How to Use Linear Lighting in Your Home

Linear lighting simply refers to lighting sources arranged in a straight line. Although chandelier lighting isn’t the only option for linear lighting, it is a trendy and convenient way to incorporate linear lighting into your home that doesn’t involve extensive rewiring or modifications to your ceiling.

The term linear lighting may conjure up images of sleek, modern ceiling lighting designs, but linear lighting comes in many forms and styles, so you don’t have to completely redesign your home to be able to implement linear lighting.

The Versatility of Linear Lighting

Linear lighting is ideal for helping to illuminate walls, rooms, and hallways. Because many designs and decorating trends follow linear geometric patterns, linear lighting is an ideal type of illumination for many spaces in your home.

Where You Should Use Linear Lighting

There are no limitations as to where you can use linear lighting. Typically, you’ll require enough ceiling space for the chandelier or other fixture you’re considering installing. Here are a few linear lighting trends we’ve been noticing in home design:

• Dining Rooms – Place a linear chandelier directly over a rectangular dining room table to provide illumination over the entire length.
• Kitchen Islands – You have a few options for kitchen islands. Either install the fixture directly above the island or in the space between the island and the kitchen counters to provide illumination for both food prep and dining.
• Closets – Increasingly, custom closets use linear lighting as a superior way to light up clothing to a single-bulb fixture.
• Along Walls – A linear lighting fixture at the edge of a room or along a wall can be used to illuminate wall sculptures, paintings, or photographs.

El Dorado 40 Inch 13 Light Linear Suspension Light by Artcraft

The El Dorado 40 Inch 13 Light Linear Suspension Light by Artcraft showcases how linear lighting can make even the most beautiful dining rooms even brighter. This stunning crystal chandelier casts an enchanting glow over a traditional dining room table. Imagine the dinner parties you’ll host, the holidays you’ll gather for, and more under this elegant statement piece. Use a dimmer switch for complete control over how you set the mood based on the event.

Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Dessau 48 Inch LED Linear Suspension Light

Simple, elegant, and with crisp lines, this Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Dessau 48 Inch LED Linear Suspension Light is the perfect complement to this minimalist kitchen. The generous four feet of length provides ample light for this kitchen island and more.

Rigby 40 Inch 3 Light Linear Suspension Light by Hinkley Lighting

The simple and practical design of the Rigby 40 Inch 3 Light Linear Suspension Light by Hinkley Lighting means that it’s versatile enough to use in closets, children’s bedrooms, or in other spaces where more ostentatious chandeliers won’t fit, but still would benefit from linear light. Three bright bulbs will give you all the light you need for smaller spaces, and a dimmer can help tone it down when you’d prefer a little less light.

Sean Lavin Nyra 60 Inch 3 Light LED Linear Suspension Light by Tech Lighting

Linear lighting is ideal for drawing attention to wall treatments and art. Consider the way the Sean Lavin Nyra 60 Inch 3 Light LED Linear Suspension Light by Tech Lighting compliments this gorgeous painting, textured wall, and wainscoting, while also lighting up the dining area with three LED bulbs.

Are All Linear Fixtures Straight?

Not at all. Linear refers to the way that the lights are arrayed, but that in no way means that the fixture itself can’t take a few sumptuous turns and twists.

Kelly By Kelly Wearstler Nodes 53 Inch 8 Light Linear Suspension Light by Generation Lighting

Check out the whimsical design of the brass Kelly By Kelly Wearstler Nodes 53 Inch 8 Light Linear Suspension Light by Generation Lighting. While the bulbs are arrayed in a more-or-less straight line, the eight outlets cast light in multiple directions. Against the stark white color scheme, this chandelier becomes the focal point of the room.

Sean Lavin Viaggio 56 Inch 25 Light Linear Suspension Light by Tech Lighting

Another great example of linear lighting taking more of a freeform style is this Sean Lavin Viaggio 56 Inch 25 Light Linear Suspension Light by Tech Lighting, shown here over a minimalist kitchen bar. The 25 individual lights provide more than sufficient light for cooking, dining, drinking, or gathering.

Shop Linear Lighting Today

If you’re wondering, “what is linear lighting, and how can I put it in my home?” One of the best ways is by installing a single lighting fixture with multiple balls in a linear array. Shop a wide selection of sophisticated, modern linear lighting today with Capitol Lighting to upgrade and elevate your space.