Types of Lighting Fixtures
Lighting fixtures come in an incredible array of forms, from sleek recessed downlights and elegant chandeliers to versatile track systems and wall sconces. Each fixture style brings its own aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, allowing you to tailor the look and feel of your space. By mixing and matching various fixture types, you can achieve layered lighting that not only provides ample illumination but also enhances the room’s design elements.
In addition to aesthetics, choosing the right fixture type can improve comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality. For instance, pendant lights or chandeliers can serve as a focal point over a dining table, while under-cabinet lights ensure safe meal prep in the kitchen. Meanwhile, outdoor fixtures can brighten entryways for better security and curb appeal. With so many options available, understanding the basics of each fixture style helps you create the perfect balance of form and function for every room.
Central Pendant Light
Cove Lighting
Wall Sconces
Recessed Downlights
Flush Mount Fixtures
Flush mount fixtures sit directly against the ceiling, making them an excellent choice for rooms with lower ceilings or a minimalist aesthetic. Because they provide widespread illumination, flush mounts are ideal for spaces like bedrooms, hallways, and entryways, where balanced, ambient light is needed without taking up much visual space.
Surface-Mounted Downlights
Surface-mounted downlights deliver focused, directional illumination without the need for recessed installation. They are particularly useful when ceiling space is limited or when you prefer a modern, clean-lined look that stands out just enough to add visual interest. Available in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, these fixtures are versatile enough to work in both residential and commercial settings.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting offers a sleek, unobtrusive way to brighten up a room. Installed within the ceiling, these fixtures deliver broad, even illumination without competing with other design elements. Recessed lights are perfect for creating layers of light—use them as the primary source of ambient lighting, then supplement with task or accent lighting for a dynamic, well-lit space.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a statement-making option that hang from the ceiling by a rod, chain, or cord. From industrial-inspired metal shades to delicate glass globes, these are an excellent choice for adding personality to your décor. Pendants can serve as task lighting over kitchen islands, dining tables, or workspaces, or they can function as decorative focal points in living areas or foyers.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Whether you opt for a classic crystal design or a modern, minimalist style, a chandelier instantly elevates the ambiance of any room. With countless designs available—from ornate, traditional pieces to contemporary metal frameworks—there’s a chandelier to suit every aesthetic.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a versatile solution for highlighting artwork, accent walls, or architectural features. These fixtures consist of a track mounted to the ceiling with multiple adjustable heads, allowing you to direct light exactly where you need it. Because of its flexibility, track lighting is popular in galleries, retail spaces, and modern homes where customizable illumination is a priority.
Linear LED Panels
Linear LED panels offer a sleek and energy-efficient approach to overhead lighting. They provide a broad wash of even, glare-free illumination that’s perfect for large, open areas like offices, conference rooms, and contemporary living spaces. Their slim profile and modern design complement minimalist interiors and can help make a room feel brighter and more spacious.
Wall Sconces
Mounted directly to the wall, wall sconces can serve as task lighting, accent lighting, or even ambient lighting, depending on the design and placement. From classic candle-style sconces to contemporary minimalist fixtures, wall sconces add a layer of warmth and sophistication to hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, and more.
Swing-Arm Sconces
Swing-arm sconces offer the convenience of adjustable lighting in a sleek, wall-mounted form. Featuring an extendable arm and a pivoting head, these fixtures can be positioned exactly where you need illumination—making them perfect for reading nooks, bedside lighting, or above a workspace.
Picture Lights
Designed to highlight artwork, photographs, or other wall-hung décor, picture lights help draw attention to your favorite pieces. They provide a soft, focused glow that enhances details and color without overwhelming the artwork. Available in various styles—from slim, low-profile bars to more decorative fixtures—picture lights can be chosen to blend seamlessly with the art’s frame or to stand out as a design statement.
