How much does it cost to install ceiling lights in Australia?

Lighting is one of the most important parts of interior design. The placement and type of ceiling light you choose can turn a plain, uninviting space into a cosy, stylish room. There are many different things to consider when replacing lights, from the cost of labour to the type of lighting and lightbulbs you will use. Some aspects will be more relevant than others but you won’t know for sure until you look at each in-depth.

You might be tempted to save money and tackle your light installation independently. However, this is not only dangerous, but it is illegal in Australia. While you can change a lightbulb on your own, anything that involves the handling of electrical wires requires licensed electricians. Wires conduct electricity, and without the proper training, you can injure yourself or start a fire.

In Australia, carrying out DIY electrical work without a license can get you a stiff fine.

Related article: The ultimate guide to ceiling lights

When searching for the right electrician, ask for recommendations and be sure to check their references or even customer reviews online.

Before you hire an electrician, obtain several quotes from different professionals so you can get a feel for how much the job should cost. It’s also important to check their license and insurance cover for the work in the unlikely event that something could go wrong.

Most licensed electricians charge you per hour for their labour, and the installation cost of light fixtures can vary according to several factors.

The hourly rates may be higher or lower depending on where you live. For example, in Sydney, you can pay over $100 an hour for a quick job, while in Adelaide, this would be around $80. Some electricians charge you a call-out fee or simply charge a flat rate for a job.

Other factors involved are the complexity of the job and the materials required. The type of lighting and the location of the fixture can add to the expense. For example, if it is in a hard-to-reach area outdoors and requires new cabling, you can expect to pay more as this is a more complex task.

Typically outdoor work costs more than interior lighting because the electrician might require additional tools, and the light fixtures and wiring may have been exposed to bad weather conditions and need to be upgraded.

If you choose pendant lights or a chandelier, the electrician may require a longer cord to install the light safely. Installing recessed lights or downlights can be simpler and faster.

Of course, the number of lights to be installed can also influence the price. The experience and qualifications of your electrician can also impact the rates.

Here is an estimate of basic electrician hourly rates in Australia:

• Sydney $85 - $135
• Melbourne $80 - $135
• Brisbane $75 - $115
• Canberra $75 - $110
• Perth $80 - $105
• Adelaide $75 - $105

Before getting into the type of ceiling lights, it is important to briefly understand the important role of lighting in the home.

Lighting can completely change a room by playing with the illusion of space, making the room appear larger or emphasising the colour of the walls. It can mimic sunlight or add drama to a room. The type of lighting you choose can be functional or have a task such as spotlighting a work of art or providing security outdoors.

Ceiling lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You don't need to install light fixtures in the centre of the room and move on. You can be creative with the placement or use a dimmer to adjust the mood and ambience of the room.

The type of bulb you choose is also vital for the longevity of your lighting and to minimise the waste of electricity. In Australia, lighting can cost up to 10% of the household electricity budget. There has been a move away from traditional halogen and incandescent lightbulbs in favour of LED light bulbs for energy efficiency.

LED lighting will use about 75% less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. However, LED bulbs are more expensive, costing between $5 and $20 compared to a few dollars for a traditional option.

Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide

In terms of the main types of ceiling lights, popular examples include:

Flush mount ceiling lights

A flush mount ceiling light seemingly blends into the ceiling, with no gap between the ceiling and the light itself. They work particularly well in rooms with shorter ceilings.

When you think of a traditional flush mount ceiling light, it might bring a boring florescent dome to mind, but this would be a mistake. These days there are a variety of designs available. You can have an antique-looking bronze flush mount light or a modern design with numerous bulbs attached.

A simple flush mount ceiling light could cost $30, while a mid-range model could cost anything from $100 to $300. However, a luxury design that will captivate and increase your design credentials substantially could set you back anything from $600 to $4,000.

Recessed lighting or downlights

Downlights, also known as recessed lights, are fitted into a hollow hole in the ceiling. They are a great way to highlight specific art pieces, light up kitchen counters, or layer lighting around a room for a particular ambient effect.

The lights themselves can range in price from $20 to $200.

The most important thing is to work out how many downlights you will need. An electrician may charge you anything from $50 to $100 for the installation cost per downlight so it is best to know before starting out and getting a quote.

Related article: Downlights - the essentials

Pendant lights

A pendant light is any light which hangs from the ceiling on a rod, a cable, or even a linked chain. Typically it has one bulb hanging from a single cord. Still, a chandelier is also technically a type of pendant light.

Pendant lights can be used for almost any purpose and come in a variety of designs. Replacing a single pendant light in Australia can cost from $120 to $200.

The light itself can cost anything from $150 to over $2,000.

As you can see, the cost to install ceiling lights depends on a wide range of factors, including your location, labour costs, the complexity of the installation and the type of ceiling light itself. By being able to anticipate these costs in advance, you can plan your budget accordingly, finding the right solution that meets all your needs.