The best fixtures for illuminating an entire room or spacious area, ceiling lights offer ample ambient light - and many are dimmable. Recessed, flush-mount, and semi-flush-mount ceiling lights, as well as track lighting fixtures are optimal choices for bright overhead lighting in entryways and other utilitarian areas, such as a laundry room or pantry. If you're looking for a decorative hanging light for your living room or dining area, consider a chandelier or pendant light. Nearly all ceiling lamps are hardwired and can be operated via wall switch.

Supplement overhead lighting with wall lights. Some wall lamps mount flush to the wall and produce soft, ambient light, while other wall sconces feature arms and shades that can be adjusted to direct illumination where you need it. Many modern wall lights wash the surface of the wall with light, bathing the entire room or space in a glare-free glow. Keep in mind: Most wall lamps are hardwired, but some easy-to-install fixtures feature a plug-in design.

Tall and freestanding, floor lamps allow you to illuminate small areas - such as a reading nook or work setup - within a larger space. Most floor lamps are approximately five feet tall and feature a weighted base for stability. While some floor lamps are simple, with a vertical center pipe, single bulb, and fabric shade, other modern floor lamps showcase unique material combinations and innovative designs, such as multiple tiered bulbs, a dramatically arched center pipe, or an adjustable arm. Floor lamps are an easy way to bring light to a space - most are corded and plug in to standard 110-volt electrical outlets, with in-line switches or handy cord pulls.

Brighten any tabletop - a console, credenza, or side table - with a small, easy-to-operate table lamp. Available in a wide range of silhouettes, many table lamps incorporate contemporary features for added convenience, like touch controls, USB ports, nighttime settings, and more. Like floor lamps, table lamps give you the freedom to position a light source nearly anywhere in your home with access to an outlet.

Similar to table lamps, desk lamps are small, freestanding, and easy to place on desktops and work surfaces. However, while table lamps are usually a source of ambient light, desk lamps emit task lighting. Many desk lamps have adjustable arms and pivoting shades that allow you to direct light where you need it most. Modern desk lamps may also feature convenient charging ports - at the base of the lamp - for small devices.

Bring the convenience of indoor lighting outside with modern outdoor lighting. Outdoor light fixtures are durable and weatherproof, designed to withstand the elements. Some outdoor floor lamps and table lamps are corded, but most outdoor wall and ceiling lights are hardwired for convenience and safety. If you're looking for portable outdoor lighting, shop battery-operated outdoor lamps and lanterns that last for hours on a single charge.