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Bedroom Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights come in a wide range of styles that can help turn your bedroom into an inviting space.
To provide ambient light in your bedroom, ceiling lights are a must, and they're available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Bedroom ceiling lights may be flush-mounted or hanging, depending on the size of your room and the height of your ceiling, or you may prefer recessed lighting for a streamlined look.
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Flush-mount lights come in a variety of sizes and styles. Even in a small bedroom, you should be able to find an attractive light that works with your decor. If you are choosing a flush-mount light (the type of ceiling light most often found in bedrooms), you may choose between close-flush-mount and semi-flush-mount. A close-flush-mount fixture sits directly on the ceiling, while a semi-flush light hangs down several inches, leaving airspace between the ceiling and the fixture. For low ceilings (below 8 feet), you will want to pick a close-flush-mount light fixture. These are also a good choice for closets and master bathrooms. For ceiling heights of 9 to 10 feet, consider a semi-flush-mount light; most hang less than a foot from the ceiling.
If your ceiling is higher than 10 feet, you may want to consider a hanging light. Hanging lights fall into two categories: pendants and chandeliers. Pendants are usually simple in design, with a single cord/chain system for hanging. Despite their simplicity, they come in a large range of sizes and styles; they can be a single pendant or two or three hanging globes. Chandeliers hang in a branched system and tend to be larger, heavier and more ornate than pendants.
Hanging lights may be installed over the bed (be sure to allow enough head room) or on either side of the bed for reading. When installing, keep the overall design of the room in mind. The center of the bedroom is not always the best place to put a ceiling light. Instead, hang the light in the center of the most important visual feature of the room. In the bedroom, this feature will most likely be the bed.
If you choose recessed lights, install a few well-placed fixtures. Don't overdo it; you don't want your ceiling to look like a runway. Search lighting catalogs or Web sites to choose the design that best fits your desired style.
Regardless of which style of bedroom ceiling light you choose, consider how much light you want, and be sure that the fixture you choose will provide that much light. Dimmer switches will allow you to adjust your light level to fit your mood. You may also want to consider a light with a ceiling fan to help you stay cool during the summer months. If you choose a fixture with a ceiling fan, be sure that the installation leaves enough head room for getting in and out of bed.
See Also: Lighting Planning Guide
