A Lamp

The most common incandescent household lamp.

Accent Lighting

Localized and directional lighting used to highlight, focus attention or dramatize a room or outdoor space. As part of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants and other possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outside landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it.

ADA Wall Brackets

Wall-mounted fixtures that extend less than 4” from the wall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Aiming Angle

How you point or direct an adjustable light.  An aiming angle of 30 degrees is effective for paintings and/or sculptures.   Be careful when using an adjustable light on mirrors, so you are not blinded by the reflection.  Use a flashlight to get an idea how the light would be reflected before you install!

Alabaster

Alabaster is a natural stone that is much like marble in that it is quarried, cut and made into shades and bowls. It creates a warm, rich look, with each piece being completely unique. Since stone is expensive, many lighting pieces recreate the look with more affordable alabaster glass.

Alabaster Glass

As an alternative to Alabaster stone, many lighting pieces recreate the look with more affordable alabaster glass.

Ambient Lighting

Also known as general lighting, ambient lighting provides an area with overall, non-specific illumination. Ambient lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lighting or with outdoor fixtures. 

Antique Finish

A finish that simulates aging, often accomplished by wiping dark pigment across a metal or wooden components.

Aperture

The opening of a fixture through which light is emitted.

Art Deco

A mainstream design style that reached its heyday in the 1920s. Typified by streamlined design shapes, geometric patterns, bold outlines and the artistic use of industrial materials, such as stainless steel, plastic and pressed glass.

Art Nouveau

A decorative art movement that emerged in the late nineteenth century characterized by dense asymmetrical ornamentation in sinuous forms.

Average Rated Life

The number of hours required for half of a large group of light bulbs to burn out. The actual life of any light bulb or small group of bulbs will typically be different from the average rated life. Half will last longer, half will burn out sooner.

Baffle

The part of a fixture that blocks light to prevent glare and control brightness. Baffles may be integral blades, plates or grooves or an accessory. Baffles are often painted black to absorb light.

Ballast

Component required for fluorescent (and HID) lamps. Ballasts provide enough voltage to start the lamp and then limit the current for continuing operation.

Bath Bar

These fixtures supply task lighting, while supplementing the general lighting provided by ceiling fixtures. These lights are most often arranged in a row / bar fashion to provide lighting for grooming.

Beveled Glass

Clear glass, often with a high lead content, with edges that are cut on an angle to add depth and glitter.

Blade Pitch

Angle of the blade iron or blade holder on a ceiling fan. Fans with a higher degree of blade pitch will move more air.

Blown Glass

Hand blown glass is created by artisans who blow air into a molten balloon of glass. The artisan’s skill determines the shape and texture of the finished piece.

Bobesche

The saucer at the base of a candle originally designed to catch the molten wax drippings of the candle. Mostly used on chandeliers and sconces.

Brass

An alloy of zinc and copper, brass forms and polishes easily. Solid brass means the fixture is made entirely of brass, rather than a brass-plated material.

Bronze

Harder than brass, bronze is used for its durability, especially in high-grade outdoor lighting.

Brushed Finish

 A satin or lightly textured finish, usually on metal. It is produced by brushing with a wire wheel or buffing with a fine abrasive.

Cased Glass

Glass consisting of a layer of clear glass fused to a layer of opal or other tinted glass. Cased glass transmits light more efficiently than opal, with more luster and better diffusion. Cased glass can be either hand blown or machine molded.

Candlestick Lamp

A fixture that has a tall, slim column, taken after traditional candlestick lighting. Also known as a console lamp.

Canopy

 A fixture part that covers an outlet box.

Cans

Another term for recessed down lights.

Casting

Pouring or forcing metal or glass into a prepared mold or any part manufactured in this manner.

Chandeliers

General lighting fixtures that can provide sparkle and style to any area.  Some are designed with down lights or shades to provide task lighting while other provide general illumination.  Chandeliers are available in many lamping variations.

Colonial Style

Reminiscent of pre-revolutionary America, this style emphasizes clean, simple lines, though it may also refer to a more ornate style which relies on curving lines and scroll work.

Compact Downlight

Small recessed incandescent fixtures generally no more than five inches deep.

Compact Fluorescent

A small fluorescent light bulb that is often used as a alternative to incandescent lighting.  The lamp life is about ten times longer than incandescent lamps and is 3 to 4 times brighter.  Often referred to as a CFL. 

Contemporary style

Lighting derived from the industrial styling of Modernism, blending function and form. Brushed metal surfaces, the use of plastic materials, sleek, streamlined forms, and geometrically shaped glass shades and bowls predominate.

