Indoor ceiling light buying guide

The first thing to consider is the desired height of your new ceiling light. Placing lighting at different heights can transform not only the look of your space, but how the room functions. For instance, there’s no point having an office in which the lighting level is too low to see what you are working on, or installing bright lights in a room that’s meant for relaxation. Lights that are too bright can also interfere with visibility when positioned directly above a television or computer screen, for example. Dim lighting can also be hazardous in a kitchen or on a staircase, for instance. 

Think about where you will be sitting or standing within a room, and how you tend to use the space. Opt for brighter lighting above kitchen work spaces, and softer lighting in spaces for dining or socialising. Are there any areas that will be obstructed from the main ceiling light, such as corners or cupboards? 

Remember to consider the areas that don’t get light from natural light sources. One way of changing the level of light within a space is raising or lowering the height of the light itself. Just because you’ve got high ceilings, it doesn’t mean your light has to be positioned high above the room. Lighting cables can often be extended to position your lighting exactly where you want it. Many people choose to position low hanging pendant lights over their dining area as this can make a great focal point. 

Another way of achieving this ambient lighting effect is by installing dimmer switches or even using a frosted light bulb or some wall lights to create softer lighting. Flush ceiling lights and recessed spotlights are also popular.

Lampshades are available in a wide range of colours and styles. Beyond neutrals, try matching your lampshade with colours and patterns used elsewhere in the room, or using an entirely different colour or pattern for some contrast. 

Glass 

Many ceiling lights feature elegant glass lampshades, these can be found in both traditional and modern styles.  An important thing to consider is that glass lampshades will need to be cleaned semi-regularly in order to retain their lustre. This might be a little difficult depending on whether your ceiling light is hard to reach or not. Delicate glass lampshades also may not fare very well in a home with small children, or if you’re planning subsequent house moves and want to take the fittings with you. 

Metal

Choose a modern and durable ceiling light with metal lampshades for maximum durability. These hard-wearing ceiling lights will suit a busy household and can easily be moved from room to room without any damage, offering you a sleek, modern look with low upkeep. Metallics complement a wide range of décor schemes, add some shine with a silver, gold or bronze coloured ceiling light. 

Fabric

Anything but the simpler option, lampshades come in a huge variety of fabrics and textures, from plain to patterned, simple or decadent.  Satin or velvet, make a statement with your new lampshade or ceiling light. 

Screw bulbs

You might not think you need any help choosing light bulbs, but the reality is that it’s easy to pick up the wrong bulb by mistake. First things first, identify whether you need a screw bulb, often referred to as an ES bulb, or a bayonet. ES stands for Edison Screw, and these bulbs have a threaded base, just like a screw. They can only be used with ES bulb compatible light fixtures. 

Bayonet bulbs

A bayonet bulb, also known as a twist and lock bulb, has two pins which retract when twisted before locking inside the compatible light fitting. These can only be used with compatible light fixtures.

Colours

These two different types of bulbs are available in a huge array of sizes, not to mention other effects. Light bulbs can be purchased in every colour imaginable, as well as colour-changing and special effect bulbs. 

We all know how important it is to try and make energy efficient choices where possible. The easiest and most common way of doing this is by choosing LED lights over traditional bulbs. 

Smart bulbs 

Another way of doing this is by using smart bulbs. Smart bulbs are internet enabled LED bulbs that can be operated remotely. This allows people to schedule lights in their home to come on and turn off in the same way their heating does, to help avoid wasting electricity.