Lighting help for reading area with a high ceiling

7 years ago

I've got an 8x8 room in my house that has about 12 feet of ceiling, and 2 very large rectangular windows that cover most of that exterior wall. This is mostly just a space for reading, and will have 2 chairs and bookshelves.

I need to find the right lighting for this space. I wanted to put a 2 tiered chandelier there to center in the top window, and 2 sconces on either side of the lower window. I've attached photos of what I had picked.

My concern is that the chandelier isn't going to provide enough down light for reading. But the space is so tall, a 1-tier downlit chandelier doesn't look right.

Does anyone have any suggestions? or does anyone have a chadelier like this and feel like it gives off enough down light to work for a reading space? I can't spend more than $400 on the chandelier, and I really wanted to find something to pair with that sconce (which kind of locked me into an amber shade instead of a brighter white shade).

Worst case scenario, I stick a floor lamp in the corner. But just hoping to get some other ideas.

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BeverlyFLADeziner

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Certainly you can consider a less dated light fixture with lights that are not simply aimed to illuminate the ceiling.

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Comments (10)

lizziesma
7 years ago
I doubt a chandelier will be much more than decorative in your space. Reading lights are named that for a reason...
erinsean
7 years ago
Your chandi is very pretty but I have found that no chandi gives a good reading light. Would look pretty in your 12 foot room. BUT I would put a floor lamp near your chair for reading or a table for your coffee with a nice table lamp on it. As for the sconces....not sure about those if you have reading lamp/s by your chair.
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Original Author
7 years ago
I'd be open to any kind of overhead lighting that would make sense with such a high ceiling. I don't know if a ceiling fan would look good, and with those big windows, a chandelier would look really nice from the outside.
acm
7 years ago
Another vote for lighting that is right over my shoulder. The only way to read.
suezbell
7 years ago
Instead of a "table", you might choose a lamp/table combination. Choose a large white lamp shade and a 1600 lumens LED reading light bulb.

https://www.google.com/search?q=images+lamp/table+combi+nation&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjb1Zyomq7lAhUHPq0KHW04DZwQsxgIMA&biw=1328&bih=617#spd=13782071025345531528&spf=1571690221019
suezbell
7 years ago
Something else you might consider since there are to be two chairs could be wall hung swing arm lights.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1328&bih=617&tbm=shop&ei=7hauXYHPK8em_QbL-JKQDQ&q=images+wall+hung+swing+arm+lights&oq=images+wall+hung+swing+arm+lights&gs_l=psy-ab-sh.3...117035.126018.0.126265.37.29.4.0.0.0.426.2671.14j7j1j0j1.23.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab-sh..10.5.676...0.0.W5b-oqDQgJw#spd=9536809359168136005&spf=1571690350863
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
Ambient lighting = ceiling fixtures, cans or chandeliers (helps you get into the room in the dark)

Task lighting = table/floor lamps, under cabinet LEDs (specifically for doing things at close range)

Accent lighting = art lights, floor-based uplights, lighting inside or above cabinets (the pretties)
Olychick
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think a chandelier can provide some nice ambient light (on a dimmer for sure) but I'd never try to read by chandelier or even table lamp (old eyes now).
I love having these pharmacy lamps to read by. The are unobtrusive and
don't make much of a decor statement (which I like), but nice bright
reading light. Many different shade styles.
RL Relocation LLC
7 years ago
Post a picture of the room there are a lot of variables that matter.