What are the common types of lighting for a home?

Intentionally selected lighting fixtures add a stylish finishing touch to a space. Beautiful, handmade, well-crafted pieces double as decor and can emphasize the home decor style in your home. There are a few different types of lighting fixtures, depending on the type of lighting and the mounting space you’re working with: Light fixtures are hardwired into your house’s electrical system, like pendant lamps, wall sconces, and some chandeliers. Ceiling fans are great light fixtures that can regulate the temperature of a room while illuminating it, too. Lamps, shades & bases are generally of the plug-in variety, allowing you to determine where you want light and how it plays well with your decor.

How do you choose between ambient, task, or accent lighting?

Within the main types of lighting, there are three main ways light is directed in a space: ambient, task, and accent. The best choice for your space starts with how you plan to use that lighting. Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is used to illuminate an entire room evenly. This type of lighting can also be used outdoors, such as the front yard and patio. Both flush mount and semi-flush mount fixtures add ambient lighting in a space. Flush lighting sits directly against the ceiling or wall and is a popular choice for low ceilings and small rooms. Semi-flush mount lighting leaves a small gap between the fixture and the surface it’s attached to. It may cast light downwards, or it may reflect off the ceiling. Task lighting is mainly used to light a specific workspace where you’ll be performing a task such as food prep in the kitchen, filling out important forms at your office desk, or fixing something in a garage. Task lighting includes fixtures like table lamps, stylish floor lamps , and pendant lights. Accent lighting can play up a particular focal point in your home, like your prized art collection or decorative columns. Wall sconces, recessed lighting, and hidden fixtures are popular types of accent lighting and can be used throughout your home. There’s no need to settle on just one type of lighting in a room, either. Play around with mixing and matching two or three different lighting styles throughout a space, and see how it affects the look and the mood of the room. This gives you the option to switch from focused task lighting, say for reading a book in your favorite chair, to a more relaxed and cozy setting as you settle in for movie night.

How do you choose the best lighting for a room?

When shopping for statement lighting , consider both the way you’ll be using the space as well as the best lighting fixture size. The goal is to achieve even lighting throughout. For example, a statement chandelier may be enough to fully illuminate the dining room or foyer, but may not provide enough light in a spacious great room. Dainty wall sconces or flush-mount ceiling lights light up a hallway without cluttering this tight space. Next, choose a design you love, or request a custom fixture. Lighting not only brightens a room, it adds to the overall feeling you’re creating in your living space. The handcrafted fixtures available from lighting shops on Etsy blend both function and form. Many of these lighting options can be customized, too. If you’re searching for a certain mounting style, for example, many sellers can adapt their light fixtures to work in your space. After you’ve landed on which type and style of lighting you want, round out your interior decorating by detailing your room with light accessories like fancy pull chain and wall switch plates, and stock up on light bulbs to keep your home happy and bright.

Lighting

Light Fixtures

Lamps, Shades & Bases

Light Accessories

Ceiling Fans

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Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Hanna Bode

5 out of 5 stars

"Perfect! Amazing! Love all of the lighting modes!"

Custom Neon Sign | Neon Sign | Room Decor | LED Neon Light| Neon Bar Sign| Neon Bedroom Sign | Neon Light | Wedding Neon | Personalized Gift
taurus042692

5 out of 5 stars

"Just too cute! Exactly as pictured. I love the lighting"

Astrology Night Light - Personalized Night Light - Zodiac Night Light - Zodiac Sign Gift - Astronomy Gifts - Gift For Boyfriend / Girlfriend
Brandy Softley

5 out of 5 stars

"this lamp is absolutely stunning! even off and disassembled!! a wittle smaller than i excepted but not really if you read the dimensions lol i can tell the colors will be exactly like the photo when it’s lit up too. shipping was lighting fast for it to be free and from another country?!?! customer service was fast when i had questions."

Colormix Ceiling Lamp, 3 Globe Chandelier, Turkish Lamp, Mosaic Pendant Lamp, Turkish Ceiling Lamp, Hanging Light, Asylove New Design
Shelli Wheeler

5 out of 5 stars

"This looks amazing in our den. So happy with the lighting and design!!"

Hanging lamp / Ceiling Lamp Majesty Natural OAK / Hand made Unique Light / Pendant Nordic Lamp / Hanging lamp
gracehebb

4 out of 5 stars

"Packaging was superior. Quality of all elements was excellent. One minor complaint….I had requested a longer electrical cord as I was installing this in our dining room which has a vaulted ceiling. I did not follow up with the seller but rather went the easy route and purchased a 12’ pendant lighting kit from Canadian Tire for approx $15 which had a similar fabric covered cord. I’m sure the seller would have remedied it but I was in a hurry to install it. I was happy that 2 additional pieces were included, as I broke one. Phew! All in all, I’m really happy with the light and think it looks beautiful."

