PENDANT LIGHTS
A pendant light hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier, but has a single light source, which might have one or more light bulbs. Pendant lights have shades directing light up, called an inverted pendant, or down, called a downlight. Inverted pendants provide ambient light, while downlights are typically used for task lighting or illuminating a workspace such as a kitchen island.
ISLAND LIGHTS
Also used for kitchen islands, island lights are similar to pendants, often with lights that hang at the end of a stem or rod. However, island lights may have two or three light sources shining downward to create a pool of light for tasks.
RECESSED LIGHTING
Recessed lighting, also called can or pot lighting, is mounted in the ceiling, so that the fixture is flush with the ceiling, rather than being mounted on the surface or hanging down from the ceiling. Recessed lights provide inconspicuous ambient lighting or task lighting for many rooms in your home.
TRACK LIGHTING
Track lighting used to be strictly utilitarian, with straight electrically charged tracks and basic fixtures inserted along the track. Now, however, the tracks have become curvy works of art with fixtures, from pendants to spots, designed to complement any decor.
Track lighting is used as task lighting, illuminating a kitchen island or countertop, or as accent lighting to focus attention exactly where you want it on photos, paintings or architectural features.
