Flush-mount fixtures work well on ceilings, but select fixtures with discretion.
Ceiling-mounted light fixtures that shine from the center of a room are best for providing . Choosing the right fixture can light your whole room without requiring any additional fixtures. The ability to do this depends on your room size, but understanding the options available will allow you to make the most of this lighting position.
Flush-Mount Fixtures
Most rooms in a typical home get adequate light from a flush-mount light fixture. Flush-mount means that the fixture attaches directly at ceiling height. These fixtures usually require two or three light bulbs, often installed sideways. A frosted or colored glass half-globe surrounds the bulbs, diffusing the light and allowing it to shine in every direction except upward. Flush-mount fixtures work well as the central fixture for bedrooms, hallways and general living areas. They also work well in kitchens with the addition of a task light over the sink, or in bathrooms if supplemented by lights over the vanity for grooming.
Semi-Flush Fixtures
Similar to flush-mount fixtures, semi-flush fixtures provide full-room illumination that works best from the center of the room. Unlike flush-mount fixtures, semi-flush fixtures have a collar or stem that spaces them a short distance -- generally less than 3 inches -- below the ceiling. These fixtures may use single or multiple light bulbs. A glass globe completely surrounds the bulbs except where it connects to the collar or stem, or a glass plate may sit beneath the bulbs. Either design allows the light to shine upward to some extent, bouncing it off the ceiling to provide light that comes from multiple angles. These fixtures are appropriate for the same areas as flush-mount fixtures.
Chandeliers
Dining areas, stairwells and other rooms with high ceilings can benefit from a center-mounted chandelier. Chandeliers add style to a room whether they are on or off, and they come in a variety of looks, ranging from classic cut glass to modern brushed metals, as well as more outlandish styles. Only use a chandelier if the fixture's lowest point will be at least 7 feet above the floor or if it will be over a table. Most chandeliers use multiple to create a general illumination. Install a dimmer for your chandelier for the best effect.
What to Avoid
Most recessed lighting fixtures cannot provide enough light for a room from a single central source. Track lights provide some general illumination if they have multiple heads you can use to bounce light off the walls and ceiling, but they are not the best light source for central positions. Avoid both types unless you plan to supplement your lighting with other light sources.
Tags: , general illumination, light bulbs, These fixtures, work well