Searching for low profile ceiling light options that will work for your home? I've rounded up some modern flush mount light options as well as other lights for low ceilings that I love!
Close-to-ceiling lights (also called flush mount lights or semi-flush mount lights) are the best light fixtures for low ceilings. Finding low ceiling lighting solves a common household lighting problem, but can be a bit tricky.
As I sourced low ceiling lighting options for our basement, it got me thinking more and more about the rest of the lighting in our house. It's really a toss-up on whether I love shopping for vintage rugs or beautiful lighting more. I definitely believe that lighting makes a room and, for me, lighting is usually the jumping off point in a space. I tend to be inspired by the light itself first and then choose furnishings and accents around the light.
My living room is a great example of that. I found this amazing light and then, eventually, was able to buy it used and, from there... the pieces of the living room started to come together.
Honestly though, shopping for beautiful semi flush mount lighting can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Our house is pretty cool in a lot of ways, but having low ceilings is something we have to work with. Over the past few years, I've been able to find a wide variety of flush mount lights and semi flush mount ceiling lights that still provide interest and depth to a room.
Before I share low profile ceiling light options, let me tackle a few questions first.
Why do old houses have low ceilings?
Lower ceilings are cheaper to build because you use less materials and are more efficient to heat.
Have you ever thought about ceiling heights and older houses versus newer houses and the ceiling height differences you see in each? A ton of newer houses have tall ceilings. It's beautiful, for sure, but there's still character to older houses that I also really love. That being said, if it was easier and cheaper to change our ceiling height, I might be on board. We have 8ft ceilings and I'd love to have 9ft!
Just know, if you have lower ceilings in your house, you aren't alone.
What is the difference between a semi flush mount light and a flush mount fixture?
A flush mount sits directly on the ceiling. A semi flush mount has a few inches between the ceiling and the light fixture, either hanging down from a small metal rod or just built so that the overall fixture hangs down from the ceiling a few inches.
Here's an example of a flush mount fixture in our entryway.
Here's an example of a semi flush mount light.
Like I've mentioned, I've been shopping for basement lighting fixtures. The basement has 7' ceilings (so even lower than the rest of our house). You might think that with 7' ceilings that you have to go with all flush mount light fixtures or can lights, but I plan to mix and match the lighting to create interest. I'm even going to sneak in a semi flush mount light in the hallway! I'm excited.
I thought it was time to share some of the lights for low ceilings that I've found and have considered for my house. I know it can feel hard to find a modern, flush mount light that feels elevated and unique at the same time. I've got your back on this one.
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Shop Low Profile Ceiling Light Options
Semi flush mount light and flush mount lights under $200
Lights for low ceilings under $500
Basement Semi Flush Mount Light
I bought the Arial Flushmount for our basement hallway. In person, the light is really substantial and beautiful. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
I hope this was helpful! I get so many questions on how to pick out lighting and what I look for. I personally like to invest (spend a bit more) on lighting because I really feel like lighting sets the tone for the space. So, no matter what your budget, if you've never thought about lighting as setting the tone, or laying the groundwork for the space... I hope I gave you some food for thought for the next time you are starting to work on a space and are thinking about where/when to spend parts of your budget.
p.s. I just came across this post that shares some amazing inspiration for swapping out builder grade lights. If you were on the fence for what good lighting can do for a space... go over and be inspired.
Erin
Thanks so much!