Ceiling Lights Buying Guide
The three most important things to consider when buying ceiling fittings are: room size, ceiling height and how you use the space.
What size should I select for my room size?
As a guide: Add your room’s length + width (in feet) and convert to inches = minimum diameter
Example: 12ft + 14ft = 26 inch diameter ceiling light
Tip: It’s really simple to get a cardboard box of a similar size to the ceiling light you are considering and hang it using string. This will give a reasonable approximation of how the size fits into your room. If you are unsure, slightly larger is better than too small.
What if I have a low ceiling?
Flush and semi-flush designs are ideal for ceilings under 2.4m (common in both modern and older UK homes)
- Optimise headroom
- Even light distribution
- Keep rooms feeling open and spacious
What type do I need?
- Flush ceiling lights: ideal for low ceilings
- Semi-flush fittings: slightly dropped, more decorative
- Pendant lights: task lighting for kitchens & dining areas
- Chandeliers: feature lighting for larger rooms
- Lantern styles: hallways & traditional homes
How many bulbs do I need?
Use lumens rather than watts and replace traditional bulbs with modern LEDs.
For more in-depth information about lumens, please read our guide here.
Total Room Lumens per Square Foot Guide
| Room Type |
Lumens per sq ft |
E.g. 10′ × 12′ room (120 sq ft) |
| Living/Bedroom |
10-20 |
1,200-2,400 lumens |
| Kitchen (general lighting) |
20-50 |
2,400-6,000 lumens |
| Bathroom |
20-50 |
2,400-6,000 lumens |
| Hallway |
5-15 |
600-1,800 lumens |
Use dimmer switches for full control over the brightness. See our dimmer switches guide here for comprehensive advice.
What colour temperature is best?
Most customers prefer warm white in living spaces; however, it will be down to personal preference. The popular choices are:
- 2700k – 3000k (warm white) for living rooms and bedrooms
- Warm white or cool white (4000k+) for kitchens and bathrooms
Ceiling lights over dining tables can be hung lower. The ideal height is 75cm – 80cm above the table surface. This ensures:
- No glare
- No Head obstruction
- Balanced lighting for dining
Homes without an earth loop
- Many older UK properties use a live and neutral supply without an earth. These properties must use class II double-insulated light fittings. They are perfectly safe and only require wiring to live and neutral cables. You must not use a Class 1 single insulated fitting in properties without an earth.
- Please note: Class 1 light fittings must be connected to live, neutral and earth wires, whereas Class II fittings are suitable for use in properties with an earth loop, but the earth wire should be safely terminated in a connector block.
Read our blog post here, which gives in-depth information on how to choose the right ceiling light for your home
Ceiling Lights FAQs
What diameter ceiling light for my room?
Measure the room length and width in feet, add the two together, and that is the minimum diameter you should aim for in inches. You can increase this size according to your décor.
Best fixtures for low ceilings?
Flush or semi-flush mounted fittings are a great choice. They are low-profile designs that fit flush or close to the ceiling, so they don’t hang down too far.
Can ceiling lights be shortened?
Yes, most hanging lights are usually suspended by reinforced cable, rods, wires or a chain and can be shortened or adjusted when the light is fitted. This ensures that it hangs down far enough without hindering people walking through the space.
Are they easy to install?
Yes, but most require removal of the ceiling rose. This contains the lighting circuit and often a permanent live that feeds next ceiling rose in the loop. This requires electrical knowledge to ensure safe operation, and we always recommend installation by a registered electrician.
Do they all need an earth?
No, Class II double insulated light fittings are perfectly safe to use and require live and neutral supplies only. Class II fittings can also be used in properties with an earth loop, but the earth must be omitted. You must not use a Class 1 single insulated fitting in properties without an earth.
What is the best light for a living room ceiling?
A dimmable fitting with warm white LEDs or LED bulbs works best. Combine with table lamps or wall lights for ideal layered lighting.
Can I use a pendant in a low ceiling room?
Yes, but only over areas like dining tables or islands where head clearance isn’t an issue.
How low should a ceiling light hang?
Allow at least 2m distance from the floor to avoid bumping your head.
Why Shop with Universal Lighting?
With over 50 years of experience, we help customers across the UK choose fittings that work beautifully in real homes.
We offer:
100% satisfaction guarantee
Free UK delivery on orders over £75
30-day no quibble returns
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Expert support is a phone call away 0151 650 2138