Wood Pendant Light | Hanging Lamp | Modern Wood Chandelier | Dezaart Wood Chandelier | Wood Pendant Lighting | Wood Chandelier Lighting
Derek Hemming

5 out of 5 stars

"This shade is the perfect accent light for our living room! The shade fits perfectly on our hanging pendant light cord base and it puts off a mesmerizingly gentle amber glow for a relaxed setting. It is quite small so it may not be ideal as functional lighting but it is wonderful as a mood light."

Pendant lampshade AMBER | retro minimal design, hanging pendant lamp LED ONLY

Lighting

Kai Rattan Pendant Light - Modern Organic, Farmhouse, Bohemian Lampshade, Bamboo pendant light, Rattan Furniture, Patio Pendant Light

Bubbles Lighting, Ceiling Pendant light with Multicolored bubbles for Kitchen island, bedside light - modern lighting

Elowen Rattan Pendant Light - Modern Organic, Farmhouse, Bohemian Lampshade, Bamboo pendant light, Rattan Furniture, Patio Pendant Light

Wood Pendant Light | Mid Century Modern Chandelier | Hanging Lamp | Wood Chandelier Lighting | Modern Light Fixture | Modern Pendant Light

Handmade White Mushroom Lamp | Forest Mushroom Lamps | Mushroom Light | Table Desk Lamp | Gift Lights | Anniversary Gift | Anniversary Gift

Camilla Rattan Pendant Light - Modern Organic, Farmhouse, Bohemian Lampshade, Bamboo pendant light, Rattan Furniture, Patio Pendant Light

Table Lamp DISTORTION | Wood Table Lamp | Bedside Lamp | Wooden Lamp|Wood Base Lamp| Decorative Lamp|Wood Lamp|Wood Lampshade |Beech |Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Chandelier - Embrace Elegance with Woodcrafted Illumination

The Yuji with Dimmable Warm LED Bulb

Handcrafted Wooden Pendant Light Fixture - Illuminate Your Space with Warmth and Style - Create a Cozy Ambiance with our Handcrafted Lights

Sunflower Resin Sphere with Light Base | Handmade Resin Craft with Real Sunflower Inside - Home Décor Night Light, Accent Lighting

Dezaart Wood Pendant Light |Wood Chandelier Lighting|Wood Pendant Light Modern Chandelier| Hanging Lamp|Mid Century Modern Chandelier|Scandi

Amoeba Table Lamp with Warm LED Bulb

Maisie Rattan Pendant Light - Modern Organic, Farmhouse, Bohemian Lampshade, Bamboo pendant light, Rattan Furniture, Patio Pendant Light

Wood Pendant Light | Ceiling Light Fixture | Wooden Black Plexiglass Lighting | Wood Pendant Light Modern Chandelier | Dezaart

Handmade Purple Mushroom Lamp | Vintage Mushroom Lamp | Cute Mushroom Light Night | Bedroom Fairy Lights | Gift Lights | Anniversary Gift

Sea Turtle & Couple Diver Night light, Winter gifts, Large Epoxy Resin Wood Table lamps, Home decor unique gift, Mother day gift

Mid-Century Wood Pendant Light - Embrace Modern Elegance for Dining, Kitchen, or Bedroom Illumination from Dezaart.

Creative Branch Arm Chandelier 12/18/24 Molecular Balls Light Fixtures Slanted Ceiling, Remodel For Living Room Office Bedroom Dining Room

Set of 2 Murano glass shell wall sconce in crystal colour with brass structure, Made in Italy wall lamp

Brass Wall Sconce- Brass light with Linen shade

Wood pendant light dining, living room, Modern pendant linear lamp over kitchen island, Chandelier lighting, Ceiling Light, Hanging lamp

Inspired Handcrafted 1 Light Modern Brass Italian Wall Lamp Luminaire

Bathroom Wall Sconce, Bathroom Light, Mid Century Modern, Brass Prism Wall Light, Bathroom Wall Light, Vanity Fixture, Modern Mirror Light

L06B 60-80 Handmade wood pendant lamp, birch veneer. Ceiling design hanging chandelier light

Great white shark & Couple Diver Night light, Valentines day gift, Kids gift, Free Diving, Unique Summer Gift, Home decor, Gift for him

Vintage ceramic shell with a pearl lamp

Candle Warmers Lamp, Vintage Scandinavian, mushroom decorative lamp for desk bedroom , orange or white aesthetic home decor, EU-US plug

Blackened Brass Wall Lighting - Blackened Brass Wall Lamp Vanity Light Fixture, Wall Sconce, Wall lamp, Wall Light , Small Wall Lighting

