What are the three types of ceiling lights?

There are three main types of ceiling lights: Lights for overall brightness (ambient lighting) Lights that help you see specific tasks clearly (task lighting) Lights to highlight special features or areas (accent lighting)

What is ceiling downlight?

A downlight is like a spotlight built into your ceiling. It's usually a light bulb inside a round metal container that gets pushed or clipped into place. This whole thing sits flush with the ceiling, or maybe a little inside it. The light from the bulb shines down, not out to the sides.

What is a ceiling spotlight?

Ceiling spotlights are like mini spotlights you can adjust. They can turn their light wherever you need it, like a bright reading light or aimed at a dark corner of the room. This way, you can light up the whole room or just the bits that need extra help.

What is a swag ceiling light?

A swag light is a cool lighting option that's kind of like a regular lamp. Here's the twist: instead of screwing into the ceiling, it hangs from a special hook. This lets you hang it exactly where you want, and you can even move it around sometimes! It plugs into a regular outlet, so you don't need any fancy wiring.

How many lights should I put in my ceiling?

There's a handy trick to space lights on your ceiling that will help you calculate how many lights you need. Imagine your ceiling is eight feet tall. To light the room evenly, space the lights about four feet apart. This is a good rule of thumb for most rooms.

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Types of Ceiling Lights!

In This Article

Recessed lighting
Pendant lighting
Rustic lighting
Track lighting
Ceiling spotlights
Chandeliers
Cove lighting
Flush lighting
Fabric lights
Ceiling bulb lights
How can Livspace help you?

Our ceilings aren’t just blank expanses anymore. The right type of ceiling lights can transform a room, adding brightness, style, and even a touch of drama. But with so many options available, choosing the perfect fixture can feel overwhelming. This guide will shed light on the most popular kinds of ceiling lights, helping you find the ideal fit for your space and needs.

Recessed lighting

types-of-recessed-light-fixtures-in-the-ceiling — ***Recessed lighting can turn your home into a movie set***

different-types-of-recessed-ceiling-lights — ***Recessed lighting can turn your home into a movie set***

Recessed lights, like downlights or can lights, are types of ceiling lights built into your ceiling or wall. They sit flat against the surface for a clean look. The parts you normally see on a light fixture, like the box and wires, are hidden inside. All you see is the light itself coming out of the opening.

Is recessed lighting still popular?

What’s hot in residential lighting changes from time to time. Right now, track lighting is all the rage, with recessed lighting seeming a bit old-fashioned. But hold on! Modern recessed lights, especially those with LED bulbs, can be just as stylish as track lighting.

Pendant lighting

types-of-lights-for-ceiling — ***What are the rules for pendant lighting?***

The ideal height for a pendant light depends on your ceiling. Here’s a rule of thumb:

For an 8-foot ceiling, hang the pendant light 12 to 20 inches below the ceiling
If your ceiling is taller, add 3 inches to the hanging height for every extra foot. So, with a 9-foot ceiling, aim for 15 to 23 inches

Rustic lighting

ceiling-bulb-lights — Bronze, black, and beautiful
Right image source: Pinterest @baileylights

bulb-ceiling-light — Bronze, black, and beautiful
Right image source: Pinterest @baileylights

Rustic ceiling lights bring a touch of warmth and farmhouse charm to your space. Imagine wrought iron chandeliers with curving arms and candle-shaped bulbs, casting a soft, flickering glow. For a more natural aesthetic, woven wood pendant lights or lanterns made from reclaimed materials like barn wood or distressed metal add a touch of organic texture. These fixtures often incorporate warm-toned finishes like bronze, oil-rubbed black, or rustic whites, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Also Read: 7 Stunning Room Lighting Ideas to Make Your Condo Seem More Spacious

Track lighting

Tired of the same old same old? Unlike fixed-position fixtures, track lighting utilises a mounted track that allows individual spotlights to be positioned and adjusted. This provides the ability to highlight specific areas of a room or artwork or to create pools of light for different activities. Track lighting is particularly well-suited for open floor plans or rooms with frequently changing furniture arrangements, as the spotlights can be easily adapted to suit your needs.

