An investment in quality lighting is a significant financial and aesthetic decision, and it’s completely natural to wonder if you’re choosing the right fixture or missing the mark.
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Whether your heart leans toward vintage-inspired or farmhouse designs, or you’re aiming for a luxurious look that seamlessly combines charm and elegance, every lighting fixture has the power to transform your space in distinctive ways. Embrace this as a chance to unleash your creativity and let your lighting be the guiding star that sets the mood for your home.
Buying Guide: Love this light? Explore the Egg Collection
An inaccurate recipe measurement can lead to culinary chaos, and the same holds true for your home decor. Selecting the wrong-sized light fixture can throw off the design harmony of your space. Regardless of the style you’re aiming for, choosing the right size is essential for creating a balanced and visually pleasing environment.
No matter the size of your room, we have the perfect formula so you can find the width you need for a single pendant or chandelier.
Using the example above with the room size of 10 feet by 14 feet, a ceiling light fixture should be no more than 24 inches in diameter for visual balance.
A light fixture should feel harmonious with the scale of the space without overpowering it or feeling miniscule. Just as well, if a light is too close or far away from a surface it can easily look awkward in a space. Getting it right in any room comes down to three important measurements: scale, clearance, and spacing.
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Style tip: For long dining tables hang two or more pendants in a straight-line or install a linear chandelier. For smaller square or round tables hang a single pendant or chandelier.
Buying Guide: Left – The Union Cord Pendant, Right – Explore Oversized Lighting
Buying Guide: Left – The Bubble 5-Light Chandelier, Right – Explore the Outback Collection
Pro tip: Before buying your light fixture make sure it meets the appropriate location ratings for the space it will be installed in. For bathrooms and over kitchen sinks, either Damp-Rated or Wet-Rated lighting fixtures work best considering the moisture accumulation in these areas.
Buying Guide: Left – The Wilcox Uplight Pendant, Right – The Static Ring Cord Pendant
The brightness of your ceiling lights should be tailored to the specific room and its intended purpose. Areas such as kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and offices require brighter lighting to support functionality and productivity. In contrast, living rooms and bedrooms benefit from softer illumination to create a more relaxing ambiance. Additionally, spaces with dark wall colors, vaulted ceilings, or large commercial areas may necessitate greater light intensity to achieve the desired effect. Tailoring the brightness to each room can significantly enhance both its usability and atmosphere.
The best and most accurate way to measure light brightness is in lumens. Below are the recommended lumen ranges to provide adequate light for most spaces.
Pro tip: Need to find the lumen value for an incandescent bulb? Incandescent bulbs have an average 15 lumens per watt. Therefore a 60-watt bulb would be approximately 900 lumens.
Lighting in any space must strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. A single oversized light shade or chandelier can create a stunning focal point, while multiple smaller fixtures distributed throughout the room provide comprehensive illumination. By layering your lighting and incorporating a variety of light sources, you can ensure that your fixtures not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also meet its overall lighting needs effectively. This thoughtful approach transforms your environment into both a beautiful and well-lit haven.
Buying Guide: Left – Primary Schoolhouse Chain Pendant, Right – The Kao Flush Mount
Choosing the right mounting option for your light fixture is just as important as determining the appropriate size and spacing of your lights. In the following sections, we’ll explore various ceiling mounting types and the ideal scenarios for their use.
Cord hung pendants provide exceptional flexibility and are particularly well-suited for expansive spaces such as high-vaulted ceilings, storage areas, garages, or warehouses. If you’re uncertain about the ideal length for your lighting, cord pendants are a versatile choice; they can be easily adjusted by your electrician to meet your specific needs.
Because this type of mounting is lighter and can easily sway with the wind, cord hung pendants are recommended for indoor use only.
This mounting style excels in accommodating angled ceilings, as the cords will naturally allow the fixture to hang straight. Additionally, cord hung lighting can be paired with a swag hook, enabling you to position the light fixture precisely where you want it, even if the electrical source isn’t directly above.