Bankers Light Green Glass Cordless Desk Lamp, Rechargeable Library Lamp, Battery Powered Lamp for Office Desk

Art Deco Table Lamp - Retro Design Light for Bedroom, Living room - 3D Printed Lamp

Vintage Charm: Mid-Century Modern Wooden Stalactite Pendant Light Fixture - Timeless Elegance Inspired by Nature

Flush Mount Ceiling Light Wood, Flush Ceiling Light Fixtures, Flush Ceiling Lights, Low Ceiling Light, Pendant Lamp Shade, Farmhouse Light

Mono Vintage Railway Glass Wall Light 11.8'' (30cm)

Dezaart Wood Pendant Light | Wood Light Fixture | Wood Chandelier Lighting | Hanging Lamp | Wood Pendant Light Modern Chandelier | Lampshade

Oxidized Dome Copper Pendant Light - Hand Carved Copper Kitchen Island Lighting - Copper Industrial Lamp - Art deco Copper light fixture

Artisanal Masterpiece: Handmade Beech Wood Table Lamp Featuring Elegant Spherical Elements - with Natural Elegance and Warmth

White Hive Lampshade | White Pendant Light | Contemporary Lamp | Modern Lamp | Geometric Lamp | Made from Sugarcane | W20cm x H20cm

Dark Blue Pendant Lamp, Stone Chandelier, Designer Hanging Lights, Scandinavian Design, Concrete Accessories

Wood Pendant Light Japandi Style - Wooden Veneer Chandelier For Dining Room - MCM Sculptural Pendant Light Fixture 70s Inspired Lamps- Wing

Vintage Sconce / Large Wall Lamp / Mid Century / Flush Mount Light / Wood and Ice Glass / Rustic Ceiling Light / Elegant Farmhouse Lamp

Vintage Japanese Style Ceramic Wave Shape Pendant Light

The Stance With Dimmable Warm LED Bulb - 2024 GRAMMYs center piece

Copper Pendant Light-Copper Lampshade-Bronze Lamp-Ceiling Light-Hanging Light-Honeycomb Pattern-Geometric Lamp-Bees- W20cmxH30cm

Lea Wall Sconce Olive Green On/Off Switch Mid Century Modern Bedside Lamp Raw Brass

Cordless Table Lamp with Edison Bulb - Resin Sandstone Materi, Rechargeable - Battery Powered Industrial Retro Table Lamp

Woven Pendant Light Shade, hanging dancing basket lightshade, handwoven with ilala palm. Coastal pendant light shade

SATURN Floor Lamp White

Handcrafted Oak and Walnut Floor Lamp - Stylish Lighting for Living Room and Bedroom

Vanda Handmade lamp / Chandelier Lighting / Hanging lamp / Modern chandelier / Industrial Wood / Pendant Light / more colors

Dragonfly nightlight, Nightlight with Dragonfly, Dragonfly decor, Dragonfly light, Dragonfly night light, Glass Dragonfly

Rare glass shell lamp, Monica Backström for Kosta Boda

Leaf Floor Lamp - 107 cm (3'6) On Wire Stand, Handmade Modern Living Room Decor, Space Saving, Eco Friendly Packaging | Organic Resin Paper

Steel Cage Industrial Wall Sconce - Rustic Wall Light Fixture

Wood Pendant Light, Mid Century Modern, Handmade, Ceiling Lamp, Chandelier Lighting, Industrial Lamp, Wooden Lamp, Lampshade Ceiling,

Zen Atmosphere Driftwood Mushroom Desk Lamp Night Light NL001

Mushroom Lamp - Retro Table Lamp | Art Deco Lamp | 3D Printed Shade Ceramic Base | Mushroom Lamp Shade | 5W LED Bulb

Large size Octopus Shipwreck Night light Desk Decor, Pirate ship, Resin Wood Lamp, Wreck Miniature, Home decor, Winter gift

Concrete LED Table lamp - Handcrafted Modern Bedside Light - Unique Side Light - Minimalistic Home Decor

L21B 60-80 Handmade wood pendant lamp, birch veneer. Ceiling design hanging chandelier light

Minimalist Wall Sconce, Bedroom Wall Sconce, Fabric Wall Sconce, Antique Brass Wall Sconce, Brass Wall Light, Mid Century Sconce,Wall Sconce

6” Small Rounded White/Opal Glass -- Flush Mount -- Hand Blown Glass -- Light Fixture -- Made in the USA

White Dawn Flush Mount Ceiling Light in Ceramic and Oak

Pistachio/Green handglazed bedside ceramic lamp with Raffia/Rattan shade

There's so much more for you to discover

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