Vaulted Ceiling Lighting Ideas and Options

When it comes to lighting a room with a vaulted ceiling (sloped ceiling), the key is to strike the perfect balance between form and function and these vaulted ceiling lighting ideas will help you do just that. Sloped ceiling lighting ideas can range from recessed lighting fixtures in the lower portion of the vault, to space-saving wall sconces that brighten up tall walls. No matter what kind of sloped ceiling lighting design you choose, make sure to spread your light sources evenly so that all areas of the room are properly lit.

For those looking for more creative vaulted ceiling ideas, consider suspending pendant lights from multiple points on the ceiling. This will create an attractive look while also providing adequate light coverage throughout the entire space. You could also install track or rail lighting along any stone or wooden beams

When talking about lighting any room it is important to understand the different types of lighting and their impact on a room and how they impact your overall lighting plan.

Types of Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting refers to the general or overall lighting in a room or space. It is meant to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and it can be achieved through a variety of methods such as overhead lighting, wall-mounted sconces, skylights or lamps. Ambient lighting can come from natural or artificial lighting sources.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is a type of lighting that is used to highlight specific areas or objects in a room or space. It is used to draw attention to architectural features, artwork, plants, or other decorative elements in your home. Accent lighting is usually focused and directional, and it is often used in conjunction with the other type of lighting ambient and task lighting to create a well-balanced and functional lighting scheme in your home.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is lighting that is specifically designed to illuminate a particular task or area, such as a working surface or a reading area. This type of lighting is often used in conjunction with ambient and accent lighting to provide additional light where it is needed for those tasks that require a brighter level of illumination. Task lighting can include overhead lights, desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, and other types of fixtures. It is almost always brighter and more focused than ambient or accent lighting and is often adjustable to allow the user to direct light where it is needed most.

Vaulted Ceiling Lighting Ideas

Keeping in mind the types of lighting levels from above here are some of the best vaulted ceiling lighting ideas.

Vaulted Ceiling Lighting Idea: Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is a great way to provide both ambient and task lighting in your room, as well as providing a cooling breeze.  There are always a few considerations that should be taken in to account when installing a ceiling fan and even more if you plan on installing a ceiling fan in a room with a sloped ceiling. One thing that may be overlooked is the angle of the slope in your sloped ceiling. If the angle is over 30 degrees it is usually required to get a specialized bracket to allow for proper installation of a ceiling fan on a sloped ceiling. Another often over looked aspect is the length of the down rod. You certainly don’t want your ceiling fan to be 40 feet up in the ceiling. It will do you no good both in terms of lighting and cool. It is recommended that a ceiling fan be about 9 feet from the floor.

Sloped Ceiling Chandelier

Chandeliers are an elegant and classic way to provide ambient lighting in any room. And rooms with sloped ceilings are no exception. As with ceiling fans on a sloped ceiling it is important to consider the length of your download prior too installing a chandelier. Another consideration is how high the chandelier should be, sloped ceilings can range from 7 feet to 15 feet or even higher but having a chandelier 15 feet in the ceiling isn’t usually the best design choice. As a general of thumb if you have a standard (non sloped ceiling) of eight or nine feet, the bottom of your chandelier should fall roughly 7 feet to 7 and 1/2 feet from your flooring. For tall or sloped ceilings, add an additional three inches to this for every additional foot of ceiling height past nine feet. 

Sloped Ceiling Spotlight Lighting Idea

Spotlights are a great way to provide task or accent lighting in a room while still maintaining an attractive design. Spotlights can be used to highlight certain features in your sloped ceiling that you may want to showcase or draw attention too, such as exposed beams or some other  architectural details. Sloped ceilings also benefit from spotlights because they bring the eye upward and make the space feel even larger than it is by drawing attention up. 

Pendant Lighting on a Sloped Ceiling

Pendant lighting is an elegant and timeless way to add task or ambient lighting to any room in your home. Sloped ceilings can be tricky when it comes to hanging pendant lights, but with some extra consideration they can work great. Sloped ceilings may require a longer down rod or chain than normal, so it is important to measure the height of your ceiling before selecting the right light fixtures. Slanted ceilings also provide interesting opportunities for creative designs with pendant lights by allowing you to hang them at different angles and heights. In this example the homeowner wanted the lights to be hanging at the same height so some lighting chains are shorter than others to achieve this look. 

Vaulted Ceiling Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is another great way to add task or ambient lighting without taking up overhead space in the room.  Sloped ceilings can be difficult to light with recessed lighting, however there are some tricks that you can use to ensure success. You will need to use a recessed light fixture designed for sloped ceilings to make sure the light shines in the right direction. A light designed for flat ceilings instead of vaulted ceilings would shine in your eyes and not provide the light where its needed most. This sloped ceiling lighting idea is often seen in a kitchen or above fireplaces in living rooms.

Sloped Ceiling Lighting Idea: Lamps

Floor lamps and table lamps are a great way to provide lighting in any room, including rooms with sloped ceilings. Sometimes rooms with sloped ceilings have no great option for overhead lighting so lamps are a must. Lamps can be a great option for ambient and task lighting but typically do a poor job of accent lighting. When using lamps consider using a combination of other sloped ceiling lighting ideas to properly illuminate your space.

Vaulted Ceiling Track Lighting Idea

Track lighting is a versatile and flexible way to provide task, ambient and accent lighting in your home. Sloped ceilings can be tricky when it comes to track lighting but with some extra consideration they can work great. Slanted ceilings also provide interesting opportunities for creative designs with track lights by allowing you to hang them at different angles and heights. This sloped ceiling lighting idea is often seen in living rooms or entryways where multiple points of light are desired. 

Sloped Ceiling Lighting Ideas: Sconces

Sconces are a great vaulted ceiling lighting idea. Sconces are an excellent way to provide accent lighting in your room without taking up much overhead space. A popular way to incorporate sconce lighting into home decor is by pairing two sconce light fixtures on either side of wall art or other home decor piece. Even if your home with vaulted ceilings is not wired to have sconces in a location you would like them, you can still add them. I recently shared a blog post on this very topic. I added DIY wall sconces on a wall in my last rental home. I used battery operated LED lights to provide the illumination. You would never know that these were not hard wired in electric lights.

Vaulted Ceiling Skylight

A skylight is another great sloped ceiling lighting idea. Skylights are an excellent way to add natural light and can provide a beautiful view of the sky for your room. Slanted ceilings may require specialized skylights to accommodate their shape and angle, so it is important to do some research prior to installing a skylight. Skylights can also be helpful in reducing energy costs by providing natural light during the day and eliminating the need for artificial lighting. Plus skylights make a great focal point in any interior design

Vaulted Ceiling Lighting Conclusion

In closing,  vaulted ceilings can be tricky to light but with these vaulted ceiling lighting ideas you can create a beautiful and inviting living space in your home. Don’t let the sloped ceiling intimidate you, have fun with it! Use this article as your guide to find the perfect vaulted ceiling lighting ideas and options for your home.