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What do you think of when someone mentions, “light fixture?” When you hear these words, does the image of a fluorescent light about three feet long enter your mind or do you think of the outside lights on a building or attached to poles along the street? Each of these can qualify as a light fixture. Then again, each of us has his or her own idea of what a light is and what a fixture is.
A light fixture is something that is securely attached to a house or building, in this case. A light is, simply, something that makes things visible or provides illumination. Put the two together and you have the basis for a huge industry, one of the most successful in the world today. The truth is hard to deny – one company may offer thousands of different styles and sizes of light fixtures, enough to suit every need. No matter where you are looking, in person, in a catalog, or online, if you need a light fixture, chances are the first question you will need to answer is about the specific room of the house the fixture is for. Perhaps you need a light fixture for your bathroom. The styles available range from simple glass globes and industrial stainless steel to delicate vanity fixtures with two, three, even four bulbs. Do you need a reading lamp or work lamp? There are dozens of different styles to choose from, including the popular swing-arm lamp mounted on the wall and the desk lamp that can be fixed to the edge of the desk on a semi-permanent basis. Of course, the most important consideration is making sure the light fixture provides adequate light for detail type work. It is very important that you know what type of room and application your light fixture will be used for. Many companies specialize in fixtures for particular interior designs and for certain workspaces. For example, if you are looking for a fixture that is also part of the design of the room, you may want to choose the arts & crafts style or the Colonial revival style. Modern American lighting is better suited for the newest of homes and for owners who are interested in the “techno” look with stainless steel, brushed nickel and so on. Then again, you may need a light fixture that is not going to be the focus of attention but must provide a maximum of light. For instance, the popular track light should be part of the plan for your room, but security lighting and floodlights can be mounted with less concern for appearance. In any case, the light fixture is a part of home and office design that may require a bit of pre-planning. |
Lighting Types and Bulbs