Close to the Ceiling Light Fixtures: Flush & Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures
Ceiling lights hang close to or against the ceiling. Because they provide ambient lighting, they are central to the overall illumination of a room and set the tone for distinguishing style. Available in both flush mounts that hug the ceiling directly and semi-flush fixtures, that drop down slightly to cast light across the ceiling, these valuable light fixtures hang 6” to 21” from the ceiling to allow for installation on lower 8’ to 9’ ceilings with ample feet of clearance below.
If you need a little inspiration to guide your browsing before you buy, we’ve curated some of our favorite ideas and advice in our ceiling light fixtures buying guide!
Types of Ceiling Lights
- Hanging: Light fixtures that hang from the ceiling, including chandeliers, pendants, and lanterns can be found in our Hanging Lights collection. Hanging lights create a striking visual effect and are often used for both decorative purposes, to make a bold design statement, and task lighting, to bring the light down to where you need it to complete specific tasks.
- Decorative: Just because flush and semi-flush fixtures sit closer to the ceiling does not mean they can’t have decorative purpose! Our selection of decorative ceiling light fixtures includes a wide variety of beautiful finishes, like metallic brass, nickel, chrome, antique gold, tin and copper as well as unique materials like driftwood, shells, chicken wire, bamboo, and painted colors.
- Shaded: To diffuse light from the ceiling and create a soft ambiance, shaded fixtures are a popular choice. Shaded options include elegant drum shades, silky sheer to burlap solids, and fun geometric prints, with glass choices from recycled bottle to sparkling crystal, art glass and colored Murano glass.
- Modern: Want to bring a contemporary edge to your lighting? Modern designs, include modern style elements like geometric open frames, mid-century globe shades, minimalist exposed bulbs, and more sleek fixtures with unexpected panache.
- Rustic: If you are updating lighting in a modern farmhouse or cottage design, consider fixtures on the rustic-to-industrial style spectrum, including metal mesh, engine fans, smoke bell lanterns, rustic twigs and antlers, vintage schoolhouse lights and our famous glass Moravian stars!
- Energy-Efficient LED: If an efficient-burning light with a long lifespan is top priority for you, consider choosing a fixture with built-in LEDs, or a fixture compatible with one of our LED bulbs. If the fixture includes LEDs already, that will be noted in the product name and description.
Lights for Any Room: Where to Replace Ceiling Light Fixtures First
Because close-to-ceiling lights are found in so many spaces throughout the home, it may be difficult to decide where to begin when replacing outdated or builder fixtures. Here are a few room ideas to get you started:
- Kitchen: Kitchen lighting design is all about balancing lighting layers, including ambient, task, and decorative lights. Flush or semi-flush fixtures can provide overhead illumination light over damp areas like a sink, where a hanging light might not be suitable, or add decorative appeal over a kitchen table.
- Living Room: A ceiling light can make a stunning centerpiece in a living room design. Check out our living room lighting guide for more ideas and advice, such as choosing a fixture for a room with high ceilings, sloped ceiling compatibility, and where to place your light in relation to living room furniture.
- Bedroom: There’s no better place to express your personal style than in your bedroom design. Whether your bedroom is a bright and airy space where you pass leisure time and recharge, or you prefer softer lighting to help you ease into the mornings and evenings, we recommend picking a bedroom light fixture that matches your energy and that you’ll love to look at each day.
- Dining Room: As a formal space for entertaining guests, the dining room is a place to incorporate a statement piece. Consider an oversized light that will capture attention as soon as you walk in, or opt for a sleek black ceiling light that will add an air of sophistication to your entertaining space.
- Home Office: With many of us working and studying from home more often these days, having adequate light can make a big difference in your level of focus, motivation, and productivity. Consider a stylish but serious finish, like glass or bronze, to give your study a professional feel.
- Kids Room: In a kids room, playroom, or nursery, a whimsical light can add to the fun! Consider a colorful fixture, shape, or shade motif, including floral designs, stars, and nautical ceiling lights such as ship lights, shells, and starfish.
- Hallway or Foyer: Overhead lighting in hallways and foyers is essential for safe movement throughout the home. For wider hallways and entryways, consider pairing a ceiling fixture with coordinating wall sconces to provide enough illumination.
When you are ready to replace an existing fixture, remember to consult a licensed electrician for installation. They will be able to advise on how to install it safely.
Looking for a ceiling fan that also provide a source of light? Browse out our ceiling fans with lights!
