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

(19,726 Results)

There's so much more for you to discover

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.

alexandreterrien

5 out of 5 stars

"Beautiful lighting & great team. Thank you!"

Mini Pine Cone Pendant Light - Wooden Ceiling Shadow Lighting - Wood Pinecone Chandelier - Dining Room Lampshade - Pineapple Luminaire Lamp
Daniel

5 out of 5 stars

"The fixture arrived in good condition and is exactly as described. It's a beautiful lighting fixture, which was obviously crafted with a great deal of skill. We're very happy with our purchase!"

Dome Oxidized Copper Pendant Light - Copper Industrial Lighting - Copper Kitchen Island light - Copper Lampshade - Art deco lamp
ajoygx

5 out of 5 stars

"The light is absolutely gorgeous! It has a real mid-century feel and totally brought our kitchen together. My only critique is that we were actually missing a piece to anchor it to the ceiling...easy fix, just went to a lighting place and got a plate for like $5, but a bit annoying. Anyway - highly recommend!"

Wooden ceiling light,wood pendant light,pendant light,scandinavian pendant,hanging dining Lamp,hanging light fixture,wooden pendant light
Barbara Talia

5 out of 5 stars

"Absolutely love this lighting fixture. It is beautiful. The item shipped quickly and works perfectly."

Colorful Lighting - Brass Lighting - Geometric Lighting - 3 Bulb Ceiling Light - Model No. 9526

Lighting

Wood Pendant Light | Mid Century Modern | Handmade Lamp | Ceiling Lamp | Chandelier Lighting | Industrial Lamp | Wood Lampshade | Lamp Shade

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

Edison Steampunk lamp-Table lamp-Desk lamp-Rustic home decor-Gift for men-Farmhouse decor-Home decor-Desk accessories-Industrial lighting

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

Handmade Mushroom Lights | Forest Orange Yellow Mushroom | Original Mushroom Lamp | Gift Light | Creative Gift | Illuminating Nature's Magic

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

Scandinavian pendant,wooden pendant light,scandinavian lamp,modern pendant light,geometric Lamp,wooden shade,dining light,modern light,shade

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

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

Mid-Century Modern Chandelier - Embrace Elegance with Woodcrafted Illumination

The Wub With Dimmable Warm LED Bulb

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

Schoolhouse Shade - Vanity Light - Globe Vanity - Opal Glass - Brass Vanity - Vanity Lighting - Bathroom Lights - Model No. 5799

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

Table lamp-Desk lamp-Edison Steampunk lamp-Rustic home decor-Gift for men-Farmhouse decor-Home decor-Desk accessories-Industrial lighting

Summer wood pendant light UFO - Pendant crafted - Natural Wood Veneer -Artistic Light Fixture - Hand made-Unique Light - Modern wood pendant

Handmade Paper Foldable Lamp, Unique Bedside Night Light, Decorative lamp, Aesthetic Home Decor, Housewarming Gift, Unique Decor.

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

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

Vintage pink ceramic swan lamp

Coastal Modern Aqua Glass Bubble Table Lamp with USB port and Outlet, Free Shipping, Bulb Included, Dorm Light, Bedside Light, Desk Lamp

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

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

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

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

Edison Table lamp-Desk lamp- Steampunk lamp-Rustic home decor-Gift for men-Farmhouse decor-Home decor-Desk accessories-Industrial lighting

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

The Yuji with Dimmable Warm LED Bulb

Mountains Custom Name Light | Personalized Bedroom LED Cloud Decor Sign | Light up Sign | Daughter/Son gift Sign /Boy Gift/ Girl Gift

Circuit Board Lamp | CyberPunk Style Decoration Lamp RGB LED | Handmade Night Lantern | Futuristic Style

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

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

Flush mount ceiling light entryway light NAAYA CANISTA SCONDENT flush mount light fixture vintage flush mount light ceramic home decor gift

Copper LED Landscape Light with Three Mushroom Caps

Vanity Light-Interior Lighting-Unique Lighting-Modern Vanity - Model No. 0698

Amoeba Table Lamp with Warm LED Bulb

Spherical Vanity - Bathroom Lighting - 3 Light Vanity - Light Fixture - Modern Lighting - Model No. 5708

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

Large White/Milk Glass Schoolhouse Style Glass Shade Flush Mount Fixture

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

Unique Table lamp-Edison Steampunk desk lamp-Rustic home decor-Gift for men-Farmhouse decor-Home decor-Desk accessories-Industrial lighting

Custom Night Light - Personalized Night Light - Custom Name Night Light - Room Decor Kids - Personalized Gift - Night Light

14" Schoolhouse modern - flush mount - milk glass hand blown - Lighting fixture - brass lighting

Bookend lamp/Rustic decor/Industrial lamp/Steampunk light/Unique lamp/Housewarming/Gift for Men & Book lover/Bedside lamp/Desk accessories

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

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

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

Steampunk Lamp/ Industrial Decor/ Industrial Lamp/ Industrial Table Lamp/ Farmhouse Table Lamp/ Edison Lamp/ Rustic Lamp/ Table Lamp/

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

Custom Night Light as Valentines Day Gift - Anniversary Gifts - Romantic Gift for Couple - Gift for Him - Names and Date - Engagement Gifts

Modern Art Deco - Skyscraper Shade - Hallway Lighting - Ceiling Light - Light Fixture - Model No. 8895

Wooden Farmhouse Pendant Chandelier, Rustic Lighting Fixture For Dining Room, Kitchen Island, Bar, Billiard

Personalized Constellation Chart Lamp - Gift Star Map on Night Light - Gift for Boyfriend / Girlfriend - Stars Chart Gift for Couples

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

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

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

Small Rock Lamp (12" tall) with Lamp Shade

Lamps, Bookshelf Lamp, Literary Lamps, Bookcase Lamp

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

Vintage ceramic shell with a pearl lamp

Pendant Lamp| PORCELAIN EGG PENDANT | Mood Lighting | Unique Light Fixture | Ceramic Hanging Lamp

Crescent Rattan Pendant Light - Boho Lamp, Bamboo Pendant Light, Boho Lamp, Farmhouse, Rattan Lampshade, Pendant Lighting, Ceiling Lighting

Desk Lamp, What are the colors of love? Soft, glowing lighting placed around your home can change the entire mood. Mother's Day Gift

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

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Lighting