Ceiling lights, or fixtures that are mounted flush with the ceiling as opposed to hanging lights like pendants or chandeliers, are the oft unsung heroes of the ambient lighting category. While certain rooms can make use of ambient lighting from other types of fixtures, every home has areas where ceiling lights are the best (and sometimes only) fixture for the job.
The best method for layering light effectively in any room involves mixing and matching different types of lighting fixtures to create a lighting design that fulfills all the needs of that room. Each room needs a thoughtful mix of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
- Task lighting, often fulfilled by pendants or adjustable floor lamps, aims light directly at your workspace.
- Accent lighting like picture lights, draws attention to the unique decor and architectural features of your room.
- Ambient lighting, including ceiling lights, creates a base layer of light that fills and brightens a room. When a room has the proper general ambient lighting, the other lighting layers become more effective, and the room is much more pleasant to use since harsh shadows and eyestrain are all reduced.
With the tips laid out in this guide, you can face your latest lighting project like a pro and pinpoint exactly what style of ceiling light you’ll need and the best ceiling light placement for every room of your home!
Types Of Ceiling Lights
On the surface, ceiling lights present a simple, unfussy solution for ambient lighting needs. But a few common mistakes can leave your room dim and uninspired, and can make your search for a ceiling light unexpectedly difficult. Knowing the differences among types of ceiling lights will help you choose the ceiling light fixture that is best suited to your space.
Flush Mount Lights vs. Semi-flush Mount Lights
There are two primary types of ceiling lights: flush mount ceiling lights and semi-flush mount ceiling lights. Flush mount ceiling lights are fixtures installed with little or no space between the body of the light and the ceiling— hence the name.
Semi-flush mount ceiling lights are mounted with a space between the body of the fixture and the canopy; they are usually suspended from a short chain or down rod and can lend the effect of a chandelier or lantern. Both are types of close-to-ceiling lights that provide ambient lighting to a room, but each type of fixture is best suited to a specific task and type of room.