Ceiling Lighting

Ceiling Lighting

You want your home to be warm, comfortable, and relaxing. Lighting is an essential part of making it so. The kind of lighting you install and the place you put it in helps establish the mood of the space. Most homes have ceiling lighting of some sort. 

Although the light emitted from such fixtures can be harsh and crude, this need not be the case with the lighting that you buy. Only through a review of your options and careful consideration of what is most important to you can you get ceiling lights that serve your specific needs.

Before You Buy

Whether you are replacing the ceiling lights in a new house you recently purchased or you are renovating your current home, you should not rush into decisions about lighting. Lighting brands and types differ from one another. And it is important to know what sets various lighting fixtures apart. You should also understand what all solid and reliable lighting fixtures have in common.

Features to Consider

Here are some of the things you want to look at:

• UL Listed. This abbreviation stands for Underwriters Laboratories. This is a company that tests the safety and security of all consumer products. You should look for the UL certification on the light that you intend to buy. The stamp means that it has been put through a rigorous process of testing and has been deemed safe
• Location Rating. You no doubt have a specific plan for your ceiling lighting—a specific place you intend to put it. You must ensure that the ceiling lighting you buy is suitable for the environment in which it will be installed. To check this out, you will need to verify the fixture’s location rating. This is the only way to ensure that it will not get damaged as a result of being put in an inappropriate place.

Here are the specifications you should look out for:

• A Dry Location rating is designed for little or no moisture exposure, and should only be hung indoors
• A Damp-Location rating is suitable for moist environments, including porches and patios

A Wet-Location rating is designed for direct water exposure, which means it can be hung in all outdoor areas

• Dimmable. You should buy ceiling lighting that gives you control over the intensity of the light that shines in the space. It should come with a dimmer switch, which will allow you to create the mood and ambience you desire. Lights that include dimmer switches also help save bulb life and use less energy—saving you money and helping you save the planet.
• Swag Light. These lights are extended from the ceiling using a chain. The chain dangles from a hanging hook, which creates an elegant sweeping look. 
• Adaptability. Ceilings have different shapes. If yours is at an angle or is sloped, you want to ensure that your ceiling light includes special housing for the lighting fixture so that the light will still beam down into the space.
• Bulbs Included. This is a matter of convenience. It gives you the means to buy an entire ceiling light package rather than having to go buy its accessories separately. You will also know straightaway that you have a bulb with the right wattage for the light fixture. 
• LED Integrated. These lights use less energy. They are preferable to other types of lights. You should ensure that your light fixture has LED technology built-in—that the LED light and fixture are one unit. This will make the installation simpler. 

Types of Ceiling Lighting

There are too many types of ceiling lights to list here. However, these are some of the more popular styles and configurations:

1. Hanging Ceiling Lights. This is a classic look for living rooms and dining rooms. It gives a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. Most modern hanging ceiling lights include shading, dimmer switches, and other accessories that allow you to control the amount of light emitted.
2. Flush Mount Ceiling Lights. This is a design that is perfect for providing a minimalist look. Flush mount lights sit against your ceiling. They are commonly used in hallways, bathrooms, and other places where space is limited. They are especially good in rooms where the ceiling is low.
3. Wide Pendant Lights. These are a kind of task lighting—that is, lighting designed for a specific purpose. Wide pendant lights are typically installed in kitchens and dining rooms, as they can be used to prepare food or enhance the lighting in an eating area. They can also be put over the kitchen sink.

How to choose Ceiling Lighting

You want to make the right choice and be cost-effective. The lighting you buy should last until the next time you decide to renovate your home. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing your ceiling lighting:

1. Style and Design. If you have taken the time to carefully decorate each room in your house, you should extend this effort to the lighting fixtures. The appearance of the lighting has an impact on the overall aesthetics of the space and will reflect your sense of taste. The design is important as a practical matter. You want to ensure that the lighting produced by the fixture actually works for the room it is in.
2. Cost. There is no shame in worrying about the cost of your lighting fixture. If you have set a budget for your renovation, it is possible to purchase high-quality lighting that will not take you over it. Doing so requires patience and good judgement.
3. Warranty. The ceiling light you purchase should come with a warranty. The retailer or manufacturer you purchase your fixture from should have confidence enough in their product to offer such a guarantee. The warranty should cover all potential material failures and defects and should have a lengthy duration.

In Summary

The ceiling lights you choose for your home will help set the atmosphere inside it. You now have facts and information to make a sound choice. 

Related Categories
Pendant Lighting | Kitchen Island Lighting | Flush Mount Lighting | Under Counter Lighting | Mini Pendant Lights | Living Room Recessed Lighting | Track Lighting Living Room | Industrial Flush Mount Lights