Tips for Choosing the Right Ceiling Lights

The right ceiling light meets a few different criteria: primarily that you love the style and what it contributes to the space you’re designing. However, there are few other things you need to know and do to ensure your light fits the space in every meaning of the word and truly suits the environment you envision.

Measure. As always, it is incredibly important to measure, measure, measure. First, know the width, length, height, and center of your ceiling. Know the measurements of the lights themselves, and talk to a contractor to determine the best way to space out the lights on your ceiling. If you choose recessed lighting (alone or in addition to other ceiling lights) you’ll definitely need to map out your lighting plan.

The Formula for Fixture Diameter. A very simple formula is commonly used to determine what the diameter of your fixture should be. This is primarily applied to chandeliers and pendants, as well as flush mounts.

Add your room’s length and width (in feet) and then use that number to be the general acceptable diameter for your light. For example: 10 ft. + 12 ft. = 22 ft. Which means your light should be around 22 inches in diameter.

If you’re going for impact, add up to 10 inches to that size, if you want your ceiling light to be a bit more subtle, stay close to that number or subtract up to 3 inches. Remember, diameter is only a small part of scale; consider the visual mass of the light’s composition and materials and understand that cluster lights, pendants, and architectural chandeliers will all have a different weight and presence in the room.

Recessed, Flush Mount, Semi-Flush, or Pendant? Perhaps the biggest question of all is which type of ceiling light you should choose for your room. Size is one thing, but the style, format, and silhouette of the light also influence how the room ultimately feels and functions. We’ve talked about the science behind lighting before (Kelvin and CRI), but when do you choose a flush mount over a pendant?

To some extent this depends on all of the measurements you took before. Low ceilings work better with flush or semi-flush mounts, while larger rooms benefit from recessed lighting in addition to pendants or chandeliers. These types of lights all serve a slightly different purpose, too. Consider the room’s uses, what other lighting layers you’re adding in, the flow of the space, and natural light sources.

The Right Ceiling Lights for Bedrooms

When it comes to lighting modern bedrooms, it’s important to keep in mind that this room is for relaxation and winding down as well as preparing for the day. This dual-purpose means your lighting selections need to address multiple daily rituals. For us, this starts with the bedside table lamp and ends with a well-chosen ceiling light. A broad, diffused fixture can create comfortable ambient light without producing a harsh hotspot. This means a wider pendant or linear pendant, or even a series of flush mounts or pendants.

Dining Room Lighting

It is very common to hang a pendant or chandelier over the dining table. Not only does this placement typically fall in the center of the room, creating that desired symmetry, but it also ensure every diner has enough light to see by. It’s practical and, with the right light, visually engaging. This dining table light can be a single, large sculptural light or it can be a series of pendants.

Be sure to measure the height of the dining table and hang the light 30-36 inches from the surface of the tabletop. Also, keep the size of the table in mind when choosing a light so the proportions are balanced and no one item outshines or overpowers the other.

Finally, we highly recommend adding some ambient lighting in the form of sconces around the dining room and incorporating a table light or two on buffets or bar carts.

Ceiling Lights for Entryways and Halls

Entryways and halls often give you plenty of ceiling height to work with. However, it is still vital to measure and double check the clearance above the front door and closet doors as they open and close. This is a great place to make a lasting impression with a large, sculptural or grand light, but don’t forget to measure the size of the room and scale accordingly.

We also recommend finding complementing wall lights to line the walls of any adjacent hallways, putting table lights on any entryway tables or credenzas, and adding dimmers.

Living Room Ceiling Lights

Often in living rooms, one single, central light does not service the entire room. In larger living rooms, it may be advisable to install recessed lights, then strategically place pendants and other ceiling fixtures in zones. For example, a large pendant or chandelier centered over the coffee table or primary seating area.

Use the overhead lights as an ambient lighting layer in living rooms and plan to fill in dark corners and other spaces with table lights and floor lamps.

Final Measurement Checklist

Shopping for lights is the fun part. As you scroll through modern lighting collections keep the following in mind so any light that catches your eye can be confirmed as the right ceiling light for your room.

• Know the fixture width and depth and the minimum/maximum drop.
• Understand the canopy dimensions if applicable.
• Measure your ceiling height and slope, as well as the lowest-point clearance.
• For dining rooms, note the height of your table, how the light will fit over it, as well as the seating arrangements.
• If you can, note the light output and distribution (is it more focused, are there multiple bulbs, is it dispersed or more of a spotlight?).
• Know the bulb type and/or integrated-LED serviceability.
• Discuss the dimmer compatibility, fixture weight, and junction-box requirements with a contractor.

Three Ceiling Lights We Love

With so many options on the market, we know it can be overwhelming to choose the best lighting for your home. These favorites are fantastic starting points in your search because we know they will work in almost any room.

Flock of Light Pendant

Probably one of the dreamiest pieces in our catalog, the Moooi Flock of Light basically takes that magical moment when fireflies appear at twilight and turns it into permanent lighting. This is art that actually works in real spaces. Tiny LED lights are spaced along bronze wires that weave, float, entangle, and whisp through the air, creating an ethereal pendant light that immediately evokes a sense of weightlessness.

Triple Pendant

Tala’s Triple Pendant is a simple and minimalist, yet gorgeous approach to the classic pendant. Three lights of suspended at different lengths from a disc canopy and allowed to simply be. The bare bulbs emit lots of brilliant light, making it a great option for larger rooms.

Bole Pendant II

This linear light has a rustic charm to it that makes it perfect for any room—whether it has a farmhouse feel or a sleek modern flair. The enamel framework is balanced by the small linen shades and the geometry of spheres is complemented by the straight lines of the bars. Beautiful and authentic, the Bole Pendant II embodies Workstead’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative modern lighting solutions.

The Best of Lighting at HORNE

There is space in every home, office, or business for innovative and eye-catching modern ceiling lights. Any room can be perfectly lit and enjoyed by the glow of pendants, chandeliers, and flush fixtures found at HORNE because we know the importance of light in all spaces. Browse our collection, measure, and plan to create atmosphere and enjoy the best of contemporary lighting.

Explore related collections, including Furniture, Lighting, and Accessories, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.