Ceiling Lights Buying Guide

A ceiling fixture that doesn't fit your room or lifestyle can be extremely annoying. Light is one of the most important qualities in a home and, without a good ceiling light, the entire mood of a room can be ruined.

Luckily, there are thousands of different styles, sizes and types of ceiling lighting fixtures available to choose from. With all that variety, finding just the right fixture should be a snap.

When you are looking for a ceiling fixture, you want to consider first and foremost the size of the room you are lighting. To do that, measure the room's width in feet and double it. Then convert the feet to inches, and you'll have the approximate diameter for a chandelier to fit that room.

Think about where you are going to place your light fixture. For example, in the dining room, you'll want to center your light over the dining table. In the living room, you'll want to center it over the main sitting area. If the living room is very large or if there is any sort of division to the room, you may want to even place two ceiling fixtures.

How high you hang the fixture is another consideration. You'll want any hanging light to be at least seven feet above the floor, although if it's placed over a table, you'll want it to be about 30 inches from the top of the table.

If you have very low ceilings, think about using a flush mounted fixture, instead of a pendant or chandelier. That will keep your head (or any family members or guests) from bumping into the light. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings, it can be very inconvenient to change light bulbs on a flush mounted fixture without a ladder.

Some light fixtures, especially chandeliers, require non-standard light bulbs. This is something to consider, as you will need to find specialty bulbs to replace the ones that burn out.

Also, you may want to think about using a dimmer switch with any lighting fixture you install. A dimmer switch allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of the light, instead of being limited to simply "on" and "off." This variety can do wonders in creating the perfect mood or accent to your home.

Chandeliers When we think about ceiling lights, we often picture chandeliers. Chandeliers can be small or large, simple or elaborate, eye-catching or inconspicuous. What makes a chandelier a chandelier is that there are several light sources, often around a central stem or chain that hangs from the ceiling.

Pendant Light Fixtures A pendant light hangs down from the ceiling, just like a chandelier, but it only has a single light source. That source might require one or more light bulbs. In general, pendants tend to be simpler and less distracting than chandeliers.

Island Light Fixtures Island lights are similar to pendants in that they hang down, often with one light at the end of a stem. Unlike pendant lights, they may be grouped into twos or threes. The chief characteristic of an island light is that it shines downwards, creating a pool of light to illuminate one small area. They are quite good at creating task light for a specific area.

Flush Mount Light Fixtures Flush-mounted ceiling light fixtures are attached directly to the ceiling without a chain or central stem. They are the least conspicuous type of ceiling fixture and often designed not to be noticed. Some flush-mounted fixtures do hang down, making it a bit easier to change the bulbs. These are known as semi-flush mount fixtures.

Track Lighting Track lighting is similar to island lighting, as the lights are designed to shine directly on a specific spot. Tracks light are more versatile, however. They can shine up, down, or sideways, due to their pivoting arms. They can also slide along the metal track that holds them, allowing you to place the light exactly where you want it. Track lights are mainly utilitarian. Consequently, there are not many varieties in terms of style and aesthetics.

When it comes to choosing lighting fixtures, there are many styles to choose from. In general, you'll want to choose a style that complements the architectural style of your home. However, you may want to go with something different for a specific room.

Here are some of the most popular period styles.

Arts and Craft Style Light Fixtures The Arts and Crafts movement began around the turn of the 20th century as a reaction to the heavily ornamented Victorian style. It favors simple straight lines and the use of natural materials, such as copper, wood, and mica. It emphasizes the importance of handmade crafts, as opposed to factory-produced items. Different types of ceiling fixtures can be found in the Arts and Crafts style, including pendants, chandeliers, and flush-mounted fixtures.

Art Deco Light Fixtures Although the period of Art Deco had its heyday from 1925-1950, it wasn't called Art Deco until the 1960s. Art Deco style is abstract, urban, and jazzy. It emphasizes soft, curving porcelain or glass housings--sometimes with contrasting patterned metalwork. It embraced the industrial twentieth century by using new materials like aluminum and bakelite and was the first style to incorporate electricity from the beginning. You may also want to trying looking for Art Deco ceiling light fixtures in pendants , chandeliers , and flush-mounted fixtures.

Colonial Style Light Fixtures The colonial period in our country was a time of simplicity, refinement, and practicality. Colonial houses were often built in the Georgian style, with flat columns and formal room layouts. Colonial lighting fixtures are practical, simple, and dignified. The most popular type of Colonial ceiling light fixtures available are chandeliers and flush mount fixtures.

Mission Style Light Fixtures Mission style refers to lighting that is boxy and warm. It is related to the Arts and Crafts style in that it tends to favor simple, plain lines. However, it tends towards darker and warmer coloring. Some Mission pieces tend towards a softer, more feminine look with rounder glass housings. This softer look provides an alternative to the stark, strong traditional Mission formality. Mission style lighting fixtures come in a great variety, including flush-mounted fixtures, pendants, island lights, and chandeliers

Tiffany Style Light Fixtures Louis Comfort Tiffany first began selling his stained glass lamps in 1899. Technically, they belong to the Art Nouveau period, but they deserve their own category, as they are so distinctive, colorful, and beautiful. Original Tiffany lamps are more than expensive, selling for as much as a million dollars. But there are plenty of beautiful reproductions created in the Tiffany style. Most Tiffany style ceiling lights are pendants. But within that one type of fixture, there is a wonderful variety of design. A Tiffany-style lamp is a unique and gorgeous addition to any home.

Tudor Style Light Fixtures What we call Tudor style is really an interpretation of Tudor architecture that became very popular in the 1920s. It romanticized rustic English cottages, and is characterized by steeply pitched roofs, dark vertical wood stripping against white walls, and mullioned windows. Tudor lighting uses flat, sometimes colored glass in heavy metal settings, garnished with chains, to invoke a medieval flavor. It is often used for accent or mood lighting, rather than to provide ambient light.

Victorian Style Light Fixtures It was only in the later part of the Victorian period that electricity began to power lights. So, Victorian style lighting is based on old gas fixtures. The housings are usually etched or opaque glass globes that face upwards (so that the smoke from the gas could escape). The arms on Victorican light fixtures were designed to carry gas to the flame--so they are thicker than in other period styles. As with everything in the Victorian period, lighting fixtures used very ornate metalwork. They are sometimes oversized. Check the size of a fixture before ordering (especially if you are ordering a chandelier). Victorian style chandeliers, pendants, and flush-mounted fixtures are all available.

Simple ceiling light fixtures can be found for as little as $25-30. With a bit of looking, it's possible to find just about any type of fixture for under $100. Most quality fixtures are priced from about $100-$250.

As you go up in price, you'll find an increase in the stylishness and beauty of the ceiling light fixtures available. Chandeliers are especially expensive, due to their elaborate designs and can easily cost more than $1,000. Some are priced at more than $5,000.

Access Lighting
Besa Lighting
Craftmade
Framburg
George Kovacs
Kichler
Progress Lighting
Quoizel
Sea Gull Lighting
World Imports