Complete Guide: How To Choose Matching Ceiling Lights and Table Lamps

Key Takeaways

• Choose LED bulbs or integrated fittings with matching colour temperatures (we recommend 2700K)
• Allow 30-36 inches between pendant lights and tables
• Match finishes across both ceiling and table lamps for a pulled-together look
• Check dimming compatibility with your existing switches
• Consider smart bulbs for table lamps if you want dimming control
• Install 2-3 table lamps with your ceiling light for balanced lighting

When choosing matching ceiling and table lamps, you must consider their appearance and practical function. Here's our guide to creating well-lit spaces with coordinated lighting.

How To Choose Your Light Output

The light you'll get depends on your choice of integrated LEDs or separate bulbs. Here's what we recommend:

For Integrated LED Fittings

When selecting fixtures with built-in LEDs, we suggest checking these crucial specifications:

• Brightness (listed in lumens) to ensure adequate illumination
• Whether the light fitting is dimmable, some integrated LEDs cannot be dimmed due to their driver.
• Colour temperature (2700K-3000K gives a warm, welcoming light). If you prefer a sharper white light, choose any colour temperature from 4000K upwards.

For Lamps That Need Bulbs

For fixtures requiring separate bulbs, we recommend looking for:

• table lamps: E27 (large) or E14 (small) bulb fittings
• ceiling lights: usually E27 fittings
• LED bulbs with 2700K colour temperature for warm lighting
• Dimmable LEDs if you want lighting control

On each product page, we will advise you whether you need to buy light bulbs separately and provide an option to purchase the correct ones.

For brightness levels, we suggest these guidelines:

• ceiling lights: 800-1200 lumens for good room lighting
• table lamps: 400-800 lumens, depending on your needs

Which Lighting Style Works Best For Your Home?

We recommend matching your lighting style to your home's existing decor:

Modern and Contemporary Style

• Clean lines and minimal designs work well in updated spaces.
• Mixed metals with glass create a fresh, current look.
• Consider matt black finishes for a dramatic effect.

Traditional and Classic Style

• Look for detailed bases and textured fabric shades.
• Warm finishes like antique brass complements traditional decor.
• Matching designs create a more formal, coordinated look.

Transitional Style: The Perfect Balance Of Old And New

• Combines elements of both traditional and modern designs
• Works in almost any setting with its versatile appeal
• Simple shapes with subtle decorative elements

Industrial Style

• Raw materials like exposed metal and vintage-inspired bulbs
• Works well in loft spaces or rooms with exposed architectural elements
• It often features darker finishes and minimal ornamentation.

Coastal or Farmhouse Style

• Light, natural finishes with organic materials
• Relaxed, casual designs that create a welcoming atmosphere
• Often includes glass, whitewashed wood, or ceramic elements.

How To Pick Materials That Work Together

Choose materials that complement each other to make your lights look good together. We recommend considering these popular options:

Metal Finishes

Different metal finishes create distinct styles in your space:

• Brushed nickel: best for modern rooms and hides marks well
• Aged brass adds warmth and works perfectly in traditional spaces.
• Bronze: ideal for transitional rooms where old meets new
• Chrome: suits both modern and contemporary interiors

Other Materials

Beyond metals, consider these materials for your lighting fixtures:

• Glass: works beautifully in ceiling and table lamps
• Fabric shades: choose matching colours for a coordinated look. Lampshades also help reduce glare from the light.
• Ceramic: excellent for table lamps paired with simple ceiling lights.

How To Get Your Heights Right

When installing ceiling lights and table lamps, height is crucial for function and appearance. We recommend these measurements for the best visual balance:

• Hang pendant lights 30-36 inches above your dining table surface.
• Choose table lamps at least 17-23 inches tall, including the shade.
• Maintain 5-7 feet of clearance between the floor and bottom ceiling fixtures in walkways.
• Select larger lamps for bigger rooms - small lamps will look out of proportion in spacious areas. Consider using a collection which has matching floor and ceiling lights available if you have a larger space.

Where To Position Your Lights

Where you put your lights matters for both practical use and overall feel. For optimal positioning:

• Centre ceiling lights above seating areas or tables, whenever possible
• If your electrical wiring is only in the centre of the room, use this as your main light point.
• Space multiple table lamps 2-3 meters apart for even lighting distribution
• Position table lamps within arm's reach of seating areas for convenience
• Place table lamps near accessible electrical outlets and ensure the cord reaches comfortably.

What To Check Before Buying

Before purchasing your matching ceiling and table lamps, verify these essential details:

• Confirm if ceiling lights require professional hardwiring or can be plugged in.
• Check your ceiling's weight capacity for heavier pendant or chandelier fixtures.
• Look for proper IP ratings if installing lights in bathrooms or damp areas.
• Verify whether transformers are included with LED fittings or must be purchased separately.
• Review warranty periods and return policies before completing your order.
• Consider if you are going to use matching wall and ceiling lights as you may need to find a collection which has a full range available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ceiling and table lamps need to match exactly?

No, they don't need to match exactly. We recommend coordinating either the finish, material, or style. Keep one element consistent between them, such as matching brass finishes or similar shade styles.

How many table lamps work best with a ceiling light?

We recommend using 2-3 table lamps with your ceiling light for most rooms. This creates balanced lighting and lets you adjust light levels throughout the day. For rooms over 300 square feet, add extra lamps.

Can you use a ceiling lampshade for a table lamp?

Yes, you can as long as the fitter (the hole which holds the lamp holder) within the shade is the same size. If the ceiling shade's fitter is too big for your table lamp, we recommend using a shade reducer ring to adapt it. Generally, ceiling light shades are more prominent, so you should always check the measurements first.

Can I use smart bulbs in any lamp?

Yes, as long as you choose the right bulb base size. We recommend checking your lamp's bulb fitting (E27 or E14) before buying smart bulbs. Remember that smart bulbs don't need dimmer switches - they're controlled by an app instead.