A ceiling light is fixed directly against the ceiling: it illuminates the entire room without descending into the space or obstructing passage, making it ideal for low ceilings or small rooms. Round, square, flat LED, rattan, glass, or crystal: choose the size according to the surface area of your room and find the model that suits your interior, with a 2-year warranty, free returns within 30 days, and shipping within 72 hours.
What is a ceiling light?
A ceiling light is a light fixture fixed directly to the ceiling, by a round or square base or frame. It diffuses light throughout the room, downwards or through a glass, fabric, or plastic diffuser. Unobtrusive, it is suitable for almost every room: living room, bedroom, kitchen, hallway, office, bathroom, or entrance.
Ceiling light, chandelier, pendant light, recessed spotlight: what's the difference?
- The ceiling light is flush with the ceiling. It takes up little space and is well suited to low ceilings.
- The pendant light and chandelier hang from the ceiling by a cable, chain, or rod. They create a strong decorative focal point, but require ceiling height.
- The recessed spotlight is housed in a false ceiling (plasterboard): it requires drilling and space behind it. This is not the same installation as a ceiling light.
The ceiling light does not require cutting into the ceiling: it is the simplest solution for replacing an old light fixture, by reusing the existing wire outlet.
How to choose the size of your ceiling light?
The basic rule: the larger the room, the wider the diameter. Here are some indicative guidelines according to the surface area:
| Room surface area | Recommended diameter | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 m² | 30 to 40 cm | Hallway, entrance, small bedroom, bathroom |
| 10 to 15 m² | 40 to 50 cm | Bedroom, kitchen, office |
| 15 to 25 m² | 50 to 60 cm | Large bedroom, living room, dining room |
| More than 25 m² | 60 cm and larger, or several ceiling lights | Large living room, open-plan living space |
These are indicative guidelines, to be adapted to the ceiling height and the placement of furniture. A light fixture that is too small gets lost, one that is too large overwhelms the room.
In a large room, several medium-sized ceiling lights, spaced evenly, illuminate more evenly than a single very large one. Avoid placing them above a narrow passageway: the light should fall where you live.
What ceiling height?
- Low ceiling (less than 2.40 m): choose a flat ceiling light that protrudes little from the ceiling (a few centimeters).
- Standard ceiling (about 2.50 m): all models are suitable. Choose the size according to the surface area of the room.
- High ceiling (more than 2.70 m): a thick ceiling light with multiple light sources, or a wider model, balances the height. For a more decorative effect, a pendant light is an alternative.
Measure the height before ordering. In a passageway, a light fixture that hangs too low can be an obstruction: we keep at least 2.10 m of free passage under the light fixture.
What type of ceiling light for which room?
- Living room and dining room: a fairly wide ceiling light, in glass, fabric, metal, or with multiple branches, with warm light. Complete with wall lights, lamps, or a floor lamp to create zones.
- Bedroom: a model with soft light, preferably dimmable, in fabric, rattan, or opal glass, for a relaxing atmosphere.
- Children's bedroom: a sturdy model, with a plastic or opal glass diffuser (less fragile than crystal), securely fixed, with soft light.
- Kitchen: a washable ceiling light (metal, glass, plastic), with a neutral white (3000 to 4000 K) to see clearly on the worktop.
- Hallway and entrance: a compact or flat ceiling light, or a bar with several adjustable spotlights in a long hallway.
- Bathroom: a waterproof model with an IP rating suitable for the zone (see below).
- Office: a ceiling light with neutral white light or an LED panel, to avoid shadows and eye strain.
- Covered exterior (porch, sheltered terrace): a model designed for outdoor use, with a suitable IP rating.
Browse the selection above and use the collection filters to find the ceiling light that suits your room.
Matching your ceiling light with other light fixtures
A ceiling light provides the base light, but it leaves darker areas near the walls and corners. For a comfortable room, it is complemented by zones:
- A floor lamp or lamp near the sofa or reading chair.
- Wall lights on the wall for ambient light or for reading in bed.
- A pendant light above the dining table, with the ceiling light for the rest of the room.