Copper

A soft, pure metal, usually used for accent detailing. Over time, it oxidizes to a distinctive green color when exposed to the air.

Cove Lighting

Light built into a cove, a shelf or ledge at the upper part of a wall, to illuminate the ceiling. Typically fluorescent, cold cathode or low voltage strip.

Crystal Glass

Fine quality transparent glass available in a variety of styles and cuts.  It is often used in table lamps, chandeliers and floor lamps. .

Cylinder Downlights

Fixtures that can be mounted to a wall, ceiling or overhang to aim light downward.

Damp Location

UL listing for fixtures used in a moist unexposed area, such as a bathroom or porch area.

Deck Lights

Deck lights typically mount to the outside of a home or to the railing of a wooden deck. Since they are located near where people sit, good shielding and proper mounting height are important to reduce glare.

Decorative Bulbs

Decorative light bulbs include flame, teardrop and candelabra shapes.  They are available in a variety of wattages and shapes to suit many fixture designs.

Die Casting

Casting in a reusable mold (the die). Die-castings are generally precisely manufactured parts requiring a high initial investment in the die.

Diffuser

Light control device that spreads light by scattering it. Opal glass and plastic, etched glass, fabric and paper shades act as diffusers.

Dimmer

Control that varies the output of the light source by reducing the voltage or current to the lamp.

Direct Lighting

Lighting that casts all, or at least 90%, of its light downward. The term can also refer to the distribution of light or the fixtures that produce this type of lighting. With intense beams, direct lighting is very dramatic, rendering forms and textures well. Typical fixtures include recessed lights, track lights, some pendant lights and task lights.

Downlights

Usually refers to recessed downlights, however, some designers use the term to describe any fixture aiming straight down.

Direct Mounted

Direct-mounted fixtures are typically bowls that are fastened to a ceiling holder. Most use diffusers of glass or acrylic. These fixtures work best for low to moderate light levels.

Extended Life Lamp

Incandescent light bulbs with 2500+ hours of rated average life and reduced output; uses a stronger filament.

Eyeball

A recessed, adjustable accent light that protrudes below the ceiling plane.

Faux Stone

Plaster and other material can be molded and textured or finished to look like real stone. Genuine stone is usually too heavy for the body of a light fixture, but is popular for the bases of portable lamps, where weight is an advantage.

Figure Lamps

A staple of Art Deco design and lighting. From this period most figure lamps portray a female figure, often holding a globe shade. Victorian figure lamps often involve cherubs or young maidens. Animal and Cartoon figures in children’s lighting are more modern examples.

Filament

The tightly coiled tungsten wire of an incandescent lamp; glows to produce light when electricity flows through it.

Flood

The wide distribution of a reflector lamp, abbreviated FL. Also, a fixture with a wide spread of light.

Floodlights

Floodlights create a widespread distribution of light, perfect for illuminating a wall, sign or large object. A floodlight should be well shielded with an accessory louver or shield to avoid stray light and glare.

Fluorescent Lamps

Approximately three times as efficient as their incandescent counter parts and longer lasting.  There is a wide range of colors available in fluorescents.  Fluorescent bulbs need to be recycled as they contain mercury.

Flushmount

A type of ceiling fan that mounts directly to a junction box, and do not have a down-rod to maintain maximum clearance from the floor.

Frame-In Kit

Part of a recessed down light connected to the electrical circuit and generally installed when the ceiling is open.  Frame-In Kits are of various types according to the nature of the construction and the lamp.

French Country

The French country style relies on golden yellows, pure blues and deep reds. Lamp materials can be in wrought iron or antique finishes and the rooster theme is seen frequently.

G Lamp

Globe-shaped, decorative, incandescent light bulb, generally used in fixtures where the bulb is exposed.

General Lighting

Also known as ambient lighting or general lighting provides an area with overall, non-specific illumination. General lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lighting or with outdoor fixtures. A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight, general lighting is fundamental to lighting a home.

General Service (A) Bulbs

General service or A lamps are inexpensive and are readily available in a variety of wattages.  They produce a yellowish white light that is emitted in all directions and are generally available in clear, frosted, and white versions.

Grazing Light

Directional light at an acute angle, which emphasized texture. The sources of grazing light must be close to the surface. See also Wall Grazing.

Hall / Foyer Fixtures

These fixtures should provide general illumination in the area.  Use ceiling, chain-hung or close to ceiling flush-mount fixtures for lighting in hallways, stairways and entrance halls.  

