Surface Mount Lights
Surface mount lighting is a great option in many lighting environments and installing them is one of our most requested services. Surface mounted light fixtures can be installed in almost any space and the design options are limitless. Read on to learn if this type of lighting is right for your project.
There are a seemingly unlimited number of lighting fixture options available in today’s market. And all the different terms and names used for them can be confusing ! Let’s start with the most common type, surface mount lights.
What are Surface Mount Lights?
Surface mount lighting refers to fixtures that are mounted onto the surface of the ceiling or wall, rather than housed within it like recessed lighting. The fixture in surface mount lighting holds the light and is visible, thus playing a role in the overall design of the space.
Where are Surface Mount Lights Used?
Surface mounted fixtures are most commonly installed when there is little space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling. This is called low plenum. In cases of low pLenum, it is often impossible to integrate recessed fixtures. As for remodeling, renovations, or even just a minor update, an advantage of surface mounted lighting is that you do not encounter the costly expense of opening up the existing ceiling to install or change them.
Surface mounts can be used in almost any area. They are a great option for adding general ambient or additional accent lighting. And because their fixtures are visible, surface mount lighting is often incorporated into the aesthetics of the space and may even serve as the focal point for design.
At Consolidated Hudson Electric, we often install surface mount lights in residential areas such as under kitchen cabinets, hallways, and next to medicine cabinets where dark shadows can make seeing difficult. Surface mount lights are also a great way to add ambient lighting and define space, such as next to a reading chair or over a table. Foyers, closets, garages, and basements are also popular locations. In commercial spaces, surface mount lights are great for general work lighting (such as troffer lights), walkways, waiting areas, emergency lighting, exits, and more.
TYPES OF SURFACE MOUNT LIGHTING
On the market today, there are different types of mounts available. Which type you choose depends upon the need and the location of the fixture as well as the overall aesthetics of the space. While all types follow the same installation technique, each has their own requirements and applications. Surface mounted lighting can be broken down into the following general categories:
Pendant Mounted
This type of fixture hangs from the ceiling by a rod, cord, or chain that can usually be adjusted to the ideal height for the space. Modernly designed pendant lights have become a very popular choice, outselling more traditional, bulkier, and often costlier chandeliers. Pendant mount lights are great for high ceilings or over sitting areas.
Ceiling Mounted
As the name implies, these fixtures are mounted directly to the ceiling. Ceiling mounted lights can be flush mounted, meaning the light has no gap between the ceiling and the fixture. This is the type of lighting we commonly see in typical bedrooms and bathrooms. Ceiling mounts can also be semi-flush mounted, meaning they have a small gap between the ceiling and the fixture. In this way, semi-flush mounted lighting is similar to a pendant light without hanging quite as low. Both flush and semi-flush mounted lights are good choices for any area where space is an issue.
Wall Mounted
Similar to a ceiling flush mount, this type of lighting is wired to the wall. Often referred to as a sconce, the fixture can cast and/or diffuse the light in a specific direction. We typically find this kind of lighting in such places as outside an exterior door or entrance, or such places as bedside lighting when space is limited or side lamps are not wanted.
Track Mounted
Track lighting fixtures serve as a horizontal extension of the electrical signal allowing additional fixtures to be placed along the track. These are a great option for both general and focused task lighting. Components
Whether you are looking for residential or commercial lighting solutions, Consolidated Hudson Electric has your surface mount lighting installation covered. We can install the fixtures you provide or take care of that for you. Call us at 914-591-0100 or email us at info@consolidatedhudsonelectric.com today to get your surface mount lighting installation started.
What If I Still Have Questions?
Still have questions?
Whether you are looking for residential or commercial lighting solutions, Consolidated Hudson Electric has your surface mount lighting installation covered. We can install the fixtures you provide or take care of that for you. Call us at 914-591-0100 or email us at info@conhudelectric.com today to get your surface mount lighting installation started.
