Architectural Lighting

What Is Architectural Lighting?

Architectural lighting fixtures are typically low-profile fixtures designed to enhance the architecture of your home. These fixtures are meant to integrate within the ceiling, wall and floor planes and subtly illuminate the space. Unlike pendants, chandeliers and other types of fixtures that are often meant to make a statement and become a focal point within a space, architectural lights themselves aren’t meant to be noticed, but rather to showcase the surfaces that they illuminate.

What Are the Different Types of Architectural Lighting?

There are many different types of architectural lights available. These include architectural recessed lighting, architectural track lighting, and comprehensive architectural lighting systems. Recessed lights, or can lights as they are often called, are housed above the ceiling plane, creating a very clean effect. Track lights involve a rail and multiple fixture heads that can be positioned and aimed as needed to wash a wall or to showcase a piece of art, as an example.

How To Shop For Architectural Lighting Fixtures

Shopping for architectural lighting fixtures can seem daunting, as there is much more to selecting these types of fixtures than simply aesthetics. If your budget allows, working with a lighting designer can help save a lot of headache when it comes to choosing the best fixtures to achieve a balanced lighting design. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, you’ll want to choose fixtures with trims and finishes that complement your interior design and other lighting and hardware within your home.

What Else Should I Consider Before Buying Architectural Lighting?

Before buying architectural lighting, you should have a general strategy in place to determine the right fixtures for your project. Are you aiming to accomplish general overhead lighting with evenly spaced recessed lights? Or would you like to highlight specific architectural features, such as a fireplace or decorative column? Do you need the system to be adjustable and dimmable? These are all things you should take into account when shopping for architectural lights.

Architectural Lighting FAQs

Is Architectural Lighting Modern?

Architectural lighting is one of the most modern lighting options out there. Since the fixtures themselves are either meant to not be noticed or to be very minimal and subtle, this will give your home a fresh, modern look.

Where does Architectural Lighting Work Best?

Architectural lighting can work well in any type of home, or space within your home! You can combine architectural light fixtures with other fixture types to create a balanced lighting scheme.

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