Choosing Bedroom Ceiling Lights: A Guide To Bright Ideas

Choosing the right ceiling light for your bedroom is important. The right lighting can transform your space and affect your sleep. The ideal ceiling light will depend on the size and design of your room, your preferred decorating style, and the amount of natural light in your room. You should also consider the different types of lighting in a space: task, accent, and ambient lighting. Task lighting is directional lighting; accent lighting illuminates furniture and features; and ambient lighting adds atmosphere and creates a mood.

Flush ceiling lights for low ceilings

Flush ceiling lights are a great option for those with low ceilings. They fit nice and snug to the ceiling, and are available in a range of styles, from bold to quietly confident, from modern and contemporary to classic and traditional.

If you're looking for a flush ceiling light, you'll want to consider the size, shape, style, and lighting output. Flush ceiling lights come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and rectangular, and in a range of sizes. You'll want to choose a light that is complementary to the other light fixtures and finishes in your home.

In terms of lighting output, you'll want to consider how much light you need in the room and what other light sources are available. Flush ceiling lights can provide plenty of general overhead lighting, so choose a fixture with enough bulbs. LED bulbs are a great option as they are energy-efficient and will save on energy costs in the long term.

• Dimple LED Wall/Flushmount by RBW
• Silvio LED Flushmount by Huxe
• Barclay Semi-Flushmount by Kuzco Lighting
• Trim Round LED Flushmount by Maxim Lighting
• Pi Outdoor LED Flushmount by Modern Forms
• Aston LED Flushmount by Kuzco Lighting
• Flo LED Energy Star Wall/Flushmount by WAC Lighting

Pendant lights for high ceilings

Pendant lights are a great option for high ceilings as they can be used to create a focal point in the room and cast light to all corners. They are also versatile, coming in a range of styles, from classic to modern, and in a variety of materials, including glass, bamboo, and metal.

When choosing pendant lights for high ceilings, it is important to consider the height adjustability of the light. Many pendant lights have adjustable hanging cords or chains, allowing you to customise the height to suit your space. This is particularly important for bedrooms, where it is recommended to have a minimum of 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the base of the ceiling light.

Another feature to look out for is sloped ceiling adaptability. This is especially relevant for high ceilings, as it ensures that the pendant light can be installed securely and safely at the desired angle.

In terms of style, you can choose from a wide range of options. For a modern look, consider a linear pendant light with clustered matte black tubes or a simple dome-shaped shade. If you're after something more classic, a rustic-style pendant with a driftwood finish and clear glass shade might be a better option. You can also find pendant lights with fabric shades that create a softer aesthetic, or bold crystal or metal designs that make a statement.

Finally, you may want to consider adding a dimmer switch to your pendant lights. This allows you to adjust the light level as needed, creating a softer mood lighting for the evening or a brighter light during the day.

The right size light for the room

The size of your bedroom ceiling light is an important consideration. If the light is too big, it will overwhelm the design of the room, and if it's too small, it won't provide enough illumination. The right size light will depend on the dimensions of your room and the height of your ceiling.

Firstly, calculate the right size of light for your room size. You can do this by multiplying the width of your room by its length to get the diameter or width of your light fixture. This can be adjusted by +/- 10% to suit your personal preference.

For example, if your bedroom is 12 feet wide by 15 feet long, you would want a light fixture with a diameter or width of around 180 inches (12 x 15 = 180).

It is recommended to have a minimum of 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the base of the ceiling light. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, lights hung over dining tables or cascading over two stories may be hung at different heights for practical and aesthetic reasons.

When choosing a bedroom ceiling light, it is also important to consider the type of lighting you need. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting can create a balanced lighting scheme.

Ambient lighting provides general illumination to the room and can be achieved through chandeliers, recessed lighting, flush mount lights, or ceiling fans with lights. Task lighting is more focused and is essential for activities like reading and cooking. This can be achieved through pendant lights, track lighting, or under-cabinet lighting. Accent lighting draws attention to specific areas of the room, such as wall decor or a mantel, and can be achieved through track lights or wall sconces.

By considering the size of your room, the height of your ceiling, and the type of lighting needed, you can choose a bedroom ceiling light that is the right size and provides the desired illumination.

The ideal light brightness

The brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens, with a higher number of lumens indicating a brighter light. 800 lumens is enough to light a room, while a lower number will create a soft, ambient atmosphere.

For a bedroom, you will want a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is the general lighting of a room, while task lighting is directional and used for specific tasks such as reading or applying makeup. Accent lighting is used to illuminate furniture and features.

It is recommended that you have adjustable lighting in your bedroom so that you can have bright light during the day and dim, ambient lighting in the evenings. Dimmer switches and dimmable bulbs can help you customise the lighting in your room and allow you to adapt the space for different occasions. For example, you might want bright lighting when getting ready in the morning, but softer lighting when reading before bed.

When choosing ceiling lights, you should also consider how they will diffuse the light. You want something that will create a relaxing glow without dimming the bulb too much.

Types of ceiling lights: chandeliers, flush mounts, recessed lighting

When choosing bedroom ceiling lights, it's important to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects. Here are some popular types of ceiling lights to choose from:

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are multi-armed fixtures that serve as ambient, decorative, or task lighting sources. They are designed to hang from the ceiling and can be adorned with crystals, glass, or intricate metalwork, creating a striking visual impact in any space. Chandeliers are perfect for larger, more formal areas, such as living or dining rooms with high ceilings. When selecting a chandelier, consider the variety of styles available, from traditional to modern, and ensure it matches the scale and style of the room for a harmonious look.

Flush Mounts

Flush mount lights are fixtures designed to sit directly against the ceiling, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. They are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, typically under 8 feet, where they maximise headroom and maintain an uncluttered look. Flush mounts are versatile and can be used in various spaces, including hallways, closets, bedrooms, and smaller rooms. While they often prioritise practical use over aesthetic flair, they now come in various designs to suit different styles.

Semi-Flush Mounts

Semi-flush mount lights are similar to flush mounts but hang slightly away from the ceiling on a short stem, blending the elegance of chandeliers with the practicality of flush mounts. This design allows them to provide ample lighting while maintaining a relatively low profile. They are perfect for spaces with slightly higher ceilings, typically between 8 to 10 feet, and are commonly used in entryways, dining rooms, and living areas. Semi-flush mounts provide both ambient and decorative lighting, illuminating upwards and downwards to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lights, often called can lights, are installed directly into the ceiling, creating a sleek and minimalist look. They blend seamlessly into the ceiling, providing a clean and discreet lighting solution. Recessed lighting is commonly found in kitchens, living rooms, basements, and bathrooms, and is especially suitable for areas with low ceilings. One of the benefits of recessed lighting is its ability to offer excellent task lighting. They can be arranged in rows or clusters to illuminate larger areas, making them ideal for activities requiring focused light, such as cooking or reading. However, they may require professional installation and are more focused on function than decorative lighting.

Frequently asked questions