What Are The Best Lights For Vaulted Ceilings?

By / September 18th, 2023 / There are currently 0 comments

Vaulted ceilings can be found in homes with modern or traditional decor and are seen as a distinctive design feature. A perfect inclusion for making any room feel spacious, lighting fixtures on vaulted ceilings can pose an obstacle as they can be hard to maintain.

Lighting vaulted ceilings is often challenging due to their unique and angled structure. Choosing lighting fixtures for vaulted ceilings can be tricky as you need to consider how they will impact your room. At Dusk Lighting, we give you some top lighting ideas for vaulted ceilings.

Table of contents

What are vaulted ceilings?

Vaulted ceilings originated in cathedrals but have become popular in modern and traditional homes. In architectural terms, vaulted ceilings refer to ceilings with self-supporting arches. Vaulted ceilings angle up from the side walls of a room to a central point, creating a volume of space overhead that is higher than the standard flat ceiling height of eight to ten feet. 

Taking advantage of unused space by flat ceilings, various styles of vaulted ceilings are available to suit any home decor. Vaulted ceilings aren’t always arch-shaped, as ceilings with a triangular formation are increasingly popular. Vaulted ceilings can be used anywhere in your home where they are structurally suitable; however, they are most common in living or dining rooms.

Whether you want to install a vaulted ceiling in your home or have one already, several benefits come with the unique structure:

  • Vaulted ceilings can open up and occupy any wasted loft space that you may have with a flat ceiling.
  • They can create the illusion of a large area, making the room feel more spacious for guests.
  • Vaulted ceilings allow you to add more windows, encouraging more natural light to brighten your home.
  • Adding a vaulted ceiling to your home can create a focal point for guests and is available in various design styles.

Disadvantages of vaulted ceilings

While vaulted ceilings are an excellent and eccentric addition to your home, there are some disadvantages that homeowners have to face:

  • Vaulted ceilings mean there is more space to heat and cool, resulting in wasted energy and increased energy bills.
  • Increasing the height of your room will make it harder to maintain, as it will take extra effort and a very tall ladder to change a lightbulb or dust.
  • Your home must have a suitable place to add a vaulted ceiling, which will also incorporate expensive construction costs.
  • Although they add a magnificent focal point to your home, vaulted ceilings do not add any practical additional space. If your home already has a vaulted ceiling installed, you could convert that space into a loft area.

Factors to consider when lighting vaulted ceilings

Due to its unique design, lighting vaulted ceilings is slightly difficult as there are several factors you need to consider. These factors will help you determine the best lighting fixtures for your vaulted ceiling.

Room measurements

The height and size of your room with the vaulted ceiling are crucial in ensuring you find the right lighting fixtures. Rooms with vaulted ceilings will often be tall, so you may need to add extra eye and ground level lighting to cover all areas. Some lighting fixtures may not reach all corners of your room, which could increase the need for floor or wall lights.

If you are installing pendant lights in a vaulted ceiling, you should ensure that the ceiling rose is positioned on an even surface. Having an even surface is essential for stability and aesthetics. The ceiling rose should fit comfortably at the apex of the vaulted ceiling. A disproportionate ceiling rose can detract from the overall look.

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds rule is installing light fixtures at the top, middle and bottom of a room to distribute light evenly. Recessed ground lights or table lamps are two great lighting examples for supplying light to the bottom and middle of a room, while pendant lights or chandeliers can provide the top of the room with light. As vaulted ceilings are usually high, the rule of thirds is a great guide to ensure any area is not oversupplied.

Room usage

How you will use the room with a vaulted ceiling could affect the lighting fixtures you opt for. If your vaulted ceiling is in the kitchen or living room, you may want to install lighting highlighting a main table or kitchen island to provide extra light when carrying out tasks.

What is the best lighting fixture for vaulted ceilings?

After considering the factors above, you can establish which lighting fixtures will be most suitable for your vaulted ceiling. Read on for lighting ideas to brighten your room at every level.

Pendant lighting

Vaulted ceilings leave a lot of space to be filled, which is why hanging pendant lighting is a fantastic option. It is advisable to avoid fixtures with multiple pendants if your vaulted ceiling is sloped. Installing multiple pendants can result in them bunching together and creating an unattractive, cluttered appearance due to the ceiling’s angle. 

Pendant lighting is an excellent option if you want to add an extra focal point to your room. No matter what decor you have, Dusk Lighting has various pendant lighting options to elevate your interior. From modern to traditional pendant lights, there is something to match all decors.

Chandeliers

Much like pendant lighting, chandeliers are ideal for lighting vaulted ceilings as there is plenty of space to be filled. Luxurious chandeliers are exceptional for giving any room in your home a sense of sophistication. Chandeliers are highly reflective and contain multiple bulbs, which make them perfect for illuminating large areas. Living or dining rooms are ideal for a chandelier, as they brighten the whole room and add a focal point for guests.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is a fantastic way to ensure all areas of your room are well-lit. If you install pendant lighting or chandeliers in a room with a vaulted ceiling, some areas may still be quite dark. Adding wall lights or table lamps will help you follow the rule of thirds and include extra design features in your home. Incorporating light at different levels will balance the light flow.

Natural lighting

Adding a vaulted ceiling to your home will open up space for floor-to-ceiling windows, adding more natural light to any room. Natural light is a great lighting alternative during the summer, as long daylight hours will help you save substantial money on energy bills. Adding floor-to-ceiling windows will illuminate your interior but could also increase your home’s value. Natural lighting also provides several health benefits, such as improving sleep and reducing depression.

Illuminate your home with Dusk Lighting

This guide will help you to determine which lighting fixtures are the best options for your vaulted ceiling to ensure you maximise your room’s potential. If you need guidance, take images of your space and send them to Dusk Lighting.

Our team can provide expert advice based on the visuals you provide, suggesting suitable fixtures and helping you make informed decisions. Our expertise will ensure your pendant lights illuminate your space effectively and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.

At Dusk Lighting, we have various stylish lighting choices to brighten any room in your home. Why not start by browsing our sophisticated minimalist pendants? Or, add a focal point to your home with the latest elegant modern or traditional chandelier range.

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