Treat the expansive height of a vaulted ceiling with a large and decorative lighting fixture.
A vaulted ceiling adds value and character to a home, but lighting is a challenge for homes with angled ceilings.Traditional flush ceiling lights do not provide enough light coverage to reach the entire space. Instead, homeowners should look for larger fixtures or several fixtures to provide ample lighting while highlighting the distinctive interior architecture.
Chandeliers and Pendant Lights
Not only are chandeliers and pendant lights elegant and decorative lighting options for any ceiling, but the dropped positioning of the lights makes the fixtures ideal for vaulted ceilings. Both chandeliers and pendant lights feature a lighted fixture that suspends into the room from a chain or cable. The placement of the fixture brings room lighting away from the ceiling for even distribution without the threat of interfering with foot traffic. Choose a fixture that complements the style of your decor; a rustic log cabin is prime for a chandelier made from antlers or polished wood while a contemporary home is best suited for a minimalist pendant light coated in brushed steel. Because pendant lights and chandeliers carry considerably more weight than traditional flush fixtures, install a junction box that can withstand the weight of the fixture and any added chain or cable.
Recessed can lighting specifically designed for sloped ceilings provides a simple, unobtrusive lighting option for vaulted ceilings. Recessed can lighting installs at an angle within the ceiling so that the fixture sits flush or almost flush against the angle of the ceiling. To provide adequate lighting coverage, install several rows of recessed lighting along the ceiling. Because of the labor required to cut through the ceiling and install several junction boxes, recessed lighting is best installed by a professional who can guarantee proper placement of the lights. For even more ambiance, install your recessed can lighting on a dimmer switch for variability in light control.
Track Lighting
Track or cable lighting is slightly more distinct than subtle recessed lighting but still provides ample lighting without the dominance of a large fixture. Track lighting features several fixtures installed along a stiff cable or solid metal track. Run cables either across the ceiling or up towards the peak of the ceiling for varying visual effects. One of the benefits of track lighting is that individual fixtures along the track can be positioned or aimed at various points in the room to highlight paintings or avoid glare on television screens.
Natural Lighting
If you are interested in an alternative option for lighting, choose natural lighting for your vaulted ceiling. Skylights are dramatic additions to a vaulted allow natural light to flood the room during the daylight hours. If direct sunlight is too harsh for the space, install a tinted cap over the skylight to diffuse light and to prevent heating the room. Installing a skylight in a vaulted ceiling is an expensive endeavor and should only be attempted by a professional contractor who can guarantee the integrity of the window and the ceiling.
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