Ceiling lights are a key part of any lighting plan and can transform the look and feel of a room. Ceiling lights are often used as the primary lighting source in a room, so choosing the right option is important for both functionality and aesthetics. From decorative chandeliers to subtle flush mounts, there are many popular ceiling lights to consider.
6-Light Candle Chandelier by Meridian
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are one of the most popular types of ceiling lights. They are a hanging light fixture characterized by having several branches. These light fixtures are often used as the go to fixture to create a dramatic focal point.
Types of Chandeliers
There a few common styles of chandeliers:
A crystal chandelier features crystal accents, often as pendants suspended along the fixture. The crystals refract the light, creating a dazzling effect.
A candle chandelier has candle-like lights at the end of each separate arm. These are inspired by the traditional old-world chandeliers that used candles as light sources.
A tiered chandelier has several lights that are arranged in multiple tiers, often in a graduated design which creates depth and visual interest.
A caged chandelier features a central light surrounded by a cage-type arrangement. The cage can be made from various materials such as metal or wood.
Pros and Cons of Chandeliers
Chandeliers are a popular choice because they have a bold look and can be used as an accent piece to make a statement while tying the overall room decor together. They also add general ambient light to illuminate the entire room, which creates a welcoming ambiance.
One of the drawbacks of these fixtures is that they can be difficult to maintain. They often feature intricate details and the many arms can be time-consuming to dust and clean.
Ideal Rooms for Chandeliers
Chandeliers make an ideal addition to several spaces in the home. They create a beautiful focal point in rooms used for entertaining, like over the dining table in the dining room. Chandeliers can be used to create a great first impression when placed in the front entryway or foyer. When placed in the primary bedroom, they add a personal touch of style to the room’s decor.
Alora Mood Castilla 8 Inch Pendant
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a type of lighting fixture that are suspended by a cord, chain or rod from the ceiling. They hang down like a pendant, which is where they get their name. These ceiling light fixtures are often used for accent lighting and can be placed in a room to provide additional lighting where needed.
Types of Pendant Lights
There are a few main styles of pendant lights:
Drum pendants have a drum or cylindrical shaped shade. They can offer diffused or direct lighting, depending on the shade material.
Cage pendant lights feature an outer structure or cage that surrounds the central lighting source.
Bowl pendants have a bowl-shaped shade that directs light downwards. These are used for more concentrated lighting.
Multi pendant lights consist of several lights grouped together on a single canopy. These lighting fixtures are often used as accent pieces.
Pros and Cons of Pendant Lights
Pendants are a versatile lighting fixture that can be adjusted to fit various spaces. They are height adjustable meaning they can be used in a variety of situations by simply changing the height of the suspension. They are also a great option for task lighting and can be used as supplementary lighting in areas that need more illumination such as for reading or cooking.
One of the drawbacks to consider for pendants is that they may not be the right choice for overall ambient lighting. Their lighting capabilities are best suited for concentrated areas.
Ideal Rooms for Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights are a great addition to rooms where they can be hung to add selective lighting. They can be used in the kitchen over the sink or cooking areas to provide task lighting, or multiple pendants can be hung to add a statement accent over kitchen islands. These versatile lighting fixtures are also a good choice for entryways or hallways since they can be compact and easily adjusted.
Flush Mount Lights
Flush mount lights are light fixtures that are installed directly against the ceiling, lying flush with the surface without any gap. These fixtures are a popular choice for low ceilings or for areas where a streamlined and unobtrusive lighting solution is preferred. There are also semi flush mounts. Semi flush lighting hangs down slightly, creating a gap between the fixture and the ceiling.
Types of Flush Mount Lights
There are several common styles of flush mount lighting:
Drum flush mounts feature drum-shaped fixtures with fabric or metal shades. These lights provide a sleek and modern silhouette.
Disc flush mount lights are distinguished by their flat, disc-shaped structure that sits flush against the ceiling. This design creates a contemporary and streamlined look.
Bowl flush mount lights feature a bowl-shaped structure, and are a common lighting type used by home builders. These fixtures are popular for providing a soft and diffuse light
Linear flush mount lights feature a straight, elongated design, typically with a low profile. They are used to provide light over a greater surface area.
Pros and Cons of Flush Mounts
These ceiling lights are a great compact lighting choice for smaller spaces or areas with lower ceilings. Their space-saving minimalist design is streamlined, making them great choices for rooms where hanging lighting may not be suitable. This style of ceiling light also provides soft, diffused lighting for a more ambient appeal.
One of the cons of flush mount lighting is that they lack the decorative impact that larger suspended lighting options provide. They also can lack light spread, depending on the style of light and where they are installed.
Ideal Rooms for Flush Mounts
Flush mount ceiling lights are an ideal choice for hallways. They provide space-saving design and diffused lighting without obstructing these narrow passages. They are often used in bedrooms and bathrooms to provide a lower level of lighting suitable for nighttime use to create a relaxing ambiance.
TK-725 Line Voltage Track Head for L Track by WAC Lighting
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a versatile lighting fixture that features multiple light sources arranged along a continuous rail or track. Track lights are generally installed on the ceiling and the light sources can be individually adjusted to direct more light where needed.
Types of Track Lights
Mono-point lighting refers to a fixture which has a single power source and connection point for light sources along the track. Individual light sources can be adjusted or moved along the track but the fixtures are controlled all together as one.
Multi-point lighting is a fixture which has several power sources and connection points. This allows for groups of fixtures to be controlled separately, allowing for greater customization and versatility.
Pros and Cons of Track Lighting
One of the biggest advantages of track lighting is its versatility. Track lighting can provide lighting across a larger surface area and allows for adjustments to provide accent lighting where it’s needed most.
Due to the larger nature of these light fixtures, they can sometimes look cluttered, so they are not often chosen for adding visual appeal. These fixtures are more suited to functionality than aesthetics.
Ideal Rooms for Track Lighting
Track lighting is a great choice for open concept spaces since they can direct light around the room where it is needed. Task lighting is often used to highlight artwork, illuminate closets or to provide concentrated task lighting in multi-purpose rooms.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Lighting
There are several types of ceiling lighting to choose from, each with their own benefits and stylistic appeal. When selecting ceiling lighting, it’s important to consider the size of the space, the purpose of the lighting and the overall aesthetics of the room. Each of these key factors will help determine which ceiling light fixture will be most suitable for your unique home.
Once you’ve chosen your desired type of lighting, select a style that complements the room decor. Consider things like material, size, shape and colour to find a piece that fits in with your decor style. The right lighting can add the perfect decorative touch to any space.
Don’t be afraid to explore different options, and keep in mind that most rooms will require a combination of several light fixtures for the optimal illumination. Layered lighting creates the perfect welcoming ambiance, while ensuring maximum functionality.
With so many ceiling lighting options to choose from, you can choose a lighting type and style that suits your home to create ambient lighting while adding focal points in the right places. Browse our collection of ceiling lights to fit the perfect match.
