More about our ceiling lights
What are ceiling lights?
- Simply put, any fitting that is fixed to the ceiling is a ceiling light. They can be fixed in different ways, such as directly to the ceiling, hung from a hook or ceiling rose by a chain, cable or drop rod. They range from simple fittings with one bulb to large statement pieces with ten bulbs or more.
Functional v Decorative
- Functional ceiling lights are utilitarian, and their only function is to provide bright illumination. Good examples include slimline downlights, super-slim low profile lights and thin panel lights. These fittings are simply an enclosure containing LEDs and have little or no decorative appeal.
Decorative ceiling lights
- Decorative ceiling lights are instantly recognisable. Whether they are flush mounted lights or a grand pendant, they will all contain elements that draw the eye. Good examples include the use of different glass styles, fabrics and finishes such as polished chrome, gold, bronze and brass.
- Tip: When choosing a ceiling light for your home, aim for a combination of the two. It should provide an adequate level of light for the room (functional), and be decorative enough to complement the rest of your décor.
What type of ceiling light is best for me?
Room Ceiling height 2.4m or less?
- Many very old and modern houses have ceilings lower than 2.4m (6ft 7in). This low headroom limits your choice to semi flush or flush ceiling lights. Specifically designed for these spaces, they are attractive, provide ample light and don’t compromise headroom. It is still possible to place a hanging light in a low ceiling room, for example over a table or other fixed object where it won’t impede free movement.
Room ceiling height over 2.4m?
- Traditional homes built in the late 19th and early 20th century have higher ceilings, typically 2.7m – 3m (8 – 9ft) which allow you much more choice. You can still use flush and semi flush lights if you wish, you can now choose hanging lights such as pendants and chain lanterns. Most hanging lights are height adjustable, so you have more flexibility when choosing.
Selecting the right size
- As a starting point, add the length and width of your room in feet together and convert that to inches. For example, a 14ft x 12ft room would be 14+12 = 26 inch minimum diameter.
- Be always guided by proportion, if it looks right, then it probably is. If the fitting is too small, it can get lost in the space and if it’s too large, then it can overwhelm the space.
- 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.
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.
Hanging lights over dining tables
- Lights over dining tables can be hung lower than those in other areas. It is important to ensure that the light hangs above eye level to avoid glare and doesn’t impede head movement. The ideal height above a table is between 80 – 90cm (32 – 36 inch).
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. You can find all of our Class 2 light fittings by entering the term DOUBLE INSULATED in the search box at the top of this page.
- Please note: Class 1 light fittings must be wired using live, neutral and earth connections. Class 2 fittings can also be used in properties with an earth loop, but the earth must be omitted.
Ceiling Lights FAQ’s
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. If you have secondary lighting such as table lamps, a floor lamp or wall lights then this size should be fine. If not then consider increasing the diameter by up to 20% or the amount of lamp bulbs fitted.
Best ceiling lights for low ceilings?
- Rooms with low ceilings benefit from flush mount or semi-flush mounted ceiling lights. These low profile designs fit flush or close to the ceiling, so they don’t hang down too far.
Can ceiling lights be shortened?
- Yes, these are usually suspended by reinforced cable, rods, wires or a chain and can all be shortened or adjusted when the light is fitted. This ensures that the light hangs down far enough without hindering people walking through the space.
Are ceiling lights easy to install?
- Yes, ceiling lights are simple to install, but most ceiling lights 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 all ceiling lights 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.
Why Shop with Universal Lighting?
With over 50 years of experience, we help customers across the UK choose lighting that works beautifully in real homes.
We offer:
