Buying guide: Helping you to choose your ceiling lighting

We share all you need to know about ceiling lighting to help you choose the best solution for your home.

Ceiling lighting is a key part of any room design. It impacts both the feel and functionality of a space, so it's important to get right.

Whether you're refreshing your current ceiling light fittings or undertaking a renovation, we're here to help you choose the best ceiling lighting for your home. We explore:

• The different types of ceiling light fittings and where they're best suited

• What to look for when buying ceiling lights

• Guidance on safety and energy efficiency

• Ballpark prices for an electrician to fit your ceiling lights

The importance of ceiling lighting

Ceiling lighting provides the main source of illumination in most rooms. It has a big role to play in creating the right ambience in your home. But it also serves a functional purpose, helping you to do certain tasks such as reading or cooking.

Traditionally, most rooms would sport a single ceiling light fixture - perhaps a pendant lampshade. However, nowadays, most homeowners install a layered lighting scheme to create the perfect atmosphere using light fixtures and fittings that complement their interior style and decor.

Types of ceiling light fittings

There are several different types of ceiling light fittings and fixtures and it's not uncommon to layer a selection of these to help create depth, warmth, and targeted lighting across your home.

For example, in a kitchen, you may choose recessed downlights for widespread, even illumination along with pendant lights above a dining table or kitchen island to create 'zoned' areas.

1. Downlights

Downlights are either mounted or recessed into the ceiling, providing light in a downward direction.

Why choose downlights? Downlights provide widespread, even illumination across an entire room. They are unobtrusive and sleek, making them a popular choice in modern homes. They are also incredibly versatile, ideal for any room from the entrance hallway to the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The number of downlights you choose to install is often determined by the room size and layout and how much natural light is available.

2. Directional spotlights

Directional spotlights are either single fixtures or up to four spotlights on a track or bar, with adjustable heads that can be tilted to direct the light in a specific area.

Why choose spotlights ? They're great for creating ambient lighting or highlighting particular design or architectural features in a room. For example, they can direct light onto a bookcase, artwork, or into an alcove.

3. Flush mount ceiling lights

These ceiling light fixtures sit completely flush with the ceiling—or slightly away from it if they have a semi-flush mount design—and give a gentle glow.

Why choose flush ceiling lights? Their profile makes them ideal for low ceilings or compact rooms, where simple but effective lighting is needed, or where a hanging fixture would be impractical.

4. Pendant lights

Pendant lights are available in a huge variety of styles and designs and hang from the ceiling either as a single light fixture, as a cluster, or on a bar.

Why choose pendant lights? As well as creating good overall illumination, pendant lights can be used as a decorative focal point. This is particularly popular in open-plan kitchen diners, where they are hung above a kitchen island, breakfast bar, or dining table to create pools of zoned lighting.

How to choose the best ceiling lighting for your home

We now know about the different types of ceiling light fixtures, but here's what you should know when considering the best ceiling lighting for your home.

Style and design

With an overwhelming range of ceiling light fittings and fixtures, you can find a style and design to suit your home and its internal decor.

• Modern properties suit metallic finishes or matt black designs

• Traditional homes often lend themselves well to warmer tones such as brass or copper or classic glass pendants

• Cottage or rustic settings are complemented by wooden, bamboo, or vintage-style light fixtures

But ultimately, if you find a ceiling light fixture that you love and it serves a functional purpose, go for it! It's your home and it should be a reflection of you.

Room size and ceiling height

The size of the room and the height of the ceiling often influence the choice of ceiling lighting.

• Smaller rooms with low ceilings: Choose recessed downlights or flush ceiling lights that won't overwhelm the space or get in the way

• Larger rooms with higher ceilings: In a bigger space, combine a selection of different ceiling lights to create layered lighting - perhaps even a dramatic chandelier!

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Colour temperature

It'd be a shame to finally find the perfect glass pendants to hang above your kitchen island only to pair them with blindingly bright light bulbs. So, let's take a moment to talk about colour temperature.

Colour temperature (measured in Kelvins) refers to the different colours that light bulbs produce. And it has a big impact on the atmosphere your lighting creates. The spectrum ranges from 'warm' to 'daylight':

• Warm (2,700K)

• Warm white (3,000K)

• Cool white (4,000K)

• Daylight (5,000K)

When choosing ceiling lighting, it's best to select light bulbs with a warmer tone - somewhere between 2,700 and 3,500K. However, it's common to veer into the cooler part of the spectrum for ceiling lights in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office.

