How Do I Know Which Type of Ceiling Light to Buy?

Sizing Based on Room Dimensions

Here's one of the formulas interior designers use more than any other: measure the length and width of your room (in feet), add those numbers together, and then convert those numbers to inches. That's about the right diameter for your light fixture

Example:

  • Living Room;12′ x 15′: 12 + 15 = 27 Your chandelier should be about 27″ in diameter assures "the diameter of your chandelier…should be two-thirds the width assures "the diameter of your chandelier…should be two-thirds the width assures "the diameter of your chandelier…should be.
  • Bedroom ; 10 x 12 feet—Add 10 + 12 = 22 feet. Any chandelier around 22 inches in diameter should suit the room​ .

Ceiling Height 

One significant variable in how high or low your ceiling light can hang is the ceiling height. What works with standard, 8-foot ceilings? Flush-mount lights or semi-flush mount lights works well, as they don't drop too far from the ceiling. In rooms with higher ceilings—say 9 feet or more consider a pendant light or a chandelier that can hang low and really set the stage.

A good rule of thumb for pendant lights is to allow at least 7 feet between the floor and the bottom of the light fixture so people are comfortable walking underneath without feeling crowded. When installed over a dining table or kitchen island the standard space between the surface and the light would be approximately 32-36 inches.

Which Type of Ceiling Light Should I Use?

a. Flush Ceiling Lights

The close-to-ceiling lights are directly attached to the ceiling and are best for rooms with a lower ceiling, or where a problem with headroom might occur, such as hallways or bathrooms. Semi-flush lights are used for general lighting, and with the vast number of styles available, they can complement practically any modern or traditional décor.

b.Semi-Flush Ceiling Lighting

Semi-flush lights are those which drop an inch or two lower than the flush lights and, thus, can be used in situations where the ceiling height is standard. This type of lighting source provides a partial amount of direct downward light and ambient reflected light with the ideal locations being the living room or the bedrooms, or indeed, the dining area.

c.Pendant Light

This type of lighting fixture is suspended from a chain, rod, or cord and is just perfect to be hanged in either lofty rooms or in rooms with high elevation as a decorative feature in living, dining or kitchen rooms. Pendants can work in groups for greater impact or hung solo over tables and countertops.

d.Chandeliers

Chandeliers have a long history of being affixed to elegance and grandeur, but modern designs have made them versatile enough to work in everything from foyers to dining rooms. They work particularly well in tall-ceilinged spaces, and some include multiple arms with individual light bulbs .

e. Track Lighting

Track lighting can be a modern substitute appropriate for any room that requires directional lighting, such as the kitchen or an art area. It is very easy to manipulate the tile beam of light provided by track lighting so it can be used in scattering, focusing on a particular item, area, or location, either for tasking or for general use.

f. Recessed light

Recessed lights are installed on the inside of the ceiling and are thought to be clean, low-profile lighting. They should be used more appropriately for rooms with low ceilings where hanging fixtures would be impractical. These lights do well in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways where even overhead illumination is needed.

Choosing the Right Bulbs for Ceiling Lights

 

1.LED Bulbs

One common use for ceiling lighting is using LED bulbs, which make for a highly efficient and long-lasting fit. They draw far less power compared to the older incandescent bulbs and standardly have life hours of 25,000 or more.

  • Pros

Energy-saving, long life, no environmental damage, light colors available from warm to cool, and all are dimmable, except for some.

  • Lumens and Wattage

Most rooms will do well with an equivalent to the 60-watt incandescent LED bulb that is roughly 800 lumens. Areas that need more power, with more light like kitchens or offices, will need 1000-1500 lumens.

  • Best for

Living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways; these are some of the best places to use these energy-efficient bulbs that would also deliver long-lasting performance.

2. CFL Bulbs

Another energy-efficient replacement for an incandescent lamp is a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL). It will not last as long as an LED, but will still achieve savings of as much as 75% over traditional lamps.

  • Pros

 Energy efficient and cost-effective, available in many shapes and sizes. In most cases, it will cost less than an LED retrofit.

  • Lumens and Wattage

A CFL with a power equivalence of 60 watts to an incandescent produces typically around 800 lumens. It is a good all-purpose bulb for living areas.

  • Best for

Lower upfront costs mean it is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where light is not so important. As LEDs come onto the market, these are becoming less common.

3. Halogen Bulbs

They produce similarly bright, intense light to incandescent lights, so they are best used with task lighting. They are basically an incandescent light bulb of higher energy label, and a little more durable.

  • pros

They are simply brighter than the typical incandescent light bulbs and give off a white light.

  • Wattage and Lumens

A 43-watt halogen has the same amount, approximately 800 lumens, that a 60-watt incandescent has.

  • Best for

Areas that require bright, direct light task areas or kitchens, for example, where color accuracy is a must.

4. Incandescent Bulbs

While not having been phased out as an energy-efficient end of the spectrum over time, there are still some older-style incandescent bulbs in use in fixtures. They put out a nice, warm, soft light; however, they aren't as energy-efficient as LED and CFL and burn out quicker.

  • Pros

 Attractive, warm light; generally inexpensive

  • Lumens and Wattage

For example, a standard 60-watt incandescent gives off about 800 lumens and consumes more energy than other options.

  • Best for

Chandeliers with multiple bulbs or in applications where a soft, warm ambiance is desired but one that will cost more to operate and replace.

5. Choosing the Right Light By Room Size and Function

Every room in your house requires a different level of lumens, and therefore, your knowledge of the room size can assist in the selection of the right bulb for the ceiling. Below are general guiding measures based on use and room.

  • Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Where best maintained at a level of between 1,500 to 3,000 lumens, for a cozier feel, a bulb whose temperature is lower is preferred.

  • Kitchens and Bathrooms

These areas need higher light, 3,000-4,000 lumens. For task lighting in these areas, look for bulbs on the cooler end of this scale, 3000K-4000K.

  • Hallways and Corridors

Since hallways can be any length and wide or narrow, your mileage may vary. Generally, you will need 1,200-2,500 lumens with color temperatures in the middle of the line – around 3000K.

6. Variable Color Temp and Dimmability

  • Dimmability

Almost all LED and CFL bulbs are dimmable, so one can adjust their brightness to either the time of day or the activity performed in the room. This feature is more important in living rooms and dining rooms, whereby during meals or socializing, one may need brighter light and quieter light for relaxation.

  • Color Temperature

Color temperature, generally measured in Kelvin, can make the mood of your space. Warm light between 2700K and 3000K—is best for living rooms and bedrooms, while cooler light  is better in kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces.

7. Energy Efficient

It is recommended to select Energy Star-rated bulbs where possible, especially for the rooms where they are used most frequently. Such bulbs meet strict energy-efficient guidelines and will help reduce energy costs in general. Of note is that LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient and last long, consuming even less electricity compared to their counterparts, including CFL and even halogen bulbs.