Decorative Accent Fixtures
Decorative accent fixtures are all about adding character and flair to a space. These wall-mounted lights often feature unique shapes, materials, or artistic elements that serve as a focal point. From sculptural metal designs to playful geometric forms, accent fixtures can instantly elevate the ambiance of a room and reflect your personal style.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps provide ambient or accent lighting while also serving as a decorative statement piece. Available in a wide range of designs—from sleek, minimalist models to ornate, traditional styles—floor lamps can effortlessly complement your existing décor.
Reading Lamps
Reading lamps are specifically designed to provide focused, task-oriented illumination. Often featuring adjustable necks or swivel heads, they allow you to direct light exactly where you need it, reducing eye strain during extended reading sessions.
Desk Lamp
Desk lamps are an essential addition to any workspace, providing targeted light to help you stay productive and focused. Whether you’re working from home, studying, or pursuing a creative hobby, a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and positioning can make all the difference.
Table Lamps
Table lamps combine both function and style, making them an ideal choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways. Placed on side tables, nightstands, or consoles, they offer a soft, warm glow that can set the mood and add visual interest to a room.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is a functional, aesthetically pleasing solution for brightening countertops and other workspaces—particularly in kitchens and offices. By installing lights beneath overhead cabinets, you can illuminate the area directly below them, creating a shadow-free environment ideal for cooking, food prep, and other detailed tasks.
Cove Lighting
Cove lighting is typically installed in recessed areas near the ceiling—often behind crown molding or within a specially designed ledge. This indirect lighting technique provides a soft, diffused glow that adds depth, warmth, and a sense of luxury to a room. It’s a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways, where subtle illumination helps accentuate architectural features and set a calming mood. Cove lighting can also serve as an elegant backdrop, enhancing any décor style.
In-Wall or Niche Lighting
In-wall or niche lighting offers a creative way to showcase architectural details, art pieces, or decorative alcoves. By placing fixtures within walls or built-in recesses, you can create striking focal points that draw attention to unique features of a space. This type of lighting is perfect for highlighting bookshelves, display areas, or accent walls, instantly adding visual interest and sophistication.
Porch and Entryway Lights
Porch and entryway lights play a crucial role in welcoming guests and ensuring safe navigation to your front door. These fixtures not only enhance the curb appeal of your home, but also offer added security by illuminating walkways and doorways. Whether you choose a classic lantern-style sconce or a sleek, modern design, porch lights can help set the tone for the rest of your exterior décor. Look for durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand the elements, and consider motion sensors or smart lighting features for added convenience.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting adds a layer of beauty and depth to your outdoor spaces. From highlighting flower beds and pathways to accentuating architectural features or water elements, strategically placed lights can transform your yard into a nighttime oasis. Low-voltage LED fixtures are an energy-efficient option that offer bright, long-lasting illumination with minimal maintenance. By mixing different fixture types—such as spotlights, pathway lights, and well lights—you can create a dynamic, visually appealing landscape that enhances both safety and ambiance.
Security Floodlights
Security floodlights are designed to cast a wide, bright beam of light across larger outdoor areas. Typically installed around the perimeter of your property—such as near garages, backyards, or side entrances—floodlights help deter potential intruders by eliminating dark corners and shadows. Many models come with motion sensors that automatically switch on when movement is detected, conserving energy while offering an extra layer of protection. Opt for fixtures with adjustable heads and timers to customize coverage and maximize peace of mind.
Garage and Driveway Lights
Placed above or beside garage doors, these fixtures ensure that your driveway remains clearly visible, reducing the risk of accidents or damage. They also serve as an attractive design element that can complement the style of your home’s exterior. Consider LED options for bright, energy-efficient illumination, and look for features like motion activation or dusk-to-dawn sensors for added convenience. With the right garage and driveway lights, you can improve both the function and appearance of your home’s exterior.
15° Beam Angle
- Produces a very focused, narrow beam ideal for accent lighting.
- Use it to highlight artwork, architectural details, or sculptures where you want a dramatic, concentrated light spot.
30° Beam Angle
- Offers a moderately focused beam that's perfect for task lighting.
