Ceiling Light Ideas: How To Choose Ceiling Lights

Ceiling Light Ideas

Ceiling lights, or fixtures that are mounted flush with the ceiling as opposed to hanging lights like pendants or chandeliers, are the oft unsung heroes of the ambient lighting category. While certain rooms can make use of ambient lighting from other types of fixtures, every home has areas where ceiling lights are the best (and sometimes only) fixture for the job.

The best method for layering light effectively in any room involves mixing and matching different types of lighting fixtures to create a lighting design that fulfills all the needs of that room. Each room needs a thoughtful mix of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

  • Task lighting, often fulfilled by pendants or adjustable floor lamps, aims light directly at your workspace.

  • Accent lighting like picture lights, draws attention to the unique decor and architectural features of your room.

  • Ambient lighting, including ceiling lights, creates a base layer of light that fills and brightens a room. When a room has the proper general ambient lighting, the other lighting layers become more effective, and the room is much more pleasant to use since harsh shadows and eyestrain are all reduced.

With the tips laid out in this guide, you can face your latest lighting project like a pro and pinpoint exactly what style of ceiling light you’ll need and the best ceiling light placement for every room of your home!

Types Of Ceiling Lights

On the surface, ceiling lights present a simple, unfussy solution for ambient lighting needs. But a few common mistakes can leave your room dim and uninspired, and can make your search for a ceiling light unexpectedly difficult. Knowing the differences among types of ceiling lights will help you choose the ceiling light fixture that is best suited to your space.

Flush Mount Lights vs. Semi-flush Mount Lights

There are two primary types of ceiling lights: flush mount ceiling lights and semi-flush mount ceiling lights. Flush mount ceiling lights are fixtures installed with little or no space between the body of the light and the ceiling— hence the name. Semi-flush mount ceiling lights are mounted with a space between the body of the fixture and the canopy; they are usually suspended from a short chain or down rod and can lend the effect of a chandelier or lantern. Both are types of close-to-ceiling lights that provide ambient lighting to a room, but each type of fixture is best suited to a specific task and type of room.

Wire Cage Ceiling Lights

For an industrial or rustic ceiling light twist on clear glass ceiling lights, choose a wire cage ceiling light. These fixtures can be just as bright as clear glass fixtures, but the wire cage adds an unexpected style element to complement your decor. As a bonus, wire shades may add stylistic interest by creating unique shadows on the walls or ceiling.

Kitchen Ceiling Lights And Kitchen Island Lighting

Assuming your kitchen ceilings are not higher than ten feet, ceiling lights are the best choice for adding general ambient lighting to the room. It is common practice to hang chandeliers or pendants over kitchen islands. In some cases, your kitchen island chandelier may double as both task lighting (the light that shines down onto the countertop) and ambient lighting (the light that shines out into the room.) In this case, sconce lighting, and any accent lighting along with the kitchen chandelier may eliminate the need for a ceiling light. If, however, you don’t have a kitchen island, or you don’t have suitable spaces for additional wall lights, choosing a ceiling light for your kitchen is essential. Task lighting without enough ambient lighting makes tasks harder since transitioning between bright and dim areas can cause eyestrain and create an unpleasant atmosphere. Kitchen ceiling lights will fill your space with light, and if you put your light on a dimmer switch, you can have maximum control over the fixture and create the ideal lighting for any use you find for your kitchen.

Bedroom Ceiling Lights And Table Lamps

Table lamps are common staples in bedrooms, where they often function as task lighting or dim ambient lighting. But lamps alone will usually not provide enough light to fill an entire bedroom. Match your lamps with ceiling lights to ensure you have the most control over the level of light in your room. Semi-flush ceiling lights are elegant and graceful fixtures in primary bedrooms where a chandelier might not be ideal. Flush mount ceiling lights are unobtrusive additions to modern and minimalist guest bedrooms. Ceiling lights are also particularly astute choices for kids’ rooms and nurseries— hanging lights could pose a hazard during playtime, and certain fixtures, like fabric drum shade ceiling lights, are easily adapted and updated as children outgrow decor.

Ceiling Fans With Lights

For a truly multi-functional lighting solution, choose a ceiling fan with a light kit for your indoor or outdoor gathering spaces. Choosing a fan with a light kit will effectively light your space and increase airflow. Ceiling fans are highly useful for outdoor spaces since the extra airflow keeps you cool in the summer and can help disperse outdoor pests like gnats and mosquitoes. But be sure to pair your fan with outdoor wall lights if your porch is particularly spacious.

Create An Atmosphere Of Classic Elegance With Crystal Ceiling Lights

Create hints of glamour in traditional decor with crystal flush mount lights, which offer timeless shimmer and eye-catching glimmer. Choose warm finishes in brass ceiling lights and gold fixtures for a classic look, or select frames in black, chrome, and polished nickel for a trendy modern update.