Lighting fixtures refer to a variety of bulb holders. Lamp fixtures are often accompanied by shades, enclosures or cases that hold the bulb in. A bulb, wiring and circuit are essential for light to emanate in the first place. A fixture’s role is considered minimal as far as the functioning of a bulb or its light rendering capacity is concerned. Lighting fixtures serve purely aesthetic functions.
The market offers lighting fixtures of infinite designs, types, shapes and sizes. Most stand out as creatively designed works of art in metal and glass to house bulbs. With lighting plans aspiring to create a mood and ambience, correct positioning of the bulb is extremely vital. While considering a lighting fixture, it is important to take into account that a particular bulb is right for a certain fixture.
For example, a halogen bulb should always be housed in an enclosed lighting fixture to avoid the dangerous consequences of a burst halogen bulb. The fixture has to be evaluated on various other parameters, like what type of task it is chosen for, what is the kind of light distribution can be expected from it(given its shades, shape, color, etc.), how does it effect the efficiency of the bulb and what kind of color distribution does it render. Hence, choosing a lighting fixture purely on aesthetic criteria is not a judicious decision.
Lighting fixtures also influence the efficiency of bulbs. It is always advisable to go for lighting fixtures with the highest energy efficiency ratings. While shopping for fixtures, one should ask about their efficiency. The efficiency rating of fixtures is published by the manufacturers and is available at the retail shops.
An inefficient fixture may absorb huge amounts of light, consequently reducing the amount of light distributed, or radiate the light to various cavities in the ceiling. The light efficiency of the fixtures can be maximized by regularly cleaning the dirt, and cobwebs from the shades and fixtures.
A lighting fixture should also coordinate and complement the look and style of the space. While choosing a chandelier, for example, the space it is meant for has to be borne in mind. A huge suspended fixture will look out of place in a small room. There are lighting fixtures for all kinds of lighting requirements. Lighting fixtures in resplendent designs and infinite sizes and ranges flood the market. An automatic or manual control facility increases the lifespan of the lamps, apart from enabling the easy layering of light. The age of individuals, the speed and precision demands of a task and the albedo of the surface are some of the other factors that determine people’s choice of a particular lighting fixture.