Ceiling Lights
When it comes to ceiling lights there is a huge variety available, so how do you actually choose the correct ceiling light type for your hallway, bedroom, living or dining ceilings? Your choice of type, finish and style will be determined by factors such as decor, size of room and style of furniture.
A ceiling light fixture is the main source of lighting in most rooms and should reflect your personality, whilst blending with the decor. You can have a solo and central light fixture or multiple fixtures that will illuminate different zones within larger rooms. These can be matching or all uniquely different, depending on the look you are trying to create.
If the main lighting bounces off the ceiling and into the room, then the choice of colour is important. Lighter colours will give a higher output than darker ones and pastel shades can give the light a lovely soft diffused hue that can give a relaxed homely feel.
How Big?
It is possible to determine the minimum diameter required for a given room, so it gives sufficient light and remains in proportion. Measure the room length and width in feet, add the two together, and that is the approximate diameter you should aim for in inches.
For a room that’s 12ft x 14ft (365cm x 426cm) you add them together and get 26” (66cm). If you have secondary lighting such as table lamps, a floor lamp or wall lights then this size should be fine. If not, then consider increasing the diameter by up to 20% or the amount of lamp bulbs fitted.
Ceiling height
Rooms with low ceilings benefit from flush mount or semi-flush mounted ceiling lights. These are low profile designs that fit flush or close to the ceiling, so they don’t hang down too far.
If your room has high ceilings, then a ceiling pendant, chandelier or simple hanging light could be considered. These are usually suspended by reinforced cable, rods, wires or a chain and can all be shortened or adjusted when the light is fitted. This ensures that the light hangs down far enough without hindering people walking through the space.
Older homes
Sometimes older properties don’t have an earth loop and require Class II double insulated light fittings. They are perfectly safe to use and only require wiring to live and neutral supplies only.
You must not use a Class 1 single insulated fitting in properties without an earth. You can find all of our Class II light fittings by entering the term DOUBLE INSULATED in the search box at the top of this page.
Please note: Class 1 light fittings must be wired using live, neutral and earth connections. Class II fittings can also be used in properties with an earth loop, but the earth must be omitted.
Installation
Ceiling lights are simple to install, but there are a few important things to remember. Most ceiling lights, apart from cable pendant shades, require removal of the ceiling rose. This contains the lighting circuit and often a permanent live that feeds the next ceiling rose in the loop.
All ceiling lights must be securely fastened using appropriate fixings. This will depend on the weight of the fitting and type of media used, for example plasterboard. Heavier pendants must be secured into a joist, whilst lighter flush mounts can be installed using the correct fixing, for example, plasterboard plugs.
Whilst installation is a simple task, it does require electrical knowledge to ensure safe operation, and we always recommend installation by a registered electrician.
For further information and inspiration, please have a look at our room lighting ideas and choosing the right ceiling light buying guides.
Ceiling Lights FAQ’s
Q) What diameter ceiling light for my room?
A) Measure the room length and width in feet, add the two together, and that is the approximate diameter you should aim for in inches. If you have secondary lighting such as table lamps, a floor lamp or wall lights then this size should be fine. If not, consider increasing the diameter by 20% or the amount of lamp bulbs fitted.
Q) Best ceiling lights for low ceilings?
A) Rooms with low ceilings benefit from flush mount or semi-flush mounted ceiling lights. These are low profile designs that fit flush or close to the ceiling, so they don’t hang down too far.
Q) Can ceiling lights be shortened?
A) Yes, these are usually suspended by reinforced cable, rods, wires or a chain and can all be shortened or adjusted when the light is fitted. This ensures that the light hangs down far enough without hindering people walking through the space.
Q) Are ceiling lights easy to install?
A) Yes, but there are a few important things to remember. Most ceiling lights require removal of the ceiling rose, which contains the lighting circuit and often a permanent live. It requires electrical knowledge to ensure safe operation, and we always recommend installation by a registered electrician.
Q) Do all ceiling lights need an earth?
A) No, Class II double insulated light fittings are perfectly safe to use and require live and neutral supplies only. Class II fittings can also be used in properties with an earth loop, but the earth must be omitted. You must not use a Class 1 single insulated fitting in properties without an earth.
