The Best Bedroom Ceiling Lights

Buying a Bedroom Ceiling Light

All too often, a standard dome light installed on the bedroom ceiling stays there forever. It’s functional, but not great, and some homeowners think that’s the best they can do to illuminate the space.

It’s not. The Light Center CEO Jennifer Johnson says layering light is key, and that bedroom ceiling light should be one of the layers.

“Offering layers of light creates ambiance,” she says. “Adding light on the ceiling creates balance. You don’t want two bedside table lamps trying to light the entire room, while over-lighting the headboard end of the bed. A ceiling light allows other areas in the room to be dimmer and more relaxing.”

Johnson recommends semi-flush ceiling lights. Uplight on the ceiling combined with light coming through clear or frosted glass or metal creates more interest and decreases that spotlight feeling.

Considerations When Shopping for A Bedroom Ceiling Light

• Size: Know the dimensions of the bedroom you’re trying to light; a larger room can take a larger fixture. But more importantly, pay attention to your ceiling height. If you’re at eight feet, a flush mount is likely your best option to maximize headroom. But if your ceiling clears nine or more feet, a semi-flush mount opens your options. Vaulted or high ceilings? Chandeliers and oversized fixtures could work beautifully.
• Style: There are an endless array of fixtures, so knowing the style you’re aiming for narrows your search. Frosted glass and fabric shades tend to soften the light.
• Light output: Always check how much wattage and how many bulbs your fixture accommodates, or if it has an integrated LED. Recessed lights or track lights can provide more ambient light if you want your main ceiling light fixture to be more fashion than function. Task lighting on nightstands, or hanging from the ceiling, work better for reading. Don’t forget a dimmer switch on your main fixture to customize the light output.
• Installation: If you already have a junction box in the ceiling, then hanging a new light is straightforward. If not, you’ll need an electrician and possibly a permit. Consult local regulations.
• Cost: You can often get a style you like at a price that fits your budget. But higher-end fixtures tend to have glass that better reduces glare and/or hotspots that can cause eye strain.
• Smart home options: If home automation is important to you, keep smart switches and smart bulbs in mind.

Four More Expert Tips

• In kids’ rooms, Johnson suggests materials likely to break or be tampered with, such as metal cage lighting or fabric drum lights.
• Set the mood by considering Smart options such as Satco’s Starfish or Philips Hue, Johnson says. These control bulbs together or individually on your phone or other device.
• You don’t have to stick with semi-flush lights for the ceiling. Johnson says pendants are great as long as they don’t drop too low. If your ceiling is 10 feet high or less, you can accommodate larger sizes if you hang the light over the foot of the bed.
• Integrated LED lighting can be great, but Johnson suggests lighting with traditional sockets so you have more control over the bulb selection to optimize dimmability.

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