5 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Every once in a while, I glance around to make sure it feels like our cabin is properly lit and bright enough in all the right places because a dark home can feel depressing! Good lighting is essential for a happy home. An easy and efficient solution to inadequate lighting is to install a flush mount ceiling light.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish and modern touch or simply need more functionality, I put together this easy guide to help you select the perfect flush mount ceiling light fixture for any space in your home! Plus, I’ve curated a few flush mount ceiling light faves from home decor brands that are speaking to me.
What is a Flush Mount Ceiling Light?
Technically speaking, a flush mount ceiling light is a fixture that attaches directly to a ceiling, with no gap between the fixture and the ceiling. A semi-flush light sits at a slight distance from the ceiling.
Flush mounts hang down less than four inches from the mounting plate to the fixture. Semi-flush mounts hang down less than eight inches. If you have a very low ceiling this can be an important factor to consider, although some retailers won’t distinguish between flush and semi flush, so I always take a look at the details of the light before I hit that “buy” button. For the sake of style, I also included some semi-flush ceiling lights in this guide, but remember that function is just as important as style, so get out your measuring tapes before purchase.
Some people refer to standard flush mount ceiling lights as “boob lights” because they well… look a certain way! But flush mount ceiling lighting fixtures have come a long way in the last few years and don’t have to be the dreaded “landlord special” that we all had in our first apartments.
5 Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Measure the space and ceiling height for your flush mount ceiling light fixture
Before purchasing a flush mount ceiling light, it’s important to measure your space and consider the height of your ceiling. This is probably a good rule of thumb for most things in your home, tbh! Measuring the width of the room and the height from floor to ceiling will ensure that you select a fixture that fits well and doesn’t overwhelm the space. For example, if your room is only 10′ wide, I would recommend a ceiling light that isn’t extremely wide because then the proportions could feel off.
Similarly, if your ceilings are low (like in our bedroom above), I recommend selecting a light that is very low profile. Taking into account ceiling height allows you to choose a fixture with an appropriate length or give you an idea if you need to look for one with a low profile if you have low ceilings. If you’re shopping in person, save these measurements to your phone, so they are always with you while shopping. We love making informed decisions over here because avoiding unnecessary returns is a way to really save money on your renovation.
Shop the Post: Minimalist Flush Mount Lights
Determine the flush mount ceiling light fixture style that fits your decor
When selecting a flush mount ceiling light, it’s crucial to consider your existing decor and choose a style that complements it. You always want your home to reflect your personality. From modern and sleek to traditional, minimalist or boho, there are plenty of styles to choose from.
I also believe that it is essential to take into account the paint finishes and paint colors already in your room when selecting a fixture. That way it doesn’t clash with other design elements in the space. For example, when I chose the flush mount light fixture for our cabin bedroom, I chose a satin black finish because it was similar to the stove we use for heat. Visual consistency helps your mind feel cozy and calm in a space!
Similarly, keep in mind that if you’re unsure about which style would go best or have trouble visualizing how a certain fixture may look in your home, many retailers offer virtual room visualization tools to give you an idea of what different fixtures will look like in your space. There are also TONS of interior design tricks that you can try to help make a selection like Photoshop or Canva!
Shop the Post: Mixed Material Flush Mount Lights
Assess the brightness level you need for the room for your flush mount ceiling light
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a flush mount ceiling light is the level of brightness you need for the room. This is something I struggle with (what even IS a lumen?) and is a point of contention in our household. For example, Sean wants our house to literally be as bright as an operating room and I prefer a cozier, more romantic vibe. I will begrudgingly admit that during the winter, I like our home to be a bit lighter and there’s definitely tricks to make your home feel brighter.
While choosing the right color temperature and brightness is very much a personal choice, there are still a few parameters to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the space as well as its intended purpose when selecting a fixture. For example, if it’s a small dining room, dimmer lights create an intimate atmosphere. On the other hand, a kitchen or office requires brighter lighting to keep things bright and functional.
It’s also important to consider the type of bulb that will work best for your needs, whether it’s LED, halogen or incandescent bulbs. Remember that higher wattage doesn’t always mean brighter light, so be sure to research and compare different bulb types before making your decision. Sarah from Room for Tuesday wrote this incredibly helpful guide that I constantly refer back to!
You might also enjoy:
What Our Cabin Looks Like at Night + Tips for Good Lighting — how to pick good lighting for the ultimate hygge ambiance at nighttime and other home decor tips and tricks I swear by!
Choose the right color temperature for the mood
In addition to the level of brightness, another important factor to consider when buying a flush mount ceiling light is the color temperature. Color temperature refers to the appearance of light and can range from warm yellow tones (also known as “soft white”) to cooler blue tones (also known as “daylight” or “cool white”).
The color temperature you choose can greatly affect the mood and feel of a room. For example, warm yellow tones are often used in living rooms and bedrooms for a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cooler blue tones are preferred in kitchens and workspaces for a crisp and energizing effect. Be sure to consider the intended purpose and desired ambiance of your space when selecting the color temperature for your flush mount ceiling light fixture.
Shop the Post: Brass Flush Mount Lights
Select energy-efficient options to save on electricity costs
And lastly, another important factor to consider when buying a flush mount ceiling light is its energy efficiency. Electricity where we live is wildly expensive. So, I’m always on the hunt for ways to reduce our bill, including changing our bulbs. I recommend shopping for options that have the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet certain energy efficiency standards set by the EPA.
As much as I love the warm glow of traditional incandescent bulbs, we’re making the switch to warm LED bulbs for even more energy savings. I didn’t realize that LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting! Plus, they produce less heat, making them a safer and more eco-friendly option. The technology has come a long way, so you can definitely achieve that cozy, warm candle-like glow with an LED bulb now.
I hope you find these tips helpful when choosing a flush mount light fixture for your home! Taking these factors into consideration will help you make an informed decision as you shop and hopefully save time, save money on your home renovation or update and save stress. Once your flush mount ceiling light is installed, your home will be happier too! Leave a comment with any questions or additional tips you may have.