Keep the same light color (for example 2700 to 3000 K) on all the light fixtures in the same room, to avoid color contrasts.
What shapes and styles of ceiling light?
- Round ceiling light: the most common shape. Discreet, it suits rooms that already have a lot of straight lines (furniture, shelves, frames).
- Square or rectangular ceiling light: it matches the straight lines of contemporary furniture and architecture.
- Flat LED ceiling light or panel: very thin, perfect for low ceilings, with uniform lighting.
- Half-sphere (semi-circular) ceiling light: a soft, rounded shape that diffuses light evenly.
- Ceiling light with multiple branches or spotlights: it distributes light over several areas, useful in a large living room or hallway.
- Rattan, bamboo, or fabric ceiling light: natural materials that filter light and create a play of shadows, for a bohemian, Nordic, or natural atmosphere.
- Industrial ceiling light: metal cage, matte black metal, exposed bulb, for a loft or contemporary decor.
- Crystal or baroque ceiling light: pendants, gilding, scrolls, for a living room or bedroom with an elegant decor.
- Glass, opal, or tinted glass ceiling light: soft and diffused light, warmer with smoked or tinted glass.
- Connected ceiling light: dimmer, remote control, or control by app and voice, depending on the models.
A tip: take a material or color already present in the room (table legs, furniture handles, frames). Two or three finishes are enough for a harmonious room.
Which material to choose?
Metal
Brass, aluminum, steel, or copper: solid, modern, easy to maintain. Lacquered or chrome aluminum suits a sober decor, matte black aluminum brings an industrial side, and brass or copper a warmer, more vintage shade.
Wood
Light wood (oak, pine, birch) recalls the Scandinavian style. Darker woods (walnut, chestnut) give a warmer and more rustic atmosphere.
Glass
Opal or frosted glass diffuses a soft light, smoked or tinted glass creates a warm and sober atmosphere, and transparent glass lets light through fully, useful in an office or kitchen.
Crystal
For baroque or classic styles: luminous and luxurious, it requires more careful maintenance and its price is generally higher than glass.
Plastic or acrylic
Light, affordable, and more resistant to impacts than glass: it is well suited to children's bedrooms, hallways, and damp rooms.
Fabric, rattan, and bamboo
Linen, cotton, rattan, or bamboo diffuse a soft and subdued light and pair well with wood or metal. They require dry cleaning.
Bulb, lumens, and light color
- Integrated LED or replaceable bulb? An integrated LED is flat, durable, and requires no maintenance, but the entire ceiling light must be replaced at the end of its life. A ceiling light with a socket (E27, E14, G9…) lets you choose the shape, color, and power.
- The maximum power is indicated on the light fixture: never exceed it.
- Lumens. Count approximately the surface area of the room multiplied by the guideline below.
- Light quality (CRI). The color rendering index, rated out of 100, indicates if colors look natural. Aim for a CRI of at least 80, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and office.
| Room | Lumens per m² (guideline) | Light color |
|---|---|---|
| Living room, dining room | 100 to 200 | Warm white (2700 to 3000 K) |
| Bedroom | 100 to 150 | Warm white (2700 to 3000 K) |
| Hallway, entrance | 100 to 150 | Warm to neutral white (3000 to 4000 K) |
| Kitchen | 250 to 300 | Neutral white (3000 to 4000 K) |
| Bathroom | 200 to 300 | Neutral white (3000 to 4000 K) |
| Office | 300 to 500 | Neutral to cool white (4000 K and more) |
Example: a 12 m² bedroom requires approximately 1,200 to 1,800 lumens in total. These are indicative guidelines: a dark room (dark furniture, matte walls) may require more light.
Dimmer: you need a dimmable bulb and a compatible dimmer. An ordinary dimmer changes the intensity, not the color of the light: to also switch from warm white to cool white, choose a model with adjustable color temperature or a remote control.
Connected ceiling light, remote control, detector: what are they for?
- Remote control or app: set the intensity, sometimes the color of the light, from the sofa or bed.
