What Is the Difference Between a Flush Mount and Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lights?

Written by Christina Mogk; Updated May 21, 2015

When lighting your home, multiple forms of light must be included: task, accent ambient. Both flush and semi-flush fixtures are ceiling-mounted to illuminate a larger area. When you purchase a new home, flush and semi-flush lights typically are installed in hallways, walk-in closets, and as overhead lights in various rooms. Though used for similar purposes, the two forms of lighting differ in that a semi-flush mount fixture is suspended on a stem, leaving a small gap -- usually 4 to 8 inches to the top of the fixture -- between the ceiling and the fixture, while a flush mount hugs the ceiling.

Flush Mount Fixtures

Flush mount fixtures provide greater ceiling clearance and, because they are mounted so closely to the ceiling, are less prone to catching bugs and dust inside the fixture. Though the fixtures can be decorative, they tend to blend in more with the ceiling. Flush mounts can also be strategically chosen to hide marks on the ceiling near the light source.

Hallways are an ideal location for flush fixtures, as are kitchens, which often have more direct task lighting, as required.

Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures

Semi-flush fixtures provide more illumination than do flush fixtures. The gap between the top of the light and the ceiling allows for an uplit effect, reflecting light off the ceiling while also providing a more direct downward light. As such, they provide better ambient light and are preferred for living spaces.

Many manufacturers offer more decorative options in the semi-flush style than they do the flush mount as these lights are meant to be seen.

How High

The primary consideration in selecting a ceiling fixture is height. Consider both the ceiling height of the space and the height of the tallest person who will regularly use the space. In areas where people walk directly under the fixture, plan to have a minimum 84 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the finished floor. If the ceiling is lower than 90 inches, opt for a flush mount light. Conversely, a 20-foot ceiling would look silly and out of scale with a flush or semi-flush light. The light cast from such a distance would also be insufficient.

Defined Purpose

The use of the space to be illuminated makes a difference. When a light is placed directly over a stationary object, such as a dining table, bed or breakfast bar, you have greater flexibility in terms of lighting choices as headroom becomes less of a concern.

Hallways, closets and stairwells, however, bear greater consideration. If the ceiling height is 9 feet or greater and you plan to regularly move objects in and out of the space, you must consider the dimensions of the objects being moved and if a lower hanging fixture may impede movement.

About the Author

A decorator/designer, writer, power yogi, and philanthropist, Christina Mogk has been published in Oceana, Canadian Fabric, for which she is managing editor, and Wedding Essentials. She is the author of the blog, mecc interiors | design bites, and writes feature articles for the professional design community via Décor Digest.

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