When selecting products and writing specifications for architectural lighting, it can be difficult to know where to start. Having some basic industry standard vocabulary makes it easier to search for products, communicate your ideas, and ultimately get the lighting effect you actually want.
That is why I compiled this quick list of basic terminology that I use as an architectural lighting designer. Still not sure which fixture you need? We can help! Book a lighting consultation or email amy@glarebomb.com.
Download this list: Printable PDF | Excel spreadsheet
| Category | Search Term |
|---|---|
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed downlight |
| Ceiling Lights | Adjustable recessed downlight |
| Ceiling Lights | Pinhole downlight |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed multi-head / multiples |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed wall washer |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed linear |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed slot |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed tape in channel |
| Ceiling Lights | Recessed troffer |
| Ceiling Lights | Pancake light / surface-mounted downlight |
| Ceiling Lights | Surface-mounted cylinder |
| Ceiling Lights | Surface-mounted linear |
| Ceiling Lights | Surface-mounted tape in channel |
| Ceiling Lights | Decorative flush mount |
| Ceiling Lights | Decorative semi-flush mount |
| Ceiling Lights | Decorative pendant |
| Ceiling Lights | Pendant-mounted cylinder |
| Ceiling Lights | Suspended linear pendant |
| Ceiling Lights | Acoustic lighting |
| Ceiling Lights | Track lighting |
| Ceiling Lights | Monorail |
| Ceiling Lights | Monopoint |
| Ceiling Lights | Cove lighting |
| Ceiling Lights | Perimeter light |
| Ceiling Lights | Backlit / luminous stretch ceiling |
| Ceiling Lights | Luminous ceiling |
| Ceiling Lights | Luminous ceiling panel |
| Ceiling Lights | Fiber optic star ceiling |
| Ceiling Lights | Strip light |
| Ceiling Lights | Low bay |
| Ceiling Lights | High bay |
| Wall Lights | Decorative wall sconce |
| Wall Lights | Wall-mounted up / down light |
| Wall Lights | Indirect uplight |
| Wall Lights | Linear indirect uplight |
| Wall Lights | Vanity light |
| Wall Lights | Lit mirror |
| Wall Lights | Picture light |
| Wall Lights | Recessed step light |
| Wall Lights | Baseboard lighting |
| Wall Lights | Recessed tape in channel |
| Wall Lights | Surface-mounted tape in channel |
| Wall Lights | Perimeter lighting |
| Wall Lights | Luminous wall panel |
| Wall Lights | Flexible LED neon |
| Wall Lights | Handrail light |
| Floor Lights | In-grade uplight |
| Floor Lights | Recessed linear uplight |
| Floor Lights | Recessed linear wall grazer |
| Floor Lights | In-grade tape in channel |
| Floor Lights | Luminous floor panel |
| Floor Lights | Marker light |
| Millwork Lighting | Under-cabinet light |
| Millwork Lighting | Toe-kick light |
| Millwork Lighting | Puck light |
| Millwork Lighting | Integrated tape in channel |
| Millwork Lighting | Direct view LED tape |
| Millwork Lighting | Fiber optic display lighting |
| Landscape Lighting | In-grade uplight |
| Landscape Lighting | Linear in-grade uplight |
| Landscape Lighting | Recessed linear uplight |
| Landscape Lighting | Recessed linear wall grazer |
| Landscape Lighting | Stake-mounted uplight |
| Landscape Lighting | Accent light / spot light |
| Landscape Lighting | Stake-mounted flood light |
| Landscape Lighting | Flood light |
| Landscape Lighting | Tree-mounted uplight |
| Landscape Lighting | Tree-mounted downlight |
| Landscape Lighting | Tree-mounted pendant light |
| Landscape Lighting | Path light |
| Landscape Lighting | Bollard |
| Landscape Lighting | Step light |
| Landscape Lighting | Marker light |
| Landscape Lighting | Fiber optic pavers |
| Landscape Lighting | Submersible light |
| Landscape Lighting | Submersible fiber optic lighting |
| Landscape Lighting | Festoon lighting |
| Landscape Lighting | Twinkle lights |
| Site & Area | Street pole |
| Site & Area | Pedestrian pole |
| Site & Area | Post top |
| Site & Area | Catenary lighting |
| Site & Area | Wall pack |
Not sure which fixture you need? Book a lighting consultation or email amy@glarebomb.com.