Comparison of Indoor Lighting

Types

• Active rooms such as kitchens and other work spaces usually need some form of direct lighting or task lighting. Pendant lights hung from the ceiling are an excellent source of direct light in the kitchen as well as under-cabinet lighting. Offices require direct lighting as well; table lamps, wall mounted lighting and desk lamps offer bright direct lighting where it's needed most.

Indirect Lighting

• While direct light is fine for a kitchen, you wouldn't want that in your living room or foyer. This space compared to a work space would favor indirect or subtle lighting such as sconces, chandeliers or floor lamps. Additionally ceiling height will determine lighting style. Higher ceilings work well with pendant lights and chandeliers but low ceilings will feel even lower and confining with drop lighting; recessed style is much more appropriate and functional.

Considerations

• Low activity areas have different lighting needs than high activity areas. The lighting in a bedroom will be vastly different than lighting in an active space like your family room. These rooms prefer low lighting with table lamps for bedside reading. Often no overhead light is necessary, though a few recessed lights will provide ample light. Sconces placed on walls and wall mounted reading lights are another excellent choice for bedrooms.