How do I pick a ceiling light

Scale it up (or down)

Considering scale is necessary for making the perfect lighting choice. 

If you choose a large chandelier for a small room, it will dominate the space and make the room feel smaller, and if you choose a fixture that’s too small, it might not do an adequate job providing light and could throw off the design of the room altogether.

It helps to have exact measurements of your room size and ceiling height on hand. If you’re not sure what scale would be appropriate for your space, one of our design experts will gladly give you an informed opinion!

Height matters

Knowing the ceiling height in your room is also very important. Ceiling height is a great determining factor for the lighting needs of a room. 

Generally speaking, it’s ideal to have no less than 7’ between the bottom of the light fixture and the floor. If your ceiling is extra-high, like in an entryway, a hanging fixture is probably the best choice (and it can be an amazing statement piece as well!) 

If you have low ceilings, all is not lost! There are plenty of flush-mount fixtures that can provide great ambiance for a space and look amazing without making you and your family bump your heads on the fixture.

Desired light type and function

Different rooms have different lighting needs! You might want soft, ambient lighting for a bedroom, creating an intimate and cozy feeling, but this type of lighting would not work as well in the kitchen or a bathroom. When choosing a fixture for a specific room, it’s important to consider the activities and tasks that take place in that room.

If you’re choosing lighting for a kitchen, you most likely want something that lights the countertops brightly enough for a clear view of your latest culinary creation. Dim lighting in a kitchen could mean under- or overcooked food, since the chef might not be able to see when something’s the right color. 

Your ideal vibe for the room is just as important. Having an idea of your aesthetic will help a lot in choosing the perfect fixture! For a clean, minimal bathroom, an ornate fixture might be completely out of place. You’ll want to choose something that complements the rest of the room.

Furniture placement

This might not immediately come to mind when choosing a light fixture, because furniture can always be moved around later– but furniture and lighting have a very important relationship!

For example, it makes sense to put some nice bright lighting over a kitchen counter or island. The dining table benefits from a great lighting choice as well, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your family dinners or dinner parties. 

If you’re choosing a statement piece for your ceiling light fixture, considering the furniture around it is extra-important. You might be planning on placing a gorgeous chandelier over your bed to create a luxurious atmosphere, but will that light be too bright for you? Is the chandelier an appropriate height, so you can avoid hitting your head on it when you sit up in the morning?

The design experts at Kaufman By Design are always willing to provide opinions on the right ceiling light for your space. Before you speak with a specialist, it’s helpful to have a collection of photos to show them– look through interior decorating magazines, blogs, and social media accounts. You’ll be able to find examples of your ideal space, so our specialists can be sure to show you fixtures that are perfect for your vision.

When it’s time to choose a ceiling light, Kaufman By Design’s selection and staff of seasoned experts makes us the obvious choice. Please call us or fill out our contact form and we’ll get you started on the path toward your dream space today!