How to Select Light Fixtures

Choose a style of light fixture based on the room type. If the room is an elegant room, like a dining room, or has a high ceiling, like a foyer, consider a chandelier. Wall sconces or other lights that are attached to walls are appropriate for hallways, family rooms or home theaters. Use ceiling light fixtures or lights attached to ceiling fans for bedrooms. Bedrooms can also have table lamps to add to the lighting design. Track or overhead lighting is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Determine your budget. If you are choosing light fixtures for an entire house, you probably have less to spend on each fixture than if you were just choosing fixtures for one room.

Visit a home improvement store or light fixture store to browse the selection and get a feel for cost. Look at light fixtures appropriate for each room you are decorating. Once you determine what type of light fixture you want, you can narrow down the particular fixture you are going to buy.

Visit antique stores to look for unique and older light fixtures to give character to a room. You might not find a good match, but it is fun to look and you might stumble on the perfect light fixture that also serves as a conversation piece. Always make sure that there is a UL sticker present on the fixture to make sure it is safe for your home.

Search online to compare rates. You can search for particular light fixtures you are considering buying, or look at light fixtures sold directly from factories or other discount sites. See Resources for a few links.

Purchase a light fixture based on cost, how well the fixture matches the room decor, placement of the fixture in the room and type of light bulb it uses. You might also consider whether the fixture has to be professionally installed or if you can install it yourself.