Lights to Suit Your Lifestyle

Today's lighting styles are unlimited in scope and most will adapt to any type of task

If you have walked the aisles in the lighting section in your local home improvement store, you already know that the selection is overwhelming. Not only will you find a range of decorating styles, but the mounting options are also endless.

Now that you're ready to attack the decision of adding general, focused, and accent lighting it may help to have a quick primer on what each fixture can handle.

Pendants
Type: general, task
Advantages: eliminate the need for lamps in the immediate work area
Add-ons: dimmer switch can control brightness
Bulbs: incandescent and fluorescent

Chandeliers
Type: general, task, accent. Most often used for accent and general lighting, depending on style and location. For accent lighting, bulbs face downward.
Advantages: all-purpose and decorative
Add-ons: dimmer
Bulbs: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen

Recessed
Type: general, task, accent
Advantages: space-saving in low ceilings; spotlight in higher ceilings; attractive on sloping ceilings
Add-ons: dimmer
Bulbs: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen

Exposed Fixtures
Type: General
Advantages: inexpensive; easy to install; ideal for closets and other small rooms; protective cover is ideal in activity or kids' rooms
Bulbs: incandescent, compact fluorescent

Sconces
Type: general, task, accent
Advantages: decorative; some are battery-operated and require no wiring. Perfect for accenting art, decorative pieces, and plants.
Bulbs: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen

Strip Lighting
Type: task
Advantages: great for bathroom vanities or makeup areas
Bulbs: incandescent

Track Lighting
Type: general, task, accent
Advantages: directional canisters can focus light where needed. Pendant styles are practical and decorative, especially on a sloping ceiling.
Bulbs: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen

Undermounts
Type: task, accent
Advantages: can be mounted out of sight under or inside cabinets. Provide ambience and good for close-up work. Good for highlighting collections.
Bulbs: mini-incandescents, fluorescent

Portables
Type: general, task, accent
Advantages: wide range of sizes, styles, models including free-standing, clip- and bolt-ons for crafts and other projects, and troubleshooting. Decorative and perfect for small spaces.
Bulbs: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen