Ceiling Lights

A flush mount ceiling light is the obvious choice under 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m), in rooms people walk through and anywhere a pendant would be in the line of sight: entryway, hallway, low bedroom, open kitchen. It lights more evenly, because the light starts at the ceiling and bounces off it. A pendant remains preferable above a table or an island, where you want to bring the light closer to the surface. In a combined living and dining room, the two pair well: a ceiling light in the center of the living area, a pendant above the table.

For a room of ordinary shape, add its length and width in feet and take that number, or a little less, in inches: you get an indicative diameter. A 24 in (60 cm) modern ceiling light suits a living room of about 215 sq ft (20 m²), a 16 in (40 cm) a bedroom, a 12 in (30 cm) an entryway or hallway. In a large room, two well-spaced medium ceiling lights are better than one that is too big.

The LED ring ceiling light has a built-in light source: it lists its output in lumens and its color temperature in kelvins directly. It is a practical choice in a living room, where it provides plenty of light right away. The rattan, straw, glass and spotlight models take a bulb: check the bulb base and maximum wattage on the product page. Under a rattan shade, an LED bulb is better because it stays cool. For color, 2700 K suits the living room and bedroom, 3000 to 4000 K the kitchen. To use a dimmer, make sure the ceiling light or bulb is compatible.

Living room. The 4-ring LED ceiling light, dimmable by remote, provides the main light. In the evening, switch it off in favor of low lamps for a more intimate mood.

Dining room. A ceiling light works over a dining table if the ceiling is low or the table moves around. Choose smoked glass, which diffuses without glare.

Entryway. The model with adjustable GU10 spotlights welcomes you with crisp light that highlights a mirror facing the door.

Bedroom. Rattan softens the light and draws gentle shadows on the ceiling. The ultra-flat solid wood model, in warm light, creates a cozy atmosphere under a low ceiling.

Bathroom. Only a model with a protection rating suited to the zone can be installed there. Check the product page and the rules for your installation.

Switch off the power at the breaker before any work. A ceiling light mounts directly to the ceiling: on drywall, use anchors suited to the stated weight. If you are unsure about the wiring, call an electrician. For care, dust rattan with a brush, clean glass with a slightly damp cloth once removed, and wipe the LED ceiling light with a dry cloth, light off.