Buying Guide: Left – Explore the Schoolhouse Collection, Right – Explore the Timber & Ore Collection
Cable pendants provide a stylish, swagged cord appearance, supported by a robust wire cable that ensures stability. This mounting style not only boasts the same versatility as traditional cord pendant fixtures but also introduces a distinct visual appeal. While cable pendants are more heavy-duty than their cord-hung counterparts, they are still best suited for indoor applications.
Buying Guide: Left – The Sterling Studio Pendant, Right – The Ellington Studio Pendant
Stem-mounted lights utilize a durable metal tube to suspend a light fixture from the ceiling, with the tubing cleverly concealing all electrical wiring from the socket to the electrical box. This design allows stem-mounted fixtures to be suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Unlike cord pendants, stem mountings typically lack adjustable lengths unless customized at the manufacturer. To avoid potential issues later, it’s essential to measure your space carefully. Double-check your dimensions to ensure your stem-mounted pendant is the perfect length for your needs.
For sloped ceilings it is advisable to pair your stem-mounted light fixture with a hang-straight canopy, ensuring a seamless and level installation.
Buying Guide: Left – Explore the Chestnut Collection, Right – Drum Schoolhouse Stem Pendant
Chain-hung light fixtures combine flexibility and durability, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. The rugged metal links, paired with winding cords create a decorative, yet customizable setup that enhances any space. With adjustable chains, these fixtures can be suspended at varying heights, making them an excellent choice for rooms with high or vaulted ceilings.
Similar to cord-hung pendants, chain pendant lights can be paired with swag hooks, allowing for a visually dynamic look while simplifying installation areas without an existing ceiling outlet. This versatility not only adds character to your decor but also provides practical solutions for diverse lighting needs.
Buying Guide: Left – The Bomber Chain Pendant, Right – The Wilcox Chain Pendant
Flush mount ceiling lights are an excellent option for areas with limited ceiling height, as they sit snugly against the ceiling, delivering ample illumination without dominating the space or overpowering existing decor. Available in both flush and semi-flush designs, these compact fixtures are versatile enough to complement a wide range of environments.
Particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas such as hallways and porches, flush mount lights can be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on the specific wet-rating of the fixture. Their streamlined profile and functional design make them a practical choice for enhancing both style and visibility in any setting.
Buying Guide: Left – Round Schoolhouse Flush Mount, Right – The Outback Flush Mount
Chandeliers epitomize elegance, serving as striking focal points that capture attention and define the character of any room. With multiple light sources integrated into one fixture, chandeliers not only provide abundant illumination but also enhance the overall ambiance of the space. Their grandeur and sophisticated design create a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere, making them perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, or expansive entryways.
Chandeliers come in various mounting styles, including cord-mounted, chain-mounted, and stem-mounted options. Knowing the type of mounting you prefer will help you choose the ideal placement for your chandelier. Refer to the examples above to determine the best mounting option for your specific setting.
Buying Guide: Left – Factory Overhead 6-light Chandelier, Right – Maven Rope Chandelier
Reduce your energy bills significantly with LED lighting! Upgrade with our stylish decorative LED bulbs or opt for an integrated LED light fixture for a seamless solution. LED lighting consumes far less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in substantial savings over time. Make the switch today and enjoy both enhanced efficiency and a brighter, more vibrant space!
If you have an angled or sloped ceiling, hang-straight canopies will do just that: hang your light straight. These canopies feature a ball-and-socket design mounted to a backing plate, allowing your pendant light to pivot and adjust seamlessly.
Only available with stem pendants and gooseneck lights, a swivel knuckle turns your fixed shade into an adjustable one, so you can point the beam of light in the desired direction. This hardware accessory is best suited for lighting over signs, paintings and picture frames.
Decorative bulbs can give an extra wow-factor to any light fixture. Available with vintage-inspired filaments, a wide-variety of shapes, and multiple glass tints these bulbs add a warm, inviting ambiance to any room.
