How to Choose the Right Ceiling Light for Every Room

Often overlooked due to their understated design, it appears that ceiling lights are slowly becoming the forgotten jewels of ambient lighting. But, there are still specific areas in the home where only these light fittings work best. To create a good lighting plan in the home, the ceiling light you choose should enhance the room’s functionality and heighten its visual interest. So, how do you figure out which ceiling light is best for a given space?

Read on to learn how to choose the right ceiling light for every room.

Types of Ceiling Lights

The right ceiling light can instantly transform a dull room into a beautiful oasis of relaxation. In the same vein, the wrong choice can disrupt the ambiance and make the atmosphere unappealing.

Understanding the differences in varying ceiling light designs can help you choose the right fixture. But, knowing where to install them also enhances effectiveness. Listed below are popular ceiling light types you can explore and the best-suited rooms for each.

Ceiling Fixture Type	Features	Ideal Placement
Flush Mount	Sits flush against the ceiling. Provides general illumination.	Hallways and bathrooms with shorter ceiling heights.
Semi-Flush Mount	Suspended from the ceiling by short spindles. Tend to mimic the effect and look of a chandelier or hanging lantern.	Foyer, kitchen, and bedrooms with high ceilings.
Linear Lighting	Long light fixtures that hang from the ceiling and typically use LED bulbs. Perfect choice for ensuring proper light distribution.	Kitchen, large dining rooms, and hallways.
Recessed Lighting	Hidden from view through their installation design as it’s recessed into the ceiling. Ideal for general, accent, and task lighting.	Kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.
Chandelier	Hangs from the ceiling and features multiple light sources. It’s typically the focal point in a room and provides general illumination.	Ding room, foyers, and staircases.
Track Lighting	Attached to a universal track bar that’s mounted on the ceiling. Features multiple light sources that can be conveniently adjusted. Perfect for accent and task lighting.	Living rooms, hallways, and kitchen islands.
Pendant	Hangs low from the ceiling. Perfect for task lighting.	Above kitchen islands, over sinks,  and dining tables.
Ceiling Fan With Lights	The lights are built into a hanging fan. Provides general illumination while ensuring proper air circulation.	Living room, bedrooms, and home workout stations.
Hanging Shade	Light fixtures are covered by a shade and hang low from the ceiling. Provide diffused light. Also a great choice for task lighting.	Study desks, dining room, bedroom, and living rooms.
Hanging Lanterns	Typically feature a frame holding the bulbs and hangs slightly from the ceiling. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Provides general illumination	Foyer, Staircases, and dining rooms.

 

Choosing the Right Fixture for Your Ceiling Height

Your room’s ceiling height can determine the size and type of ceiling light you can mount in the space. If the light fixture is suspended from the ceiling, its bottom should be at least seven feet above the floor. This is why flush mounts are perfect for rooms with short ceiling heights and hanging lights are ideal for high ceilings. Here are different formulas you can use to determine the right size ceiling light for your room.

• Minimum height for your ceiling light: Multiply the room’s ceiling height in feet by 2.5. The resulting value in inches is the minimum height of your light fitting.
• Maximum height of your ceiling light: Multiply the room’s ceiling height in feet by 3. The value obtained is the highest length at which your ceiling light can be suspended.
• Large spaces: If working with large rooms, sum up the length and width of the room. The resulting value in inches is the proper height of the room’s ideal ceiling light fixture.

These formulas provide a good starting point for homeowners on the quest to find the perfect ceiling light for their rooms. However, like in all home interior design schemes, the rules can be bent to achieve your desired look and feel. It’s recommended that you go higher to find balance and create a better optical illusion in the space.

Determining the Correct Ceiling Light Width

Calculating the ideal width for your ceiling light fixture is relatively simple. The steps below will guide you through the process:

1. Measure the length and width of the room in feet.
2. Sum up the two values.
3. The value obtained in inches should be the diameter of your ceiling light fixture.

Pro Tip!

If the room is too large, you can divide it into zones to ensure balance and even illumination.

How to Determine Correct Ceiling Light Wattage

The easiest way to determine ceiling light wattage is by first finding out its square footage. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Multiply the length and width of the room to get the square footage.
2. Multiply the product by 1.5.
3. The resulting value is the wattage required to properly light up the room.

Here’s a basic guide:

Light Source	Luminous Efficacy (Lumens/Watt
Halogen	10-20
Incandescent	12-18
LED	75-110

 

Pro Tip!

This formula is applicable for incandescent and halogen bulbs. For LEDs, you’ll have to check the lumen capacity because wattage isn’t a factor of illumination for these bulb types. Remember every LED watt carries approximately 80 lumens. A ratio of 7: 1 is a good guide. For example, when replacing a 75W incandescent bulb, divide it by 7 to get the proper LED bulb. In this case, that will be a 12W LED bulb. Ensure you factor this in when making your ceiling light choice.

Find the Perfect Ceiling Light for Every Room

While choosing the perfect ceiling light for your rooms is essential, don’t forget to layer your lights. Layering your lights allows you to enjoy a balanced and aesthetically pleasing ambiance. You don’t have to choose one over the other. Remember, your ceiling lights are just a part of your overall lighting design scheme.

Now that you can identify the different ceiling types, the process of selecting the best ceiling light for a space will be child’s play for you. Excited to embark on your next home lighting project? Visit our website and browse our exclusive ceiling light collection with unique, stunning, and cutting-edge designs. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect ceiling light for every room in your home.