Halogen Lamp

Halogen bulbs are incandescent light bulbs with a halogen gas fill and a quartz glass capsule. The quartz capsule requires a separate glass shield or enclosure.  Halogen bulbs operate at higher internal temperatures, producing more light per watt and brighter light than ordinary incandescent; lamp life is also extended. Halogen lamps include A, MB, T, PAR and MR types.

Hammered Glass

Glass seen most commonly on outdoor fixtures that has a rippled, pitted “hammered” look.

Hand-Blown Glass

Individually produced glass made by artisans who blow molten glass into different decorative shapes.

Heat Ratings

Like recessed down lights, surface mounted fixtures must pass heat tests to assure they do not affect combustible ceiling materials. This limits the maximum wattage in these fixtures, and sometimes necessitates the installation of high-temperature wiring. Always follow the labeled lamping; never use higher wattages or different lamps.

Hurricane Lamp

A lamp having a distinctive glass globe sheild for its bulb. Patterned after 19th century oil and candlestick lamps.

IC Fixture

Insulated Ceiling Fixture. This recessed down light is suitable for direct burial in thermal insulation. Called type IC.

In-Ground Up lights

These sealed outdoor accent lights provide maximum concealment because the source is recessed into the ground. Both line and low voltage sources are available.

Indirect Lighting

Lighting that directs all or most light upward for ambient or general illumination; comfortable illumination with few shadows. Typical fixtures include uplight cans, torchieres and bowl style fixtures.

Insulated Ceiling Fixture

Recessed down-lighting suitable for direct burial in ceiling thermal insulation. Called Type IC.

Jack

Plug-in stem used in low voltage fixtures.

Junction Box

Enclosure that protects spliced wires and supports surface fixtures, such as wall fixtures or ceiling fans. Also called an outlet box

Lacquer

Clear coating that protects metal fixtures from rusting or tarnishing. May be tinted in various colors by adding colored dye.

Lead Crystal

Fine quality glass having a high content of lead oxide.  

Lighting Controls

Devices which give you flexibility, decorative effects and multiple uses from your lighting sources. Today’s sophisticated control systems enable you to lower the light level to conserve energy and increase bulb life, vary the mood of a room, alter light source intensity, and create lighting scenes in each room. Types of controls include integrated dimming systems, touch dimmers, and slide dimmers.

Line Voltage Systems

120 volt distribution is used mostly for lighting mounted to the outside of a house or for post-top lanterns along a drive or path. Line voltage landscape lighting can provide more light and handle greater distances than low voltage systems, but the installation is less flexible and more costly.

Low Voltage Fixtures

Recessed track, task, decorative or landscape fixtures for low voltage lamps. A transformer is required for these fixtures and may by integrated, local or remote.

Low Voltage Housing

Recessed housing with an integral, or occasionally, remote transformer.

Low Voltage Light bulbs

Incandescent lamps that operate at 6, 12 or 24 volts. Low voltage lamps require a step-down transformer to reduce the voltage from the normal household 120 volts.

Low Voltage Lighting System

A type of lighting that operates on 12-volt current rather than the standard 120 volts. Power is supplied by a transformer, which is itself connected to 120-volt power.

Low Voltage Trim

Either a reflector trim with an integral transformer, which installs in a standard housing, or the dedicated trim to a low voltage housing.

Low Voltage Track

Track powered at low voltage by a step-down transformer, which installs in a standard housing; or the dedicated trim to low voltage housing.

Lumens

The amount of light that a light bulb produces.

Matte Finish

Surface finish producing a diffuse, lightly textured dull reflection.

Mission Style

Along with the Arts And Crafts movement, Mission style became popular at the turn of the 20th century. The emphasis is on simplicity, straight lines, geometric shapes and handcrafted pieces. Ornamentation may be from wrought iron, brass and woods, especially oak.

MR Lamp

Multi-facet reflector lamp, of which the most popular is MR16. MR lamps surround a halogen capsule with a computer-designed glass, or metal reflector with many surfaces or facets. These compact lamps require a glass cover, either integral or with the fixture.

Opal Glass

Milky, translucent glass produced by adding ingredients to clear glass. Used for diffusing light.

Oriental Style

Classic lighting is the popular paper lantern or shade style. Chinese and Japanese motifs may also be used to decorate table and floor lamps.

Outdoor Lighting

Any hard wired, low-voltage or solar powered lighting system that is used in an exterior space. Outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty of your home, making it safer and more secure. 

Outlet Box

Also Junction Box. Enclosure that protects spliced wires and supports surface fixtures.

Parabolic Reflector Bulbs (PAR)

Bulbs used to control the level of light more precisely. They provide about four times the light of General Service (A) bulbs and are used in recessed and track lighting. Weatherproof casings make them suitable for outdoor spot and flood lighting fixtures.