Lumens

Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the figure, the brighter the light. Therefore, you'll likely want different lumens depending on the room, its functions, and the ambience you want to create.

• Aim for 10-20 lumens per square foot in a living room or bedroom

• 30-40 lumens per square foot is usually adequate for a dining room

• 40-60 lumens per square foot is normally best for a kitchen or bathroom

A lighting designer can help you calculate the optimal lumens needed for your ceiling lights based on the room dimensions and needs.

Dimmer switches

One of the best ways to control the brightness of your ceiling lights is with a dimmer switch, adjusting the lighting depending on the time of day, your mood, or activity.

• Save energy by only using the amount of light that you need - during the day, for example

• Create your chosen atmosphere, for a cosy dinner or movie night, for example

• Ensure you have sufficient lighting for more precision tasks such as reading in bed

To enjoy this functionality in your home, make sure your ceiling light has a dimmable bulb and is compatible with a dimmer switch. Modern dimmer switches now have smart features allowing you to control your lighting via an app or voice command.

Safety

There are two important safety considerations when choosing ceiling lights: IP ratings and fire protection.

IP ratings

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings measure a fixture's ability to withstand moisture and dust - critical for wet environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.

The two numbers following 'IP' indicate the level of protection:

• IP44 is suitable for areas with light moisture, for example, a kitchen ceiling

• IP65 or higher is needed for bathroom ceiling lights or any areas exposed to splashes of water

Fire protection

When installing recessed ceiling downlights, check that they are fire-rated. This means they are designed to restore the ceiling's fire integrity by sealing off the hole where the downlight is installed.

Energy efficiency

LED bulbs are the go-to option in modern homes. They are energy-efficient, quick to light up, safe, and long-lasting.

They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 30% longer, making them a cost-effective option.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

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How much does ceiling lighting installation cost?

• The average cost of supplying and installing downlights is around £300 - £500 per project

• Electricians tend to charge between £45 - £60per hour

The cost of installing ceiling light fittings and fixtures will vary depending on the scope of the work, the type of lights being installed, and whether new wiring is needed.

For an accurate quote, contact a qualified local electrician.

Do you need a professional painter and decorator?

A painter and decorator is sometimes needed after ceiling lights have been installed. This is to 'make good' the area where wires have been chased in or the light fixture installed. Here are some average costs to help you plan your budget:

• A painter and decorator typically charges around £32per hour or £325 per day

• The average cost to paint a ceiling is around £15 per m²

Request a quote for your ceiling lighting project

Always hire a qualified electrician for ceiling lighting installation to ensure safety and compliance. Get direct quotes from our approved members through our request a quote feature.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Key takeaways

• Ceiling lighting plays a key role in the aesthetics and functionality of the rooms within your home

• Choose from a selection of ceiling light fixtures including recessed downlights, directional spotlights, flush ceiling lights, and pendant lights

• In a wet environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom, IP ratings are a key consideration to ensure safety

• Always hire a qualified electrician to install your ceiling lighting

• Electricians tend to charge between £45 - £60 per hour

• It may also be necessary to budget for the cost of a painter and decorator following installation - prices average around £32per hour

Find a qualified electrician in your area

Search your postcode below to find reviewed and Checkatrade-approved tradespeople in your area.

FAQs

Can I install ceiling lights myself?

We always advise hiring a qualified electrician for safe and compliant installation.

What is the most efficient ceiling light?

The most efficient type of ceiling light is an LED fixture, using up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs.

Are LED ceiling lights worth it?

LED ceiling lights typically come with a higher price tag, but they are worth the investment. They last longer and use less energy, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

What type of ceiling light gives the most light?

Lumens provides a measure of brightness - the higher the figure, the brighter the light. For rooms such as the kitchen or home office that need strong, widespread illumination, look for ceiling lights with 3,000 lumens or higher. This can be achieved with various types of ceiling light fixtures including recessed downlights, pendant lights, or directional spotlights.

How big should my ceiling light be?

Aim for around 3" of fitting height per foot of room height to make sure your ceiling light fixture is in proportion with the size of the room.

How do I know what ceiling light to buy?

When choosing ceiling lighting, consider the dimensions of the space you're lighting, the style of your internal decor, and the role the lighting needs to fulfil. Always opt for LED bulbs where possible.

What IP rating do I need for bathroom ceiling lights?

Light fixtures installed above a shower or bath need a minimum rating of IP65. IP44 is sufficient for other areas, further away from water sources.