15 Flush Mount Lighting Ideas For Your Home
Replacing your flush mount ceiling light is an easy way to make a big impact in your home. Here are 15 gorgeous flush mount lighting ideas for every budget and style to inspire you!
Ah, flush mount lighting.
We’ve all had ugly light fixtures in our homes at one time or another. You know what I’m talking about: those infamous, builder-grade favorite “boob lights” that are often found in hallways. You don’t have to suspend your imagination to figure out why they’ve earned such a nickname.
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Flush mount ceiling lights are designed for utility, not for aesthetics.
When you move into a new home, one of the first things you probably think is, “I’m going to replace that light fixture.” Chances are, you probably go years before finally doing it. (Learn how to replace light fixtures, here. It’s really quite simple!)
Why? Flush mount ceiling lights do the job they were meant to do, so the task of replacing them never reaches the top of your priority list.
“Boob” lights are incredibly cheap. I’m talking under 20 bucks at any Home Depot. For landlords, there is literally no incentive to install attractive fixtures for their tenants. Renters don’t care enough about flush mount lighting for an ugly one in the hallway to be a dealbreaker.
I do have good news for you: you don’t have to stay committed to ugly flush mount ceiling lights! There are so many options for beautiful flush mount lighting and semi flush mount lighting that don’t have to break the bank.
The Flush Mount Ceiling Light I Chose
I’ll be the first to admit that I put off replacing ugly light fixtures for way too long in my old house.
Why did I put myself through that? It’s so easy and inexpensive to just change out your flush mount lighting!
So I swore to myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake in my new home. I’ve been working hard to replace all of the light fixtures I don’t really like (hello cheap and hideous boob lights!), starting with my entryway lighting.
Thankfully, my husband has gotten really good at changing them.
Ultimately, I chose this Simple Bowl Flush Mount for my butler’s pantry, to take the place of the boob light from the 90’s. It’s sooooo simple and understated, but it makes a huge difference to upgrade the metal finish and do away with those weird finials. It also comes in four finish options, so you can pick the one that matches other finishes in your home.
It’s such a hard space to photograph because it’s so small, so I snapped a picture so you can see the rest of the space, too.
This view is looking in from the dining room. The kitchen is through the door on the right and the rdry room to the left.
But if this flush mount ceiling light doesn’t float your boat, don’t worry. You’re sure to find a gorgeous option that suits your unique decor style.
Keep reading!
Tips for Choosing a Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Flush mount lighting can theoretically work in any room of the house.
However, in prominent places such as living and dining rooms, you’ll often find more intricate chandeliers or perhaps recessed lights. Bedrooms usually have lighting fixtures combined with a ceiling fan. That leaves the hallway as the most likely spot to find a flush mount ceiling light.
It’s not hard to see how hallway light fixtures can become overlooked and ignored. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun choosing the right fixture that shows a bit of your personality.
Here are a few tips to help you begin to narrow down your options:
- Hang your fixture in the center of the room. This means it should be central to the width of the hallway as well as the length. If there are multiple fixtures in the room, be sure that the distance between the wall and each fixture is the same – and that they are spaced evenly from each other.
- Make sure the bottom of your entryway light at least seven feet off the ground. You never know when you might have a tall friend come over!
- Try to match the finish (as in the metal part of the fixture, or in some cases, wood) to other light fixtures in your home. Matching finishes from room to room will create a sense of continuity in your home.
- Don’t forget to consider lightbulbs. With enclosed spaces such as hallways, you can easily get away with diffused softer lighting, while a large space needs more brightness.
The Best Flush Mount Lighting Fixtures
Now that you have some quick tips for choosing the right flush mount ceiling light for your home, let’s start shopping! There is truly something for every home on this list.
Here are some of my favorite flush mount lighting fixtures to consider.
The Best Classic Flush Mount Lighting Fixtures
If you’re looking to upgrade your builder grade fixture but don’t want to draw too much attention, start with this list of classic flush mount lighting fixtures.
Fabric Shade Drum Light
When it comes to simple and unassuming yet attractive decor, West Elm delivers the best.
This Fabric Shade Drum Flush Mount is perfect for those needing an upgrade but not wanting anything fancy or elaborate. The drum-shaped fixture features a linen diffuser that creates a soft glow in your space and comes in a Brass finish base with an off-white shade (my personal favorite) or Bronze finish base with a natural-toned shade.
Cedar & Moss Conifer Flush Mount
This Cedar & Moss Conifer Light by Rejuvenation has classic, modern lines and a linen shade that would look lovely in any home.
With a choice of brushed satin (a golden look), brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze, this flush mount ceiling light is a no-frills replacement for that builder-grade fixture that came stock in your home.
Liberty Gold Light
If you want just a little more pizazz but still want something classic and simple, this Liberty Gold Light is a good bet. Its antique-gold finish and clean lines are all sophistication, while the frosted glass shade diffuses light for a soft glow in your space.
Drum Flush Mount Light
Does all this talk about metal finishes make you cringe?
For the very minimalistic homeowner, CB2 designed this beautifully simple Drum Flush Mount Light. There’s absolutely no metal base or embellishments in sight – just a white linen drum to softly diffuse light.
Its shallow profile is ideal for lower ceilings, too!
2-Light Flush Mount
This slim and sleek two-light ceiling light is so unassuming, it doesn’t even have a fancy name!