Pendant Lights

Pendants can provide both general and task lighting. With shades or globes to avoid glare, they can be suspended from the ceiling over dinette table, kitchen counters or work areas. When used over end or night tables they free up space normally occupied by table lamps. The addition of a dimmer control allows you to alter the intensity of the light to suit your mood or time of day.

Pendant Mounted

Pendant mount refers to a fixture on a chain, stem, cable or wire, and hangs down into space. The word also refers to a style of hanging fixture with a single, central luminous element (like a cone, globe or dish), distinguished from a chandelier, which typically has several arms or luminous elements.

Post top fixtures

Outdoor fixtures that are used to mark the entrance to a property, define a driveway or light a garden pathway.

Power Feed

The connection point that brings electricity to track and other lighting systems. Power feed may be at the end, floating or at a wiring intersection.

Quartz halogen light bulbs

This term derives from the quartz glass that encloses the filament and halogen gas. Quartz glass can withstand the high pressure of the halogen lamp, but it transmits more UV radiation than ordinary hard glass. Touching the quartz glass when installing halogen bulbs with bare hands leaves an oily residue that greatly reduces lamp life. 

Rated Lamp Life

The point in hours where 50% of a lamp type initially started will still be functioning.

Recessed Lighting

A fixture mounted into the ceiling. With down lights, only the aperture and trim are visible from below. Recessed fixtures provide direct down lighting and are highly effective when used as wall washers, to accent painting, or to highlight architectural or home décor points of interest.

Reflector

A piece of material with a reflective surface that directs light in a desired direction. Reflectors are frequently specular, but may also be glossy, diffused or matte.

Remote

Electronic control mounted separately from the master or individual dimmer, permitting operation from multiple locations. Full-function remotes set the dimming level, as well as switching on/off.

Reverse Switch

On a ceiling fan, a switch that reverses the blade direction and airflow.

Rough - in

Process of wiring a home and installing rough-in sections of the fixtures and the back boxes of electrical devices; precedes the finish work.

Sand Casting

A process where molten metal is poured into a mold of compacted sand. The molds can only be used once. The process is costly, including finishing the fairly rough casting.

Satin Finish

Slightly textured or brushed surface having a fine grain that reflects light with some diffusion.

Sconce

Another term for a decorative wall bracket fixture.

Shallow Downlight

Small recessed incandescent fixtures generally no more than five inches deep.

Silhouetting

Accent lighting technique that creates a dramatic outline by back lighting. Also used in landscape lighting.

Slide Dimmers

Slide dimmers operate via a slide toggle, providing a full-range of manual dimming control. Some are equipped with a touch-button that allows you to return to the previous lighting level. Others have an indicator light that glows in the dark for easy location.

Sloped Ceilings

The flexibility of track lighting can be a major help when trying to light from a sloped ceiling. Most recessed fixtures cannot be aimed to light art on an adjacent wall, while track lighting fixtures allow you to do so easily.

Soffit

In architecture, the underside of an overhead component, such as an arch, cornice, beam or balcony. Often used to describe an area of the ceiling that drops below the primary surface.

Soft-White Lamp

Incandescent lamp with a dense, milky-white silica coating on the inside of the bulb. Diffuses the light and completely conceals the light filament.

Solid Brass

Fixture or parts made entirely of brass, not plated or simulated. 

Southwest Style

This style evolved from furnishings used in the rural Southwestern United States, particularly in Santa Fe. Lighting fixtures feature simple forms and lines with terra cotta finishes and animal or regional motifs.

Specular Finish

Highly polished and mirror-like. Semi-specular finish is generally bright, but without a well-defined mirror image.

Spot Lamp

Reflectorized lamp with a narrow light distribution.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel resists corrosion and has a rich, deep luster. It is particularly used in bathroom and kitchen settings for a clean, contemporary look.

Step Lights

Step Lights are recessed into walls and stairs so they illuminate the treads of stairs or pathways. An eye shield is often used to block direct view of the light source.

Strass

Crystal of the ultimate chemical purity, saturated with more than 30% lead oxide, cut and polished with ultimate precision by a machine. This is the finest crystal available and also the most expensive.

Surface Mounted

Surface-mounted fixtures are also know as ceiling mounted fixtures. They attach directly or close to the ceiling. The light distribution is often semi-direct or general diffuse.

Swag

Material or chain hanging in a decorative fashion between two points.

Swing Arm

A table or wall mounted lamp that uses a moveable horizontal arm, allowing it to be positioned any number of ways.

T-Lamp

Tubular Lamp; may be incandescent, halogen or fluorescent.

