One of the first things when determining what lighting to use in a space is to figure out what function your lighting needs to provide in your space. In this post, I’m going to discuss flush mounts, where to install them and what type to use.

What is a flush mount light?

A flush mount light is a light that is installed flush with the ceiling of a room. A semi flush mount light hangs just a few inches below the ceiling. There is really no reason to choose one or the other. This is personal preference. I typically would hang a semi flush mount in a larger room or in a entry way that is too small for a chandelier or a pendant light.

These lights are both flush mount because they are installed flush to the ceiling. I would use these in a bedroom or a laundry room. They are not large enough for a living room or entry way.

These are both considered semi flush mount lights because they hang just a few inches below the ceiling, but not low enough to be called a chandelier or pendant light. These are suitable for an entry way that has a low ceiling, a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom or a laundry room.

Other things to consider when choosing a light that is flush mount or semi flush;

1. Determine how many lights you might need referring to the actual number of light bulbs the fixture holds. For example, the light below is a flush mount. It is a very small flush mount though and only holds one lightbulb, so where would you use this type of light? This light would be best in a closet, laundry room, small powder room or hallway placed in multiples. This would not be suitable for an entryway, living room or bedroom. It simply will not provide enough light for a larger space. However, if you like this style, choose a similar light that holds more bulbs.

2. What direction do you need the light to point and how bright do you need it? There are many different types of shades that lights can have. Some are glass globes, frosted glass domes, drum shades, or open glass. A glass shade is going to give you the brightest light. A more decorative shade is going to give you a more muted light and should almost always include multiple bulbs within the fixture.

Above you can see that these fixtures all have decorative shades that will mute the projected light slightly. These lights are all design to point downward, however one thing to consider is the reflection that will be cast on your ceiling. You can get a really beautiful unexpected geometric pattern sometimes that reflects on your ceiling when the light is on. If this happens, embrace it! It is often extremely difficult to tell if this will happen without seeing a light in person and installed in your own space.

3. Size matters!

You are waaaaayy better off choosing a light that is too large rather than too small. Flush mounts are pretty standard sizes. When in doubt, go with the largest size available. You will not be sorry.

Still have questions about flush mount lighting? Leave me a comment below and I’ll answer any and all questions.