Ceiling Light Buying Guide

Most rooms in residential homes — including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms — have at least one ceiling fixture. Not only do ceiling lights provide some of the best coverage of any kind of interior light source, but they also give consumers a great way to decorate and customize indoor spaces. Additionally, if you choose the right ceiling fixture lights, you can even save a fortune on your monthly utility bill.

But what makes a good ceiling light? What are the best styles of ceiling light for your home? Are there specific sizes that you need to use? What are some of the best locations in your home to use ceiling lights? Finally, where can you find high-quality ceiling lights at affordable prices?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a look at some of the most critical factors you should consider when shopping for ceiling lights.

What To Look For When Buying A Ceiling Light

Buying a ceiling light is often a lot more complex than simply purchasing a replacement light bulb. With some light fixtures, you can quickly and easily replace the bulb as needed. With others, you may need to replace the entire fixture if there is a fixed bulb or cover. Consequently, there are various factors to consider before you make a decision. 

Style

There are hundreds of different styles to choose from when it comes to overhead lighting, from modern flush ceiling lights to classic hanging ceiling lights. The style should conform to the limitations of your space. For example, if you have a recessed ceiling, it may not make sense to have a flush light, as it probably will not fit properly or be able to disperse light to the entire room. Alternatively, if you have a soffit (a lowered part of the ceiling) in your living room, a hanging light could be too low.

You will also want to consider the style of your home or the specific room you wish to decorate. Certain lights offer a more contemporary look, while others fit well with a rustic aesthetic. It ultimately comes down to the specifications of your space and your personal preference.

Size

It’s always important to measure the available space you have before purchasing a new light fixture. First, you need to ensure that you get a light that is large enough to cover any cable or wire hole in your ceiling. If you purchase one that is too small, you could be forced to replace it or even spend money to patch some of the drywall. Either way, doing a bit of measuring ahead of time could save you a headache later on.

The size of your light can also affect how much light you can see. For instance, if you choose a 9” flat panel light over a 16” flat panel, you won’t get the same amount of light exposure. Naturally, it will depend on the strength of each bulb, however, the size and design of each light also impact how light is distributed. Generally, a larger fixture will be able to spread light over a larger area. So, if you have a big room, you should consider getting a larger fixture. Not only does it have the capacity to spread light further, but it will also look more proportional to the size of the room.

Budget

Fortunately, there are light fixtures for just about every price range. That said, if you want to get high-quality ceiling lights, you may need to pay a bit more. Whether you want a basic light fixture or a high-end LED ceiling light, you will need to set a budget. This means evaluating how much you can comfortably spend on a ceiling light and how much you could potentially save with your purchase.

For instance, many people don’t consider the long-term financial implications of buying a light fixture. At first glance, it may seem like a good idea to buy a fixture that is $20 cheaper than a similar model. However, if one light uses incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and the more expensive option uses an LED bulb, you would actually save more by opting for the LED light. Why? Because LED bulbs are roughly 90% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 15 times longer. This means you will spend much less on electricity and replacement bulbs if you opt for a high-quality LED ceiling light.

Location

The location inside your home plays a big role in the type of ceiling light you should purchase. Again, much of the decision will come down to your budget and your personal sense of style, but there are also certain lights that are better suited for specific rooms than others. Let’s take a look at some of the most common household locations and the lights that you might use in each one:

• Home Office - Your home office is a place where you need to maintain focus and productivity. The right light can make all the difference in the world. While you can always rely on desk lamps, a warm overhead light that is not overly bright can be the perfect way to keep your home office professional.
• Bedroom - For your bedroom, you want a light that is cheerful without being too bright. This is especially true when you’re ready to go to bed. A white, glaring ceiling light fixture will just make it harder to get the rest you need. For this reason, consider a soft, warm light that can be complemented by lamps.
• Kitchen - It is generally best to use strong, bright lights for your kitchen. Not only will a strong light help you cook and manage other tasks, but it could also help ward off pests.
• Bathroom - Like kitchens, it is typically best to keep strong, bright overhead lights in your bathroom. However, even if you can’t find strong ceiling lights that match the decor, you can also add soft vanity lights.
• Dining Room - Your dining room needs to be bright and cheerful. However, you may also use your dining room for more serious events, like religious celebrations. For this reason, you might consider a light fixture with a dimmer or even a tunable light (more on that later).
• Living Room - Like your dining room, your living room should be bright and cheerful. Just remember to use a ceiling light that is not overly white or hard on the eyes.
• Hallway - Hallway lights can be warm and relatively soft. Though you want to make sure that there is plenty of visibility, you don’t need to have extra-bright lighting in your hallways.

Tunable Lights

A tunable light allows you to set the temperature and wattage of your light at the time of installation. This means that you can get the same light fixture for multiple rooms and set different specifications for each one. In doing so, you can completely customize the lighting for your entire home. If you’re in the market for tunable lights, be sure to check out some of our tunable LED fixtures at Bulb Center.

We hope you found this guide on buying ceiling lights both fun and informative! Are you interested in learning more about ceiling lights and overhead light fixtures? Are you ready to purchase high-quality light bulbs at affordable prices? If so, be sure to check out the products available at Bulb Center today!