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.

Why do NYC 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. So, we may be upset when the owners don’t install ceiling lights.

What do you do if your apartment doesn’t have lights?

Here’s how to light a room with no overhead lighting.

1. Bring in All of the Natural Light.
2. Hanging String Lights.
3. Plug-in Wall Sconces.
4. Floor Lamps.
5. Add More Light with Mirrors.
6. Table Lamps.
7. Plug-in Pendant Light.
8. Flameless Candles.

Why do American homes have ceiling fans?

Fans gained popularity because they were less expensive than running air conditioning. Today, they are staples of the American home, whirring away in millions of bedrooms, family rooms and porches. Fan styles match any decor, or you can choose a model more functional than decorative.

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?

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.

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.

Is there a reason to wire an old house to ceiling?

This isn’t true for older homes. It is true in somewhat newer homes as a means of saving money during construction. I don’t know when the National Electrical Code first allowed this style of wiring but it was many decades ago. The practice is also an advantage in a home with high ceilings.