The most effective way to layer light in any area is to mix and match different types of lighting fixtures to create a lighting design.

In most modern homes, ceilings are often pre-wired and equipped with essential ceiling lights to illuminate the space. Hence, when choosing the right combination of light layering, attention is usually given to tasks and accent lighting.

To give your space the desired look, don’t forget to provide ambient lighting enough for your attention! Here's how to pick the ceiling light fixtures best suited for your home and needs.

Types of Ceiling Lights

The size of the room, the type of light you require, and the theme of your space all play a role in selecting the type of ceiling light from the thousands of variations available. Sounds intimidating, right? Worry not, as we’re here today to guide you through!

Knowing the types of ceiling lights available and their purpose will help you get your hands on the right one. Here are some of the most common types and why you should choose them:

Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Installed directly against the ceiling with no gap between the two, flush mount ceiling lights are ideal for the spaces with low ceilings. These fixtures are readily equipped with the existing wiring in the room and give a minimalistic look.

Not only are these types easy to maintain, but they also allow for the choice of wider frames as they’re mounted on the ceiling and don’t get in the way when you walk underneath.

Low-profile light fixtures, like flush mount ceiling lights, are appropriate for ceilings of 7-8 feet. Visit the site here to learn more about the best flush mount ceiling lights available.

Semi-flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Consider semi-flush mount ceiling lights if you want something that hangs a little lower than a typical flush mount.

These fixtures are placed the same way as the previous ones, but the frame is suspended 3-4 inches down from the ceiling through a rod or a chain. What makes these lights better than flush mount is their ability to shine light upwards and downwards, creating a better-lit environment.

Often replaced with chandeliers in space-constrained rooms, these low-hanging designs are perfect for 10-12 foot ceilings.

Hanging Fixtures

If you’re lighting up a space with ceilings higher than 12 feet, your best bet is to choose from the wide variety of hanging fixtures. Chandeliers, pendants, or suspended lights add a chic and bold look to your space and hang low from the ceilings to fill adequate light in tall ceiling rooms.

The hack to using hanging fixtures as ambient lighting is choosing an upward and downward-facing shade to evenly fill the room with light.

The Brightness of a Ceiling Light

Ceiling lights are the centerpiece of ambient lighting; whether you’re integrating recessed lights in the ceilings or equipping them with mounted fixtures, you need to determine the adequate brightness as they are the general lighting source of your space.

Here is how you can make sure your ceiling light is bright enough to serve the purpose of base light using a lighting standard called lumens:

To determine how many lumens of light you require, the first step is to find out the area of your room in square feet.
Generally, 30-40 lumens of light per square foot is adequate in the spaces requiring more brightness, like kitchen or dining rooms.
Consequently, areas including living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways that require neutral light, 20 lumens per square foot, are appropriate.
Multiply the square footage of your room with lumens required on each foot to determine the brightness levels
Combine the ambiance lights with task and accent lights of different brightness levels for layering.
Add dimmers to light fixtures to adjust the light output whenever you want. Control your lighting environment and create the ambiance you wish to!

Style of a Ceiling Light

Choosing the style of ceiling light goes hand in hand with the theme of your furniture, the color of your space, and the design of your interior. Here are a few style suggestions to go with to match your theme:

Modern ceiling lights - are best for a minimalist outlook; they give a trendy and contemporary experience.
Farmhouse-style ceiling lights - evoke a feeling of nostalgia and warmth; best suited if you’re opting for whimsical designs and cozy surroundings.
Crystal ceiling lights - are ideal if you’re a fan of old-school glamour; they give a classic touch to a timeless interior.
Sculptural ceiling lights - best to compliment your Hollywood-style mansion-like interiors; add an artistic touch and match with your unique sense of style

Final Thoughts

More than any other layer, ceiling lighting is a centerpiece of your home design and a make-or-break of your experience. Choose designs that can do wonders for your space while providing the lighting you require for comfortable home life.

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