Enhance Your Vaulted Ceiling with Lighting
Nothing matches the beauty and drama of a vaulted ceiling. Adding a light or a ceiling fan is a great way to enhance your ceiling, but doing so without stopping to think about the wiring, safety issues and other complications can lead to major headaches.
When you’re dealing with installation on a vaulted ceiling, remember that you won’t have an attic to work from. You’ll be working from a ladder in a tight space. You’ll need knowledge, experience, a great sense of balance and a detailed game plan. Or you can just make it easy on yourself by calling a licensed electrician.
The Right Lights
As beautiful as a vaulted or cathedral ceiling can be, that beauty gets lost if it’s in dim light. Proper lighting will highlight the ceiling’s architectural fixtures and draw attention to its dramatic sweep.
The lighting type you select will depend on your style and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with. Most of the following options come fitted for LED lights, which will save you several trips up and down the ladder to change bulbs.
Chandelier. The classic fixture for any tall ceiling, chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Chandeliers are suited to any décor but they do require regular cleaning.
Pendant lights. A pendant light is simple and elegant, but the light won’t be very bright. It’s best for a room where you want a subtle effect.
Recessed lights. You can install these on a vaulted ceiling as long as you’re meticulous about placement. Improper placement of recessed lights will give your ceiling an unbalanced look and uneven illumination.
Ceiling fan. You’ll need an extension downrod and you’ll have to make sure that the blade width is accurate for your space.
What You’ll Need
Your equipment list will include the following items at a minimum:
- a ladder at least 14 feet tall;
- fish tape;
- cable connectors and downrods;
- drywall saw and drywall repair materials;
- vaulted or cathedral ceiling canopy.
What You’ll Need to Know
Where’s the wiring going? Will you be able to drill through hollow beams or will you have to tear up your drywall?
What type of light are you installing? The work you do and placement of the wires will depend on whether you’re installing a ceiling fan, recessed lights, a chandelier or a pendant lamp. Recessed lights, in particular, require expert skill to measure, space and install properly.
What is your level of expertise? Hanging anything from a tall, irregularly shaped ceiling is difficult. You need the proper equipment and you need to know what you’re doing while you’re perched on a ladder, in a tight space and reaching overhead.
Is there a better way? The answer is yes, absolutely. Call one of SESCOS professional electricians to do the job quickly, safely and neatly.
Get the Expert Help You Need
Installing a light or ceiling fan on your vaulted ceiling is a great idea, but attempting to do it yourself could be a disaster waiting to happen. Don’t take the risk of an unevenly installed light, unsafe wiring or a dangerous fall.
A SESCOS electrician can get the job done and let you enjoy your newly enhanced ceiling. Call SESCOS today for all your lighting needs.