Task Lighting

Lighting directed to a specific area or surface that provides illumination for visual tasks, such as reading, sewing or cooking. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, portable lighting or pendant lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.

Three-Way Dimmer

Dimmer that works with a three-way switch for control from two locations; turns on/off and dims at the dimmer, but only turns on/off at the switch.

Three-Way Lamp

Incandescent lamp that provides three levels of light when sequentially switched.

Three-Way Switch

Operates a fixture from two locations. Also called a “three-pole switch” because it is connected to three wires; “hot” in, “switched” out and a “traveler” to the other three-way switch.

Tiffany Lighting

Based on original designs by American Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany lighting relies on cut stained glass and ornately detailed bases, often in bronze. Tiffany was heavily influenced by Japanese art forms in which nature was front and center.

Torchiere

Indirect floor lamp that sends all, or most, of its light upward.

Track Lighting

Any lighting system that utilizes individual light bulbs which operate off a track or strip, typically mounted to the ceiling. Track lighting can provide general, task or accent lighting all at once in a very flexible system. You can move, swivel, rotate and aim the individual fixtures in any direction along the track, giving you the flexibility to change your lighting scheme as the need arises. You can also hang chandelier and pendant lighting fixtures from some types of track.

Transformer

A device used to raise (step up) or lower (step down) the electric voltage. For example, many halogen ceiling fixtures require a transformer, most commonly hidden in the wall during installation, to function properly. Step down transformers reduce household voltage (120 volts) to low voltage used in accent and landscape lighting. Larger transformers reduce high voltage used for efficient power distribution to safe and flexible household voltage. Input voltage is on the primary tap; output voltage on the secondary tap.

Trim

Sometimes the edge or visible part of a recessed downlight; as in “white trim”. Sometimes the finishing section of the recessed fiture; as in “housing and trim.”

Tungsten-Halogen Lamp

A gas filled tungsten incandescent lamp containing a certain amount of halogens that intensifies the light source. More commonly referred to as “Halogen” lighting.

Undercabinet Fixtures

Fixtures which are placed under a cabinet or room recess to provide task and accent lighting. Under kitchen cabinets, they can light a countertop with task lighting. In a display cabinet, they can be used to illuminate a prized collection. They include slim, energy-efficient fluorescents, miniature track lighting and strips of low-voltage mini-lights.

UL

Underwriters Laboratory. Commonly referred to as “UL”, is an independent organization whose responsibilities include rigorous testing of electrical products. When products pass these tests, they can be labeled and advertised as “UL Listed”. UL tests for product safety only.

Utility Lighting

Commonly refers to ceiling and wall fixture lighting that is plain and durable. Utility fixtures usually feature plastic lenses and diffusers instead of glass. The housing may also be of molded plastic.

Valance Lighting

A fixture installed behind a horizontal shielding over a window or along a wall. Light is distributed up and down, usually from a fluorescent source.

Vanity Lights

Fixture used beside a mirror or over a vanity bathroom mirror. Ideally a long, well diffused light source.

Victorian Style

A style derived from the late 19th century British period. Typical of Victorian lighting, details are candelabras with decorative ornaments, colored glass lanterns, fixtures with brass and cut glass, and dangling crystal fringes.

Voltage Drop

Difference in voltage along a circuit. Voltage drop becomes a problem with low voltage wiring and small cable, reducing the intensity of the lights at the far end of the cable.

Wall Bracket

Fixture designed to be mounted on a vertical surface, including sconces, urns and valances.

Wall-mount Fixtures

A broad term which refers to fixtures that provide general, task and accent lighting. Many wall-mount fixtures are designed to match and coordinate with dining room chandeliers or other lighting fixtures. Wall brackets are often used for task lighting at the bathroom mirror. They are available in a choice of incandescent, halogen and energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Wall Grazing

A lighting technique in which light is aimed down a wall for a grazing effect. For dramatic shadows, especially on textured surfaces such as brick, draperies or stone, mount the lights 6 to 12 inches from the wall, with the fixtures the same distance apart and aimed downward.

Wall Lighting

Lighting directed on a wall or vertical surface to emphasize that plane, enhance the surface texture, or bounce light back into the room. Increasing wall brightness generally makes a room seem more spacious.

Wall Washing

A lighting technique in which a wall is evenly washed with light. For most surfaces, mount the track 2 to 3 feet from the wall on ceiling up to 9 feet high. Mount between 3 and 4 feet on ceilings between 9 and 11 feet high. Space the fixtures the same distance apart for even light distribution.

Weathered

Distressed finish that simulates aging.

Wrought Iron

Soft iron that is hammered and bent into decorative shapes.