How To Choose The Best Ceiling Light
When it comes to lighting, the ceiling light (or ‘big light’) sometimes gets a bad press. Let’s be honest, no-one ever looked their best lit directly overhead, and your living room, kitchen or bedroom is no exception. That’s why, when it comes to creating a home you love, ceiling lights often get overlooked. But trust us - the right lighting can transform the look and feel of your space in all the right ways, whether you’re updating one room or reimagining your entire home, and the ceiling light is no exception. The ceiling light is more than just a functional piece; it’s a style statement – and we’re here to explain why.
(Photo credit:@oureclecticwonderland)
Why Ceiling Lighting Matters
A well-chosen ceiling light shade or chandelier (if you’re feeling fancy) has the power to:
Set the mood - go soft and romantic or bright and energising
Define a space - use a ceiling light to visually anchor a dining area, elevate a hallway, or add drama to a high ceiling
Show off your personality - from bold and boho to sleek and sculptural, your home reflects who you are and the values you live by.
At Rockett St George, we believe your lighting should say something about you. Whether it’s a kitchen pendant light in hand-blown glass or a fringed lampshade that adds a playful twist, the right choice can transform your space in just one easy step.
Step 1: Consider The Room
Not all ceiling lights are created equal - and not every room needs the same thing. Before you choose your ceiling light, start by thinking about the space you're lighting.
Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. From week-night food prep to Friday night drinks and nibbles, it's an area of the house we naturally spend a lot of time in and use for a variety of tasks, so lighting needs to be both functional and stylish.
Kitchen pendant lights are ideal over islands or breakfast bars. They offer focused light (or ‘task lighting’) to illuminate key areas for food preparation, for example, and bring structure to open-plan layouts. For a clean, modern look, go for glass pendant lights that reflect light beautifully and keep the space feeling bright and airy. On a practical level, they’re also easy to keep clean.
RSG tip: Group three pendant lights in a row for instant design impact.
Your Living Room
This room is all about comfort and ambience. Whether it’s a family movie night or casual coffee with friends, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is key to a successful gathering. A central ceiling light shade crafted from soft fabric can diffuse a soft glow, especially when used with dimmable light bulbs. Want to add drama? A chandelier ceiling light never fails to create a talking point, whether you choose an elegant, sophisticated piece or modern showstopper. More compact designs can also pack a punch, so don’t dismiss a chandelier out of hand just because you have a smaller space.
Prefer something more eclectic? Mix a fringed lampshade with a vintage-style fitting for a look that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, or consider an uplighter design that adds a warmth and ambience without feeling too directional.
Your Bedroom
Bedrooms deserve a bit of softness and indulgence. Here, a ceiling light shade in a fabric such as velvet or linen can add a luxe, tactile feel. Pair with warm-toned bulbs to create a soft, dreamy atmosphere that brings a feeling of serenity and calm to your space at any time of day.
For higher ceilings, don’t be afraid to go bold with more ornate designs that hold their own in a bigger space.
Hallways & Entrances
The hallway is the first area of your home visitors see, so it’s the perfect place to make a statement. A glass tiered chandelier elevates your space spectacularly, or alternatively, add a playful element with a quirky pendant light or oversized lampshade. Either turn a transitional space into a talking point (for all the right reasons...)
Step 2: Choose Your Style
Here’s where the fun begins — picking a light that reflects your personality.
Classic Chic
For timeless elegance, you can’t go wrong with a glass pendant light or a soft fabric ceiling light shade. These look good in any room and won’t date.
Bold & Eclectic
Want something unique? Go for a fringed lampshade, beaded detail, or vibrant pattern. It’s an easy way to inject colour, texture, and personality without completely overhauling your space.
Vintage Glamour
Chandelier lighting isn’t limited to crystal droplets or multi-layered glass. Modern interpretations with aged brass, smoked glass, or sculptural shapes add a contemporary feel and are ideal for those who prefer who prefer understated yet sophisticated lighting solutions.
Modern Minimalism
Keep things clean and contemporary with oversized fabric lampshades, low-hanging pendant ceiling lights, or matte finishes in black, white, or metal tones.
Step 3: Think Scale and Height
It’s important to get the proportions right — a ceiling light that’s too small might get lost, while one that’s too large can overwhelm.
For standard ceilings, a flush or semi-flush fitting may work best
Higher ceilings? Go for drop pendant lights or chandeliers that fill the vertical space
Over dining tables or islands, lights should hang low enough to make a statement, but high enough not to get in the way (about 75–90cm above the surface).
RSG Tip: If you're unsure, use a piece of string to ‘hang’ the shape and height you're thinking of - it’s a handy visual guide.
Step 4: Installation Made Easy
Good news — many of our ceiling lights are designed with fuss-free installation in mind. You don't need to be (or hire) an electrician to update your space. From ready-to-go fittings to adjustable cords and universal fittings, our lighting works for renters, homeowners, and style chameleons alike. You know what we say – your home, your rules!
And if you're not ready to commit to a full lighting overhaul, simply switching up your ceiling light shade or lampshade can make a huge difference - no rewiring required.
Step 5: Budgeting
We believe beautiful design should be for everyone. Working to a specific budget shouldn’t be a barrier to a beautiful home – we've got your back! Our range of ceiling lights spans super-affordable options to more luxe, high-impact pieces. Whether you’re splurging on a showstopper or finding joy in a small update, every product in our range has been carefully curated to bring that unmistakable Rockett St George twist to your home – it's what we call the RSG wink.
Choosing the right ceiling light isn’t about following rules - it’s about finding something that speaks to you. A shade that makes you smile. A chandelier that turns your ceiling into a canvas and rocks your world in all the best ways.
From glass pendant lights to fringed lampshades, every piece in our collection is designed to elevate your home with style and individuality. Whether you’re chasing drama, softness, or sparkle, we’ve got something that’ll feel just right.