Ceiling Light Ideas: How To Choose Ceiling Lights

  • When to Use Flush Mounts: There can be significant overlap in the function of these fixtures, but a good rule of thumb is to use flush mount fixtures in rooms that have eight-foot ceilings. Unless the fixture is less than 12” tall, semi-flush mount fixtures can present a safety hazard in rooms with low ceilings, meaning they tend to be best in rooms with nine- and ten-foot ceilings. Because of the way light diffuses throughout a room, mounting a flush mount fixture on a ten-foot ceiling can actually lend a dimming effect to the fixture because the light is positioned too far above the floor. Semi-flush fixtures bring the light lower and have the added benefit of throwing light up onto the ceiling, which can make the whole room feel brighter.

  • When to Use Semi-Flush Mounts: Because semi-flush mount lights are mounted using a chain or a rod, there are a number of situations that make them a more useful and efficient choice for your room than flush mount lights. In addition to being perfect for rooms with nine- and ten-foot ceilings, they can also be a good option for sloped ceilings. If your chosen semi-flush light is sloped ceiling compatible, it will come with hardware that allows the fixture to hang straight down. And because sloped ceilings are usually higher than level ceilings, semi-flush fixtures are a better choice for creating the most ambient light.

  • When to Choose a Hanging Light Instead: For rooms with ceilings higher than ten feet, hanging fixtures like pendants, chandeliers, and lanterns are better options. These fixtures bring the light lower, allowing it to fill rooms with tall ceilings more effectively.

    Drum Shade Ceiling Lights

Drum shade ceiling lights are a timeless and classic rounded style that brings soft ambient lighting to a room. These fixtures are available in many styles and materials, as well as both flush and semi-flush designs. Glass drum shade ceiling lights allow lots of light out into the room and create a breezy, open aesthetic in your space. Drum ceiling lights with fabric shades are ever-popular choices, in part because certain fabric shades can sometimes be swapped for a new color or print when you update your decor. Metal drum shades can lend a rugged feel to a room while still being chic and modern.

Geometric Ceiling Lights

If round, drum, or square shaped lights don’t speak to you, a geometric ceiling light may be just the thing. Hexagon ceiling lights, star-shaped ceiling lights, and honeycomb ceiling lights are all trendy, stylish shapes that add unique intrigue and style to rooms.

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Choosing The Right Fixture For Your Ceiling Height

In most cases, the height of your ceiling will determine exactly what type of light you can mount in that room. The bottom of your lighting fixture should be about seven feet from the floor, meaning flush mount lights are best for rooms with low ceilings and semi-flush fixtures are best in rooms with nine- or ten-foot ceilings (and also work well for sloped ceilings). For high ceilings or vaulted ceilings, consider using hanging fixtures instead, which will create a better light spread and be easier to reach for cleaning and changing bulbs.

Formulas For Determining Ceiling Light Size

There are a few different formulas you can use to determine the exact size light that will be best for your room.

  1. Remember, the bottom of your fixture should not fall closer than seven feet (or 84”) from the floor, or else the fixture can present a safety hazard.

  2. To determine the minimum height of your fixture, multiply the room height in feet by 2.5.

a. Ex. 10x2.5=25— a light that is 25” tall is roughly the minimum height needed for a room with 10 foot ceilings.

  1. To determine the maximum height of your fixture, multiply the room height in feet by 3.

a. Ex. 10x3=30 — a light that is 30” tall is getting close to the maximum height recommended for a room with 10 foot ceilings.

  1. If your room is very large, add the length and width of the room together. The answer in inches is the height of an appropriately sized fixture.

a. Ex. In a room that is 10 feet long by 10 feet wide, a fixture that is 20” tall will be a pleasing proportion.

Each of these numbers presents a good starting point or general rule to keep in mind when searching for your perfect ceiling light, but don’t be afraid to bend the rules if your dream light doesn't fall within these exact parameters. When in doubt, choosing a fixture that is slightly larger than recommended will create a better balance in most rooms than a fixture that is too small.

Formulas For Determining Ceiling Light Wattage

You can determine the approximate wattage required for your room with a simple formula: multiply the square footage of the room by 1.5 to find this number.

  1. To find the square footage of your room, first multiply the length and width of the room together.

a. Ex. In a room that is 10 feet long by 10 feet wide, the square footage is 100.

  1. Next, multiply the square footage of your room by 1.5.

a. Ex. 100x1.5= 150

This means you should choose a fixture that provides 150 watts total of illumination for a room that is 10’x10’. However, it is important to remember that this number only applies to incandescent lighting. LED lights offer the same illumination at lower wattages, meaning if you want to select an LED light for your room, look for one that is equivalent to 150 watts.

You should also consider the color temperature of your bulbs when you are determining proper wattage. Bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways are best served with lights that fall in the ‘warm white’ range, while bathrooms and kitchens are best served with ‘soft white’ or ‘cool white’ bulbs.

How To Find Your Ceiling Light Style

Modern Ceiling Lights Will Keep You On The Cutting Edge

Stay on the cutting edge of trend and tech with modern and minimalist ceiling lights— sleek finishes, slim silhouettes and efficient LED lamps make these fixtures a must-have for modern decor.

Nautical Ceiling Lights Will Turn Your Space Into A Breezy Getaway

Coastal and nautical ceiling lights bring beachy bliss into your home and offer an opportunity for fun and unique shapes when selecting ceiling lights.

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