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The Ultimate Guide to Modern Semi Flush Mount Lighting

The Ultimate Guide to Semi Flush Mount Lighting for bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and more! Get the look and shop the best modern light fixtures.

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.

Check out this post for the best modern, semi flush mount lighting for hallways in your home.

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.

Shop the post for a designer's picks for modern, semi flush mount lighting for outdoor spaces.

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.

These warm and compact semi flush mount lighting picks make your bedroom feel warm and cozy.

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.

The best modern choices for semi flush mount lighting for your kitchen.

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.

Head over to this post to shop my favorite modern, semi flush mount lighting that is safe to use 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. 

These multi-bulb chandelier semi flush mount lights are perfect for a small dining room because they don't hang as low as typical chandeliers but offer so much light.

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!

Photography & styling by Jojotastic.
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