Why It’s High Time to Reconsider Flush-Mount Lights
Look past your negative perceptions and see how versatile these lights can be
Flush-mount lights have gotten a bad rap over the past decade or two, largely due to the overuse of a certain style of dome-shaped lamp often found at a low price in hardware stores (and often featuring an unfortunately nipple-like accent that has led to unappealing nicknames). However, this essential lighting element comes in a vast variety of styles and has many applications. Throw out everything you think you know about this overlooked design essential and learn about all the ways it can elevate and illuminate your decor.
True flush mounts are quite tight to the ceiling, like the two shorter lights here on either side of the low-hanging pendant.
Small Siena flush-mount fixture: Circa Lighting, available on Houzz
Small Siena flush-mount fixture: Circa Lighting, available on Houzz
Some lights are considered semiflush mount, meaning they have a distinct base and a body that hangs a bit lower, but not generally from a cord and not typically farther than 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling plane.
In the Kitchen
Overhead lighting is useful in the kitchen for eliminating shadows and lighting the work surfaces from top down. However, potlights (more properly called recessed downlights) don’t always suit the look, especially in a more traditional space. Also, when you’re adding lights to an existing ceiling, there is not always sufficient cavity space for a recessed fixture. A short flush mount achieves a similar effect, with a less minimalist aesthetic and less invasive construction.
Overhead lighting is useful in the kitchen for eliminating shadows and lighting the work surfaces from top down. However, potlights (more properly called recessed downlights) don’t always suit the look, especially in a more traditional space. Also, when you’re adding lights to an existing ceiling, there is not always sufficient cavity space for a recessed fixture. A short flush mount achieves a similar effect, with a less minimalist aesthetic and less invasive construction.
Flush mounts can also work with modern-style spaces, adding a little gallery-like interest or visual interest, even paired with simple potlights. Flush mounts can be a great alternative to pendants over an island, adding focused lighting on a key workspace without hanging down to your eyeline.
Flush mounts also pair beautifully with hanging lights, adding a little variety so the kitchen doesn’t become a total sea of pendants, while still providing a rich palette of layered light.
1-light flush mount: Kichler Lighting
1-light flush mount: Kichler Lighting
Schoolhouse-style opaque-glass semiflush mounts are a stunning choice for a white transitional kitchen — or virtually any other decor, honestly. They add sophistication but also appear humble, for a beautiful balanced look that doesn’t scream for attention but also won’t go unnoticed. Plus, they can be quite inexpensive (being made of basic materials) without looking cheap.
Mayfield semiflush ceiling light: Barn Light Electric Co.
Mayfield semiflush ceiling light: Barn Light Electric Co.
For traditional style, try lights that draw inspiration from indoor-outdoor cottage fixtures, such as the example shown here. Look for flush mounts made with simple glass and steely metal cages, and also for a few pendants, and you’ll have a unique mix-and-match look that coordinates with other elements easily.
Light fixtures: Circa Lighting
Read more on getting your kitchen island lighting right
Light fixtures: Circa Lighting
Read more on getting your kitchen island lighting right
Mini Chandeliers
In the living room, bedroom or bathroom, a full-size chandelier is often out of scale and impractical (if you don’t like bumping your head and don’t have ultrahigh ceilings). However, a flush-mount or semiflush-mount mini chandelier adds a tasteful and manageable shot of glamour to a space and gives some visual depth to the ceiling without making you hunch over every time you walk through.
Bling flush mount: Robert Abbey Lighting
In the living room, bedroom or bathroom, a full-size chandelier is often out of scale and impractical (if you don’t like bumping your head and don’t have ultrahigh ceilings). However, a flush-mount or semiflush-mount mini chandelier adds a tasteful and manageable shot of glamour to a space and gives some visual depth to the ceiling without making you hunch over every time you walk through.
Bling flush mount: Robert Abbey Lighting
In an entryway, a mini chandelier gives you the feeling of walking into a high-end estate every time you arrive, but without necessarily an over-the-top investment, and without crowding the space.
Choose one with airy glass jewels to keep the look light, either in a traditional diamond-like cut (as in the entry here) or a softer, more contemporary bead-like round shape (as in the living room in the previous photo).
Studio Trillion 10-light flush mount in polished nickel: Visual Comfort
Choose one with airy glass jewels to keep the look light, either in a traditional diamond-like cut (as in the entry here) or a softer, more contemporary bead-like round shape (as in the living room in the previous photo).