- Motion detector: the light turns on when you enter. Practical in a hallway, entrance, or basement.
- Voice control or assistant: some connected models are operated with a voice assistant (depending on the compatibility indicated on the product sheet).
IP rating: what waterproofing for which room?
- IP20: dry rooms (living room, bedroom, hallway).
- IP44 at minimum: bathroom, outside the shower or bathtub.
- IP65: above the shower or bathtub, and in covered outdoor areas.
The required rating depends on the zone of the room: at the slightest doubt, ask an electrician for advice.
Before ordering: what to check on the product sheet
- Bulb included or not, and number of light points (one or several bulbs).
- Socket, maximum power, and lumens to choose the bulb properly.
- Dimensions: diameter, but also the height of the light fixture, important under low ceilings. Also check the weight.
- IP rating, according to the room.
- CE marking and electrical class: class I has a ground wire to connect (often metal light fixtures), class II is double insulated and has no ground.
Installing a ceiling light safely
- Cut the power at the circuit breaker, and check that there is no more voltage.
- Remove the old light fixture and locate the wire outlet from the ceiling. Check that the fixing point (hook or DCL, the connection device for light fixtures) can support the weight of the new light fixture, indicated on the instructions.
- Fix the plate to the ceiling with the screws and anchors suitable for your ceiling (concrete, plasterboard…).
- Connect the wires (phase, neutral, and ground if the light fixture is class I) with a terminal block or connector, following the instructions.
- Place the light fixture, install the bulb, restore the power, and test.
For a heavy light fixture or a fixing in a fragile ceiling, call an electrician. At the slightest doubt about the wiring, do not do it yourself.
Maintenance
Before any cleaning, turn off, cut the power, and wait for the bulb to cool down. Never use water directly on the light fixture or any abrasive product.
- Glass, opal, and plastic: slightly damp microfiber cloth, then wipe. Remove the diffuser if the instructions allow: insects and dust accumulate there.
- Crystal: soft and dry or barely damp cloth, pendant by pendant if necessary. Dry immediately to avoid marks.
- Metal, brass, gold: slightly damp soft cloth, then dry. Avoid stripping products, which dull the finish.
- Rattan, bamboo, wood: dry dusting with a soft brush or low-power vacuum cleaner. Avoid moisture.
- Fabric: adhesive roller or soft brush. For a stain, dab with a barely damp cloth, without rubbing.
- Kitchen and bathroom: clean regularly to avoid the accumulation of grease or limescale, with a mild product.
- Bulb: dust it too. Replace it with a bulb of the same socket and power equal to or less than the maximum power indicated.
Our commitments
- 2-year warranty on our light fixtures
- Returns without conditions within 30 days, return costs at our expense
- Responsive customer service for your questions before and after purchase
- Shipping within 72 hours
Frequently asked questions
What size ceiling light for my room?
Count approximately 30 to 40 cm of diameter under 10 m², 40 to 50 cm from 10 to 15 m², 50 to 60 cm from 15 to 25 m², and 60 cm or more (or several ceiling lights) beyond 25 m².
What ceiling light to choose with a low ceiling?
A flat ceiling light or an LED panel, which protrudes little from the ceiling, to keep height and avoid bumping into it.
What's the difference between a ceiling light and a recessed spotlight?
The ceiling light is fixed against the ceiling. The recessed spotlight is housed in a false ceiling and requires drilling and space behind.
What lumens for a ceiling light?
Multiply the surface by 100 to 150 lumens per m² in a living room or bedroom, and by 250 to 300 in the kitchen. These are indicative guidelines.
Can you install a ceiling light yourself?
Yes in a simple case: cut the power, check the fixing, and follow the instructions. At the slightest doubt about the wiring or weight, call an electrician.
What warranty and what deadlines?
Our light fixtures are guaranteed for 2 years, we ship within 72 hours, and you can return your order within 30 days, without conditions, at our expense.
Ready to choose your ceiling light? Browse our selection of living room ceiling lights and find the model that will dress your ceiling.
Updated in October 2026 · Tips from the Lumiine team