FAQ

(Also see our Hardware Glossary.)

Billiard: Pool-table lights. These also work nicely over kitchen islands or counters.

Bowl-Light Fixture: These fixtures have three or four chains or rods that extend from the canopy and attach to a bowl shade, usually with gravity hooks.

Canopy: The part of a fixture that actually mounts to the ceiling or wall and covers the junction box to which the fixture attaches.

Chandelier: A broad term for a hanging ceiling fixture that has multiple arms or lights. (Also see: Bowl-Light Fixture.)

Fitter: The "lip" part of a glass shade or globe that attaches to the shade-holder part of the fixture. Common fitter sizes (diameters) are 2-1/4" 3-1/4", 4" and 6". Typically, the fitter measures slightly less than these dimensions.

Flush: A fixture that is close to the ceiling or wall and does not have rods or arms leading to the sockets. (Also see: Pan)

Low Ceiling: Fixtures for ceilings that are eight feet or lower.

Pendant: Typically a single pole or chain extending from the ceiling canopy - usually with one light.

Pan: A ceiling fixture that has a much larger canopy covering the junction box and a minimum of two lights. (Also see: Shower)

Sconce: In general terms, this includes any wall fixture - although the purist definition would define only a candle-style wall bracket.

Shade-holder: The part or parts of a fixture into which the "fitter" of the glass shades or globes fit. Most shade-holders have three or four screws that hold the shade in place. Common shade-holder sizes are the same as "fitter" sizes, although they often measure slightly larger than the dimensions listed.

Shower: These are fixtures with a ceiling pan and either chains or rods extending from the pan to the sockets. (At the minimum length; also see: Pan)

Vanity: Wall brackets suitable for the bathroom.

Wall Bracket: All of our wall fixtures are included in this category. (Also see: Sconce)