Ceiling Lights Buying Guide

Ambient light draws people into a space, while at the same time helping them to look their very best. Yet, the ceilings can be so much more than just reflective surfaces. They can be a creative canvas onto which you add a whole additional layer of visual interest. The lights directly mounted on the ceiling for the general illumination of the room or a specific section of it are called ceiling lights. We know selecting the perfect light fixtures for a specific room or task can be a daunting, and we want to ensure that all your questions are answered by our trusted experts. Here is our guide to selecting the perfect modern ceiling lights to illuminate each room in your living space.

Flush and Semi-Flush Lights

Flush Mounts are important in illuminating any home or commercial space. They are meant to highlight busy areas in the homes, such as hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. No matter how you style your space, flush mounts are a discrete way to provide a generous amount of light to a space without making the space look too busy or cluttered. They are an overall fantastic option for your modern living space. Modern flushmounts come in different sizes, colors, finishes and styles so you can select one that seamlessly integrates into your space.

Semi-Flush Mounts are a more decorative alternative to flush mount fixtures as they are slightly suspended, leaving a small gap between the ceiling and fixture. This subtle gap allows for a radiant uplit effect, while providing a direct downward light. These dynamic ceiling fixtures produce effective ambient lighting and are an excellent option for living areas.

What is the difference between flush mount and semi-flush mount lights?

A flush mount naturally sits directly on the ceiling, while a semi-flush hangs down several (roughly 4-8) inches, leaving airspace between the ceiling and the fixture.

Recessed Lighting is an incredibly impactful way to illuminate your space without the addition of low-hanging fixtures that can disrupt the visual look of a room. They are designed to sit directly flush with the surface for a sleek and polished finish. Recessed lights are the perfect choice for your living space if you wish to achieve a clean and brightly lit atmosphere since all electrical wiring components are kept hidden, and the bulb appears to glow from within the opening - as opposed to suspension or track lighting where the bulbs are visible.

LED Ceiling Lights fixtures are long lasting and great looking, providing illumination for even your dimmest rooms. These fixtures contain integrated light sources, meaning, there is no physical bulb inside the light, but rather strips with LED diodes. LEDs use much less energy than incandescent bulbs because diode light is much more efficient than filament light. They are becoming increasingly popular solutions for residential and commerical spaces.

Suspension Lights

Chandeliers are equal parts beautiful and functional. Incorporate a room show stopper by adding in a chandelier into your entryway, dining room, living room or bedroom. These fixtures have historically been used to ornate ballrooms and large entryways, while modern day chandeliers come in a variety of different styles, sizes, and colors that suit virtually any space. When selecting the best chandelier for you, it is important to consider how much light you need to perform specific tasks in each room. A chandelier is only one part of the interior - recessed lighting can add additional ambient light to the space, while table lamps and floor lamps can be used to light up specific areas. We always recommend pairing chandeliers with dimmer switches so that you can control the intensity of the light.

How do I pick a chandelier size?

An effortless way to determine a chandelier size is to add the dimensions of the room together in feet and then convert the answer to inches. The answer in inches should equal roughly the diameter of the fixture. For instance, if your room measures 10' x 14' the diameter of the fixture should be about 24”.

What length should a chandelier hang?

Use the designer's rule of thumb of allowing 2 1/2 inches to 3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height. If you have 8 foot ceilings, make sure the chandelier above your table is 20 to 24 inches in height. Note: don't forget to fill up the vertical space. Of course, this can all vary depending on the specifics of a space and design.

Is there a rule of thumb for selecting a dining room chandelier?

Generally, a chandelier should be about one-third the width of the dining room table. So a 5-foot round dining table (60 inches) needs a chandelier with a diameter of 20 inches. Oval or rectangular tables can take a slightly wider chandelier. A common solution is to select a chandelier based on the shape of the table, such as a longer, linear chandelier for a rectangular table, and a round chandelier for an oval or round table.

Pendant Lights make a bold statement, while being versatile, and save space in any indoor living space. Pendant lighting provides a stunning glow and can be installed at a variety of heights, allowing it to suit your specific needs and preferences. They are often used in multiples, hung over kitchen countertops and dinette sets, in bathrooms, entryways, dining room tables, and so much more.

How many pendant lights should I suspend over an island?

To determine the number of pendants that you can fit over your kitchen island, dining room table, or bar-height counter, you divide the length of your table minus 12 inches by the diameter of your desired pendant (as long as it's under the allowable diameter) and then divide by two. However, over the recent years, many designers have opted for linear suspensions over kitchen islands as they provide a longer, more even glow.

What is the ideal height for a pendant?

Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, in kitchens with a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. The pendant height can also be measured up from the surface below the light.

Linear Suspension Lights are a fantastic contemporary addition to a space. These fixtures create a sense of continuity and balance in a room. They usually hang from the ceiling by a rod, cord, or chain, and uniquely shed light on rectangular areas, such as kitchen islands or dining room tables. Linear suspension lights come in a variety of different styles, shapes, and complexity to suit your lighting design needs.

How far apart should linear lights be?

For most applications, spacing them 2' to 4' apart gives ample lighting. If lighting artwork or requiring task lighting at different intervals, it's easy to move them where needed.

How long should a linear light be placed above an island?

Standard sizing is about 2/3 the length of your island, however, when using a longer fixture over a shorter island you want to leave about 6-8” of space on either side of the fixture from the end of the island.

Track Lighting is often installed for purposes like spotlighting artwork, shelves, mantels, or kitchen surfaces. The ability to change your mind without having to plug holes in the ceiling is one reason track and rail lighting remains popular. There is no specific function or place for track lighting; with endless applications.