Flush mount (light fixture that install tightly to the ceiling) and semi-flush mount (light fixtures that stick down from the ceiling a bit) fixtures are found in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, garages, bedrooms and bathrooms – pretty much anywhere that you need ambient (general) lighting that’s out of the way.
When people think of a ceiling light fixture, frequently what comes to mind is a grand chandelier or sparkling pendant. What they don’t think of is that your home probably has more smaller ceiling lights (flush mount or semi-flush mount) than any other kind. Flush mounts are the workhorses of our homes, lighting any spaces that we need lighting that is out of the way. Let’s take a look at these two lighting staples to understand which would be best for your home.
Flush Mount Lighting: When you need general lighting for an area but want it out of the way you may turn to a flush mount light. Mounted flush to the ceiling, these small’ish lights get the job done without the possibility of your hitting your head on them. Perfect for 7’ or 8’ ceilings, today’s flush mount lights provide all the function you need wrapped in an absolutely gorgeous package. Flush mount ceiling lights are also chosen for any room where you’re vertically challenged (like closets, laundry rooms or mud rooms) for their excellent light coverage and ability to stay stealthily out of the way.
Semi-Flush Mount Lighting: Semi-flush mount lights also hang from the ceiling and have a small canopy that covers the ceiling connections, but also has a visible center stem that lowers the sockets and holds the fixture below ceiling level. For 9’ or 10’ ceilings, a semi-flush mount light hangs down a bit (anywhere from 2”-12”) and is visually more appealing on high-ceilinged rooms, while extending the light source (read: bulbs) closer to the room’s occupants. By moving the light source away from the ceiling, semi-flush mount ceiling lights bounce the light off the ceiling to give you more light in your space.
