Ceiling Lights

Add the room's length and width in metres and multiply by about 8 for a rough diameter in centimetres, so a 4 × 4 m room suits a light of around 60–65 cm across. In larger rooms, two fittings usually work better than one oversized one. If torn between two sizes, choose the larger: slightly too big looks intentional, too small looks lost.

In walkways, leave at least 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the pendant so people can pass beneath. Over a dining table or kitchen island, hang it 75–90 cm above the surface, low enough to feel intimate and high enough to see across. Adjustable flex or chain makes fine-tuning easier.

With standard UK ceilings of around 2.4 m, flush and semi-flush fittings are the safest choice in walkways and smaller rooms. Save hanging pendants for spaces above tables, islands or beds, where no one walks underneath. Fittings that throw light upwards help a low ceiling feel higher. Recessed downlights also suit low rooms.

Replacing a light fitting like for like is common DIY, but the power must be off at the consumer unit and the work must be safe and comply with Building Regulations. Heavy fittings need secure ceiling fixings. If you are unsure, or adding a new circuit or position, use a registered electrician.

Across this range of around 7,800 ceiling lights from 40 retailers, high-street fittings cover everyday budgets, specialist lighting brands fill the mid-range, and designer chandeliers and pendants run from about £200 to over £8,000. If you plan to dim it, check that both fitting and bulb are dimmable and use an LED-compatible switch.

Bathrooms are divided into zones. Fittings in zones 1 and 2, above or beside the bath or shower, need a rating of at least IPX4, and many electricians specify IP65 directly above a shower. Lights outside these zones have no minimum rating, but moisture-resistant fittings last longer. Confirm the zone before buying.