Despite the confusion with recessed lighting, flush mount lighting is instead a flat, close to the ceiling, surface-type of lighting that is ideal for rooms with low ceiling designs or with close quarter dimensions.
A key distinction compared to other lighting is the fact that none of the wiring powering the lamp is visible or accessible without taking down the assembly. The flush features involves the base of the lamp being installed in direct contact with the ceiling surface so there is usually no break (although semi-flush lamps don’t entirely follow this design).
The light shade itself is usually either a porcelain style dome or a cylindrical shade, and inside will be anywhere from two to four bulbs, depending on the intensity of the lamp design.
Regardless of how bright the bulbs are, the dome or shade softens the light and allows it to be used as a mood-setting room illumination instead.
Because the design is so popular, particularly in older homes, flush mount ceiling lighting is available in most home supply stores, lamp stores and from lighting vendors. It’s a popular lighting style, especially in the northern regions of the East Coast.
Many older hotels make a point of using ceiling mount lighting because of the space freedom it provides while still easily lighting up an entire room. The designs have a unique look, and give the room interior a special appearance not found where other room lighting is used.
The finish and framing of the lamp is just as important as it’s light capability, becoming a unique center piece in the ceiling of a room. Below are some of the most common flush mount lighting categories available:
Literally looking like a snare drum installed on the ceiling, the drum style fits very much with a 1960s style, older décor as well unique modern looks. The bottom of a drum style can either be open for maximum lighting spread or closed off with a center tab holding it in place.
Usually, the outer layer of the cylinder is designed for visual appeal, oftentimes being a type of grid or mesh, allowing the light from the center to penetrate. This in turn will cast a slight shading across the room for added effect.Interestingly, this choice also works well for flush mount kitchen lighting in the dining area.
Think of a flat, round bowl placed against the ceiling and that’s close to what a bowl flush mount lamp would look like when installed. This style comes in a variety of options, from a solid dome to a dome kept in place with metal framing to other choices. It’s often spherical in appearance when installed
Unlike the bowl shape noted above, the dome flush places the bottom of the bowl upside down against the ceiling or mount attached to the ceiling, with the rim of the bowl at the bottom of the lamp exposed to the room.Obviously, the center is drilled to allow the wiring and the bulbs to be connected, but this style is very common where one wants the light to diffuse to the lower part of the room versus spread immediately across the top of the ceiling.
The convenience of this style is easy access to the bulbs when they need to be changed, which is not possible with other flush mount styles without first removing the cover or dome from the mount.
Unlike full flush mount lamps, the semi flush style is not directly connected to the ceiling surface. Instead, it hangs a bit lower, usually suspended from the mount with rods, chains, or connected arms.
The wiring is sometimes visible as well from the mount to the lamp unit itself. This style lends itself to unique, modern looks and fit interior designs that wish to stand out as a unique modern flush mount lighting versus traditional or familiar. Semi flush mount lamps can come in a variety of styles, including minimalist metallic as well as fancy crystal chandelier style.
Often seen in alpine lodges and hunting theme motifs, the theme-based flush mount is typically squarish in shape, uses an oiled brass frame look with a light shade background, and sits flush against the ceiling. The shaping of the frame may be pictorial in nature with mountains, wildlife and similar, adding to the décor of a hunting lodge look. However, theme-based flush mount lamps come in other styles as well. Maritime themes are popular too as living room flush ceiling lights.
For folks who have spent a lot of time on the water, boat lighting and outdoor lamps on boats tend to utilize a caged look that is utilitarian and functional. Some homeowners really like these options for patios and hallways. The cage was originally designed to protect the lamp within from being damaged during the rocking motion on the ocean in hallways and vessel internal bedroom flush mount lights. The look gives a unique style to hallways, as kitchen flush mount ceiling light sources in small areas, or a gazebo in the backyard that isn’t usually seen elsewhere.
With Luxe Decor all these above choices and more are available online, easily adding individual style to your home and rooms versus traditional lighting. Contact us to find out more!
Related Categories
Pendant Lighting | Kitchen Island Lighting | Under Counter Lighting | Mini Pendant Lights | Living Room Recessed Lighting | Track Lighting Living Room | Industrial Flush Mount Lights
