Log Cabin Light Fixtures

Not only do your log cabin light fixtures provide you with the ability to see what you’re doing, they can also show off the dramatic features of your cabin and provide a warm glow off the logs that enhances the overall ambiance.

Log cabins have some unique differences when it comes to lighting. The larger scale of many Great Rooms often requires multiple light fixtures or larger light fixtures than are commonly used.

Likewise, the sweeping expanse of a cathedral ceiling or dramatic appeal of exposed roof beams calls for a grander approach to lighting than is typically used in conventional construction.

Finally, the warm, golden color of the logs that we admire so much tends to absorb more light, in contrast to the way that the flat plane of brightly-painted drywall will reflect light. Log and timber homes need more lighting installed to ensure that adequate illumination is provided which in turn allows the unique architectural features to be highlighted.

Three Types of Lighting

• Accent – Accent lights are used to illuminate artwork or architectural details, this is usually a small spotlight tracklight or pinpoint lighting. This is a great way to show off a dramatic stone fireplace or light up wooden ceiling beams or rafters.
• Task – this type of lighting covers the work areas such as the kitchen or laundry area. No-nonsense and specific task-oriented, task lighting can include under-cabinet halogens or LED lights or soft fluorescent lighting over the washer/dryer or brightening the mudroom. Track lights work great in the kitchen since you can focus the multiple mini-fixtures on different areas, such as your stove, sink and kitchen countertops, to light up each task. You can install track lighting as short as two feet or gang up tracks to extend it to 10 times that. Each mini-fixture is a separate unit that is popped in to the track where you want it.
• Ambient – this covers the overall general illumination, often with recessed overhead lights (can lights) or ceiling light fixtures, but also using floor lamps, table lamps and ceiling fan lights. Floor lamps and table lamps offer an infinite variety of options for decorating your log cabin while brightening your evenings.

Floods and Spots

Use up-pointing spot lights to dramatically light up the cathedral ceilings and beams. Be careful not to have them pointing where they can shine into someone’s eyes as they come down the stairs or glare into a loft area. Recessed can lights with "eyeball" spots installed in the sloping ceiling over a stairway can be rotated to shine down on the stairs.

Another tactic for lighting stairs is to use wall sconces along the path of the stairway. Decorative wall sconces are a popular way to add more rustic, woodsy charm to your log cabin decorating.

Use flood lights to illuminate a large area such as a deck or outdoor kitchen. Switches to control outside floods or security lights should be installed inside a bedroom or nearby wall area so they're easy to flip on at night when you're looking out the window.

Scale Your Log Cabin Light Fixtures

Great rooms can handle very large light fixtures to keep them appropriately scaled. Light and fan combinations work well together.

Ceiling fans not only provide a great opportunity to add a rustic decorating touch overhead, they are also an energy-efficient way to cool your cabin in the summer and ensure an even distribution of heat in the wintertime.

Combine overhead fans with light kits for outstanding ambient lighting. Artisans are coming up with new designs all the time and you’ll find chandeliers made of antlers, wood, cast iron, leather, copper and glass.

Sources for Log Cabin Light Fixtures and Rustic Lighting

There are many sources for log cabin lighting; here are a few that I have come across:

• Roc Corbett creates amazing original designs found nowhere else; in Native American, nature and cowboy themes. 
• Antler lighting using cast horns; 25 different designs of lamps, chandeliers, sconces and more from Cast Horn Designs. 
• Beautiful hand-forged iron lighting; choose from Western Ranch, Old World and Safari collections, created by Fire Mountain Forge.

 The light fixtures in your cabin are part and parcel of your overall design scheme so think of them as pieces of furniture. Don’t skimp on quality or looks just because your lights may be suspended over your head. Whether your look is rustic and woodsy or contemporary, there are fixtures to suit your taste.

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