You are in the middle of a renovation, you are redoing the walls, the floor and the ceiling. But once you are done, it is time to think about the lighting of your house. But how to go about it? What to choose?
There are different models of lighting fixtures on the market: Chandelier, Pendant, Ceiling light, Wall light, metal, LED or bulb... But what is the difference between these four types of lamps?
We will focus on wall lights because they are easily defined (they are lamps to be installed on walls), while ceiling lights and hanging chandeliers come from the same source: the ceiling, for the main lighting.
I. The ceiling light
So we're going to start by talking about the ceiling light .
The ceiling light is, as its name suggests, a lighting fixture that attaches directly to the ceiling. There is no wire or cable to lower the light fixture , unlike a hanging chandelier.
The ceiling light can have a complex but also refined frame. It will depend on the designers who will propose a modern and contemporary style , industrial, Scandinavian...
The advantages:
- The advantage of choosing a ceiling light is obviously a considerable saving of space. The structure itself being (almost) anchored in the ceiling, the maximum height of the lamp is limited to its own dimension. From one ceiling light to another, the height can vary between 10 and 40 cm (for larger ceiling lights).
- It is also interesting to note that the higher a light source is, the wider the diffusion angle will be.
In short, the ceiling light, which is located at the top of your interior, will be able to diffuse its light by covering a very large surface, which is very beneficial in terms of lighting.
The disadvantages:
- A low ceiling light is more likely to go unnoticed.
- Although ceiling lights are also a decorative element, they are much less imposing and impressive than the chandelier and the pendant light . If you are counting on a small ceiling light to decorate your home, it is not relevant enough.
- The mounting may not be suitable for all ceilings. It is mandatory to drill holes in the ceiling (2 or 4) to be able to fix the base.
II. Suspension
This is the trap, you should not confuse a chandelier with a suspension. They are clearly two different types of lighting. It is true that sometimes the two models merge to form a suspension chandelier. But we will see the differences together.
As illustrated in our model above, the chandelier immediately gives the impression of being majestic, large, imposing and from another time.
A chandelier has a complex frame, centered towards a point. This means that the light fixture has "arms", starting from a central point, often represented by a column. It can be set with crystals, pendants, glass chandelier domes, candlesticks... etc.
The chandelier has a cable, or wire, that attaches to the ceiling. The entire structure does not touch the ceiling, it is "suspended" by the cable, connected to the base. The chandelier plays on gravity and gives the effect of "falling" like drops.
Although it played a very important role during the Renaissance, the chandelier has become fashionable again. Many companies use it to decorate their stores, but more and more individuals want to opt for a chic lighting fixture at home.
The advantages:
- The chandelier is very imposing, if you want to impress the gallery, this is the light fixture to choose!
- It is very decorative and very bright.
- Easy to install, if your ceiling has a hook, there is no need to make holes. All you have to do is hang the chandelier.
- The height is adjustable, so you can customize the lighting.
- Can be customized with lampshades to add a touch of warmth.
The disadvantages:
- Chandeliers are more expensive because they require a lot more work to make and can be a bit vintage.
- They are imposing so they take up space. Only use in large spaces like the living room or possibly a large bedroom.
III. The hanging lamp
As the name suggests, the pendant light is suspended. Unlike a chandelier, the pendant light contains a single frame at the other end of the wire. Basically, it's like there's just one light ball attached to a cable.
Of course, the suspension can be declined in several forms, from design to industrial , but the spirit remains there: There is only one source of light at the end of the wire.
Pendant lights are even more numerous and varied than the chandelier or the ceiling light. You will probably find them in public places, bars and restaurants with bowl-shaped pendant lights, arranged just above a dining table.
Interior design enthusiasts also like to combine several pendant lights to form one. This is what you can find in the image above.
Suspensions can have a complex design with the presence of a cage (commonly called a " portable suspension ") or be completely simplistic with a single suspension socket: a bare suspension.
The advantages:
- Very wide variety of suspensions on the market.
- Very suitable for a kitchen island.
- Very affordable price.
- Possibility to shift the light source.
- Adjustable height and easy to install (as for the chandelier).
The disadvantages:
- Very common.
- Minimalist design compared to ceiling lights and chandeliers.
- Sometimes needs to be used in large numbers to have an original decoration.
Are you looking for a chandelier or pendant light but your ceiling is low? Take a look at our ceiling lights.
IV. The suspension light
Now it's time to talk about this hybrid lamp . No chandelier, no suspension. It combines the advantages of each of them without bringing their share of disadvantages.
Very stylish, the suspension chandelier takes up the positive characteristics of a chandelier and a suspension. Very often accompanied by integrated LED technology , this allows you to obtain a unique and extravagant design.
The advantages:
- Price accessible to all.
- Adjustable and customizable height.
- Possibility to shift the light source.
- Very decorative and ambitious.
- Easy to install.
- Several existing styles
The disadvantages:
- Can become bulky if your ceiling is low.
- The built-in LEDs cannot be changed.
To summarize:
Each light fixture has its advantages and disadvantages. But not all types of light fixtures adapt to their environment at all.
If you want to increase brightness, without wanting to impress your friends too much and above all save space, choose a ceiling light .
You really want to impress everyone, even if it means taking a majestic lamp that takes up space by investing a little more, take a chandelier .
If decorating is one of your hobbies and you like to innovate while adding your personal touch, take one or even several suspensions .
Finally, if you don't know what to take, I recommend the chandelier suspension, it will reconcile your desire to obtain a unique decoration with your budgetary limits.
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