Just as a bold statement necklace can sometimes add pizzazz to an outfit, a striking ceiling light fixture can, in certain places, add more style to a room.

Butterflies chandelier from Modern Poverty

Bib necklace from Stella & Dot

But just as you wouldn’t wear a big, eye-catching necklace with all of your outfits, every room is not necessarily suited to a dramatic ceiling centerpiece.

When it comes to lighting, a good deal of thought needs to be given to function as well as form, so here are some things to consider:

1. Height: How high are the ceilings?
If a ceiling is less than 9′ high, a hanging fixture may make the ceiling appear lower than it actually is. Instead, consider recessed lighting that can effectively illuminate a space, though hidden, or opt for track lighting that can hug the ceiling and allow the room to feel as spacious as possible.

Try to avoid hanging fixtures with exposed bulbs that cast harsh shadows

2. Bulbs: Does the fixture have clear bulbs that create harsh shadows on the walls at night?
Many stylish lighting fixtures with exposed bulbs look great as ornamentation during the day, when they are turned off. But at night, when switched on, they can cast unattractive shadows across every wall making the room look garish and tiring the eyes because of the glare. If your fixture has concealed or shaded bulbs, you and your room will probably look and feel a lot better.

Can you imagine how tired your eyes would feel after only 5 minutes in this bathroom?

3. Ceiling composition: Is there a junction box in the ceiling?
For rooms with concrete ceilings and no junction box it would be better to rely on table lamps or floor lamps to illuminate the space in order to avoid major electrical work and expense (especially if you rent). Be sure to use pairs of lamps to make every room look more balanced and provide better task and general lighting.

4. Lasting power: Whatever its style, is the fixture trendy or classic?

Style for style's sake? Recessed lighting would make this kitchen feel more spacious and comfortable than a big hanging chandelier with glaring exposed bulbs

Most lighting fixtures are costly. To get the most value for your money, try to find one that will look good for years to come and will work well in other spaces, too, should you move.

A classic pendent lighting fixture could work well in an entrance foyer or family room as well as in a dining room

Tagged as: ceiling lighting, chandeliers, interior lighting, lighting, lighting fixtures, modern lighting, overhead lighting, pendent lighting, residential lighting