Many of today’s modern houses are already prewired for Volino lights installed at the center of every room. But, what is the best type of ceiling light fixture in the first place?
It is now common to see glass dome lights as more and more DIY renovators and builders sticking them almost everywhere and anywhere when they get the chance. However, there is really no need for you to settle for these generic dome lights considering all the creative and unique designs for ceiling lighting that you can find in the market right now. The good news is that they also come in various amazing finishes and styles.
Read this short guide to help you shop for the perfect ceiling fixtures that will complement your interior décor elements.
How Low Should You Hang Your Ceiling Light?
Interior designers use various formulas to calculate lighting sizes with different ceiling light fixtures. However, there is only one number you should remember when buying ceiling fixtures and this is none other than seven. If someone walks under your ceiling light, its bottom shouldn’t hang lower than 7 feet or 84 inches above your floor. Measure the height of your ceiling and subtract 84 inches to get the maximum height for your ceiling fixture.
What is Ideal Brightness for Ceiling Lights?
Ask any interior designer and they will surely tell you to have several lighting fixtures in one room. You can combine different kinds of lighting fixtures to create an inviting ambiance while making sure that there is proper illumination in all task areas.
There are basically three kinds of lighting and these are accent, ambient, and task lighting. Ceiling lighting fixtures are used for general or ambient lighting, which means that they need to be quite bright once lit. In spots such as closets and hallways, they are often the sole source of light. In living areas and bedrooms, ceiling fixtures can work well with lamps that offer additional ambient light and task lighting. Dimmer switches can be a smart addition that can instantly turn your ceiling fixtures to soft accent lighting.
Pick a ceiling fixture bright enough for the room with the use of the lighting standard known as lumens. Make sure you know the room’s square footage. Other things you need to remember include the following:
- Kitchens and dining rooms need 30 to 40 lumens for every square foot.
- Hallways, bedrooms, and living areas require 20 lumens for every square foot.
The required lumens should be multiplied by your room’s square footage. For example, for a bedroom measuring 10 feet by 12 feet, you will need 2,400 lumens of light. Every light bulb has a different level of brightness so don’t forget to refer to the packaging to know the lumens. Use the following as a helpful guide:
- 40 watts = 450 lumens
- 60 watts = 800 lumens
- 75 watts = 1100 lumens
For 10 feet by 12 feet bedroom, you can use ceiling lights with either six 40W bulbs or four 60W bulbs. For LED ceiling fixtures, opt for one with 2,400 lumens.
Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Flush mount lights are directly installed against the ceiling with no gap that makes them ideal for rooms with low ceiling. These lights are easy to install with the use of existing wiring. Large-diameter flush-mount fixtures can conceal the marks on you ceiling from smaller or older light fixtures. Since these are tightly fit to the surface of the ceiling, these lighting fixtures also offer other advantages:
- Low-profile lighting fixtures suitable for ceilings of 7 to 8 feet high
- Easy maintain as they don’t easily accumulate insects or dust
- Safer for children’s rooms and high traffic areas.
- Can be installed where people need to walk under the fixture such as closets, hallways, kitchens, and bedrooms
- Trendy finishes such as gold, brass, and black to match other lighting fixtures in the home
- Extensive selection of affordable and practical designs
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Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light
A semi-flush ceiling fixture is installed with a short stem and a ceiling canopy that suspends it from the ceiling. Due to the gap between the ceiling and the light fixtures, most styles shine the light both down and upwards. Many semi-flush ceiling lighting fixture create more ambient light.
Although semi-flush ceiling fixtures can be quickly and easily on existing wiring, its round canopy covers only 4 to 6 inches of the ceiling. If you want to replace your old lighting, you can apply a new coat of paint on your ceiling. The following are other common features of semi-flush ceiling fixtures:
- Lower hanging length for ceilings measuring 8 to 12 feet
- Perfect for foyers, entries, hallways, closets, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Can be used for lower ceilings over a bed or dining table
- Light patterns on the ceiling help create ambiance
- Brighter illumination if light reflects off white ceiling
- Easier access for light bulb replacement
- Provides extensive selection of design styles
- Some styles require frequent dusting.
With their additional length, this kind of ceiling lighting fixtures provides more decorative details.
Close-to-Ceiling Modern Lights with LEDs
More energy-efficient LEDs are the newest additions in today’s lighting market. These integrated LED light fixtures don’t need any maintenance and can last for as long as 15 years. The innovative technology lets designers create modern minimalist lighting.
Slimmer profiles are ideal for lower ceilings and bright LED bulbs offer lots of illumination. Integrated LED light fixtures can be paired with compatible dimmer switch to create ambient lighting.
Tips to Mix and Match Your Ceiling Lights
Here are some expert tips to help you pull off the perfect lighting scheme for your home:
- Use your existing architecture and furnishings as your guide.
- Measure the height of your ceiling to know what fits it best.
- While ceiling fixtures in all rooms don’t need to match, they should still share the same color, style, and scale.
- Don’t mix very simple styles with extremely ornate pieces.
Shop for the best ceiling lights to brighten up your interior!