Inspiration

Lighting 101 – The Only Light Fixture Guide You’ll Ever Need

New home owners and seasoned carpenters performing home remodeling have often asked themselves if the lighting they are choosing is right for the space and the overall theme of the home. The decision to purchase custom lighting will come with its own challenges, but will lead to a more harmonious design. Coming up are three main categories of light fixtures and their mounting styles that will be commonly used for upgrading the lighting in your home or business.

Indoor Lighting Types

Indoor lighting might be one of those things we take for granted. However, when it comes to home remodeling and building a new space, the light fixtures we choose can play a vital role in ambiance, coordination, comfort, and utility. 

Choosing the right style for each indoor location is crucial for the space to remain timeless, yet effective. The right balance is key to maintaining function and appeal of your locations.

Ceiling

The most common permanent lighting fixture indoors is ceiling lights. These are hard-wired and have electrical cables that originate from an electrical box. Choosing the right light the first time is important because of the time and cost it takes to replace a bad choice in an indoor lighting fixture.

Common indoor spaces that elect to use this type of lighting are kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, living rooms, and hallways.

Sconce Wall Lighting

Sconces are ideal for creating ambiance in spaces where overhead lighting might be too harsh or inadequate, such as living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms.

For businesses, wall sconce lighting represents a strategic investment in both ambiance and brand image. In upscale establishments such as boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, or exclusive spas, sconces contribute to creating memorable experiences for clientele. 

In essence, whether for homeowners seeking to imbue their residences with a touch of rustic charm or business owners aiming to elevate their establishment’s ambiance, sconce lighting stands out as a versatile, elegant, and indispensable choice.

Table/Desk

You may need a more focused illumination solution such as for studying, specialized tasks, work, and decorative ambient lighting. Maybe you also desire portability in your lighting. This is where desk lamps come into play.

Desk lamps are simple to setup unlike more permanent lighting fixtures such as wall sconces and ceiling fixtures. Bulb replacement is a snap with this choice as well.

If you still need more flexibility, some desk lamps include an adjustable swivel arm allowing you to direct light exactly where you need it. This option saves you money as you do not need to buy a second light to fill in missing light.

Walkways

The most common overlooked area for lighting is the walkway. Safety and security are important things to consider when upgrading your lighting in your home. Whether you are building a new house, or remodeling your hallways, enhancing security and preventing accidents.

Walkways are often the first areas guests see when entering your home. Effective and stylish light fixtures can not only create improved ambiance, but also increase the homes value. 

These floor lighting fixture options can be great for task, ambient, and accent lighting due to their focused lighting output. This dog approves!

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting fixtures are essential for safety, security, ambiance, and function. The lack of outdoor lighting can deter your clientele for your business or create an unwelcoming tone for your invited dinner guests. 

Wall/Facade

Entryway wall sconces light fixtures help illuminate the first entry point into your home. This should be decorative, yet functional providing enough light for safety and security. 

Exterior wall lighting is great for ambient illumination and also keeps the property more secure. Garages and wall structures that face the public or a road should be also considered for this type of outdoor lighting.

Pole

Pole lighting becomes the primary light fixture for perimeter, pathways, and as floodlighting for board-beamed illumination of large yards or work zones. This type of outdoor lighting fixture can also help with safety and security of the property. 

Typically these types of lights will use a higher wattage and/or lumen bulb so energy saving by the use of a day/night sensor will help automate the process of this type of system turning off in the mornings.

Lawn/Landscaping

Getting creative with your garden and lawn helps improve that ‘curb appeal’ and accent lighting provides the most precision in your lighting. Decorative lighting compliment your garden with an inviting atmosphere and creates that cozy ambiance we all crave.

Commercial Lighting

A business must face regulatory and efficiency standards. Safety and compliance are key components for any commercial space to remain safe and to be viewed as a trustworthy place of business.

Commercial Sign Lighting

At first glance, it would seem restaurants and retail stores have some challenges when it comes to lighting up the side of their building without the use of pole lighting. 

The gooseneck sign light is the solution and a quintessential choice for commercial lighting. Characterized by their long, curved necks that extend outward, these lighting fixtures not only highlight signs, but also add a touch of nostalgia to any storefront. 

The classic design of these gooseneck sign lights create a timeless appeal of industrial and rustic tones. Beyond aesthetics, the gooseneck design is inherently functional. The curved arm allows for precise positioning, directing light exactly where it’s needed to illuminate signs clearly and attractively. This feature is especially valuable for highlighting business names, logos, and promotional messages during the night or in low-light conditions. Many gooseneck lights also come with adjustable arms, providing flexibility to angle the light for optimal coverage.

Warehouse Lighting

In a warehouse setting, lighting serves multiple essential purposes beyond basic illumination. It directly impacts productivity by enabling workers to navigate aisles, locate inventory quickly, and perform tasks accurately.

Upgrading to modern warehouse lighting solutions offers several benefits:

• Improved Efficiency: Enhanced visibility and task accuracy contribute to improved operational efficiency and reduced error rates.
• Cost Savings: Energy-efficient lighting reduces electricity consumption and maintenance costs over the long term.
• Enhanced Safety and Employee Well-being: Properly lit environments reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer, more comfortable workplace for employees.
• Compliance and Sustainability: Meeting energy efficiency standards and sustainability goals through advanced lighting technology contributes to corporate responsibility and regulatory compliance.

Food Warming – Practical Applications in Restaurants

Imagine a scenario where your everyday lighting fixtures can do more than just illuminate—they can also keep your food warm and appetizing. 

For restaurant owners and caterers, this dual-purpose capability offers several advantages:

• Cost-Effective Solution: Instead of investing in specialized food warming equipment, using existing lighting fixtures saves on upfront costs.
• Space Optimization: Dual-functionality lamps help optimize space in kitchens and serving areas, eliminating the need for additional equipment clutter.
• Flexibility in Use: Lamps can be easily moved and adjusted as needed, accommodating changes in food display layouts or catering setups.

By leveraging the dual functionality of lighting fixtures, restaurant owners can enhance their operations, improve food presentation, and surprise guests with a unique dining experience.

Ready to transform your home or business with the perfect lighting? Our Barn Light fixtures are not only well lit, but truly vintage inspiring. Our lighting fixtures are made right here in the USA with an array of talented artisans who hand-craft every barn light to your order specifications. Contact our expert team today and start your project with Barn Light Electric.  

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Conclusion

Lighting is a crucial component of your remodeling strategy, one that combines form and function to reflect your personal style and meet your practical needs. With the insights and ideas shared in this guide, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions that will bring your vision to light. Whether you are outfitting a commercial space with sign lighting or upgrading your home’s lighting, you can confidently select the perfect indoor or outdoor lighting solutions for each area. 

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