Ceiling spotlights

Most types of spotlight fixtures you see still use older bulb types like halogen or CFL. But there’s a better option! LED spotlights use way less energy and stay cooler, all the while putting out more light than those older bulbs. These spotlights are great for bedrooms and living rooms. You can use them to brighten up a whole area or to make a special feature stand out. This could be a painting, a cool plant, a neat architectural detail in your home, or even a specific spot like your vanity or reading corner.

Chandeliers

different-types-of-ceiling-light-fixtures — ***Chandeliers are the crown jewels of ceiling lighting***

These multi-armed fixtures typically hold a cluster of bulbs or candles, casting a warm and inviting glow. Chandeliers come in a vast array of styles, from classic crystal designs with cascading pendants to modern, minimalist interpretations. Their size and design can be tailored to fit the space, with grand options perfect for soaring entryways and more delicate styles suited for dining rooms or bedrooms. Beyond aesthetics, these types of ceiling lights provide ample illumination, making them ideal for areas that require good task lighting or a touch of nighttime ambience.

Cove lighting

kinds-of-cove-ceiling-lights — ***Cove lighting is all about that soft, diffused dreamy vibe***

different-types-of-cove-ceiling-lights — ***Cove lighting is all about that soft, diffused dreamy vibe***

Cove lighting is a hidden light source that’s built into shelves, bumps, or trims on your ceiling or high up on the walls. The light bounces off the ceiling and washes down the walls, making the room feel bright and spacious. You can use it as your main light, or just to add a soft glow and show off a cool ceiling design.

What is the difference between cove, soffit and valance lighting?

Cove lighting makes light bounce up on the ceiling, giving a soft glow
Soffit lighting shines light down, like task lighting under cabinets
Valance lighting can point light both upwards and downwards, often used along walls

Flush lighting

kinds-of-flush-ceiling-lights — Flush mount lights do it all!
Image source: Pinterest @clearhalo

Flush mount lights are perfect for rooms with low ceilings or where a hanging light would get in the way. This makes them ideal for hallways and bathrooms. They come in a wide variety of styles, from classic white diffusers to modern metallic finishes and even decorative glass fixtures.

Fabric lights

different-types-of-fabric-ceiling-lights — ***White linen or bold damask? Fabric shades let you express your inner decorator***
***Image sources: Pinterest @clearhalo and @dusklighting***

These fixtures feature a light source shrouded by a fabric shade, creating a warm and diffused glow. The fabric itself comes in a vast array of colours, patterns, and textures, allowing you to personalise your space. From crisp white linen for a clean, contemporary look to bold damask for a touch of drama, fabric lights can go well with various design styles. Depending on the fabric choice and design, they can complement various aesthetics, from farmhouse chic to modern minimalist.

Ceiling bulb lights

types-of-light-fixtures-in-the-ceiling — ***Brighten your day (and night!) with the perfect bulb***

From a single pendant bulb hanging dramatically over a dining table to recessed bulbs creating a soft, diffused glow across the living room, their adaptability knows no bounds. They come in various wattages for different needs, from bright task lighting in a workspace to a warm, inviting ambience. While some bulb lights are bare and industrial, others boast decorative filaments or colourful glass casings, adding a touch of personality to your space.

Also Read: Budget Breakdown: Renovating a 4-Room HDB Resale in Singapore

How can Livspace help you?

Inspired by these different types of ceiling lights? Get your living space customised with the help of our team of seasoned and creative designers who are ready to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. Book an online consultation with Livspace today!

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Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability. The Pinterest images used in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes. We do not claim ownership of these images, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you are the owner of any image and would like it to be removed or credited differently, please contact us.