9 Different Types of Light Fixtures: Definitions & Interior Uses

Modern homes rely on lighting to create both functional and inviting spaces. Light fixtures not only serve practical purposes but also shape a home's atmosphere.

There are 9 different main types of light fixtures: recessed, surface mount, track, pendant, linear, chandelier, sconce, cove, and floor lights. Each has unique benefits and is suited for specific purposes in both residential and commercial settings.

9 Main Types of Light Fixtures

This article covers 9 different definitions of lighting types, how each fixture works, where to install them, and which spaces benefit most from their features.

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.

Definition of Recessed Light

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

Recessed lights offer clean, modern illumination, perfect for bathroom spaces

Recessed lighting highlights merchandise and creates a welcoming retail environment

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.

Definition of Surface Mount Light

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

Surface mount lighting brightens hallways with a modern, unobtrusive design

Surface mount lights offer a sleek, space-saving option for bedroom lighting

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.

Definition of Track Lights

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

Track lighting creates focused, flexible light for productive office environments

Track lights provide versatile, gallery-style lighting to showcase artwork beautifully

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.

Definition of Pendant Lights

Pendant lights excel at providing focused task lighting over areas like kitchen islands, dining tables, and work desks. 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

Pendant lights add style and focused illumination to kitchen islands

Pendant lights provide targeted, stylish lighting for a productive work desk setup

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.

Definition of Linear Lights

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

Linear lights create a clean, contemporary look while highlighting merchandise in retail

Linear lights brighten garages with uniform light, perfect for work and storage areas

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 typically features a central frame with arms extending outward, each holding a lamp socket. 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.

Definition of Chandeliers

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

Chandeliers add elegance and a touch of luxury to dining room gatherings

Stunning chandeliers create a grand entrance and set the tone for entryway design

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.

Definition of Sconce

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

Wall-mounted sconces create cozy, ambient lighting for a restful bedroom atmosphere

Sconces add elegant, soft lighting to hallways, enhancing the space's ambiance

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.

Definition of Cove Light

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

Elegant cove lighting sets a luxurious, relaxing tone in hotel rooms and lobbies

Cove lights enhance the home theater experience, providing soft, indirect lighting

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.

Definition of Floor Light

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

Elegant floor lights offer warm, inviting illumination, enhancing bedroom comfort

Floor lights brighten reading nooks, creating the perfect ambiance for cozy reading sessions

Frequently Asked Questions about Type of light fixture

What are the different types of light fixtures 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)":

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.
Back light: 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 made from natural materials. Each piece blends Vietnamese artisan traditions with contemporary design, offering eco-friendly options while supporting local communities.

IndochinaLight - IndochinaHomeDecor LLC

Email: service@indochinalight.com
Phone: (+1) 307 249 0594
Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801

Lewis Nguyen

Lewis Nguyen is the CEO & Founder of Indochina Light. With over 5 years of experience in interior design, Lewis is passionate about Vietnamese handicrafts and embraces the Wabi Sabi aesthetic in his creations.

His dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design has shaped Indochina Light into a leader in the industry, offering unique, eco-friendly handcrafted pendant lights that reflect his vision for beauty in imperfection.

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