Lighting Ideas for Vaulted Ceilings: How to Illuminate Tall and Architectural Spaces
Lighting plays a crucial role in any interior design project — and when it comes to vaulted ceilings, getting it right is especially important. Vaulted ceiling lighting can transform a room into a bright, airy, and dramatic space if planned and executed correctly.
The key to success lies in combining functional task lighting with feature or statement fixtures that complement the room’s architecture and also thinking about the scale of the lights.
In this guide, we explore the best lighting ideas for vaulted ceilings, from extra large factory pendant lights to retro tube lights and share expert tips on how to make the most of your space.
What is a Vaulted Ceiling?
A vaulted ceiling is a ceiling design that arches or slopes upwards, creating height, volume, and architectural drama. Once found primarily in cathedrals and grand public buildings, vaulted ceilings are now a popular feature in barn conversions, loft apartments, and open-plan living spaces.
Their sweeping lines and exposed beams bring a sense of grandeur and light — but they also demand lighting that’s in proportion and style with the architecture.
When designing lighting for vaulted ceilings, think about both scale and symmetry. Larger, architectural-style pendants or industrial statement lights are often better suited than smaller domestic fittings, which can get lost in the space.
Pendant Lighting for Vaulted Ceilings
One of the most effective ways to light a vaulted ceiling is by suspending pendant lights from the highest point. Not only do they help bring light closer to where it’s needed, but they also draw attention to the height and shape of the ceiling.
Our collection of reclaimed industrial pendant lights includes fixtures originally used on ships and in factories, now beautifully restored and rewired to modern standards.
Top Picks for Vaulted Ceiling Pendant Lights
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Large Vintage Copper Cargo Ceiling Light – £1,200
Made by Wiska, a German manufacturer of marine-grade fixtures, these copper pendants were salvaged from decommissioned cargo ships. Each light is fully restored, polished, and fitted with LED-compatible components. The tilting mechanism allows you to direct light to highlight walls, artwork, or dining areas.
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Large EOW Aluminium Explosion Proof Ceiling Light – £565
Also available in matte black, this robust pendant adds industrial authenticity and provides strong directional illumination.
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X-Large Aluminium Searchlight Pendant – £989
With its distinctive silhouette and mirrored interior, this pendant offers both striking aesthetics and practical task lighting.
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Marine Searchlight Pendant Light – £755
Ideal for vaulted kitchens or dining areas, these searchlight-style pendants make a bold design statement with true industrial heritage.
Ideal for vaulted kitchens or dining areas, these white metal searchlight-style pendants make a bold design statement with true industrial heritage.
Rustic Lighting for Barn Conversions
Vaulted ceilings are often found in barn conversions, where rustic beams and natural materials take centre stage. Here, lighting should echo the warmth and authenticity of the space.
Reclaimed copper or brass pendant lights are perfect for these interiors. They can be suspended on long chains to fill vertical space and create a cosy yet dramatic effect.
These reclaimed ship pendant lights can be suspended at any length and have authentic rustic appeal, fully rewired and restored for both US and UK. They can be supplied with copper or brass shades.
Copper Cage Ceiling Light, £205
White Cage Ceiling Pendant by Killark, £355
Vintage Cast Steel Explosion Proof Cage Pendant by Kokosha, £297
Flush Mount Lights for Sloping Ceiling
A sloping ceiling or pitched roof can be tricky to contend with especially where space is limited.
If your room features a pitched or sloping ceiling, pendant lights may not always be practical — especially in bedrooms, bathrooms, or smaller spaces where headroom is limited. In these cases, industrial wall lights or flush-mounted lights are an excellent solution.
Our reclaimed small industrial spotlights, £72, can be mounted on walls or ceilings and are perfect for bathrooms or hallways.
They can be mounted next to each other in multiples as can be seen in the bathroom below, or spread around the room as singles. The aluminium spot light has been painted (powder coated) black to match the black fixtures & fittings throughout the bathroom. If you're looking for unique lighting that can't be found on the high street then using vintage or reclaimed lighting is a great option for creating a characterful interior.
Flush Mount Opaline Wall Light - £360
Feature Lighting for Vaulted Ceilings
A vaulted ceiling offers the perfect opportunity to install statement lighting that adds personality and impact. Avoid using small pendants designed for standard 8–9ft ceilings — they’ll look lost in a taller space. Instead, opt for large-scale industrial fixtures that complement the architecture. Or if you want to use smaller fixtures, use lots of them!
Try a Retro Industrial Strip Light
Our 4.5ft tube lights by Aqua Signal and Crouse Hinds are a striking choice. Originally designed for industrial environments, these vintage LED strip lights are ideal for open-plan kitchens, communal commercial spaces, workshops, retail interiors, or converted lofts. Hang them in multiples to create a dramatic linear effect and evenly spread light across the space.
4.5ft Retro Tube Light by Crouse Hinds - £1680
See all Vintage Industrial Edison LED Strip Lighting
Hang in Multiples for Maximum Impact
Using rows of matching pendants helps create rhythm and structure in a vaulted space. This approach not only ensures even illumination but also becomes a focal design feature.
Aluminium Dome Industrial Pendant Light, £445
Use Angled Shades to Accentuate Vaulted Ceilings
When lighting a vaulted ceiling, it’s not just about filling the height — it’s about emphasising the shape and architectural lines of the roof. One clever way to do this is by using angled pendant lights or adjustable industrial fixtures that direct light along the pitch of the ceiling.
Angled lamps, such as vintage factory pendants or ship lights with tilting mechanisms, can be positioned to highlight beams, wall textures, or artwork. By focusing light where it’s needed, you avoid dark corners and draw the eye upward to appreciate the ceiling’s height and form.
This classic REVO enamel pendant - £300, for instance, features a sloped shade that naturally directs light downwards at an angle — perfect for highlighting architectural features in a vaulted ceiling. Its subtle mint-green finish and white enamel interior provide a soft yet focused glow, adding warmth and definition to large open spaces.
Why choose angled or directional lights for vaulted ceilings:
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They emphasise the roofline, adding depth and drama
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Perfect for highlighting beams, brickwork, or art
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Provide focused illumination without overwhelming the space
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Can be paired in multiples to follow the ceiling pitch
If you’re working with a pitched roof, consider mixing angled pendants with wall-mounted spotlights to create layers of light that accentuate every plane of your architecture.
Top pick of directional lights for vaulted ceilings
Expert Tips for Lighting Vaulted Ceilings
Designing lighting for high or vaulted ceilings can be challenging, so keep these expert tips in mind:
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Plan for maintenance — Choose fixtures that can be easily accessed to change bulbs or consider rise-and-fall mechanisms.
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Go LED — Long-life LED bulbs reduce the need for frequent replacement.
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Check weight and fixing points — Ensure your ceiling structure can support the fixture.
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Scale matters — Always choose fittings large enough to visually balance the space.
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Layer your light — Combine pendant, wall, and accent lights for depth and warmth.
Your goal is not only to provide functional illumination but also to create visual interest that complements your architecture.
Shop Vintage & Industrial Lighting for Vaulted Ceilings
From reclaimed marine pendants to rustic barn-style fixtures, our curated collection of vintage industrial lights has everything you need to create a statement ceiling.
Each piece is professionally restored and rewired to British Standards, combining authentic craftsmanship with modern reliability.
Browse our full range here
Need help choosing the right light for your vaulted space?
Get in touch with us — our team can guide you in selecting the perfect fixture for your ceiling height, room size, and interior style.
