Nothing draws attention to a room like installing a ceiling light that makes a real statement. A chandelier or pendant light really draws the eye, whether it is in a living room, kitchen or hallway. Lighting has the ability to change the atmosphere of a room, perhaps adding the wow factor to a living area or creating a romantic atmosphere at the dining table. 

Lighting can also be a relatively inexpensive way to update a room. A new ceiling light fixture can really change the look of a room, giving it a new sense of life. 

While you might think that purchasing the fixture is the easy part, it is important to consider a few factors before buying a new fixture to ensure it is appropriate for the room. 

It is also important to ensure that the new ceiling light is installed correctly. Although it can look straightforward, there is a lot to consider and we would advise that you ask a local domestic electrician if you do not have the experience or qualifications to do it yourself. 

The dos and don’ts of installing a ceiling light 

Do think about the room 

The type of ceiling light you choose will be different depending on the room that you are going to install it in. For example, kitchens need more concentrated and directed light for cooking, and you might choose to include some downlights. A bathroom also needs more focused light, such as spotlights perhaps. You might choose a chandelier for the wow factor in a hallway or a pendant light above your dining table. 

You also need to think about the proportions of the room and whether the light you have chosen will provide you with enough light. Dimmer switches will give you the option to increase or decrease the light in the room. 

These factors will affect your choice of light fixture. 

But… 

Don’t pick your fixtures based on looks alone 

For there is so much more to consider! 

You need to consider the weight of the light. It’s really important that you don’t buy anything heavier than the ceiling can take. Although a fixture may not look like much, the combined weight of metal and glass can be quite heavy. Anything too heavy may eventually pull down your ceiling. 

Some lights are heavy enough that they require you to fix them directly to the beams in your ceiling. This will require you to take up the carpets and the floorboards in the room above and ensure the fixture is fitted properly to the beam. 

You also need to think about the height at which you want to hang your ceiling light. Don’t hang anything too low or you will forever be hitting your head on it! Work out the height of the tallest person in your household and make sure they won’t knock their head on the fixture. 

Don’t take shortcuts 

Whilst it may seem like an easy thing to do, changing a ceiling light does require skills and experience. 

The fixture must be wired properly and it must be properly earthed. You need to check the ratings on the box to see if it is for inside or outside use. Wires must not be left exposed - this is easy to sort inside as they can be hidden inside the ceiling. 

It is more difficult outside, but just as important as any exposed wires could be damaged and cause dangerous issues. 

So…

Do ask a professional for help 

We would always recommend asking a local domestic electrician to change the fitting for you. 

I’ve been called out many times by someone who has tried to install a ceiling light themselves, and they have discovered a few extra parts in the box when they have finished. Installation is not easy and it can cause a whole lot of problems if it’s not done correctly. 

If you are in any doubt about your abilities with electrical work, you should avoid completing the work yourself to try and save money, as this will likely cause you to end up with issues that cost more than the initial cost of the work had a professional do it the first time. Any saved money isn’t worth risking your safety. 

Find out more about our ceiling light installation service

Ceiling Light Installation

It’s exciting looking for a new ceiling light as you can make a real statement with a new look but there are other factors to consider. Make sure you think about the practicalities of a new ceiling light fixture, including the weight and height of a fitting. Although it can seem easy, we would always recommend that you ask a local domestic electrician to install a new ceiling light to ensure it is done safely.