Home Garden

How to Adapt Your Lighting for Sloped Ceilings

Sloped ceilings may be sloped on both sides, creating an A-frame, or they may just be sloped on one side. The slope affects what type of lighting fixture to choose. Angled ceilings can create some lighting challenges, but they also allow you to design a separate decorative feature. Several lighting options are available for sloped ceilings.

Things You'll Need

  • Dimmer switches
  • Table lamps
  • Various light fixtures
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Incorporate more light switches in the lighting design to maximize the lighting effects in a sloped ceiling. Regardless of whether you are using single-pole or three-way switches, include one or two dimming switches in the design. This will permit more lighting control and ambiance. Dimming switches vary by bulb, so make sure the switch you choose is compatible with your bulbs.

    • 2

      Consider adding canister lights, which are mounted flush against the ceiling with a finish ring affixed to the surface. Regular incandescent bulbs and specific overhead fluorescent light bulbs may be used for these light fixtures. Canister lights also have an “eyeball” trim ring option that allows rotation to illuminate a specific area.

    • 3

      Increase the chances of getting the lighting design you want for the sloped ceilings by adding more flexible lighting fixtures. Track and bounce lighting can be angled to shine light at the proper angle on the sloped ceiling. They may also be used to spotlight entry ways or a piece of furniture or artwork.

    • 4

      Add table lamps to the space. You may manipulate the shades to cast light on the sloped ceiling in various ways.

    • 5

      Add color to the light. Colored bulbs instantly add drama to the room. A colored bulb can be a part of the room's overall color scheme. Add another decorative element to the sloped ceiling by adding a stencil on top of a lampshade. The light will project the stencil shape onto the ceiling.