Where lights are positioned on a ceiling not only impacts the aesthetic of the room’s overall lighting scheme, it also has practical implications in how the room is used.
There are many aspects to consider when positioning lights on a ceiling. Detail Lighting have worked with interior designers, architects and specifiers for many years to supply and design lighting schemes that maximise the use of a space and create the most suitable ambiance.
We supply a comprehensive range of high quality downlights and ceiling surface lights for installation in ceilings.
What kind of lights should I use in ceilings?
Ceiling lights are commonly pendant designs or recessed spotlights such as the Corona Pro or the Voleos Directional IP54 Fire-Rated light. Both these lights are popular with design professionals and integrate into modern interiors. Aesthetically, the Corona Pro features a trim which you can specifiy in various RAL finishes, and the Voleos Directional is trimless which has minimal impact on a room’s ceiling.
Also, both lighting options are adjustable and have different tilts and beam angles, enabling you deisgn flexibility for your interior project, and available in different colour temperatures from a warm 2700K through to a more clinical 4000K.
For a more unique design, surface spotlights are also a popular specification option for design professionals. They can be adjusted to reinvent existing lighting schemes. The Corona Pro Can is an popular choice of a directional surface spotlight with a 35° tilt with a clean, contemporary finish.
Where to position lights on the ceiling – key considerations
Purpose of the room
When deciding where to position lights on a ceiling you should consider the main purpose of the room. Ceiling lights should be located in such a way that they follow the furniture layout, focussing on tables, seating and so on, while also providing adequate task lighting.
Consider the room size and shape
How spaced out should your ceiling lights be? Generally, if you divide the height of your ceiling by two, the answer will be the amount of space required between each downlight. So, if your room is 2.5 metres high, you should position your lights 1.25 metres apart.
If the shape of the room includes recesses, you should position your ceiling lights so that those recesses receive sufficient illumination.
Highlight focal points of the room
Architectural features, artwork or furniture pieces can be highlighted with accent lighting such as track lighting. The Danny Max track spotlights with a 70mm or 85mm diameter are ultra-modern and can be adjusted to accentuate specific elements of a room. Position the lights to direct attention towards these elements without creating glare or reflections.
Colour temperature
Be careful with your colour temperature. Warm white (2700K-3000K) is typically recommended for residential settings, while cooler temperatures (3500K-4100K) are better for commercial or contemporary spaces.
Task lighting
In bathrooms, the best task lighting comes from the edge of the ceiling directly onto the face, not from behind a mirror. In a kitchen, task lighting should be positioned directly above, not behind you. Otherwise you will create shadows.
Suspended profiles such as the Volans pendant is an alternative to surface or recessed lighting for completing tasks.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting fixtures including downlights, chandeliers, and pendants in a range of sizes and styles, provide evenly distributed lighting throughout interior spaces. The Salt Pendant has contemporary clean lines and is suitable for all decorative and task applications.
Smart controls
Smart controls such as dimmers, motion sensors and timers give users instant control over their environment, making your ceiling light installation even more cost-effective and efficient.
Contact Detail Lighting for help with your ceiling light installation
The Detail Lighting team can design your ceiling light installation. Get in touch for more information.