With a white glass shade, Natural Brass finish and low price tag, this fixture is the perfect upgrade for those who would rather not spend too much time thinking about it.
Flora Flush Mount
Isn’t she just gorgeous?! 😍 This lovely Flora Flush Mount offers just the right amount of embellishment to the standard flush mount profile, and adds just a hint of a vintage vibes.
Whether Art Deco or Victorian style is your jam, you’ll love this subtly detailed fixture in brass, nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze finish for your home.
Click/Tap the Images Below to Shop these Classic Flush Mount Lights
The Best Statement Flush Mount Lighting Fixtures
Okay, now on to the fun stuff!
If you love to give ’em the old razzle-dazzle, you’ll love these stunning statement flush mount lighting fixtures.
Addison Square Flush Mount
This Addison Square Flush Mount makes quite the statement.
Available in two vintage finishes: Weathered Brass and Patina Nickel, the unique, square shape and decorative design will bring an old-world flair to your home. It has a very low profile, in that it sits very flush to the ceiling, but will still draw attention.
Transform your dim hallway with this impressive conversation piece!
Leila Wood Bead Flush Mount
Proudly display this Leila Wood Bead Flush Mount in your home, and guests will think you have a gift for antiquing. The handcrafted wood beads have a whitewashed look to them, and the metal frame features a rustic gray wash that contributes to a continuity of the wood look throughout the piece.
Since the entire fixture, including the frame, is built by hand, each one will look unique. I won’t tell anyone you bought it at Pottery Barn, and no one will be the wiser.
Clarissa Modern Crystal Flush Mount
All the low profile appeal of a boob light – but with dazzle! This Clarissa Crystal Flush Mount is a festive display of sparkling, faceted-glass crystals with your choice between a simple brass or bronze base. Instant modern glam!
Basil Flush Mount
The clover-shaped Basil Flush Mount is quite possibly the cutest darn flush mount ceiling light fixture I’ve ever seen! 😍 It’s incredibly compact, making it perfect for low-ceilinged rooms and hallways (even its larger option sits very flush to the ceiling), and comes in a variety of styles and finishes.
Take a peek at the Clear Glass Rods & Frosted Glass options if you have a penchant for all things Art Deco.
This one has actually found a home in my laundry room! 🎉
Click/Tap the Images Below to Shop these Statement Flush Mount Lights
The Best Semi Flush Mount Lighting Fixtures
If you’re looking for a little more visual dimension than a traditional flush mount ceiling light, why not try one of these gorgeous semi flush mounts? Semi flush mount lighting hangs a little lower than flush mounts, but only by a few inches. See the semi-flush mount I chose for my old kitchen here!
One of these fixtures might look stunning in your space.
Custom Tapered Semi Flush Mount
This Custom Tapered Semi Flush Mount comes in three finishes: bronze, brass, and nickel – and a variety of mounting hardware styles. The bronze finish especially has a decidedly farmhouse chic look to it.
Harbour Point Semi Flush Mount
Add a touch of nautical sophistication to your home with this Harbour Point Semi Flush Mount. The Liberty Gold finish has a classic, stately vibe that will not only upgrade your old ceiling light, but take your overall home decor to the next level.
I want to use this light in my office whenever we finally hire an electrician to come out and make an overhead light in there!
Stephine Semi Flush Mount
This simple, inexpensive Stephine Semi Flush Mount looks great and complements a variety of decor styles, from farmhouse to classic/traditional to nautical. Its wide, flat bell shade comes in galvanized steel and coffee bronze finishes and will give your home a subtly industrial touch.
Arren Semi Flush Mount
Where are my midcentury modern fans? This Arren Semi Flush Mount is for you! Clean, simple and sexy, this beautiful fixture will give your home the appeal of Don Draper’s high rise apartment.
Featuring a gorgeous round milk shade, the base comes in your choice of brass or matte black finish.
Click/Tap the Images Below to Shop these Semi-Flush Mount Lights
There you go – 15 reasons to replace the ugly boob lights in your home! Which of these flush mount lighting ideas was your favorite?
Any advice on where to look to replace a flush mount light with a pull chain? We have a slanted ceiling in our master room that has a “boob light” with a pull chain as the fixture is wired in with the ceiling fan/light fixture on the other side of the room. I have wanted to change it for years, but I’ve got no clue where the contractors found that light!
Hi Ellyn, I wish I knew, but I don’t. So sorry!
Thanks, Laura, I’ve been trying to find a flush mount light fixture for the den in our mid-century ranch home. Your links helped me find the way to a couple of interesting options. I appreciate everyone having his or her own decorating style, life would be painfully boring if we all liked the same thing. Having said that, locating sources of mid-century modern and modern decor is a tough task when the trends and market are saturated with farmhouse, modern farmhouse, modern rustic, rustic farmhouse, etc. Do you hear this from readers of your blog, Instagram followers, influencers or other decorators?
Hi Annie, I do see that certain styles are easier to find (and at lower price points) when something is very trendy, like the farmhouse or modern farmhouse styles. But as with everything, styles change and new styles become popular. I would try Crate & Barrel and West Elm for a first stop when shopping for modern or mid-century modern pieces. Since it’s not my favorite style, I don’t shop those places much, but they would be where I’d shop first. Good luck hunting! xo, Laura