Ultimate Guide For Buying LED Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights come in all shapes, styles and sizes that you can choose from to light your home. While there are many ways to mix and match them to suit your space, there is no one size fits all ceiling light fixture.

Of course, the best ceiling lighting for any given room is going to come down to preference. That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when buying LED ceiling lights. This article will show you how to choose ceiling lights that best suit your home, as well as the many ways you can incorporate decorative LED ceiling lighting.

 

What Are The Benefits of LED Ceiling Lights?

Modern ceiling lights play a large role in the overall lighting and atmosphere of your home. There are many benefits to having ceiling lights in each room.

To start, ceiling lights tend to serve as the ambient layer in a layered lighting scheme. It provides a general and overall light for the whole room. These lights ensure that there is ample visibility throughout the room by providing an even layer of illumination, which can then be complemented by other layers of light.

Even though these lights are typically used for ambient illumination, the right fixtures can also be used for task lighting. For example, hanging lights or pendant lights can be hung above kitchen islands and office desks to give you plenty of illumination for working.

Such general lighting can be accomplished through various means. Like any other type of light fixture, LED ceiling lights come in a wide variety of designs and finishes. Depending on the needs and size of each room, you’ll be able to find the perfect fixture for you, thanks to the diversity of ceiling lights.

Smaller rooms can especially benefit from ceiling lights, and this is doubly true when you use recessed LED lighting. Since they do not take up any wall or floor space, you can free up more room for furniture and decorations.

As the world in general becomes more environmentally conscious, energy efficient lighting is becoming increasingly important. LED ceiling lights use less energy than traditional halogen bulbs, which can lessen your environmental impact. Less energy used can also translate to lower energy costs.

What Are The Different Types of Ceiling Lights?

There is a huge array of different types of ceiling light fixtures. Each one has its own place in various rooms and home styles. These include:

 

• HANGING PENDANT LIGHTS – Pendant ceiling lights are lights that are suspended from the ceiling most often by way of wire or chain. They are popular for hanging over tables or work areas. Proper attention must be given to the hanging height as needed.

 

• RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS – Flush mount ceiling lights are recessed into the ceiling, sitting flush with it. This provides a modern minimalist appeal that reduces clutter and adds a contemporary look and feel to the space.

 

• SURFACE MOUNTED DOWNLIGHTS – For those whose ceilings are not compatible with recessed lights, surface mounted lights are a great alternative. They sit on the ceiling and shine light downwards similarly to the recessed lights without any of the additional installation needs of recessed lighting.

 

• FLUSH MOUNT LIGHTS – These rest against the ceiling and give a contemporary look in hallways, bathrooms and other locations where space needs to be conserved.

 

• CHANDELIERS – If you want to make an opulent and elegant statement in your kitchen, dining room or foyer, chandeliers are a great choice. Often fashioned from glass or crystal, they are a sophisticated choice for any formal space.

 

• CLUSTER PENDANTS – Similar to chandeliers, cluster pendant lights feature several hanging pendants from a single ceiling fitting. These tend to be used as modern alternatives to chandeliers for statement lighting.

 

• TRACK LIGHTS – Track lights are simply LED spotlights for ceilings that are on a track system. They are unique in that they can have their positions and orientations changed on the track, allowing you to alter their placement according to your needs or mood.

 

How To Choose The Best Ceiling Lights to Match Your Room Design and Layout

Due to their importance, care should be employed when selecting the ceiling light types for your home. Below, we offer a quick guide to determining the best match for you.

Start by assessing the purpose of the room. Is it a task-heavy space, such as a kitchen or bathroom? Or is it a relaxing area like a bedroom or living room? The answer will influence the kind of lighting you need. You will also need to take into account the size of the room, including its height.

Once you know the room size, you can start looking for lights that complement its size and spaciousness. The aesthetics of the room will also come into play; you’ll want light fixtures that don’t clash with the existing decor and colour scheme.

Now, it’s time to select the specific modern LED light fixtures for ceilings that call to you. Different styles work well in different spaces, so here are some ideas to get you started:

 

• Chandeliers are well suited for dining rooms, formal spaces and foyers, thanks to their elegant appearance.

