Because of the need for different types of lighting, most rooms in your home will have 'layers of light' with multiple types of lighting fixtures. Here are some of the most popular and important types of fixtures:

Hall/Foyer Fixtures

Create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests while also giving the general lighting needed to assure safe passage to other areas of your home. Chain-hung, close-to-ceiling or ceiling mount fixtures can be used in hallways, stairways and entranceways.

Pendants

Can provide both general lighting and task lighting. These fixtures come with shades or globes to avoid glare and are suspended from the ceiling over kitchen counters, dinette tables or other work areas. Dimmer controls can be purchased separately and used to vary the light to best suit the occasion.

Chandeliers

Add style to your dining room and can compliment whatever style of furniture and furnishings that you have. Chandeliers can also be used in bedrooms, powder rooms, or over a formal living room grouping. Some chandeliers are designed with downlights to provide task lighting in addition to the ambient lighting. The additional of optional dimmer control lets you alter the brightness/intensity of light to suit the activity or mood of the occasion.

Sconces or Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Can furnish general, task and accent lighting. Many are designed to compliment dining room chandeliers or to provide hallway, stairway or bedroom lighting.

Ceiling Fixtures

Usually provide general lighting. Available in a variety of finishes and shapes, they are practical for busy areas such as hallways, laundry rooms, dens and kitchens. Ceiling fixtures come in incandescent, fluorescent and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Bath/Vanity Lighting fixtures

Supply task lighting while supplementing general lighting provided by ceiling fixtures. Vanity lighting sizing and wattage should be tailored to the size of both the bathroom and the vanity/sink and mirror and provides excellent lighting for applying makeup, shaving and grooming.

Portable Lamps and Floor Lamps/Torchieres

Deliver task, general and accent lighting in a room. The flexibility of these fixtures allow you to move the lighting whenever/wherever you want.

Undercabinet and In-Cabinet Fixtures

Offer both task and accent lighting. These fixtures provide lighting to countertops, and can also be used to highlight prized china or knick-knacks. These fixtures come in a variety of sizes and finish colors. Available in fluorescent, halogen, xenon and low-voltage mini-lights.