You can still have beautiful lighting, even if your home has low ceilings. This post includes dozens of stylish and on-trend alternatives to builder-grade boob lights. All these light fixtures for low ceilings will work for 8-foot ceilings. You’ll also learn how to measure for lighting based on ceiling height.
If you think so-called “boob lights,” can lights or track lights are your only choices for homes with 8 foot ceilings, I’ve sourced dozens of gorgeous options for you.
These low-profile chandeliers, flushmount and semi-flushmount fixtures can be hung from low ceilings without causing any head clearance issues.
If you need help figuring out what size lighting to buy for your home based on room size and ceiling height, check out my useful chandelier measuring guide. It is packed with designer tips, tricks, worksheets and formuls that will help you calculate the ideal chandelier dimensions and hanging height for every room and space in your home.
This post deals specifically with light fixtures for low ceilings. I’ve done the math and the legwork for you and found lots of pretty lights that will work in hallways, living spaces, bathrooms, bedrooms and other spaces with 8 foot ceilings.
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How low can a light fixture hang from 8 foot ceilings?
The general rule for hanging lighting is to allow at least 7 feet, 6 inches of clearance from the bottom of the light to the floor. For 8-foot ceilings, you would need a light fixture that is 6 inches tall or less for the ideal amount of headspace.
But that may not always be possible. With low ceilings, your lighting can hang a bit lower, as long as there’s at least 7 feet of clearance. This would allow you to use a light fixture that is up to 12 inches tall.
Remember, there should be enough room for a tall person to walk safely under the light.
While nine feet is the standard ceiling height in modern construction, many older homes have lower 8-foot ceilings. Ceilings may also be lower in basements and upper stories of newer homes.
I ran into this issue in my home office and DIYed a geometric light fixture to replace the generic builder light.
What is the best lighting for low ceilings?
For 8 foot ceilings, choose chandeliers, flushmount or semi-flushmount fixtures that are:
- less than 6 inches in height to allow for 7 feet, 6 inches of head clearance
- less than 12 inches in height to allow for 7 feet of head clearance
Lights hung over tables, island and other furniture in rooms with low ceilings can be larger if they don’t interfere with sight lights. They should still be hung the at the proper distance from the tabletop or countertop.
Now that you know the rules, here are some chandeliers and light fixtures that will work with low ceilings.
Before buying any chandelier from this list, please:
- Measure height of your ceilings.
- Double check the manufacturer’s specification and measurments to make sure the chandelier will work for your space. Pay attention to the minimum hanging height.
- When measuring the height of a fixture, consider the dimensions of the light itself, the canopy, the hanging pole and any chain.
- Check the dimensions of your room and use this formula to make sure the scale of the light is right.
Light Fixtures for Low Ceilings
Browse the shoppable lookbook below for a selection of chandeliers. Since these light fixtures are shorter in height, they can be hung in homes with 8-foot ceilings.
Clicking on the photos will take you to the retailer’s site.
If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet, check out these shoppable chandelier lists instead:
For even more chandeliers for low ceilings, visit my Amazon shopping list or keep scrolling for a few of my favorites.
More Chandeliers & Lights for 8 Foot Ceilings
Brass Moravian Star Ceiling Light
Large Chrome & Crystal Chandelier
Safavieh Clara Semi-Flushmount Light with Drum Shade
Matte Black Modern Sputnik Semi-Flushmount Light
Modern Clear Glass & Brass Hallway Light
Printable Chandelier Guide & Worksheets
Need more help measuring for lighting in your home? Enter your information below to receive the printable chandelier guide with worksheets.
More Lighting Tips & DIYs
Looking to make over the lighting in your home? You may enjoy these other helpful posts:
- Chandelier Measuring & Hanging Guide
- How to Dye Chandelier Shades
- DIY Geometric Pendant Light Fixture
- How to Paint a Ceiling Medallion
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