- Ideal for areas like kitchens or home offices where you need clear, concentrated illumination on a work surface without lighting too wide an area
45° Beam Angle
- Provides a balanced light spread that can cover a good portion of a room.
- Suitable for both ambient and task lighting, such as in dining rooms or living areas, where you want an even light distribution without harsh shadows.
60° Beam Angle and Above
- Delivers a broad wash of light for widespread ambient illumination.
- Best for larger spaces like living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms to ensure a soft, inviting overall glow.
Recessed Downlights
Recessed downlights offer a spectrum of beam angles designed to elevate every facet of your home's lighting design. A 15° beam creates a focused, dramatic spotlight perfect for accentuating artwork and architectural details, while a 30° beam delivers a concentrated wash ideal for task lighting in areas like kitchens and home offices. For a versatile solution, the 45° beam provides a balanced spread that enhances both ambient and task lighting, making it an excellent choice for dining rooms and living areas. Meanwhile, the 60° beam casts a broad, inviting glow ideal for larger spaces such as hallways and bedrooms.
By taking into account factors like mounting height, room dimensions, and design intent, these refined options empower you to customize and perfect your lighting system to match your high-end lifestyle.
See Only the Light, Not the Fixture
The Right Lighting
Fixtures and Their Contributions to the Perfect Layered Lighting
Lighting design is a multidimensional art that hinges on the seamless integration of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create spaces that are both functional and inviting. Light fixtures are the essential tools that bring a well-designed lighting plan to life, enabling you to layer and control illumination throughout a space. They are carefully selected and positioned to achieve a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, tailoring brightness and focus to suit every room's function and mood.
For example, recessed fixtures offer a discreet, clean source of light that integrates seamlessly into ceilings, while pendant and under-cabinet options deliver concentrated beams where precision is needed. Architectural fixtures such as wall sconces and track systems further enrich the environment by accentuating textures and focal points without overwhelming the design. Many modern fixtures now come equipped with advanced features like adjustable brightness, smart controls, and energy-efficient LED technology, making it easier to fine-tune lighting to meet both practical needs and aesthetic aspirations.
Direct Ambient Lighting
Direct ambient lighting shines downward to provide uniform, functional illumination. Recessed fixtures, flush mounts, and downward-facing pendants are popular choices. Use this approach in living rooms, offices, or anywhere a clear, consistent wash of light is desired.
Indirect Ambient Lighting
Indirect ambient lighting reflects off ceilings or walls to create a softer, diffused glow. Techniques like cove or valance lighting and upward-facing sconces reduce glare and shadows. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or hospitality settings seeking a warm, inviting ambiance.
Mixed / Layered Ambient Lighting
Mixed ambient lighting blends direct and indirect methods for a balanced, flexible design. Combine recessed or pendant fixtures with cove or wall-mounted uplighting to add depth and reduce harsh contrasts. Perfect for open-concept spaces requiring multiple lighting levels and visual interest.
Perimeter / Wall Wash Ambient
This approach directs light along walls to brighten surfaces and expand the sense of space. It typically uses wall-wash fixtures or linear LED strips near the ceiling, subtly highlighting architectural features without overwhelming the room.
Spot / Pinpoint Lighting
A focused beam targets a single object or small area, drawing the eye precisely where it’s needed. Track lighting, recessed adjustable spotlights, and under-shelf LEDs are common ways to achieve this dramatic effect.
Wall Washing
A broad beam spreads evenly across a wall, emphasizing color, texture, or architectural details. By placing fixtures at the right distance, you can highlight large artwork or feature walls without creating harsh shadows.
Grazing
This technique positions light sources close to a textured surface to accentuate shadows and highlights. It’s especially effective for showcasing stone, brick, or other materials with pronounced relief and depth.
Backlighting / Back Glow
Light is installed behind an object or surface to produce a soft halo effect that adds depth and modern flair. LED strips behind mirrors, signage, or decorative panels are popular for creating a striking silhouette.
