Nothing lights up a home like, well, light! And whether you’re shopping listings or upgrading your current abode, you should know that there are a ton of options, and knowing your sconces from your pendants will help you mastermind the perfect lighting setup for every room in your home.
What are sconces and other types of lighting?
Last week, realtor.com® introduced you to a new column called Learning the Lingo—a running glossary of all the terms you need to know whether you’re buying, selling, or sprucing up your home.
This week, we’re tackling the burning topic of lighting. Check out these terms below to learn about the myriad ways you can shed light in your home.
Pendant
A pendant light is mounted on the ceiling and hangs down from a rod or chain. If you’re updating your space, think in multiples: They work well individually but are most commonly found in clusters of three as a focal point in the living room or foyer (stagger the height and/or size of each for a modern look), or in pairs over a table or kitchen workspace. Some call them “drops” or “suspenders.” Fight the urge. They’re pendants.
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Sconce
A sconce is a wall-mounted fixture—often ornamental or decorative—that works well in pairs flanking a mantel, bed, or entryway or as a series down a hallway. They come in many different sizes and designs, but the unifying feature is that they have no base on the ground and the light is usually (but not always) pointed upward.
Fun fact: “Sconce” is derived from the Latin absconsus and the French esconce. Contrary to once-popular belief, they don’t have to feel old-fashioned or stuffy. Lots of contemporary, fashion-forward, and even, dare we say, funky options have been popping up, so look around.
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Chandelier
These oft-ornate, ceiling-mounted fixtures don’t have to be Liberace-caliber to qualify for this designation. Though, many of them are blingy and dripping with crystals. The first chandeliers date to medieval times and were powered by candles, lots of them. But today any fixture that hangs from the ceiling and has branches for holding multiple bulbs is officially a chandelier.
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Recessed lighting
If you’ve been in a home built in the past 10 years, you’ve seen these. Recessed lights are set into the ceiling and installed in multiples to create an unobtrusive and practical lighting solution. Also called “pot lights,” this option is best installed during renovation work or new construction, since it requires cutting into the ceiling.
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Track lighting
Track lighting is what it sounds like: a metal rod attached to the ceiling with multiple small bulbs attached (think: miniature spotlights). The track can be straight, curved, or even circular. Depending on the model you buy, some fixture heads can be moved on the track and pivot the direction of the light.
Surface-mount fixture
A surface-mount fixture—typically round and without a rod or chain—sits flush against the ceiling. Perhaps you’ve wobbled perilously on a step-ladder trying to unscrew the cover to your fixture to replace a bulb? Then yes, you have a surface-mount fixture.
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Ambient lighting
Ambient light, also known as general lighting, radiates at an even and comfortable level of brightness without glare. The overall intention is often to replicate natural illumination. Chandeliers, sconces, and recessed lighting all give off ambient light.
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Task lighting
Task lighting, on the other hand, puts a spotlight on your tasks (though preferably not the top of your head). The focused, bright light makes reading, cooking, etc. easier. Pendant lights and track lighting provide great task light.
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Junction box
If you’ve ever been around during renovation or construction work, you’ve probably seen those square metal boxes that house the wiring. They have a name, thankyouverymuch: junction boxes. They are permanently mounted electrical boxes to which switches and light fixtures should be attached. Try not to mess with them too much.
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Canopy
The part of the light fixture that attaches to the ceiling and covers the electrical junction box. Be warned, though: These are often sold separately from a pendant fixture. The upside: You can customize your look from an unobtrusive silver disc to ornate bronze that’ll match your fancy crown molding.
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Hard-wired fixture
Any fixture labeled “hard-wired” is operated by a switch—as opposed to lamps that can be plugged into a socket. It also requires professional installation (unless you are superhandy, in which case you most likely aren’t reading a lighting primer).
