One staple feature of any home is the fixtures hanging from the ceilings. These lights come in a variety of finishes and style, making it easy to find the perfect design to suit your home and style.

On top of style, there are also features you can add to update your lighting. Dimmable fixtures, for example, can give you more control by allowing you to adjust the lighting levels. This control makes it easy to set the atmosphere for any occasion.

Here are some things to consider when choosing ceiling lights:

Flushmount lights

These are low-profile fixtures that are fitted flush with the ceiling. It connects directly to the power source and eliminates any space between the ceiling and light itself. These lights can be decorative with crystal detailing and patterned shades. Flushmount lights are unobtrusive and blend seamlessly with other decor and ceiling light types.

Pros

Attracts fewer bugs and dust
Less cleaning required
Low-profile design
Ideal for high-traffic areas
Practical, understated designs

Ideal locations

Ceilings that are between seven to eight feet tall
Hallways
Kitchens, closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Places where people walk directly under the light

Diameter

To determine the diameter of a light fixture:
Measure the width and length of a room
Add the measurements together
The value in inches instead of feet is the ideal diameter for your room
Example: 10 ft (width) + 12 ft (length) = 22 ft change to 22 in

Height

To determine the best height of a light fixture:
Measure the height of the room
Multiply the height by 2.5-3
The value in inches is the best height for your room

Example: 10 ft (height) x 2.5-3 in = 25-30 ft change to 25-30 in

Semi-flushmount lights

These tend to be more decorative than flushmount lights, with more lavish art glass and crystal details. A short stem below the cover is mounted to the ceiling, leaving a small gap between the light and ceiling. Because light also filters upward as well as downward, the room is illuminated more and creates a warmer ambience.

Pros

Greater ambient light and illumination
More decorative styles
Easier to replace light bulbs

Ideal locations

Ceilings that are between nine to ten feet tall
Low ceilings if people will not be walking directly under the light fixture
Over seating areas, bathtubs, and vanities
Bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways

Length

The clearance you should consider for a semi-flushed light will depend on the room the light is placed in. In bedrooms, living rooms, or open foyers where people might walk under the fixture:
Keep at least seven feet of clearance from the bottom of the light
Hang pendants or chandeliers at least six inches taller than the door
In bathrooms:
Keep eight feet between the bottom of the light and top of the tub
For smaller bathrooms, hang at least three feet away from the tub

Where

The space between and around lighting fixtures is also important to consider, especially as it relates to surrounding furniture.
Lighting over a dining table
Linear suspension or multi-light pendants work well with long oval or rectangular tables
Single chandelier or pendant lights work best for a round or square table
Multi-lights also work well in this space such as a round canopy for dramatic effect
If you prefer multiple lights, try lining smaller pendants across the table

Kitchen island

Pendants and mini pendants are used often to give ambience and practical lighting over a kitchen island or work surface.

To space out these lights evenly, follow this formula:

Measure the length of the island in inches
Measure the diameter of each pendant and add them together for a combined diameter
Subtract the combined diameter from the length of the island
Add one to the number of pendants to account for the space between each.
Divide the subtracted value from the number of pendants

Example:

3 pendants x 8 in diameter = 24 inch total diameter
60 in (length of island) – 24 in (combined diameter of pendants) = 36 in
3 + 1 = 4
36 in (space pendants take up) / 4 (total number of pendants plus an extra) = 9 in (space between each pendant)

If you prefer bigger pendants, choose an even number and use the same formula.

Be sure to hang small or medium pendants 66-72 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fixtures.

All credit goes to Elm Ridge Lighting – Oakville Lighting Experts