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Determine What Size of Ceiling Lights You Need


by DoItYourself Staff

The type of ceiling lights you need for the rooms in your home depends on their use and how big the rooms are. To determine the type of ceiling lights you’ll need, you should think about the functionality of the room and how much light you’ll need in it.

Choose Recessed Lighting or Lighting Fixtures

Kitchens and living rooms typically use recessed lighting for ceiling lights. In dining rooms and bedrooms you’re more likely to see ceiling fans, and you’re more likely to find chandeliers in dining rooms or foyers. You’ll need to make sure that any lighting that isn’t recessed will not be too low that it interferes with people or furniture. A general rule is to add the height and width of your room, and take that number as the diameter (in inches) of the lighting fixture.

What Size Ceiling Lights do I Need?

When it comes to recessed lighting as ceilings lights, you need enough general light to be able to do everyday tasks. In addition to floodlights, you can use task lighting or spotlights to light certain areas of your home, such as over the fireplace or kitchen sink. If you’ve already installed recessed lighting, but need more light in a few corners or dark places, you can purchase task lighting.

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