How to Choose Lighting

How to Choose Lighting for Arched/Sloped/Vaulted Ceilings

Vaulted or arched ceilings can create a stunning focal point in any room, making the space feel larger and more open. With the right lighting fixtures, you can make the most of this architectural feature and enhance the ambiance of the room.

Recessed Lighting

Although most ceiling lights are designed for flat ceilings, most fixtures can be adapted for sloped ceilings with the right adapter. Recessed lighting requires special housings designed for slanted ceilings to ensure the light shines straight down, rather than at an angle. When purchasing housings for sloped ceilings, ensure they can be adjusted to accommodate the ceiling’s angle. You should also pair the housing with an adjustable trim. To direct the light exactly where you want it, you can even purchase specialized trims, such as eyeball trims, which have a rotating feature to adjust the angle of the bulb within the housing.

Pendant Lights

If your ceiling is vaulted, the ideal hanging position for a pendant light is at the central beam. However, if you want to hang a pendant light on a slope or fully slanted ceiling, there are specific ways to go about it. Pendant lights with a flexible cable or chain can easily be hung from a slanted ceiling since the cable remains vertical once the ceiling canopy is attached. If your pendant light hangs from a solid rod, rigid suspension, or similar fixture, you may need to modify the installation using a sloped ceiling canopy, allowing the pendant to hang vertically from the angled ceiling.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is a popular solution for sloped ceilings. Installing multiple light sources on a single track increases lighting levels and provides better control over each light’s direction. Each bulb is mounted on an adjustable "head" that can be aimed at any angle where light is needed. The track is anchored to the ceiling using ceiling mounting hardware, and a special sloped ceiling bracket is required for installation on angled ceilings.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces (or wall lights) serve as a bridge between ceiling and furniture lighting. They should be placed roughly one-third of the way up from the floor to eye level or higher on the wall. Wall sconces not only direct light downward but can also direct light upward, which is especially effective for accentuating the height and beauty of vaulted ceilings. Using upward-facing sconces will highlight the ceiling’s architectural features and further enhance the room’s aesthetic appeal.

Skylights

Installing skylights on the slope of a vaulted ceiling is a great way to brighten the space, as this area can become quite dark. Not to mention, skylights allow you to take full advantage of free natural sunlight throughout the day without the need to replace bulbs, all while lowering energy bills and reducing environmental impact. However, sloped ceilings still require additional artificial lighting during nighttime, adverse weather, or even during the day to properly illuminate tasks or activities.

Layered Lighting for Vaulted Ceilings

Ultimately, selecting a single lighting fixture for any space is rarely enough. When adding lighting to any room, especially those with vaulted ceilings, it’s best to approach the lighting plan with a layered method. While using recessed lighting on the slope and hanging a pendant light on the central beam is a popular lighting combination, track, wall, and skylight lighting can also help ensure your room is evenly illuminated.

By ensuring that both the vaulted ceiling and the rest of the room are comfortably lit, and by properly installing your lighting fixtures, you can enjoy a bright, beautiful vaulted ceiling room.