 

• Pendant lights are ideal for dining areas, workspaces, and kitchens, thanks to the focused lighting they provide.

 

• Flush lights will work best in smaller areas such as bedrooms, rooms with low ceilings and hallways.

 

• Semi-flush lights are a good choice for those who want a middle ground between chandeliers and flush mount lights. They can be used in various rooms in the house.

 

• Track lighting is ideal for areas whose decor and function change from time to time. These lights allow you to adjust their position at any time, giving you total control of their purpose and appearance.

 

• Ceiling fans with lights are a great way to keep a room cool while providing ambient lighting in a space. They are most commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms and covered porches.

 

Be sure that the size of the fixture is proportionate to the room size. This will avoid having fixtures that are too large for small spaces or small lights that get lost in larger rooms. The size, plus the brightness of the light, will help you determine just how many light fixture ceiling lamps you will need.

 

Top Trends in Interior Ceiling Lights

Like any other design style, the trends for ceiling lights come and go. Some trends don’t ever seem to fade away, though, and those are good for use when you want timeless lighting design without constant redecorating. Below, you’ll find a mix of evergreen styles mixed with today’s top trends.

 

Black Ceiling Lights

Using a black ceiling light fixture in an otherwise white or even highly colourful room can create a dramatic statement. It accomplishes this through contrast. This is especially true of black pendant light fixtures, as they take up more vertical space and are thereby easier to see.

 

Statement Lights

Modern pendant lights such as a long ceiling light fixture or chandelier bring trendy, artistic appeal to any room in the house. Using a statement light can give a room plenty of personality while also offering it a focal point.

 

Modern Industrial Styles

Using recessed lights in your ceiling with only metal faceplates exposed can contribute to an industrial modern appearance. This is especially useful for those who like urban lighting schemes and energetic spaces.

 

Curvy Lights

Whether this comes in the form of abstract ceiling lighting or curving floor lamps, curved shapes are all the rage in interior lighting right now. These offer softer lines and make the area look more inviting.

 

Wall Lights

More and more people are implementing wall sconces into their lighting schemes. Wall sconces provide indirect lighting and can complement any layered lighting scheme with its mood-setting appearance.

 

Exaggerated Sizes

Intentionally choosing lights that are oversized and eye-catching can make any space feel more whimsical and fun. Globes, cones and dome-shaped ceiling lights that seem larger than life are rising in popularity.

 

Retro Lighting

Especially where suspended LED ceiling lights are concerned, retro lighting is a trendy way to incorporate illumination into your home. From 70s-style pendant ceiling lights to vintage 50s-style table lamps, you can bring historical trends back into the modern era of lighting.

 

Sculptural Lighting

Choosing modern hanging lights with multiple light heads or an artistic design element can inject personality and style into any room. They are especially suited for hanging above large dining room tables.

 

Colorful Choices

Where monochromatic design schemes were once in, the newest trend is colour and lots of it. The resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic has brought with it colourful, bright and vivid shades reminiscent of the purples, pinks and greens of the early 2000s.

 

Fairy Lights

Whether they are draped along the walls or hanging from the ceiling, fairy lights are a fun, whimsical way to bring out the personality of a room. They also make for great mood lighting when turned on alone.

How To Set the Mood with Interior Ceiling Lighting

When most people think about mood lighting, their minds go to wall sconces and table lamps. While those are great choices for mood lights, you can also accomplish this goal using ceiling lights.

Bedroom ceiling lights are an especially good opportunity for mood lighting. If you want to create an intimate, romantic and relaxing environment, you can incorporate dimmer switches for the bedroom lights. Dimmable ceiling lights can also be incorporated into any other room of the house where you want to set a mood.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of colour temperature for lighting. It is rarely more important than it is for mood lighting. Bright, cool lights will only make a space feel energizing, which is the opposite of what you want in a mood light. Opt for warm, lower lumen count lights instead.

You should use various other light sources with ceiling lights to create balanced mood lighting. This means installing wall lights, bedside reading lights and other sources of soft lighting to light up any shadowy areas the ceiling light might have missed.

