Transform Your Space with Flush Mount Fixtures
If you’re in the market for new lighting, your research has likely led you to one of our most frequently specified types—the flush mount. Whether you're aiming to cast a gentle glow over a cozy reading nook or brighten up your entire living room, the right lighting can dramatically transform a space.
Flush mounts are the hidden gems in the realm of lighting. Sleek, practical, and often underestimated, they pack a powerful punch in your interior design plan. So, let's dive deep into how these fixtures can elevate your next home renovation project. Settle in—it’s time to light up your understanding of these versatile illuminators!
Photography by Emily Keeney
Why choose a flush mount fixture?
Choosing the right light fixture can make or break the ambiance of a room. Flush mount light fixtures offer a distinct set of advantages that might make them a better fit for your space compared to other ceiling-installed solutions, such as pendant lights.
Here’s why you might opt for a flush mount:
Space efficiency
Flush mounts are ideal for areas with low ceilings where pendant lights might pose a hazard or overwhelm the space. By fitting snugly against the ceiling, flush mounts provide ample lighting without intruding into the living area, making them perfect for hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Versatile aesthetics
Flush mounts come in a myriad of styles, from ultra-modern LED fixtures to traditional crystal designs. This versatility makes it easy to find a light that complements your existing décor without compromising on style.
Even lighting
Unlike pendant lights that often focus light downward, flush mounts are excellent at illuminating a broader area. They provide an even light distribution that can make small spaces appear larger and more welcoming.
Safety and cleanliness
Flush mounts are often easier to clean and maintain, with fewer nooks and crannies. They are less likely to collect dust than pendant fixtures and are a safer option in kids’ rooms, where low-hanging lights might be within reach of young hands.
Seamless integration
Flush mount lights can be installed with dimmers and other lighting controls, allowing for seamless integration into your home’s smart lighting system. This functionality is particularly beneficial in rooms used for multiple purposes, where adjustable lighting is crucial. By choosing a flush mount light fixture, you’re not just selecting a lighting option; you’re enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space. Whether you're dealing with height restrictions or just prefer a minimalist look, flush mounts can provide the lighting solution you need with the style and elegance you desire.
Photography by Emily Keeney
How do I choose the right size flush mount fixture?
When it comes to lighting, size matters! Choosing the right size fixture for your room is just as important, if not more so, than choosing the right decor style for your fixture. So, where to begin? First things first: measure, measure, measure! Grab your tape measure, and let’s get to work.
Room size
To find the perfect size flush mount, add the length plus the width of your room in feet. The result will be the ideal fixture diameter in inches.
If your bedroom is 10 x 12, this is your calculation:
10 feet + 12 feet = 22-inch diameter flush mount light fixture.
Pro Tip: I use the ideal size as a center-ish point for a diameter search range. In this example, I will search for a fixture that is 18 to 24 inches in diameter. 18 inch flush mounts are typically easier to find than a 22 inch flush mount.
Room height
To find the ideal height for your flush mount, start by measuring your ceiling height. Flush mounts work best for ceilings that are 9’ or less. Ideally, you need 7 feet of clearance from the bottom of the flush mount to the floor. To give you a better sense of the scale, standard interior doors are 6 feet and 8 inches high. It is ideal for the bottom of the flush mount to be a minimum of 4 inches above the top of the door jamb.
If your bedroom is 8 feet high, this is your calculation:
8 feet - 7 feet = 12 inches maximum flush mount fixture height
Where do I find the perfect fixture?
Now that you understand the benefits of a flush mount fixture and how to select the ideal size for your room, it is time to shop! I have created a roundup of our favorite flush mount fixtures to guide your shopping journey.
Now you’re on the light track!
Now that you know all about the flush mount, you’re ready to take the next step on your renovation journey. Don’t fret if this light fixture doesn’t fit your needs. The Renovation Blueprint blog has a ton of great resources about lighting (and so much more!). Start here to spark your next bright idea.
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