Studio Trillion 10-light flush mount in polished nickel: Visual Comfort
Lucky enough to have a walk-in closet? Double down on the sense of personal luxury by including a mini chandelier so you’ll feel like you’re in a private boutique every time you “shop” for the day’s outfit. A relatively small piece can feel quite large in a closet or an en suite bath, creating a major focal point.
Small Spaces
Speaking of which, the power of flush mounts (and semiflush mounts) to transform a small space makes them a great choice for tight hallways as well. Try one like this unit with a brassy base to get a little touch of golden warmth without making the ceiling appear too busy.
Schoolhouse 1-light flush mount: Norwell Lighting, available on Houzz
Speaking of which, the power of flush mounts (and semiflush mounts) to transform a small space makes them a great choice for tight hallways as well. Try one like this unit with a brassy base to get a little touch of golden warmth without making the ceiling appear too busy.
Schoolhouse 1-light flush mount: Norwell Lighting, available on Houzz
Alternatively, try a plain off-white shade in a chunky size that feels substantial. It will help break up the tunnel effect of a long corridor, and create a clean modern look that helps a space feel organized.
Quoizel traditional 3-light large flush mount: Lighting Direct
Quoizel traditional 3-light large flush mount: Lighting Direct
In the Bathroom
Fabric shades can suffer from moisture-related issues, so glass units are more popular in bathrooms. Try contrasting opaque sconces with an airier clear or frosted glass ceiling light. Hexagons are an enduring trend in bathroom design, so consider one overhead with or without the coordinating floor tile.
2-light flush mount in polished nickel: Elk Lighting, available on Houzz
Fabric shades can suffer from moisture-related issues, so glass units are more popular in bathrooms. Try contrasting opaque sconces with an airier clear or frosted glass ceiling light. Hexagons are an enduring trend in bathroom design, so consider one overhead with or without the coordinating floor tile.
2-light flush mount in polished nickel: Elk Lighting, available on Houzz
To punctuate the ceiling in a clean white space, try a dark metal frame for the sides of the flush mount, even picking up on the dark tones of a vanity. This will break up the space a bit and make an excellent counterpoint to classic white walls or subway tiles.
Sophia flush mount: Circa Lighting
Sophia flush mount: Circa Lighting
Combine a semiflush mount that has a little depth with a high-reaching mirror, and you’ll double your investment and have a dramatic feature you can see from multiple angles.
Studio Trillion 10-light flush mount in polished nickel (seen in reflection): Visual Comfort
Studio Trillion 10-light flush mount in polished nickel (seen in reflection): Visual Comfort
If you have a separate bathtub and shower, a flush mount over the tub makes a soak feel extra luxurious (especially if it’s on a dimmer switch, so you can tone down the brightness). It also makes the tub more of a visual center to the room, without the risk of your bumping your head as you get in and out.
Alissa 10-light flush mount in chrome: Eurofase, available on Houzz
Alissa 10-light flush mount in chrome: Eurofase, available on Houzz
In the Bedroom
Most people prefer a tranquil look in their sleeping space, making a simple drum shade a popular choice. Choose one with a closed bottom to avoid having a view directly up into the bulbs as you lie in bed reading.
Most people prefer a tranquil look in their sleeping space, making a simple drum shade a popular choice. Choose one with a closed bottom to avoid having a view directly up into the bulbs as you lie in bed reading.
For a little more sparkle, try a nest-like or basket-weave shade that lets some points of light through, creating interesting shadows across the ceiling for an interplay of light and dark. Again, a dimmer will help you set just the right mood with light that glows without being too bright.
Inca 7-light flush mount in polished chrome: ET2
Inca 7-light flush mount in polished chrome: ET2
Mini chandeliers are popular choices for over a bed, but to truly keep the headroom open, try a sunburst shape that expands outward instead of downward. It feels big but leaves the room feeling open, and anchors the room like a medallion.
Sunburst light fixture in nickel: Pulp Home
Sunburst light fixture in nickel: Pulp Home
To go against expectations, try a cuff link-style light with deep metal sides and a small point of light at the bottom. It’s a modern and less frilly take that has a fashionable personality.
Some people detest ceiling fans, and others find them essential (and charming). Try an all-in-one fan with a simple lampshade built into the bottom, and look for options in plain metal and glass for a contemporary and crisp look.
More: Your Guide to Common Light Fixtures — and How to Use Them
More: Your Guide to Common Light Fixtures — and How to Use Them
Light fixture: Bryant with schoolhouse-style shades, Rejuvenation