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Lighting / General knowledge / Types of lamps

Cabinet lighting
Cabinet lighting consists of small lamps that are mounted inside
the cabiet. They help to locate what' is inside the cabinet. Most
are battery operated, so there is no connection to a main power
source

Ceiling lamps
Ceiling lamps cast diffused or directed light depending on the
shade, and provide general lighting over the entire room.

If the light is directed downward, shield the bulb to prevent

glare. This is not necessary if the bulb sits high up in the shade, as
it does in a canister light.

If the light is directed upward onto a white or light-coloured

ceiling, the light reflects off the ceiling and back down into the
room.

A dimmer switch lets you control the light, so that the same
ceiling lamp can provide softer or brighter light.

Counter top light

The most functional lighting to use over a work surface in a
kitchen is countertop lighting.

Countertop lighting needs to be installed on the underside of the

top cabinet, along the front edge. This provides a directed and
wellshaded light over a large area.
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Downlights
Downlights are hung from the ceiling and direct light straight
down. They cast a more strictly contrasted light than other types
of ceiling lamps.

Several downlights hung together can provide an effective light

along a corridor.

Floor lamps
Floor lamps cast either directional or diffused light, depending on
the lamp shade. A directional light is useful as a reading lamp
next to an armchair.

Pendant lamps
Pendant lamps hung high up produce general lighting, whether
they are diffusers or directional lamps.

A pendant lamp over a dining table needs to hang 55-60 cm

above the tabletop. This is low enough to prevent glare, and
high enough so the lamp will not block the view of people sitting
at the table.

For a pure light that is appropriate for dining for example,

choose a lamp shade that is white on the inside.
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Picture lighting
Picture lighting is an easy way to draw attention to artwork and
other favourite item on a wall. Spotlights also work as picture
lighting.

This directed lighting helps to create a comfortable background

light in the room.

Note: The light from halogen bulbs can fade the colours in a
picture, so these bulbs need to have protective glass on them.

Spotlights
Spotlights come in small radiant and wide radiant types. They
are often adjustable so they can be directed to the spot you
want to light up.

With spotlights mounted onto a track, you can easily move the
light along the track if you want to rearrange the room.