5 Contemporary Ceiling Lighting Design Tips

Whether it is used in traditional or modern homes, contemporary ceiling lighting can make all the difference to the ambiance of a room. There are contemporary ceiling lights available in a wide variety of designs. Before choosing a design you also need to consider whether you will be opting for traditional incandescent bulbs or the LED variety, as this may have a bearing on the choice of fittings you can use.

1. Multi-Purpose Spot Lighting

If you want to light a room such as a living area, it may be that your lighting needs will be varied. If your children do their homework in the room, there will be times when you need bright illumination. However, the same space also needs to be one in which you can relax. Contemporary spotlights on stylish chrome gantries are ideal. They cast a strong light when turned on to full capacity, but they can still dim to an atmospheric glow when you want to create a more subtle effect. They're also versatile, as the spots can be directed at individual areas of a room.

2. Chandelier Lighting in Modern and Traditional Rooms

Contemporary style chandeliers look great in rooms with high ceilings. Consider a decorative metal chandelier in place of the more traditional crystal type if your home has a modern style. A black iron chandelier can make a great focal point for a room, while brushed steel or chrome effect fittings can give an up-to-date look to even the most traditional settings.

Large fittings are only really suitable for high ceilings, as they hang rather low. You also need to make sure that your family and visitors have plenty of head clearance if you are considering a large piece. Also, be aware too that too large of a lamp fitting might dominate smaller rooms.

3. Practical Inset Spot Lighting

If you're aiming for a minimalist look with your home lighting plans, inset spot lighting is a must. There are no fittings visible once they are fitted, and the effect is clean and practical. Inset spot lighting blends in with the sharper look that many contemporary interior schemes favor. These sorts of lights can be fitted into an existing ceiling, or alternatively, they can sit in a false ceiling.

4. Light Clusters

Pendant lights that hang in a staggered pattern are an excellent way to add a contemporary feel to a room. Fitted to a ceiling, these lamps are ideal for hanging over dining areas. For more adaptable lighting, choose a fitting with a pull-down facility so you can change the level of the lamp for a more intimate dining room mood. Choose asymmetrical designs to add a quirky feel to your living and dining space.

5. Light Options

While contemporary ceiling light fittings are compatible with both incandescent and LED bulbs, the LED option offers more illumination for your money and is fast becoming popular as an environmentally friendly way to light up the home. LED bulbs lend themselves very well to dimming and are ideal for contemporary homes, as they cast a clean bright light.