Localized / Focused Task Lighting
A concentrated beam illuminates a specific work area, making it ideal for reading, cooking, or detailed projects. Pendants, desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, and adjustable spotlights are all common choices for this purpose.
Linear / Strip Task Lighting
Linear or strip task lighting uses long, narrow fixtures—often LED strips—installed under cabinets or shelves to provide bright, even illumination. It’s perfect for kitchens, retail displays, or workshops that need consistent, focused lighting.
Portable / Adjustable Task Lighting
Portable or adjustable task lighting features movable lamps or fixtures that can be easily repositioned as needed. Common examples include clip-on lights, swing-arm lamps, and battery-powered devices for reading, crafting, or workspace flexibility.
Integrated Task Modules
Integrated task modules are fixtures built directly into furniture or architectural elements, such as under-shelf lights or closet rods with LEDs. This seamless approach delivers on-demand illumination without disrupting the overall design.
Security Lighting
Security lighting typically blends elements of task and ambient illumination to deter intruders and improve nighttime visibility. Floodlights, motion sensors, and perimeter fixtures help protect entryways, driveways, and other vulnerable areas.
Landscape/Outdoor Lighting
Landscape or outdoor lighting highlights gardens, pathways, and architectural features while enhancing safety and ambiance. Techniques range from uplighting trees to placing accent fixtures near focal points, creating a welcoming exterior environment.
More Than Meets the Eye
Lighting significantly influences our mood, comfort, and overall well-being by affecting both our visual and biological processes. A human-centric approach takes these factors into account, often employing tunable white LED systems that shift color temperature and intensity throughout the day to mirror natural daylight cycles.
Brighter, cooler light can promote alertness and productivity during morning and midday hours, while warmer, dimmer settings encourage relaxation in the evening by supporting healthy melatonin levels. Dimmable controls further refine this flexibility, allowing users to adapt illumination for specific tasks or personal preferences. Additionally, high-quality LED fixtures with advanced optics and high Color Rendering Index (CRI) minimize glare and flicker, enhancing visual comfort and reducing eye strain.
By integrating sensors, automated controls, and IoT connectivity, modern lighting solutions can dynamically adjust to occupancy patterns, daylight availability, and circadian requirements, ultimately creating environments that foster better mood, improved performance, and enhanced long-term health.
Fixture Gallery
Hover over the images to learn more about the lighting style, fixture, and room application. We hope to inspire your next project, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical illumination solutions tailored to diverse environments.
Only the Highest-Quality
We choose to work with manufacturers who are leaders in innovation and quality. Their lighting fixtures are designed with advanced technology that delivers consistent brightness, accurate color, and impressive energy efficiency. Every product undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure it performs reliably and lasts long, giving you peace of mind and exceptional illumination.
These top-tier fixtures also feature intuitive controls and smart design elements that make them easy to use and maintain. With smooth dimming, efficient performance, and a focus on enhancing your environment, our selection represents a commitment to excellence and a promise of lighting solutions that truly brighten your space.
Inventors of the solid-state dimmer in 1959 and now holders of 2,700 worldwide patents, Lutron has expanded their product offering to more than 15,000 products. Lutron makes it possible to craft the perfect atmosphere at home or in the workplace to complement your day-to-night activities with personalized lighting and shading control for enhanced comfort and productivity. Recall your favorite settings from a master keypad or remote to easily transform your environment with just a tap or set your lights and shades to adjust on their own so you can focus on the activity at hand. From the workplace to the home, Lutron provides sophisticated solutions for custom lighting and shading that operate seamlessly at your command.
WAC Lighting has been elevating lighting systems for over 35 years with cutting-edge LED lighting technology solutions like decorative lighting, landscape lighting, and architectural products for commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces. Integrate your beautiful and convenient lighting fixtures into your smart home technology ecosystem to easily control all your devices from a centralized interface. Discover the possibilities that WAC Lighting will bring to your home.
