It is easy to overlook the ceiling when you are assessing your lighting needs. These lights are just there, doing their job. But they probably need some love and attention. Here’s how to assess what type of light fixture you should install.
Ceiling lights have in three main categories: recessed, flush and hanging. If you stop and think about it, ceiling lights are amazing, . They give good general lighting to kitchens, dining rooms, really the whole house. Therefore, ceiling lighting is an important element in your interior lighting design.
There comes a time in every homeowner’s life where he has to replace the ceiling light fixtures. At that time, you get to ask yourself what will replace it? Maybe you want recessed lights. There are some great reasons to choose recessed lighting. If you have a small area to light, anything but recessed fixtures will make the ceiling look cluttered.
Flush-mounted fixtures are your next option. Fluorescent light fixtures are a good, solid choice. You get lots of bright light which will evenly cover the area. You will find that lots of lighting designers call for a long bank of fluorescents for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Since some fluorescents are not attractive, they can be used in places guests don’t see — like basements and garages.
The semi-flush light fixture is a standard in many homes. The odds are that you have one or more yourself. It is a fixture that has a small gap between the ceiling and the fixture. Although small, they tend to be warm and attractive which makes them perfect for bedrooms. The trade off of light for style works very well in a bedroom.
The last category includes swag lamps and chandeliers, meaning that the range of styles and prices is vast. Hanging lights are a great way to light the dining area. With solid overall lighting and a nice focal point for the eye, how can you go wrong adding one to your home? You want to make sure that your light fixture matches the decor. A crystal chandelier will overwhelm a small space just as a Tiffany swag lamp will look comical positioned over a Colonial dining set.
All that said, buy the lighting fixtures that you love. You are going to have to see them every day, so pick the ones that really delight you.