Illumination and Lighting: Luminaires

Luminaire

A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source such as a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect it to the power supply.

Reflector

A surface for reflecting light heat, or esp. the device on a luminaire having such a surface for controlling the distribution of light emitted by a lamp.

Lens

A piece of transparent material such as glass or plastic having two opposite surfaces either or both of which are curved used in luminaires to focus, disperse, or collimate the emitted light.

Diffuser

Any of a variety of translucent materials for filtering glare of alight source and distributing the light over an extended area. Its purpose is to create a lit environment with minimal shadows and to spread illumination far and wide.

Louver

Grid type of optical assembly used to control light distribution from fixture.

Suspended Ceiling Lights

The most common type of lighting fixture offering the greatest variety of designs. Light distribution can be any method depending on the shade you choose and the length of cord to which the bulb hangs.

Chandelier

Decorative lighting usually having branched supports for a number of lamps.

Droplight

A lighting fixture suspended by a flexible cord by which it can be raised or lowered.

Pendant

Similar to a droplight, but is fixed and is suspended by a cord, wire, or chains.

Wall lights

A wall mounted light fixture that diffuses light into the room usually through a translucent housing.

Sconce

A decorative wall bracket for candles or other lights.

Wall washers

Used to bathe a wall in an even stream of light usually ceiling mounted, recessed in the ceiling or mounted on a light track.

Ceiling lights

Ceiling-mounted lighting that is not recessed. It provides general lighting.

Downlights

Provides directional light in a downward stream. It is normally recessed or semi-recessed in the ceiling, and when fully recessed is one of the most visually inconspicuous and attractive luminaires.

Troffer lights

It is a rectangular light fixture that fits into a modular dropped ceiling grid.

Prismatic troffer lights

This type uses a prismatic lens that distributes light over a spectrum and distribute a concentrated light source over a large surface area. It is said to have uneven light distribution.

Parabolic louvered troffer lights

This type of troffer lights solves the solution of the uneven light distribution of prismatic fixtures. This is popular for their ability to reduce the brightness and glare of bare bulbs and lights evenly.

Uplights

This type of fixture sends light upward.

Spotlights

Ceiling-, wall-, or floor-mounted, or attached to a track, this is a flexible adjustable luminaire that directs light a controlled beam. Most effective for accent lighting.

Floor lamps

Light fixtures that are freestanding. Lighting distribution depends on the shade used.

Table lamps

A variety of decorative lights which gives a soft glow. It can be used as bedside reading lights as well as for stylistic effects in the living room.

Desk lamps

Essential to provide task lighting, it gives a concentrated directional light to a specific area.

Strip lighting

A rigid flexible tape with exposed low-voltage light sources.

High-bay lights

These are used to illuminate spaces with high ceilings, usually ceilings that are above 20 feet in height. A powerful ight source that can brighten up a large area. A natural fit for commercial and industrial use.

Visual oddities

Usually designed for visual impact rather than the way they distribute light, they provide aesthetic stimulation and amusement.