Ceiling Light Fixtures Installation, The Ultimate Guide

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Lighting fixtures are funny things. Although all of us, without exceptions, are using them on a daily basis, hardly anyone can explain how it all works. And not even that.

Can you name all the light fixtures? Exactly!

Good news, there are only three main types: general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Bad news? That was the easy part. But feel no fear, this post will help you to identify every light source in your house, but also how to install ceiling light fixtures.

Depending on what sort of light fixtures, also called light fittings, you are planning to install steps might be a little bit different. In this post we will focus mainly on recessed lighting in finished ceiling.

Why? Because technically this one is most demanding in terms of actions you have to undertake. We will briefly explain other types as well, so you will definitely get it how to proceed.

Right, let’s jump into it!

Types of Light Fixtures in Interior Design

As briefly mentioned above there are three main types in lighting fixtures structure: general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. In the below infographic you can find what lights exactly are falling under which main category.

This infographic has been followed by explanations of each category, so you can understand even better the purpose and objective of every light.

General Lighting

Called sometimes also ambient lighting. Essential of any good lighting plan since it plays a role of main light provider. Aside of setting the tone for the space, it creates enough light to see and move around the room. Lights in this category include:

• Chandeliers – designed to be mounted on ceilings or walls
• Track Lights – attached anywhere on a continuous tracking
• Recessed Lights – installed into a whole in a ceiling
• Wall Sconces – a type of light fixture fixed to a wall
• Wall Lights – a type of light fixture fixed to a wall
• Pendant Lights – similar to chandelier, usually hanged on cord or chain
• Torchière Lamps – with a tall wood or metal stand
• Wall Grazers – LED strips installed behind plasterboard, emit light evenly on wall or ceiling

Task Lighting

Used in activities such as reading, working at a desk, cooking and other activities where you need more light than ordinary ceiling lighting can provide. Such light can also help you to focus even more on things you are working on. Lights in this category include:

• Floor Lamps – supported by a tall vertical pole
• Desk Lamps – used to provide extra light on the desk
• Swing Arm Lamps – with an adjustable folding arm which
• Table Lamps – mainly decorative, shining upwards
• Under Cabinet Lights – self explanatory 😉
• Vanity Lights – also called bathroom light
• Pendant Lights – similar to chandelier, usually hanged on cord or chain
• Track Lights – attached anywhere on a continuous tracking

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is usually used to highlight specific areas or artwork. Even if you don’t have anything particularly compelling. Such lights can be also used on various sections of a room to create really cool design effect. Lights in this category include:

• Wall Sconces – a type of light fixture fixed to a wall
• Wall Lights – a type of light fixture fixed to a wall
• Cove Lights – used on ceiling and wall corners
• Picture Lights – used to highlight picture or other artwork
• Spot Lights – similar to picture lights to highlight certain spots
• Track Lights – attached anywhere on a continuous tracking
• Recessed Lights – installed into a whole in a ceiling
• Landscape Lights – used in outside the house
• Wall Grazers – LED strips installed behind plasterboard, emit light evenly on wall or ceiling

How to Wire a Ceiling Light (With a Loop)

Once we have clarified all the questions about light fittings and have chosen what sort of light we are planning to install we can proceed to the next step.

Of course swing arm lamps, floor lamps, torch lamps, table lamps and desk lamps do not require any installations other than plugging them in.

Aside of that every light fixture would require more or less work with its installation.

It’s not always the same, hence it’s not easy to judge which ones are least problematic. However, if you do not need to run any wiring, but just replacing the old one the easiest to deal with will be chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, under cabinet lights and bathroom lights.