How Many Types of Light Fixtures Do You Need at Home? An Introduction to Common Residential Lighting Fixtures

Lighting design requires the careful selection of fixtures tailored to each space. Given the wide variety of lighting types—each with its own performance and characteristics—gaining a solid understanding of these differences is the essential first step in making informed choices. This time we outline the key features and important considerations of commonly used lighting fixtures in residential settings.

1.Chandelier

Features

• Decorative lighting.
• Typical use cases are in interior spaces with high ceilings.
• Krypton bulbs for chandeliers are used as the light source, which emit a flickering light, and fluorescent lamps, which emit light from the entire surface are not suitable. Recently, LED lamps are also available in the form of dots that emit light like chandelier bulbs.

Notice

• Most have considerable size and weight.
• There are two types of mounting methods: direct mounting on the ceiling and simple mounting using ceiling hooks.
• If the weight of the appliance is too heavy, the structure of the ceiling must be strengthened.

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2.Floor Lamp

Features

• Lighting fixtures for display.
• There is a wide range of sizes and shapes, and the way the light is diffused varies according to the height and the design of the lampshade.
• There are two types of shades: those that allow light to pass through and those that block out the light, allowing only the top and bottom to shine.
• Most of the lamps come with a plug, so there is no need to connect them to a separate power supply, and they are very easy to set up and move around.

Notice

• When creating a lighting plan, it is important to ensure that electrical outlets are installed near the intended fixture locations.

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3.Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Features

• A light fixture that is mounted directly to the ceiling and illuminates the entire interior.
• Many homes use it as the primary lighting.
• The light source is mostly a ring-shaped fluorescent lamp with an acrylic shade to diffuse the light.
• The fixture can be turned on and off with a wall switch or remote control. The type of remote control used may have a stepless or stage dimmer.

Notice

• Most will be mounted with ceiling hooks. It is important to check the compatibility of the ceiling hooks with the bottom of the luminaire against the manufacturer's catalog.

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4.Pendant Lights

Features

• A lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling with a cable or chain.
• There are various sizes and shapes, and a wide range of lampshade styles.
• Installation methods are dominated by ceiling hooks that do not require electrical work, while some must be mounted directly to the ceiling or use lighting rails.
  

Notice

• When ceiling hooks are used, attention must be paid to the weight of the lamp.
• When cables are used, pads are added to support the weight of the fixture.
• In the case of lighting rails, the power supply and switching systems are located on the rails, and it is necessary to check the compatibility of the lighting fixtures used.

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5.Outdoor Lights

Features

• Door post lamps, downlights or projector lamps outside the entrance, garden lamps, etc., with a variety of lamp shapes.
• Generally, rain-proof lighting is used.
• For residential use, lighting fixtures equipped with sensors can be used to provide safety and crime prevention at night.
• When designing, it is important to consider both visual display and functionality such as safety and crime prevention.

Notice

• Even the rainproof type cannot be used in locations where there is a risk of flooding, and lighting fixtures that are buried in the ground and spike-type projectors should not be installed in low-lying areas.
• Outdoor fixtures must have drainage treatment and be confirmed at the time of construction.
• If you are in an area with deep salt damage within 500 meters of the coast, or in an area with salt damage within 2,000 meters of the coast, metal structures such as the frame of a simple lamp under the eaves may corrode, so you must pay more attention to them. In addition to being made of stainless steel, it is best to install it in a location where the salt can be washed away by rainwater.
• Even if it is a rainproof type, the waterproofness will be reduced if the wall-mounted type is used on the floor or if the original direction of use is changed, so it is important to pay attention to this.

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6.Wall Lights

Features

• Lighting fixtures mounted on the wall.
• They are used as auxiliary lighting, lighting for corridors and stairs, and indirect lighting.

Notice

• In order to avoid hitting the light when passing through corridors and stairs, or when carrying things, it is necessary to check the height and depth of the installation location in addition to the length and width of the lighting fixtures themselves.

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7.Foot Lights

Features

• A lamp used to illuminate the area around your feet.
• When used in homes, it is mostly used as a long-lasting light (night light).
• Sensors can be installed in bedrooms and hallways to automatically control the switch.
• In some cases, the lighted part can be removed and used as a flashlight in case of emergency.

Notice

• Typical installation height is 250-300mm from the floor.
• Usually a single or double switch box is used for construction.
• For outdoor applications, a special box is usually embedded in the concrete, and the specifications of different lighting fixtures vary.
• In the case of outdoor concrete installation, the box is sometimes buried at the beginning of the construction work. If you want to change the type of lighting fixture afterward, it may not be compatible with the box already installed, so you must be careful.

8.Downlight

Features

• Lighting fixtures buried in the ceiling.
• A variety of light sources are available, such as fluorescent lamps and LED lamps.
• Overall lighting, localized lighting, lighting with adjustable irradiation angle, wall-washing type lighting, etc. The necessary type can be selected according to different uses.

Notice

• For residential use, most of the lamps are compatible with E26 or E17 lampholders. If the light fixture is small, E17 is used as the standard, and there are two types of mounting, vertical and horizontal(as shown below), for the light source.

• It is necessary to select the appropriate lamps in accordance with the inner space of the ceiling and the thermal insulation of the ceiling.
• Ceiling Insulation Methods and Corresponding Downlights

1. Filling method: SB type
2. Heat-insulating matting method: SB type
3. Heat-insulating matting method with thermal resistance of 6.6㎡ K/W or less: SGI type
4. Heat-insulating mat method with thermal resistance of 4.6㎡ K/W or less: SG type

9.Spotlight

Features

• Used to centrally illuminate a part of a room.
• There are two types: the peg type, which is mounted on a rail (trunking) for lighting, and the flange type, which is mounted directly on the ceiling or wall.
• The peg type can be easily adjusted in number and position after construction.
• The flange type is more aesthetically pleasing.

Notice

• If you install a large number of Peg-type spotlights on the same lighting rail, the ceiling height of a typical house will make the lighting fixtures quite conspicuous, so it is best to install 2 to 3 fixtures at most on a 1000mm rail.
• The maximum number of spotlights that can be installed on one lighting rail depends on the total number of fixing bolts.
• If a switching system for dimming circuits is mounted on a lighting rail, it is not possible to mount non-dimmable luminaires on this rail.

10.Bathroom Lighting

Features

• Must be able to withstand water drops and humidity.
• A rubber ring will be used to seal the gap between the shade and the fixture itself.
• There is also some indirect lighting, but the vast majority is wall or ceiling lights

Notice

• Lamps that are clearly documented as moisture and humidity resistant and rainproof must be used.
  Lampshades should preferably be made of polycarbonate with good durability.
• Lamps with a longer service life will reduce the number of times the lampshade is opened and closed, preventing the seal from weakening.
• When using LED lamps, it is necessary to check whether the lamps are of the sealed type in order to prevent malfunctions.

A well-considered lighting plan is fundamental to both the functionality and aesthetic coherence of any residential space. Each type of light fixture—from general ambient lighting to task- and accent-specific solutions—plays a strategic role in shaping how a space is experienced and utilized. By understanding the strengths and applications of various fixtures, homeowners and designers alike can make informed decisions that enhance visual comfort, support daily activities, and contribute to a cohesive interior design. Ultimately, achieving the right balance of light throughout your home is not just a matter of style, but a key element in creating a space that feels both beautiful and livable.