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Just like a tree, a light fixture’s canopy is at the very tippy top. This is part of the light fixture that presses flush with the ceiling and provides a decorative cover over the junction box. Canopies come in a wide-variety of styles that usually compliment the light fixture and can range from standard to heavy-duty depending on the weight of the light fixture.
A junction box is a protective encasing that houses the electrical wires. It keeps wires from getting pinched or damaged by the surrounding environment while also preventing contact with live wires and terminals. It is recommended that all electrical wiring should be done by a certified professional.
In order for a light fixture to be a pendant it needs to be suspended from the ceiling with a single light source or bulb. If a hanging light fixture has two or more light sources it is considered a chandelier.
Wet ratings specify where a lighting fixture can be safely installed. There are 3 location ratings: Wet Rated, Damp Rated, and Dry Rated.
Lumens (lm) are the most consistently used unit of measurement for quantifying the amount of visible light emanating from a light source.
RLM stands for Reflector Luminaire Manufacturer. This type of lighting is made from a reflective metal shade and points the light in one focused direction. This type of light fixture is well suited outdoors as it creates minimal light pollution.
A light fixture that is an uplight does just that, it directs the light upwards. This can be a light fixture that only directs light upwards, or it can direct light upwards and down at the same time.
An omnidirectional light fixture will disperse light in every direction. This can either be a fixture with a bare bulb or a round diffuser over the light source.
Now that you have finished our ultimate guide to ceiling lighting, you can start choosing the right ceiling light fixture for you!
Discover the perfect blend of craftsmanship and personalization with our customizable ceiling lighting collections, proudly made in the USA. Begin by exploring our diverse range of shade styles, then choose your preferred mounting option. From there, let your creativity shine as you customize every detail to match your unique vision! With an unparalleled selection of finishes and options available, it’s no wonder we are recognized as the premier choice for American-made lighting. Illuminate your space with a design that’s truly yours!
Explore the Timber & Ore Collection
We are confident that you will be thrilled with your selection of vintage-to-modern inspired lighting whether you’re redecorating your kitchen or bath or building a new addition to your home.
When planning or upgrading your home’s lighting, you’ve likely come across the growing trend of LED ceiling lights. From their energy efficiency to their long lifespan, LED lights have become a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike. But are LED ceiling lights really a good idea? The answer is yes, and for several compelling reasons. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of LED ceiling lights, the potential downsides, and how to choose the right LED fixtures for your home. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or considering a full-scale lighting upgrade, this guide will help you determine if LED ceiling lights are the best option for your needs.
One of the most significant benefits of LED ceiling lights is their energy efficiency. LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology uses significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. LED lights convert most of their energy into light, rather than heat, which reduces energy waste and helps lower electricity bills. On average, LED lights use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
Example: A household that replaces all its ceiling lights with LED fixtures can see a noticeable reduction in energy consumption, especially in high-use areas like kitchens, living rooms, and hallways.
LED ceiling lights have an impressively long lifespan, often lasting up to 25,000 to 50,000 hours. This means that, depending on usage, an LED light can last for 10 to 20 years before needing replacement. The long lifespan reduces the hassle of frequent bulb changes and minimizes maintenance costs over time, making LED lights a low-maintenance solution for your home.
Example: In a busy home where ceiling lights are used extensively, LED fixtures could last for decades, eliminating the need for constant bulb replacements and ensuring consistent lighting.
LED technology is incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of designs, shapes, and sizes. LED ceiling lights come in various forms, including recessed lights, flush mounts, pendant lights, and even decorative fixtures like chandeliers. Additionally, LED lights are available in different color temperatures, from warm white to cool daylight, allowing you to customize the ambiance of each room according to your preferences.
Example: In a modern living room, you could install recessed LED ceiling lights for a sleek, minimalist look while choosing a statement LED chandelier in the dining area to add a touch of elegance and style.
Unlike some older lighting technologies, LED ceiling lights turn on instantly at full brightness without any warm-up time. This makes them ideal for areas where immediate illumination is needed, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Additionally, many LED lights are compatible with dimmer switches, giving you full control over the lighting levels and allowing you to create the perfect mood for any occasion.
