Hey Hyperlite Community! ๐ก
When it comes to outfitting a machine shed or workshop with low-to-medium ceilings, we often get asked: "Are UFO-style high bays a bad idea for low ceilings?"
We recently worked on a design request with a customer, Ben, who is lighting up a 60ft x 28ft machine shed portion of his hay barn. The space features 10ft ceilings, is open on one side, and is non-climate controlled (but 100% under cover).
Initially, our team modeled a layout using our Linear High Bays, leading Ben to wonder if UFO lights were a poor fit for a 10ft ceiling height.
Here is how we broke down the options for Ben's space to ensure he gets maximum brightness without the glare:
Can you use UFO lights on a 10ft ceiling? Absolutely! The key is choosing the right wattage so you don't overwhelm the space.
The Setup: 10 pieces of our 100W UFO Black Hero Series fixtures.
Why it works: At 14,500 lumens per light, dropping down to a 100W model provides excellent, even brightness without being blinding at a 10-foot mounting height. Plus, they feature selectable wattage and CCT, allowing you to fine-tune the output on-site.
Linear high bays are traditionally favored for lower ceilings because they naturally distribute light over a wider rectangular footprint, minimizing glare when the light source is closer to your eyes.
The Setup: 8 pieces of our 165W Linear High Bay LED Lights.
Why it works: Pushing 24,000 lumens per fixture, fewer units are needed to completely flood a 60' x 28' space with crisp, uniform light.
The lighting simulation is just for your reference; you can adjust it according to the real situation.
Both styles will work beautifully for a 10-foot ceiling height, so it ultimately comes down to your aesthetic preference and how you want to run your layout!
If you prefer the classic, rugged look of a round high bay, the 100W Black Hero Series is a phenomenal choice.
If you want maximum rectangular coverage with fewer total fixtures, the Linear HPLH01 Series is the way to go.
๐ UFO Style: Hyperlite Black Hero Series 100W ($59.99/pack) ๐ Linear Style: Hyperlite Wholesale Linear High Bay LEDs
๐ Reminder: Every building is unique! Our lighting simulations are tailored to be an excellent baseline reference, and you can easily adjust layouts to match your real-world framing and wiring.
Do you prefer the look of classic UFO round high bays or modern linear fixtures in your shop? Let us know in the comments! If you need a custom simulation for your own project, drop your dimensions below or reach out at service@hi-hyperlite.com.
Hyperlite: Solid, Bright, Reliable LED Lights.
