The choice of where to mount or hang your ceiling lights can significantly affect their performance. Depending on their positioning, these fittings can either enhance the room’s visual aesthetic and practicality or ruin it altogether. The golden rule for ceiling lighting is to ensure that it provides optimal illumination to match the scale of the room and its purpose. So, how do you achieve this?
Keep reading to learn what to consider when choosing where to install your ceiling lights.
Types of Ceiling Lights
The ceiling light design you select can determine how and where you install them. Here are some popular ceiling light options you can use in your home.
- Track lighting: Typically features multiple lights attached to a long metallic track. You can adjust and angle the bulbs to face different areas in the room for optimal illumination.
- Chandeliers and pendants: This larger-than-life ceiling lights are the epitome of opulence and grandeur. They also feature multiple light sources but typically hang lower from the ceiling using spindles like a rod or chord.
- Flush-mounted lighting: Affixed directly onto the ceiling, light fixture typically features a circular design with a cover.
- Recessed lighting: Sit directly on the ceiling with a large part of the light embedded within the plaster. They often feature a round design.
- Semi-flush mount lighting: This design sits flush to the ceiling covering the wire connections using its top piece. However, the light hangs a bit lower from the ceiling.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Ceiling Light Placement
Before you install your ceiling lights, you should consider a few key elements that can help elevate the ambiance in the room and improve its functionality. This can help you obtain and enjoy the best effect from your ceiling lights. Remember proper ceiling light installation ensures that there are no shadows or glare in the space.
Scale of the Room and Design
The size of your room can determine how many ceiling lights you’ll need and where to install them. The general rule of thumb is that you divide your ceiling height by two to determine how far apart the ceiling lights should be. If your home design features recesses, ensure that your ceiling light placement allows for adequate illumination to reach these areas of the home.
Purpose of The Room
Are you installing the ceiling light in a common room? Is it a new addition to your bedroom? The light positioning should match the room’s purpose for practicality. Your bathroom ceiling light placement can’t be the same as your bedroom ceiling light layout. The light design is primarily used for task lighting in the bathroom.
Alternatively, its placement in areas like the living room and bedroom should take a different approach. The ceiling light placement should highlight key design elements in the room like furniture, artwork, and décor.
Wattage
While correct ceiling light placement is essential for adequate illumination, it isn’t enough. The light fitting you choose should provide enough power to sufficiently light up the room. To calculate the total wattage, you need to measure the room’s square footage and multiply it by 1.5.
Smart Control
Have you installed dimmer switches and motion sensors in your home? These smart controls when paired with proper ceiling light placement guarantee efficiency and cost-saving benefits. They also promote versatility thanks to their adjustable features.
Ideal Ceiling Light Placement for Your Home
As suggested earlier, the purpose of the room can help determine the best ceiling light placement for your home. Each room in your home will require different light positioning depending on the ambiance you want to create and functionality. Here’s how you can position your ceiling lights according to the room.
Dining Room and Kitchen
For areas like the dining room and kitchen, your fittings shouldn’t hang lower than 30 inches above your dining table or island.
Living Room and Foyer
In spaces like the foyer and living room, your hanging ceiling lights should be at least seven feet above the floor to avoid obstruction. They should also be centered. Ideally, this is the area where your coffee table will be allowing the light to highlight its beauty.
Bedroom
This can be a tricky space to work with as the lighting needs to adapt to modern needs. The bedroom has become a dynamic and multi-functional space where you can do more than just sleep. You can also read and work in this room.
Ideally, your bedroom ceiling light placement should be centered above your bed as it is the main focal point of the room. If you’re using hanging ceiling lights, they should be at least seven feet above the floor. Proper ceiling light placement in your bedroom helps you create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Bathroom
You can install your ceiling lights above your mirror for even illumination. Hanging ceiling lights can be incorporated into the space. But, you need to consult an electrician as it’s a wet area and safety should be a priority.
Get the Most Out of Your Ceiling Light Installation
If you’re looking to transform your home, adding ceiling lights is a smart choice. But, they should be well-positioned for a beautiful effect. By using the information provided in this article, you’re well on your way to creating your dream home. If you’re looking to add ceiling lights in your home, you can explore our rich collection and find stunning pieces for your house.
