How to Choose Flush Mount Fixtures

Whether you have low ceilings or want a subtle focal point for your living spaces, flush mount and semi-flush mount fixtures are a great choice. Flush mounts are dome-shaped lights fixed to the ceiling with no downrod. Semi-flush mounts are the same style but have a small gap between the fixture and the ceiling. If you’re considering the understated style of a flush mount, what should you know about choosing this type of ceiling fixture?

Vintage Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Flush mount, c. 1920

Ideal Ceiling Height

On average, flush and semi-flush mounts are about 13 inches wide. Due to their smaller size, they look best in rooms with ceilings that are 8 feet tall or lower. When you add a chandelier or pendant in a room with low ceilings, it looks disproportional and may be a hazard for tall guests!

If you are looking to save ceiling space but want more light to spread across the ceiling, choose a semi-flush mount for those few inches between the fixture and ceiling.

Best Placements

While ceiling fixtures can be placed anywhere you want, there are some areas where they work better. Consider adding flush and semi-flush mount lights in the following rooms:

  • Foyer
  • Hallway
  • Laundry Room
  • Pantry

Functionality by Room

In a room like the kitchen or bedroom, you need more than ambient lighting. If you also need task or accent lighting, a flush or semi-flush mount will only provide general illumination so consider supplemental light sources. Also keep in mind that your light fixture may be too bright for a space, so frosted glass may help reduce glare.

For long hallways, you may need to add more than one of these ceiling fixtures to make sure you can see every step of the way.

Dimmability

Dimmers can be added to certain flush and semi-flush mount models. Dimmability allows homeowners to control the level of light in a room as needed. Whether you need more light to read a book or less to watch a movie, a dimming flush or semi-flush mount provides illumination that’s tailored to you.
 
Our staff at Restoration Lighting Gallery is knowledgeable and prepared to help you choose the perfect flush or semi-flush mount. To learn more about our selection of vintage and antique ceiling fixtures, visit our gallery today!

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