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In most homes, flush mount lights illuminate the rooms. While nothing is wrong with standard dome lighting, trading out dull ceiling lights with newer fixtures is a good way to upgrade your home’s overall decor style. However, with all the different types of flush mount lights on the market, choosing the right light can be overwhelming.
This guide attempts to shed light on this popular type of lighting by reviewing some of the best flush mount lights and the best semi-flush mount lighting on today’s market. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.
1. Drum Flush Mount Light
With a linen shade and a metal frame, this simple yet elegant flush mount light from CB2 is a good option for those looking to get rid of that old dome-shaped light typical of most homes. At just under 20 inches in diameter and 6 inches thick, it has a low profile but still provides a substantial amount of light, making it one of the best flush mount lights for hallway entryway use.
Get the Drum Flush Mount Light at CB2 for $79.95.
2. VILUXY Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture
The linen shade and clover shape of this VILUXY ceiling light give it a unique shape, and its brass metal frame adds elegance. This fixture measures about 14 inches in diameter and hangs nearly 8 inches from the ceiling, and its four bulbs help create nuanced lighting in a bedroom or brighter light for an entryway.
Get the VILUXY Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture on Amazon for $78.99.
3. McCarthy Glass Flush Mount
A curved shape, blown glass, and rubbed bronze add a style that’s both vintage and elegant to this flush mount light fixture. The McCarthy’s broad glass shade is 13.5 inches in diameter and drops more than 11 inches from the ceiling, making it ideal for rooms with 8-foot ceilings. Use an Edison bulb to accentuate the fixture’s style.
Get the McCarthy Glass Flush Mount at Pottery Barn for $149.
4. Design House Kimball Industrial Farmhouse Light
The industrial look of this Design House Kimball semi-flush mount light makes it a good choice for a kitchen with a rustic farmhouse design or for utility areas, such as the laundry room or basement. With a scalloped edge and either a bronze or galvanized finish, this light has a rustic look, especially when fitted with a vintage Edison bulb. It extends nearly 8 inches from the ceiling, making it suitable for rooms with ceilings that are at least 8 feet high.
Get the Design House Kimball Industrial Farmhouse Light on Amazon for $25.09.
5. Capiz Petal Flush Mount Ceiling Light
With its blooming arrangement of glass and metal flowers, this Capiz Petal light fixture is an ideal replacement for boring bedroom ceiling lights or even hall lighting. Measuring just under 19 inches in diameter and extending nearly 11 inches from the ceiling, it suits rooms with at least 8-foot ceilings.
Get the Capiz Petal Flush Mount Ceiling Light at World Market for $199.99.
6. Three Posts Alastair 3 – Simple Bowl Flush Mount
This Three Posts Alastair flush mount dome light is more stylish than a standard dome-shaped dome light, but its low profile makes it suitable for even a 7-foot ceiling. It comes in four different finishes: English bronze, polished nickel, satin nickel, and warm brass. Moreover, with three bulbs, it provides sufficient light to illuminate a large entryway or bedroom.
Get the Three Posts Alastair 3 – Simple Bowl Flush Mount at Wayfair for $133.99.
7. TULUCE Modern Ceiling Light Semi Flush Mount
A run-of-the-mill chandelier doesn’t work in a home with industrial or modern decor. This TULUCE Sputnik-style chandelier adds light along with modern flair to a dining area while hugging the ceiling. The fixture holds eight bulbs, more than enough to illuminate a dining area, yet it hangs just 6 inches from the ceiling. This makes it suitable not only for illuminating a dining room table but also for lighting up the living area.
Get the TULUCE Modern Ceiling Light Semi Flush Mount on Amazon for $113.99.
8. Tapered Metal Shade Flush Mount
With six shade options, ranging from bronze to copper to nickel, this simple Tapered Metal Shade Flush Mount light fixture complements a variety of styles. Its opaque shade creates a more nuanced lighting suitable for a den or study. By directing light downward, this fixture also can create task lighting, such as over a kitchen island or counter.
Get the Tapered Metal Shade Flush Mount at Pottery Barn for $199.
9. Union Filament Milk Glass Flushmount
Think inside the box with this refined flush mount light fixture from Union. It hangs about 5 inches from the ceiling, making it ideal for entryways and hallways, and it casts a warm glow from its five milk-glass sides. Go with weathered zinc or bronze for a vintage or rustic look or shiny polished nickel for something more elegant.
Get the Union Filament Milk Glass Flushmount at Restoration Hardware for $279.
10. Bell White Flush Mount Light
This simple flush mount light is versatile and affordable enough to mount in the hallways or use instead of recessed lighting in the kitchen. Its simple design makes it suitable for a variety of styles, and it comes in two finish options—white or black—with a brass-plated interior that amplifies the glow of the bulb. Use a cut glass or vintage bulb to accentuate the look.
Get the Bell White Flush Mount Light at CB2 for $59.95.
11. Joss & Main Putnam – Star Semi Flush Mount
Make a statement with this star-shaped flush mount light from Joss & Main. Featuring geometric shapes in clear glass panes with shiny brass metal rims, it holds two 60-watt bulbs. Hanging just 7 inches off the ceiling, it adds interest in homes with lower ceilings that can accommodate pendant lighting or chandeliers.
Get the Joss & Main Putnam – Star Semi Flush Mount at Wayfair for $220.