Wall lights on their own can also serve as good mood lighting. The same is true of floor lamps. By running them independently of the ceiling light, you can create a soft, warm, indirect glow from various locations in the room.

 

Why Are LEDs The Best Choice For Ceiling Light Fittings?

LED bulbs are famous for their many benefits, which makes them just as popular for ceiling lights. LEDs stand out from traditional bulbs in a number of ways, making them the clear choice for ceiling lights. Benefits include:

 

• LONG LIFE – LED bulbs are rated to last tens of thousands of hours compared to the 1,000 hours or so a halogen bulb affords.

 

• ENERGY EFFICIENT – Since LED lights use 80 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, they will require a lower drain on your electricity to run.

 

• COST-SAVING – A combination of energy efficiency and a lessened need to replace the lights means you will spend less money buying and running LED lights in the long run than you would halogen bulbs.

 

• VERSATILITY – LED bulbs are the only bulbs that provide you with varied colour temperature options, which is crucial when it comes to interior lighting, such as ceiling lights.

 

How To Select the Perfect LED Ceiling Light Colour Temperature

Almost more than any other element of a light, colour temperature affects the mood and atmosphere of a space beyond all else. Choosing the right colour temperature can make or break a room’s lighting design.

 

What is LED colour temperature?

LED colour temperature simply refers to the warmth or coolness of a given light. Also called colour correlated temperature (CCT), the ratings exist on a scale of 1,000 to 10,000 units Kelvin. At the top of the spectrum, you’ll find the cooler lights. The more you shift toward the lower end, the warmer the lights become.

 

What CCT is best for interior ceiling lights?

Warm and cool lights both have their own uses in different spaces. That said, when it comes to interior domestic lighting, warm colour temperatures are preferred. These colour temperatures are warmer and more inviting, making them ideal for domestic areas. It is recommended that you choose warm white light between 3000k and 3300k for best results.

 

LED Ceiling Light Ideas for Different Rooms of the Home

Different ceiling lights work best in different rooms of the home. Below, you will find a few examples of what ceiling lights to incorporate and where:

 

• LIVING ROOM AND LOUNGE – The living room is one of the most communal spaces in the house, meaning good lighting is important. The best ceiling lights for living room areas are ones that cast a large amount of light around the room to provide an adequate ambient layer.

 

Pendant lights and chandeliers work well in living rooms, especially if you want to make a statement. You can complement this light with mood and task lighting to create a balanced look.

 

• HALLWAY – Hallways are high-traffic areas that should be well lit. Unfortunately, they can also be rather narrow and often have low ceilings. Save space in your hallway by choosing recessed lights for the ceilings that stay out of the way. You can supplement this lighting with wall sconces as well, as they won’t take up any floor or ceiling room.

 

• DINING ROOM – The dining room, being a task-based area, should have ample lighting. Since it is also an entertaining area, you’ll want to dress it up with something to impress your guests. Opt for stunning chandeliers and statement lights to hang over large dining room tables for best results.

 

• BEDROOMS – You can create a relaxing bedroom by using ceiling lights with dimmer switches. A statement pendant light near the foot of the bed or the centre of the room can provide plenty of light while adding a focal point near the bed. Complement the dimmable ceiling light with bedside reading lights for some nice mood and accent lighting.

 

• KITCHENS – Much like dining rooms, kitchens are a place where a lot of tasks take place. Be sure you have plenty of ambient light provided by your ceiling lights. One way to do this is to incorporate hanging pendant lights over your kitchen island, worktops and breakfast bar.

 

• BATHROOM – Using ceiling lights in bathrooms can ensure you have plenty of lighting for grooming and other tasks in the bathroom. Spotlights and vanity lights are a common choice for this area of the home.

 

How To Use LED Ceiling Lighting in a Room with High Ceilings

Rooms with high or vaulted ceilings are gorgeous, but they can present a challenge when it comes to lighting. All of that open space needs something to fill it, and a pendant light or statement chandelier is usually just the thing.

Whichever way you light it, you want something that is going to be large enough to fill some of that vertical space. A light that is too small will just get swallowed up there.

