Ready to transform a room…completely?
Paint color. Furniture. Window coverings. The usual culprits get most people’s money when they are looking to upgrade their homes. But there’s one room improvement that’s severely underrated time and time again —
Ceiling lighting fixtures.
Changing out just one can make a room feel totally different. The right ceiling lighting fixture can influence mood, size perceptions, and your entire decorating style at once.
Here’s the crazy part? You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to do it.
Inside:
- Why Ceiling Lighting Fixtures Are One Of The Biggest Style Keys Underrated
- Ceiling Lighting Fixture Styles That Won’t Break The Bank
- Picking The Right Fixture For Every Room In Your Home
- Stretching The Budget When Ceiling Lighting Fixtures Shopping
- Quick Installation Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cool Ceiling Lighting Fixtures aren’t just one of the easiest upgrades. They’re one of the cheapest.
Why Ceiling Lighting Fixtures Are One Of The Biggest Style Keys Underrated
Lighting has a huge influence on the vibe of any room. Bright fluorescent lighting feels cold and sterile. Cozy, layered lighting feels warm and welcoming.
Yet light is rarely the first thing homeowners think to upgrade. Don’t make this mistake!
Ceiling lighting fixtures anchor any room. They immediately draw your eye when you walk in — making the style you choose super important. An outdated fixture can drag down a newly renovated space. Something stylish can make a completely bland room shine. Best of all, it doesn’t cost much to get it done.
These Ceiling Lighting Fixtures Styles Are The Most Budget Friendly
There are dozens of different ceiling lighting fixture styles to choose from. For budget options, the focus here is on the most popular fixtures available today.
If you want to change the feel of a room right now, trading out your ceiling lights is the fastest way to do it. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find something you love — and with these options, there’s something for every room and every style.
Flush mount ceiling fixtures are the most budget friendly option. These fixtures sit flush up against the ceiling and work great for rooms with low ceilings. You can find a nice flush mount fixture for under $30.
Semi-flush mounts sit down slightly from the ceiling. They also allow for more intricate design features on the fixture itself. Pick up a semi-flush mount fixture for anywhere between $40 and $150 depending on style.
Pendant lighting creates a major statement without spending major dollars. Try one above kitchen islands or dining room tables to create instant style. Expect to spend at least $25 on a pendant fixture that won’t break your budget.
Track lighting isn’t just budget friendly, it’s also great for creating lighting you can control. Track lighting shines best in kitchens, studios, and living rooms where focused task lighting is beneficial.
Just remember, spending $10 on a new fixture won’t wow anyone. Look for stylish fixtures that have shapes and designs that won’t look dated in years to come.
Fun Stats
According to the DOE, homeowners save about $225 each year by swapping to LED lightbulbs. Combine that with a new fixture and you’ve got a cosmetic upgrade that pays for itself.
1 in 5 recent home renovators updated their lighting as part of their project. Seems more homeowners are catching on to the potential impact.
Tips To Consider Before You Pick Out Your Ceiling Lighting Fixtures
Know what room you’re picking it for. That’s it!
Size up the room you’re shopping for first. That means matching the size of your fixture to the size of the room and forgetting trendy shapes that will look dated in a few years.
What size ceiling lighting fixture should I buy?
Add the length and width of your room together (in feet) and convert that number to inches. That’s the size ceiling lighting fixture you should get.
Hang large fixtures in large rooms and small fixtures in small rooms.
Do your ceiling lighting fixture homework before you buy. Take a look at the existing finishes in your room. Do your cabinets have brushed nickel hardware? Matte black? Brass? Bronze?
These finishes read differently than the typical silver or gold light fixture — match yours to create a room that feels put together.
Which Lighting Fixtures Should I Buy?
That depends on where you need it!
Overhead lighting that is brighter and cooler works best for kitchens and home offices. Stick with warmer, dimmer light fixtures for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Kitchen & Home Offices: Bright, Cool White
- Bedrooms: Warm, Dimmable
- Living Rooms: Warm, Dimmable
How To Get The Most Bang For Your Buck
Lighting fixtures can seriously change the look and feel of any room.
If you’re looking to save some cash when buying your next fixture here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Wait for sales! Lighting fixtures go on sale all the time to clear out old inventory. If you’re not set on an immediate upgrade you can always wait a few months and save.
- Shop timeless. Everyone loves trendy, but trendy fixtures will look dated in just a few years. Save the DIY dust for real DIY projects and pick something classic that will look amazing long after your kitchen remodel is over.
- Spend more on the bulb than the fixture. A mid-range fixture with a better quality LED bulb will perform better than a flashy fixture with cheap bulbs. Spend the bulk of your budget here.
- Check the open box clearance section. A lot of stores will discount returned ceiling lighting fixtures just for being opened. The box gets tossed and chances are no one even notices the “damage” once it’s installed.
Light Fixtures Install Tips To Brighten Up Any Room
Installing a new lighting fixture really is one of the easiest DIY projects you can tackle. Most can be swapped out in under an hour.
Always turn the power off at your circuit breaker before starting. Take down your old fixture and take a photo of the wiring before you uninstall it. Wire your new fixture the same way (black to black, white to white, ground to ground) then secure it to the mounting bracket.
Unless you see wiring you’re comfortable handling yourself, call a licensed electrician. It’s not worth the risk to save a few bucks.
Bonus Round: Here’s What You Really Need To Remember
Ceiling lighting fixtures offer the biggest bang for your buck. Your rooms will look (and feel) like you spent hundreds where you only spent tens.
Here’s Your Fast Track To Remembering:
- The lighting fixture you choose should match the room you plan to install it in.
- Flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, and pendant lighting fixtures offer the best bang for your buck.
- LED light bulbs will save you money on your electric bill long-term.
- Wait for sales to get the best deals!
- Replacing a lighting fixture is an easy DIY swap.
Try one room at a time. See what one light fixture can really do in your home.
FAQ
What Is Considered A Ceiling Lighting Fixture?
Any light that hangs from the ceiling counts as a ceiling lighting fixture. This includes flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, chandeliers, pendant lighting, and even track lighting.
Can You Change Ceiling Lighting Fixtures Yourself?
As long as you don’t have to do any new wiring, most ceiling lighting fixture replacements can be done DIY. Flip the breaker off, make sure your existing wiring is in good condition, and you can complete most swaps in under an hour. If your new lighting fixture requires new wires to be run, hire a professional electrician to do it for you.