How to Choose the Right Ceiling Light for Your Room: An Electrician’s Guide

Lighting is one of the most important parts of your home. A good ceiling light can change the mood, improve the style of your room and even help you feel more relaxed. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which ceiling light is best for each room.

As electricians at Stillorgan Electrical Services, we often help customers choose the right lighting for their homes. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to make the right choice.

How to Choose the Right Ceiling Light for Your Room

1. Understand Your Lighting Needs

Before buying any light fixture, it’s important to ask: What do I need the light for?

There are three main types of lighting:

Ambient lighting: This is the main light in the room. It lights up the entire space.
Task lighting: This is focused light used for doing things like cooking, reading, or working.
Accent lighting: This light is used for decoration or to highlight something like a painting or a wall feature.

For example:

In a kitchen, you’ll need both ambient and task lighting.
In a bedroom, you’ll want soft ambient lighting and maybe some reading lights.

2. Know Your Room Dimensions

Your ceiling light must match the size of your room. If the light is too small, it won’t be bright enough. If it’s too big, it may look out of place.

Here are some simple tips:

Low ceilings (under 8 feet): Use flush or semi-flush mount lights.
High ceilings (over 9 feet): You can use chandeliers or pendant lights.
Large rooms: Choose lights with multiple bulbs or add extra lights.

💡 Quick Tip: Multiply the length and width of your room in feet, then add them together. The result is the ideal diameter (in inches) of your ceiling light.

For example: A 12x14 ft room → 12+14 = 26 inches. Your light should be around 26 inches wide.

3. Types of Ceiling Lights (With Pros

and Cons)

Here are some common ceiling lights and where they work best:

Flush Mount & Semi-Flush Mount Lights

Sit close to the ceiling
Ideal for: hallways, small bedrooms, closets
✅ Good for low ceilings
❌ May not provide focused task lighting

Chandeliers

Decorative hanging lights with multiple arms
Ideal for: dining rooms, entryways, living rooms with high ceilings
✅ Elegant look
❌ Not suitable for low ceilings

Pendant Lights

Hang down from the ceiling on a rod or chain
Ideal for: kitchen islands, dining tables
✅ Great task lighting
❌ Not for very low ceilings

Recessed Lights

Installed inside the ceiling for a clean, modern look
Ideal for: living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms
✅ Saves space
❌ Can be expensive to install

Track Lighting

Lights attached to a track that can be moved and angled
Ideal for: kitchens, art walls
✅ Flexible direction
❌ Industrial look may not suit all homes

Ceiling Fans with Lights

Combines lighting with a ceiling fan
Ideal for: bedrooms and living rooms
✅ Multi-purpose
❌ May need extra support for installation

4. Choosing the Right Light for Each Room

Each room has different needs. Here’s what we recommend:

Ceiling Light For Living Room

Use a central ceiling light with soft brightness.
Add lamps or wall lights for a layered look.
Dimmer switches are great for adjusting mood lighting.

Ceiling Light For Kitchen

Use bright lights, especially over cooking areas.
Pendant lights look great over kitchen islands.
Add under-cabinet lighting for extra visibility.

Ceiling Light For Bedroom

Use warm, soft lighting.
A central fixture with a dimmer is ideal.
Add bedside lights for reading.

Ceiling Light For Bathroom

Choose IP-rated lights safe for damp areas.
Install bright lighting near the mirror for grooming.
Use recessed lights for a clean finish.

👉 Read more about bathroom lighting safety (IP ratings)

Ceiling Light For Hallways & Entryways

Use flush or semi-flush mount fixtures.
Add motion sensors or smart lights for ease.

5. Technical Tips from Our Electricians

At Stillorgan Electrical Services, we recommend keeping these things in mind:

Wattage and Lumens Of Light

Wattage shows how much energy a bulb uses.
Lumens show how bright a bulb is.
Example: 800 lumens = brightness of a 60-watt traditional bulb

👉 Check this lumen guide

Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED bulbs last longer and use less electricity.
Though they cost more upfront, they save you money in the long run.

Electrical Load and Circuit Safety

Don’t overload circuits with too many lights.
Always hire a certified electrician for new installations.

Dimmers and Smart Systems

Dimmer switches help control mood and save energy.
Smart bulbs or smart switches let you control lights from your phone or with voice commands (like Alexa or Google Home).

👉 Guide to smart lightin g

6. Style and Finish

Your light should also look good! Match it to your room’s furniture and colors.

Popular styles include:

Modern: clean lines, chrome or matte black
Traditional: brass or bronze finishes, elegant details
Industrial: exposed bulbs, metal finishes
Scandinavian: minimal and natural designs

💡 Don’t forget to consider the color temperature of the light bulb (warm white vs cool white). Warm lights (2700K–3000K) are better for bedrooms, while cool lights (4000K–5000K) work well in kitchens and bathrooms.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some things to watch out for:

❌ Choosing style over function: Make sure the light fits the room's purpose.
❌ Ignoring ceiling height: A low-hanging light in a low ceiling room can be a hazard.
❌ Too much brightness: Over-lighting can feel harsh and uncomfortable.
❌ DIY installations: Electrical work can be risky. Always call a professional.

Conclusion

The right ceiling light does more than just brighten your room — it sets the mood, enhances style, and improves how you use the space. Think about what the room needs, measure carefully, and pick a fixture that fits both in style and function.

At Stillorgan Electrical Services, we’re here to help with everything from choosing the perfect light to safe and professional installation. If you're unsure about wiring or want expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.