, and highlight architectural features.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Sconce:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Saves floor and table space, creates layered lighting, highlights architectural features
Limitations
Requires wall electrical boxes, projects into room space
Energy Efficiency
LED sconces consume 4-12 watts, lifespan 25,000-50,000 hours
Mounting Height
Hallway: 180-210 cm (72-84 inches), bedside: 120-150 cm (48-60 inches), bathroom: 165-180 cm
Maintenance
Dust monthly, clean glass elements every 3 months
8. Cove Light Cove lighting hides fixtures within recessed architectural details, ledges, or behind crown molding, casting light upward toward the ceiling or along walls. The fixture remains out of sight, focusing attention on the lighting effect rather than the source.
Typically, LED strips are mounted in channels along the ceiling perimeter or behind architectural elements. Placing the light source 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) below the ceiling achieves the best light distribution and visual effect.
Cove lighting is ideal for modern spaces , creating a calm, sophisticated ambiance. Commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, home theaters, and commercial areas like hotels and offices, it adds architectural interest and glare-free illumination. Key benefits include glare elimination, uniform light distribution, and hidden hardware for clean design lines.
Key aspects to consider when choosing your Cove Light:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Eliminates glare, creates architectural interest, uniform light distribution, hidden hardware
Limitations
Requires architectural construction, higher installation cost, difficult to access for maintenance
Energy Efficiency
LED strips consume 4-12 watts per metre, last 50,000+ hours
Mounting Height
Position 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) below ceiling, works best above 2.7 m (9 feet)
Maintenance
Dust accumulation in cove reduces output, clean reflective surfaces annually
9. Floor Light Floor lights, or floor lamps, are freestanding fixtures that provide illumination from the ground up or outward into the room. Their portability is a key feature, offering flexibility in positioning without the need for installation, making them perfect for supplementing fixed lighting or adjusting to changing room layouts.
A weighted base provides stability, supporting a vertical column or adjustable arm with a shade or lamp holder at the top. Heights typically range from 90 cm to 180 cm (3 to 6 feet) , depending on whether the lamp is intended for ambient or task lighting.
Perfect for ambient lighting in living rooms, task lighting by sofas, or accent lighting in corners , floor lights are common in living rooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks . They’re especially useful when side tables or built-in lighting are lacking, offering portability, no installation, and the ability to complement existing lighting.
Floor light characteristics:
Aspect
Details
Advantages
Portable and repositionable, no installation required, supplements fixed lighting
Limitations
Requires floor space, power cord creates trip hazard, base can be knocked over
Energy Efficiency
LED floor lights use 7-20 watts, dimmable models allow output control
Mounting Height
Ambient style: 180 cm (72 inches) tall, task lamp: 120-140 cm (48-56 inches) tall
Maintenance
Dust shade weekly, clean parts monthly, check arm stability periodically
Frequently Asked Questions about the Types of light fixture What are the different types of light fixture mounting? Light fixtures can be mounted in several ways: recessed, surface-mounted, track-mounted, pendant, wall-mounted sconces, floor-standing, and ceiling-mounted. Each mounting method offers different installation options and design flexibility.
What light fixtures are in style now? 5 Lighting Fixtures in Style Now:
1. Recessed Lights (or Can Lights) in a grid
2. All-metal Pendant Lights and Lampshades (especially in flat black, gunmetal, or brushed nickel)
3. Color-Changing LED Light Strips and Neon Signs
4. Single Overhead Light Fixture
5. Track Lighting
For a deeper dive into these trends and alternatives, check out the video "5 Lighting Trends On The Way OUT in 2025 (and what to do instead) "
VIDEO
Source: Penny Modern
What are the most common types of lights used in a 3 point lighting setup? A typical 3-point lighting setup includes:
Key light : The primary light source, often a pendant or spotlight.
Fill light : Softens shadows, typically using recessed lights or sconces.
Backlight : Highlights edges, usually with narrow-beam fixtures like track lights or floor lamps.
Conclusion 9 fixture types form the foundation of effective home lighting , each serving a specific function while offering design flexibility. The right combination can transform a house into a well-lit home.
IndochinaLight brings sustainable elegance to modern lighting with handcrafted fixtures Each piece blends Vietnamese artisan traditions with contemporary design, offering eco-friendly options while supporting local communities.
IndochinaLight
Email: service@indochinalight.com
Phone: (+1) 307 249 0594
Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801
