The Ultimate Guide to Modern Semi Flush Mount Lighting

When you have a smaller home or a home with low ceilings, lighting can be a challenge. You don’t want to bonk your head on the lighting and you don’t want fixtures that overwhelm a space either. The solution? Modern, semi flush mount lighting.
Over the last 15 years, semi flush mount lighting has come a long way in terms of design. Gone are the days when everyone had the same old “boob” light hanging in their entryway or hallway. Now semi flush mount lighting choices are more modern, sleek and dare I say, sexy?
Read on for more information on how to choose a semi flush light fixture and my favorite picks for modern, semi flush mount lighting.
What is the difference between semi flush mount lighting and flush mount lighting?
There is a key difference between flush mount lighting and semi flush mount lighting. Flush mount lighting hangs down less than four inches from the mounting plate to the fixture. Semi flush mounts hang down less than eight inches. Semi flush mount light fixtures are similar to pendant lighting, but have a more compact profile.
Note that some retailers won’t distinguish between flush and semi flush, so always take a look at the details of the light before hitting that “buy” button. Function is just as important as style, so get out your measuring tapes before purchase!
Just like the 5 factors to consider before choosing a flush mount light, you’ll need to consider these 5 factors for semi flush mount lighting too. The factors are ceiling height, style, brightness, color temperature and energy efficiency. Once you have determined those, you can make an informed decision and choose the best lighting option for your space.
My Favorite Modern Semi Flush Mount Lighting
Semi Flush Mount Lighting for Hallways
Hallways are a great place for semi flush mounts because halls are often times smaller than other rooms in your home and you’ll need a light that is proportional to that space. The following semi flush choices are some of my favorite more compact options.

Semi Flush Mount Lighting for Outdoors
When choosing lights for outdoors spaces, choose something that will hold up to the elements. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a light that will break at the smallest gust of wind! The choices below are all outdoor-rated and many of them come in different finishes to fit your home’s color scheme.

Semi Flush Mount Lighting for Bedrooms
For bedrooms, lighting should be relaxing and warm. No one wants their bedroom to feel like an operating room! That’s why I prefer lighting in the bedroom to have a shade or an opaque globe like the following.

Semi Flush Mount Lighting For Kitchens
Lighting in a kitchen needs to be bright, but most of all it needs to be wipeable. Splatters from cooking food can go everywhere! With kitchen lights, you also may want to consider multiple fixtures to achieve a space bright enough for slicing, dicing and seasoning.

Semi Flush Mount Lighting For Bathrooms
Next up is the bathroom space. For the bathroom, be sure to pick lighting that is rated for damp areas. This means that the fixtures will hold up to the steam and temperature fluctuations in a bathroom.

Semi Flush Mount Chandeliers for Dining Rooms
I love the drama of a chandelier and these multi-bulb, chandelier lights don’t disappoint! They also don’t hang as low as typical chandeliers. These lighting options would be perfect in a dining room or a larger room that you want to be well-lit.

Semi-flush mount lighting doesn’t have to be boring. It might feel limiting to have a smaller home or a home with low ceilings, but now-a-days, there are so many lighting options out there that you’re spoiled for choice!