7 Types of Ceiling Lights To Upgrade Your Home
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Pendant
Pendants are mounted on the ceiling and suspended on cords or chains. Typically they have one light at the end, although styles continue to evolve.
Pendants can range from the purely decorative to an option for task lighting. They’re effective over a kitchen island or a reading nook. In bathrooms they provide one layer of light on either side of a mirror on a vanity, and in small bedrooms over nightstands.
Lantern-style pendants are extremely popular, but Le May Madden says they usually require secondary recessed or track lighting to illuminate a whole room. Candelabra-style pendants have gained in popularity. They throw a lot of light but do nothing for task lighting. Always keep function top of mind.
The Ariana Pendant from Mitzi features round opal glossy glass shade supported seamlessly by a metal shade holder. It throws light from the sides and underneath, allowing for more diffused illumination than something more directional and task-oriented.
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Chandelier
A chandelier is the showiest ceiling light option. It usually features a branched structure with multiple bulbs, plus glass or crystals that refracts the light around the room. Chandeliers provide general illumination and aren’t typically used as task lighting.
Style-wise chandeliers run from ornate to modern, vertical to more horizontal with LED or incandescent bulbs. Le May Madden says if you go the LED route, be sure they’re are encased with high-quality plastic to stop glare and cut down on hotspots that can strain your eyes.
This Allenglade Chandelier would surely make an impression over a dining table or island. It’s available in seven finishes with two shade sizes and three tier options.
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Monopoint
Monopoint lights are “basically a ceiling-mounted single track head — the ceiling-mount version of recessed lights,” says Le May Madden. “It’s a very directional light … [They] throw light in a cone shape that is ideal for lighting artwork, walls or specific tables or objects.”
These lights are better for specific illumination of art, furniture and architectural details, and not so much general or task lighting. Many monopoint lights look standard and aren’t so much focused on style. But the Paige from Rejuvenation comes in five metal finishes and features an articulating shade, so you can direct the light exactly where you want it.
