Ceiling Lights Buying Guide

A ceiling fixture that doesn't fit your room or lifestyle can be very annoying. Light is one of the most important qualities in a home and, without good ceiling lighting, the entire mood of a room can be ruined.

Luckily, there are thousands of different styles, types and sizes of ceiling fixtures available to choose from. With all that variety, finding just the right fixture for you should be a snap.

Important Considerations

When you are looking for a ceiling fixture, you'll first and foremost want to consider the size of the room you are lighting. To do that, measure the room's width in feet and then double it. Then convert the feet to inches, and you'll have the approximate diameter for a chandelier that would fit nicely in that room.

Next, think about where you are going to place your light fixture. For example, in a dining room, you'll want to center your light over the dining table. In the living room, you'll want to center it over your main sitting area. If the living room is very large or if there is any sort of division to the room, you may want to install two ceiling fixtures.

How high you hang the fixture is another consideration. You'll want any hanging light to be situated at least seven feet above the floor, although if it's placed over a table, you'll want it to be about 30 inches from the top of the table.

If you have very low ceilings, think about using a flush mounted fixture, instead of a pendant or chandelier. That will keep you and others safe from bumping heads on into the light. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings, it can be very inconvenient to change light bulbs on a flush mounted fixture without using a ladder.

Some light fixtures, especially chandeliers, require non-standard light bulbs. This is something to keep in mind, as you will need to find specialty bulbs to replace the ones that burn out. They are usually fairly standard and not difficult to find, but it does still add a small consideration.

You may also want to think about using a dimmer switch with any lighting fixture you install. Dimmer switches allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the light, instead of being limited to simply "on" and "off." This control can do wonders in creating the perfect mood or accent in your home.

Types of Ceiling Light Fixtures

Chandeliers

When we think about ceiling lights, we often picture chandeliers in our minds. Chandeliers can be small or large, simple or elaborate, inconspicuous or eye-catching. What makes a chandelier a chandelier is that is has several light sources, often around a central stem or chain that hangs from the ceiling.

Pendant Light Fixtures

A pendant light hangs down from the ceiling as well, but only has a single light source. That source might require one or more light bulbs. Generally, pendants tend to be simpler and less distracting than chandeliers, though they can also be quite beautiful. Pendant lights work especially well in foyer areas of the home.

Island Light Fixtures

Island lights also hang down from the ceiling, often with one light at the end of a stem. Unlike pendant lights, they may be grouped into twos or threes. The chief characteristic of an island light is that it shines downwards, creating a pool of light to illuminate a small area. They are quite good as a task light for a specific area, such as a kitchen island.

Flush Mount Light Fixtures

Flush-mounted ceiling light fixtures are directly attached to the ceiling without a chain or central stem. They are the least conspicuous type of ceiling fixture, and are often designed not to be noticed. Some flush-mounted fixtures do hang down, which makes it easier to change bulbs. These are known as semi-flush mount fixtures.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is similar to island lighting, as the lights are designed to shine directly on a specific place. Tracks light are more versatile, however. They have pivoting arms that allow them to shine up, down, or sideways. They can also slide along the metal track that holds them, allowing you to place the light exactly where you'd like it.

Track lights are mainly utilitarian. Consequently, there are not many varieties in terms of style and aesthetics.

Finding Your Style

When it comes to choosing lighting fixtures, there are many styles to choose from. In general, you'll want to choose a style that complements the architectural style of your home. However, you may want to get creative and change things up for specific rooms.

Many of the styles are inspired by different eras of design. Here are some of the most popular styles.

Arts and Craft Style Light Fixtures

The Arts and Crafts movement began around the turn of the 20th century in response to the heavily ornamented style of the Victorian Era. It favors simple straight lines and the use of natural materials, such as copper, mica, and wood. It emphasizes the importance of handmade crafts, as opposed to factory-produced items.

Different types of ceiling fixtures can be found in this style, including pendants, chandeliers, and flush-mounted fixtures.

Art Deco Light Fixtures

Although the period of Art Deco had its heyday from 1925-1950, it wasn't referred to as Art Deco until the 1960s.

Art Deco style is abstract, jazzy and urban. It emphasizes soft, curving porcelain or glass housing, often with contrasting patterned metalwork. It embraced the industrial twentieth century by using new materials like bakelite and aluminum, and was the first style to incorporate electricity from the beginning.

Ceiling lights in this style include pendants, chandeliers and flush-mounted fixtures.

Colonial Style Light Fixtures

The colonial period in our country was a time of simplicity, practicality and refinement. Colonial houses were often built in the Georgian style, using flat columns and formal room layouts.

Colonial lighting fixtures are practical, dignified and simple. The most popular types of Colonial ceiling light fixtures are flush mount fixtures and chandeliers.

Mission Style Light Fixtures

Mission style refers to lighting that is boxy and warm. It is related to the Arts and Crafts style in that it tends to make use of simple, plain lines. However, it usually incorporates darker and warmer coloring.

Some Mission pieces use a softer, more feminine look with rounder glass housings. This softer look provides an alternative to the stark, strong traditional Mission formality.

Mission style lighting fixtures come in a wide variety, including pendants, island lights, semi flush-mounted and chandeliers.

Price Range

Simple ceiling light fixtures can be found as inexpensively as $25-30. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find just about any type of ceiling fixture for under $100. Most quality fixtures are priced in a range between $100 and $250.

As prices increase, you'll find new heights in the stylishness and beauty of the ceiling light fixtures available. Chandeliers are especially expensive, due to their elaborate designs, and can easily cost more than $1,000. Some are priced well over $5,000.