Why do some apartments not have ceiling lights?

Apartment ceiling lights are not required by the building codes regulated by the government. Therefore, engineers and architects often exclude permanent ceiling fixtures in the design to save the building owner money. Good lighting is important to people when looking for an apartment.

Why do Americans not have ceiling lights?

Simple answer. The National Electric Code did not require ceiling lights in living rooms so many builders opted to save the few dollars by not putting lights and their associated wiring in to any room not required to have lights.

Can I install a ceiling light in my apartment?

Most apartments come with ceiling mount light fixtures that can be easily replaced without rewiring anything at all: simply pick out your new fixture, unscrew the old one, and replace it with your new, better fixture. For an even easier project, simply swap out the light bulbs.

Do you need an electrician to install LED lights?

Do I need to hire an electrician to install a light fixture? Unless you have previous electrical experience, you should always hire a licensed electrician for any electrical project, including installing a light fixture.

Why do hotels not have lights in the ceiling?

While he shares your fondness for overhead lighting, Sacramento-based architect Vincent Maloney has an explanation, “The primary reason in hotels is that the floor-ceiling assembly is fire-rated and installing lighting in it would compromise the system.

Can you change the light fixture in an apartment?

You can generally change the light fixtures in an apartment, as long as you re-install the original fixtures before moving out. With that said, different landlords have different policies, and you should always check your lease (or directly with your landlord) before making significant modifications.

Can you change things in an apartment?

In order to make big changes to an apartment, you would need the landlord’s approval without incurring legal issues, but there are things you can do legally, although you will probably still want to discuss them first, with the landlord so they are aware of the modifications.

Should you install ceiling light fixtures in your apartment?

By not installing ceiling light fixtures and instead using switched wall outlets so that renters must light their apartments using lamps, the landlords and investors are saving themselves money on the initial construction of the building.

Why do people put lamps on the floor instead of ceiling lights?

Somebody way back there decided that having lamps on tables or pole lamps on the floor made a more attractive living room than having a ceiling light would. Perhaps the light is supposed to be softer, since people are not lit from above. This can be annoying if you want to install a ceiling fan in an existing house.

When did they stop putting ceiling light fixtures in houses?

Houses built in the 90s or earlier usually have ceiling light fixtures. But by the 2000s, people started thinking environmentally friendly and decided to cut that part out and save some energy. Why don’t American houses have kitchens and living rooms separated by a door?

What happens if you have no overhead lighting in your apartment?

No overhead lighting can pose a challenge if you violate your lease by installing your own fixtures. That could mean losing your security deposit or encountering issues with electrical safety. However, you can still liven up your apartment with the right lighting.