Sand Casting
A process where molten metal is poured into a mould of compacted sand. The moulds can only be used once. The process is costly, including finishing the fairly rough casting.
Satin Finish
Slightly textured or brushed surface having a fine grain that reflects light with some diffusion.
Scallops
The arch or scallop-shaped pattern on a light fixture.
Scene
Specific setting for a group of dimmers channels or zone. A multi-scene control allows you to select the different setting by pushing a button.
Sconce
Wall bracket fixture derived from the form of a candelabra, often with exposed or decorative light sources.
Shade
An opaque or translucent covering on luminaries and portable lamps to shield the light source. Redirects the light and enhances decoration.
Shade Measurement
Measure in this order: Top across, bottom across, slant of the sides, height.
Silhouetting
Accent lighting technique that creates a dramatic outline by back lighting. Also used in landscape lighting.
Slide Dimmers
Slide dimmers operate via a slide toggle, providing a full-range of manual dimming control. Some are equipped with a touch-button that allows you to return to the previous lighting level. Others have an indicator light that glows in the dark for easy location.
Sloped Ceilings
The flexibility of track lighting can be a major help when trying to light from a sloped ceiling. Most recessed fixtures cannot be aimed to light art on an adjacent wall, while track lighting fixtures allow you to do so easily.
Soffit
In architecture, the underside of an overhead component, such as an arch, cornice, beam or balcony. Often used to describe an area of the ceiling that drops below the primary surface.
Soft or Lined Shade
Shade that is lined with fabric.
Soft-White Lamp
Incandescent lamp with a dense, milky-white silica coating on the inside of the bulb. Diffuses the light and completely conceals the light filament.
Solid Brass
Fixture or parts made entirely of brass, not plated or simulated. Solid brass parts are “solid brass”, not “solid parts.” Often they are hollow castings or tubing.
Solid State
Electronics that use semi-conductor chips and circuitry.
Southwest Style
This style evolved from furnishings used in the rural Southwestern United States, particularly in Santa Fe. Lighting fixtures feature simple forms and lines with terra cotta finishes and animal or regional motifs.
Specialty Lighting
A broad term referring to everything from line and low voltage strip lights to special display or controlled lighting as seen in retail and commercial applications.
Specular Finish
Highly polished and mirror-like. Semi-specular finish is generally bright, but without a well-defined mirror image.
Spider
The cross frame near the top of a shade.
Spinning
The process of shaping a disk of metal by rotating it on a lathe and pushing it with a forming tool. Also, a part made this way.
Spot Lamp
Reflectorized lamp with a narrow light distribution.
Squares
Short for recessed square downlights, which are usually shallow fixtures with diffusers or lenses.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel resists corrosion and has a rich, deep lustre. It is particularly used in bathroom and kitchen settings for a clean, contemporary look.
Stamping
Inexpensive way to form sheet metal by hitting it with a die.
Step Lights
Step Lights are recessed into walls and stairs so they illuminate the treads of stairs
or pathways. An eye shield is often used to block direct view of the light source.
Strass
Crystal of the ultimate chemical purity, saturated with more than 30% lead oxide, cut and polished with ultimate precision by a machine. This is the finest crystal available and also the most expensive.
Surface Mounted
Surface-mounted fixtures are also know as ceiling mounted fixtures. They attach directly or close to the ceiling. The light distribution is often semi-direct or general diffuse.
Swag
Material or chain hanging in a decorative fashion between two points.
Swing Arm
A table or wall mounted lamp that uses a moveable horizontal arm, allowing it to be positioned any number of ways.
Switch Leg
Wiring that connects the switch or dimmer output to the fixture or load being controlled.