Bring lights from the ceiling to the floor with wall sconces around the room and floor lamps in the corners. This will ensure that there are no dark spaces where the ambient light might struggle to reach.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using LED Ceiling Lighting

There are a few mistakes that amateur interior designers tend to make when incorporating lighting into their homes. These include:

 

• Ignoring natural light and not planning for the differing light levels throughout the day
• Not having a lighting plan going into the design, leaving you with too few or too many light fixtures for the space
• Relying on one single light fitting instead of layering the lighting for a balanced look
• Choosing pendant lights that do not work well with the size of the room
• Using too many recessed downlights
• Adding too many lights or lights that are too bright, oversaturating the space
• Placing floor or table lamps at the wrong height, creating a cluttered look
• Not installing dimmer switches to control the light levels throughout the day
• Choosing the wrong colour temperature for the space

These mistakes and others can be avoided by taking care to assess the room and its needs before actually buying and installing the lights.

 

What is Home Automation And How Can You Integrate it With Your Ceiling Light Fittings?

Home automation is an element of smart lighting, which has taken off in the last decade or so. With home automation, you can control the lights in your home without making a move. Automation allows you to set the lights to turn on and off either on a timer, through light sensing, motion detecting or with your voice.

By adding your ceiling lights to your home automation system, you can control them just as easily as you can the fixtures in the rest of your house.

 

Recessed or Surface Mounted Lights: Which Should You Choose?

Recessed and surface mounted lights are two of the most common types of lighting available. You may be wondering which one is best for your specific home, and the answer is pretty straightforward: if you have ceilings that are deep enough to accept recessed lighting, then you can take advantage of that.

On the other hand, if your ceiling is not compatible with recessed lights, you can use surface mounted lights to get a similar result. That said, even if your ceiling can house recessed lighting, you may prefer surface mounted lighting as an aesthetic choice.

 

Should You Use Dimmable Ceiling Lighting?

Dimmable lighting is one of the best ways to take advantage of versatile ceiling lighting. With dimmer switches, you can change the level of lighting throughout the day.

When it is brighter outside, you can lower the brightness level in the home. As the sun goes down, you can gradually make the space brighter to compensate. A dimmable light can also help you set a specific tone or mood in the room with just the twist of a dial.

In most cases, you can’t really go wrong with dimmable LED lighting for the ceilings in your home.

 

Ceiling Lighting Ideas 

 

1. CSL022 5 Watt Round Recessed LED Downlight Fitting

Light up any room with the CSL022 5 Watt Round Recessed LED Downlight Fitting. This sleek downlight recesses into the ceiling, giving it a modern and unobtrusive appearance. They output a total of 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light. These lights are available in one of four finishes, including white, black, rose gold or a white front rim with a chrome internal reflector. They are built to last from durable aluminium and measure 83 millimeters in diameter.

 

2. LSP705 5 Watt Adjustable Surface Mounted LED Downlight

Create stylish lighting schemes in any room of the house with the LSP705 5 Watt Adjustable Surface Mounted LED Downlight. This adjustable downlight attaches to the ceiling and has a moveable head. By twisting and turning the head, you can dictate exactly where the light shines. It outputs 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light, making it pleasant on the eyes. Choose from a black or white finish on this aluminium light to suit your tastes. Overall, it measures 75 millimeters in diameter with a height of 56 millimeters when the head sits against the body.

 

3. LPL364 5 Watt Hanging LED Pendant Light

Dress up kitchen islands, dining areas and beyond with the LPL364 5 Watt Hanging LED Pendant Light. These pendant lights provide 400 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines at a 30-degree beam angle. The exterior of the lamp is designed from top quality aluminium and comes in black, white, or black and gold finishes. It measures 148 millimeters in diameter by 200 millimeters in height.

 

4. LPL142A 20 Watt Black LED Pendant Ceiling Light

Light up any task area efficiently with the LPL142A 20 Watt Black LED Pendant Ceiling Light. This long bar light measures 1170 millimeters in length, providing ample lighting across a larger area of space. Using the 1000-millimeter drop cable, you can adjust just how high or low the light hangs from the ceiling. The bulbs generate 2000 lumens of 3000k warm white light that will shine for 20,000 total hours.