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 get you inspired!
Ah, flush mount lighting.
We've all lived with ugly light fixtures at some point. You know the ones I mean: the infamous, builder-grade favorites, the "boob lights" often found in hallways. You don't have to use much imagination to see how they earned that nickname.
LIGHTING SOURCES: Fabric Shade Flush Mount | Brass 3 Light Semi Flush Mount | Crystal Flush Mount | Flora Ceiling Light with Cut Out Details | Shaded Square Flush Mount | Basil Brass Flush Mount | Tapered Metal Shade Flush Mount | Wood Bead Flush Mount
Flush mount ceiling lights are designed for function, not for looks.
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'll 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 replacing them never makes it to the top of your to-do list.
Those "boob" lights are incredibly cheap. I'm talking under 20 bucks at any Home Depot. For landlords, there's practically no incentive to install attractive fixtures for tenants. Renters don't care enough about a hallway fixture to make it a deal-breaker.
The good news: you don't have to stay stuck with ugly flush mount ceiling lights! There are so many options for beautiful flush mount and semi flush mount lighting that won't break the bank.
The Flush Mount Ceiling Light I Picked
I'll be the first to admit that I put off replacing ugly light fixtures for far too long in my old house.
Why did I put myself through that? It's so easy and inexpensive to swap out your flush mount lighting!
So I promised myself I wouldn't make the same mistake in my new home. I've been working hard to replace every light fixture 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.
In the end, I chose this Simple Bowl Flush Mount for my butler's pantry to take the place of the 90s boob light. It's sooo simple and understated, but upgrading the metal finish and doing away with those odd finials makes a huge difference. It also comes in four finish options, so you can match the other finishes in your home.
This space is so hard to photograph because it's so small, so I snapped a picture to show you the rest of the room, too.
This view is looking in from the dining room. The kitchen is through the door on the right, and the laundry room is 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 work in just about any room of the house.
However, in prominent spots such as living and dining rooms, you'll often find more intricate chandeliers or recessed lights. Bedrooms usually have light fixtures paired with a ceiling fan. That leaves the hallway as the most likely spot for a flush mount ceiling light.
It's easy to see how hallway lights get overlooked. Still, that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun choosing a fixture that shows off a bit of your personality.
Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options:
- Hang your fixture in the center of the room. That means it should be centered across the width of the hallway as well as its length. If there are multiple fixtures in the room, make sure the distance from the wall to each fixture is the same, and that they're spaced evenly from one another.
- Make sure the bottom of your entryway light is at least seven feet off the ground. You never know when a tall friend might come over!
- Try to match the finish (the metal part of the fixture, or in some cases, the wood) to other light fixtures in your home. Matching finishes from room to room creates a sense of continuity.
- Don't forget to think about light bulbs. In 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's 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 want to upgrade your builder-grade fixture without drawing too much attention, start with this list of classic flush mount lights.
Fabric Shade Drum Light
When it comes to simple, unassuming yet attractive decor, West Elm really delivers.
This Fabric Shade Drum Flush Mount is perfect for anyone who needs an upgrade but doesn't want anything fancy or elaborate. The drum-shaped fixture has a linen diffuser that creates a soft glow in your space. It comes with a brass base and off-white shade (my personal favorite), or a bronze 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.
It comes in 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 the builder-grade fixture that came with your home.
Liberty Gold Light
If you want a little more pizzazz but still want something classic and simple, this Liberty Gold Light is a good bet. Its antique gold finish and clean lines bring 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 minimalist homeowner, CB2 designed this beautifully simple Drum Flush Mount Light. There's no metal base or embellishment in sight, just a white linen drum to softly diffuse the light.
Its shallow profile is ideal for lower ceilings, too!
2-Light Flush Mount
This slim, sleek two-light ceiling fixture is so unassuming it doesn't even have a fancy name!
With a white glass shade, a Natural Brass finish and a low price tag, this fixture is the perfect upgrade for anyone who'd rather not spend too much time deciding.
Flora Flush Mount
Isn't she just gorgeous?! This lovely Flora Flush Mount adds just the right amount of embellishment to the standard flush mount profile, with a hint of vintage charm.
Whether Art Deco or Victorian is your jam, you'll love this subtly detailed fixture in brass, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze 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 go all out, you'll love these stunning statement flush mount lighting fixtures.
Addison Square Flush Mount
This Addison Square Flush Mount makes quite a statement.
Available in two vintage finishes, Weathered Brass and Patina Nickel, the unique square shape and decorative design bring old-world flair to your home. It has a very low profile, so it sits very flush to the ceiling, but it still draws 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 knack for antiquing. The handcrafted wood beads have a whitewashed look, and the metal frame has a rustic gray wash that carries the wood look throughout the piece.
Since the entire fixture, frame included, is built by hand, each one looks a little different. 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 sparkle! This Clarissa Crystal Flush Mount is a festive display of faceted glass crystals, with your choice of a simple brass or bronze base. Instant modern glam!
Basil Flush Mount
The clover-shaped Basil Flush Mount is quite possibly the cutest flush mount ceiling light 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 it comes in a variety of styles and finishes.
Take a peek at the Clear Glass Rods & Frosted Glass options if you have a soft spot 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 bit 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 a flush mount, 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, plus a variety of mounting hardware styles. The bronze finish especially has a distinctly farmhouse-chic look.
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 also take your overall home decor to the next level.
I want to use this light in my office once we finally hire an electrician to put an overhead light in there!
Stephine Semi Flush Mount
This simple, inexpensive Stephine Semi Flush Mount looks great and complements a wide range of decor styles, from farmhouse to classic/traditional to nautical. Its wide, flat bell shade comes in galvanized steel and coffee bronze finishes and adds 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 sleek, this beautiful fixture gives your home the look of Don Draper's high-rise apartment.
It features a gorgeous round milk glass shade, and 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 have it: 15 reasons to replace the ugly boob lights in your home! Which of these flush mount lighting ideas was your favorite?