Example: In a bedroom, dimmable LED ceiling lights can be set to bright during morning routines and then dimmed in the evening for a more relaxing, cozy atmosphere before sleep.
LED lights are an eco-friendly choice for several reasons. First, their energy efficiency reduces overall energy consumption, which is better for the environment. Second, they don’t contain harmful substances like mercury, which is found in some older lighting options like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Finally, because of their long lifespan, fewer bulbs end up in landfills, reducing waste.
Example: If you’re committed to making eco-conscious choices in your home, switching to LED ceiling lights is a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint while still enjoying high-quality lighting.
While LED ceiling lights offer numerous benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
The upfront cost of LED ceiling lights can be higher than that of traditional lighting options. However, this initial investment is often offset by the savings in energy costs and reduced maintenance over time. It’s important to view LED lights as a long-term investment rather than focusing solely on the upfront price.
Example: While a traditional flush mount light fixture might be less expensive initially, the long-term energy savings and infrequent replacement needs of an LED fixture make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Not all dimmer switches are compatible with LED lights. If you plan to use dimmable LED ceiling lights, you may need to upgrade your existing dimmer switches to ones specifically designed for LED technology. Using incompatible dimmers can result in flickering or buzzing, which can be frustrating.
Example: In a living room with an older dimmer switch, you might experience flickering when using LED ceiling lights, requiring an upgrade to a compatible dimmer for optimal performance.
The quality of LED lights can vary significantly depending on the brand and manufacturer. Lower-quality LEDs may have inconsistent brightness, poor color rendering, or a shorter lifespan than advertised. It’s essential to choose reputable brands and check product reviews before purchasing LED ceiling lights.
Example: When selecting LED recessed lights for your kitchen, opting for a trusted brand ensures consistent brightness and accurate color rendering, which is especially important when preparing food.
LED lights are highly directional, meaning they naturally focus light in one direction rather than diffusing it evenly in all directions like traditional bulbs. While this can be advantageous in some settings, it may require careful placement or additional fixtures to achieve even room illumination.
Example: In a large room, you may need to install multiple LED recessed lights to avoid shadows and ensure even lighting coverage across the entire space.
If you’ve decided that LED ceiling lights are the right choice for your home, here are some tips to help you select the best fixtures:
Consider the Room’s Function: Choose LED lights with the appropriate brightness (measured in lumens) and color temperature (measured in Kelvin) based on the room’s function. For example, cooler light (K-K) works well in kitchens and workspaces, while warmer light (K-K) is better suited for living rooms and bedrooms.
Look for High-Quality Products: Prioritize well-reviewed products from reputable brands to ensure you get the best performance and lifespan. Check for certifications like ENERGY STAR, which indicate that the product meets high efficiency and quality standards.
Check Dimmability: If you want to dim your lights, ensure both the LED fixtures and dimmer switches are compatible. Many manufacturers provide lists of recommended dimmers for their products.
Think About Design: LED ceiling lights come in a wide range of designs, from minimalist recessed lights to elaborate chandeliers. Consider the style and decor of your space when selecting fixtures to ensure they enhance the room’s overall aesthetic.
Plan Your Layout: For larger rooms, you may need to strategically place multiple LED fixtures to achieve even illumination. Consider using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to layer your light sources effectively.
Yes, LED ceiling lights are a great idea for most homes due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, versatility, and design flexibility. While there are some considerations, such as higher initial costs and ensuring compatibility with existing dimmers, the benefits of LED ceiling lights far outweigh the drawbacks. By choosing high-quality fixtures, considering your specific lighting needs, and thoughtfully integrating LED lights into your home, you can enjoy bright, beautiful, and cost-effective illumination for years to come. Whether you’re upgrading your current lighting or designing a new space, LED ceiling lights offer a smart, stylish, and sustainable solution.
Helpful Links:
Discover Stylish LED Ceiling Lights from our Designer Collection
Shedding Light on Lumens, Watts, and Kelvin: A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting Measurements
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