If you’re wondering what type of ceiling light gives the best light, you’re probably already aware that ceiling lights come in a variety of different styles. As one of the most common types of ambient lighting, types of ceiling lights range from pendant lights and chandeliers to adjustable spotlights, allowing homeowners and interior designers to get creative when it comes to curating the character of a space.
Whilst there are various types of ceiling lights, they are generally designed to provide rooms with strong, widespread illumination, filling spaces of all types with a tone and brightness appropriate for their function. Despite this general feature, however, the diversity of available fixtures enables you to play with the tone, colour and quality of the light, as well as choosing fittings based on their aesthetic.
To find out more about what type of ceiling light gives the best light, read on: this blog will tell you everything you need to know.
Table of contents
Table of contents
What are ceiling lights?
Any light that is directly fixed on the ceiling is classed as a ceiling light, regardless of how it is fixed. Ceiling lights are almost always the main type of light in a room and are often selected to suit other types of decor, as well as to create a certain atmosphere.
As well as coming in a range of designs, ceiling lights can be fitted using different types of bulbs, including energy-efficient LED bulbs and smart bulbs.
What are the different types of ceiling lights?
Whilst there are many different types of ceiling light, the following list contains some (but not all!) of the most popular: recessed downlights, pendant lights, semi-flush lights, spotlights, and chandeliers.
Each category breaks down into a range of styles within itself, giving you further options to explore once you’ve decided on a particular type of ceiling light. The descriptions below give an overview of each of the lights listed above.
Recessed downlights
Recessed downlights are also known as pot lights or can lights. They are fixtures set flush into the ceiling, providing focused directional lighting whilst hiding any wiring. They come in a range of designs and provide rooms with a sleek, minimalist look.
Pendant lights
Pendant lights are a type of light fixture that hang from the ceiling, supported by a rod, chain or cord. Much like recessed downlights, they come in a wide variety of styles, including rise and fall pendants, linear pendants and cluster pendants. As well as being used for ambient lighting, they can also be used for task lighting and accent lighting, adding personality and style to a room.
Semi-flush lights
Unlike recessed lighting, which is set flush into the ceiling, semi-flush ceiling lights consist of a small gap between the light source and the fixing plate, which attaches it to the ceiling. This feature makes it extremely versatile when it comes to the different types of available designs, offering a range of lighting effects and unique aesthetics.
Spotlights
Spotlights produce a concentrated beam of light that focuses on one area, with fittings often consisting of multiple spotlights that can be pointed in slightly different directions. This flexibility means spotlighting can be used for both task lighting or to create a particular effect, making it a good choice for rooms of all types.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are large, decorative lighting fixtures that hold multiple bulbs or candles, consisting of a fixture that is usually suspended from the ceiling using a decorative rod or cord, much like a pendant light. For the most part, chandeliers are chosen for decorative purposes, providing certain types of room with a touch of sophistication.
What type of ceiling light gives the best light?
Ceiling lights that give the best light are those with a high lumen output, with each of the types mentioned above being capable of emitting strong, widespread illumination. That said, when it comes to knowing which type of light is the best option for you, it generally depends on the size and type of room you are choosing them for.
For example, semi-flush lights can make a small room seem bigger by giving off upward and downward light; chandeliers and pendant lights can have a similar effect, with the added bonus of being decorative, which creates a certain brilliance in itself.
Regardless of the type of ceiling light you choose, there is also the option of smart lighting, an innovative lighting solution that allows you to control your lighting system using a smartphone or tablet. This can help you get the best out of different types of ceiling lights, as you can dim them, set them to timers, and even change their colour.
What else should I consider when choosing a ceiling light?
As well as considering the size of the room and what the room is used for, energy efficiency, co-ordination and overall style are worth keeping in mind.
Whilst the use of LED bulbs and smart lighting are energy-efficient ways to light a home or office space, it is also worth choosing ceiling lights that work well with other features of the room you’re fitting them in, such as natural lighting.
Co-ordination and overall style are also worth keeping in mind, as the best types of ceiling light often work well as part of a selection of fixtures that complement one another from one room to the next.
Shop stylish ceiling lights at Dusk Lighting
Shop Dusk Lighting’s range of ceiling lights today and take advantage of free delivery on all UK orders over £39.