12. CO-Z Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light
With a semi-flush design that suspends it 13 inches from the ceiling, this CO-Z round drum-style ceiling light adds more drama than many other flush mount options. The fabric sides give it a soft feel that make it suitable for a variety of rooms. This affordable model comes in three styles, so it’s versatile enough to complement a variety of decor styles.
Get the CO-Z Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light on Amazon for $39.99.
13. Minka Lavery Harbour Point 3 Light Semi Flush Mount
The metal hooks and bars on this sophisticated Minka Lavery Harbour Point 3 semi-flush mount light make it suitable for a study or home office. The Harbour Point, which comes in brass or brushed nickel, hangs nearly 10 inches from the ceiling. It features a broad 19-inch diameter, making it capable of illuminating a small- to medium-size room.
Get the Minka Lavery Harbour Point 3 at Overstock.com for $344.95.
14. Leila Wood Bead Flush Mount
The Leila Wood Bead Flush Mount is an imaginative take on the classic dome light. Rather than glass, this light’s shade comprises wood beads that create the shape of the dome. It’s 14.5 inches in diameter and descends 10.5 inches from the ceiling. The neutral-tone wood has a whitewashed distressed look that gives it an interesting as well as modern appeal. However, this light fixture is more about form than function; its light is very subtle.
Get the Leila Wood Bead Flush Mount at Pottery Barn for $349.
15. Pathson Industrial Brass Semi-Flush Mount Light
This Pathson vintage-style semi-flush mount pendant light works with vintage or rustic farmhouse decor. It features an antique look with an undulating base and old-style on/off switch (simply keep the switch on when connected to a standard light switch). A round glass globe adds to the look by exposing the bulb. The light, which descends more than 9 inches from the ceiling, is 6 inches in diameter, making it an eye-catching addition to a kitchen or living room.
Get the Pathson Industrial Brass Semi-Flush Mount Light on Amazon for $45.99.
Our Verdict
For its simple and elegant design, the Drum Flush Mount Light suits different decor styles and works in hallways, entryways, living rooms, or bedrooms. Those looking for a low-profile flush mount light that’s an alternative to the standard dome fixture may want to consider the Three Posts Alastair 3 – Simple Bowl Flush Mount light fixture.
How We Chose the Best Flush Mount Lights
We considered various criteria when choosing the best flush mount lights for our list. Since light fixtures have a significant impact on a room’s decor, we chose the flush mount lights to suit a wide variety of different decorating styles.
Since location is important, we assembled a diverse collection of fixtures that would work in all the rooms of the house, from the dining room table to the kitchen to the laundry room. Flush mount lights must be able to supply sufficient light, so we selected models that could support enough wattage to illuminate a room, kitchen, or hallway. Since price is a factor when upgrading lighting, our list includes budget options as well as some splurge-worthy models.
Tips for Choosing Flush Mount Lights
While style is crucial when selecting the best flush ceiling lights, it’s more important that the light suits the height of the ceiling. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of the lighting fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor. This makes flush mount lights suitable for rooms with 8-foot ceilings and semi-flush mount fixtures a good choice for 9- or 10-foot ceilings and sloped ceilings. A ceiling light should also be able to adequately illuminate the area. Multiply the square footage of the space by 1.5 to determine the wattage the fixture should have.
Choose ceiling lights that fit with your home’s decorating theme. For example, modern lights have sleek lines and interesting shapes, while rustic ceiling lights feature a more natural look with black or rubbed bronze finishes and designs with a nostalgic feel.
- Consider the ceiling height and fixture length
- Purchase a fixture that can light the space
- Choose a style that fits your home’s decor
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to remove a ceiling light or how flush mount lights differ from semi-flush mount lights, keep reading to find answers.
Q: What is flush mount lighting?
Flush mount lighting sits directly against the ceiling to illuminate the area below it. Since there is no space between the ceiling and the light, this type of light is ideal for rooms with lower ceilings.
Q: How do I size a flush mount ceiling light?
Multiply the square footage of the room by 1.5 to determine how much wattage the fixture should produce to provide adequate lighting. A 10-by-10-foot room, for example, needs a fixture that can produce 150 watts of light.
Q: What’s the difference between flush mount and semi-flush mount?
While flush mount lighting sits directly against the ceiling, semi-flush mount lighting suspends below the ceiling, leaving a small gap.
Q: What is the difference between flush mount and surface mount?
Flush mount light fixtures and surface mount light fixtures are the same. They are simply different terms used to describe light fixtures that are attached flush to the ceiling.
Q: How do I remove a flush mount ceiling light?
To remove a flush mount ceiling light, first shut off the breaker to the light fixture. Remove the light’s shade; then locate the two screws holding it to the ceiling. Loosen the screws to remove the fixture. Once loose, disconnect the wires between the junction box and the fixture.
Q: How do I remove a ceiling light cover with clips?
Locate the spring-loaded clip, which allows you to pull it away from the fixture’s shade. Pull out this clip; then pull off the shade. Once you’ve removed the shade, loosen and remove the two screws holding the fixture to the light box and remove the fixture.
Q: How do I remove a square flush mount ceiling light cover?
Turn off the lights; then identify all the screws that hold the square cover to the fixture. Once you’ve removed the screws, carefully remove the cover.