This is the first house we’ve lived in with 8’ ceilings. And, while I like how they feel, I’ve had to change the way I think about lighting. I’m usually of the “bigger is better” mindset when it comes to overhead lighting, but that’s obviously not going to work in every room here. I think flush mount lighting has gotten somewhat of a bad rap. I’ve always thought of them as not very exciting and definitely nothing that makes a statement.
But, I think it’s crazy to sacrifice style just because you have lower ceilings. That’s why I lived with a gaping hole in our living room ceiling for several months (after we removed an older ceiling fan) until I found something I loved. I didn’t want to go too small, and I knew I wanted something pretty that still gave out plenty of light.
I actually had this one (the Robert Abbey Axis found here) in my cart several times before I pulled the trigger—mostly because of the price. I could more easily justify spending more money on a chandelier or larger pendant, but I’ve never considered a flush mount an investment. After finally ordering this one, I’ve changed my mind. I think the right light is worth investing in, no matter the size.
You know I’m all about searching thrift stores for light fixtures when possible. But, let’s face it, there are very few good, secondhand flush mounts to be found—unless you’re looking for boob lights.
Side note: I don’t usually make blanket statements about any decorating piece for fear I’ll likely offend some (or lots of) people. But….I can say with confidence that “boob lights” don’t do rooms any favors. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just Google image it. Oh, and also never say “boob light” in front of a fifth grade boy. I learned that lesson the hard way.)
To further prove to you that flush mounts can be super stylish, I’ve rounded up ten of my current favorites:
1 2 3 (similar) 4 5 6 7 8 (similar) 9 (similar) 10
(Some of these are available in other finishes. But, you can tell I’m partial go gold/brass.)
Affiliate links used.
Kimberly says
January 27, 2016 at 8:47 amHi! I’ve been following you and your blog for years and truly love your down to earth ways and realistic design ideas when it comes to making a home. I recently purchase #7 in the silver and it made a dramatic difference in our entry hallway. It also sends out beautiful light when lit. Worth the investment however, a savvy internet shopper can find it discounted…I did.
Thanks again for all of your insight. I can’t wait to see what you do in your kitchen remodel. I’m a firm believer that a space doesn’t need to be big or grand to be perfect but whats really needed is great function. We did a partial remodel to our smaller, minimally functioning kitchen a couple of years ago and it was “life altering” to say the least. We did not change square footage but worked with our existing footprint and existing cabinets … But added on. It brought our family together and created an environment conducive to conversations both for adults (occasionally ?) but most importantly, with our children, which I believe it truly important as our children grow. When you offer a relaxed environment in which children don’t feel like “they are on the spot” conversation naturally flows and the doors of communication remain open. A good thing as they get older and navigate middle school and high school years. Good Luck and can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse says
January 27, 2016 at 9:19 amI love the lighting choices. We moved from a house that had soaring ceilings and open floor plan to a traditional Colonial with 8′ ceilings. So, imagine my shock! I have yet to replace a ceiling light for this very reason. Now I’m thinking Option 9 would look amazing in my foyer! Thanks for sharing. Have a great rest of the week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
All Things Big and Small Blog says
January 27, 2016 at 9:55 amI absolutely love that flush mount! It was worth every penny! We live in a very similar colonial with 8 ft ceilings, and I know the struggle! I grew up in a 140 yr old victorian with soaring ceilings so we had chandeliers in every room, including the all the bedrooms! And finding stylish flush mounts is so hard! Thanks so much for always providing inspiring and useful content!
Annie- All Things Big And Small
Katy says
January 27, 2016 at 10:43 amI love all of these and LOVE the one you purchased. It has been a favorite of mine for a while now! We have 8 and 9″ ceilings all over our house and it is a bit hard to handle when you love chandeliers!
René says
January 27, 2016 at 10:48 amGreat choice! You know I’m a fan of this. ;)
Emily Clark says
January 27, 2016 at 11:44 amYes, and was thankful to have your pictures for a reference :)
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
January 27, 2016 at 11:16 amI’ve loved that light for a long time. Scallops and ribbon trim…hello! You made a great choice and it looks beautiful in your living room!
Erin @ Indigo House says
January 27, 2016 at 11:24 amI’ve been living with a couple of boob lights for far too long. They’re subtle, like the kind that come in a two pack at Lowe’s, but still boob lights. Thanks for doing the leg work and showing us some great options. Yours really pulls the whole space together.
Catherine says
January 27, 2016 at 12:02 pmBoob lights come in a double pack at Lowes??!! Too funny!
Rachel says
January 27, 2016 at 11:36 amJust made my day with “boob light”..can’t stop laughing! Thank you!! And yes, they are horrible!
Classy Glam Living says
January 27, 2016 at 3:44 pmI”m also looking for flush mount for our closet, which has 8′ ceiling. I kept wanting to go back to a chandelier but have doubts… so thanks for convincing me to go flush!
As for boob lights, ya, we had a pair of them in our master bedroom at the old house… it’s an inside joke that we sleep under the pair of boobs… (one above our bed, the other at the seating area lol).
Mary says
January 27, 2016 at 8:09 pmEmily, you made a great choice in your light purchase. I love it!
I have cathedral ceilings everywhere but my small foyer. That has an 8ft ceiling with a recessed light. I’ve been wanting to change it to a flush mount for so long.
It seems a recessed light is a missed opportunity to make a statement.
Thanks for showing us some great options.
Julianne says
January 27, 2016 at 11:08 pmThis round up came at the perfect time. After living with various boob lights through our house, I am finally going to start switching them out. It is going to be a daunting task since we have tons of them but this made it a little easier. Thanks you.
Julianne says
January 27, 2016 at 11:10 pm*thank, not thanks.
Michele says
January 28, 2016 at 7:41 amYour statement flush mount is gorgeous! It’s perfect in that space. I actually put a flush mount in our foyer and I agonized over the price and style. But our “foyer” is tinee-tiny and I didn’t want even a small chandelier competing with the adjacent dining room and living room fixtures. I love the flush mounts you rounded up, too!
Julie says
January 28, 2016 at 8:17 amIt’s beautiful! I love your living room. I’m a firm believer that lighting is one of the best investments you can make in your home.
Whitney Shortt says
January 28, 2016 at 10:47 amYour choice is perfect with your living room! I love 5 and 6 in the round up.
Amanda K. says
January 28, 2016 at 2:23 pmlovely! we have a fancy boob light i hate :)
this is your first house with 8′ ceilings!? amazing! you must have lived in fancy places in the past!
Emily Clark says
January 28, 2016 at 2:44 pmI think almost all new construction around here is 9-10′ ceilings minimum… Seems like it. Maybe that’s not the case in other places?
Amanda K. says
January 28, 2016 at 2:50 pmah, i’ve never looked at new construction. thinking about it, the houses i’ve lived in have all been in the sweet spot between old, high ceilings (i lived in a 1906 townhouse with 13′ ceilings) and new construction.
our current home was built in the 50s and has 8′ ceilings. i think that’s common through the early 90s???
never thought about it before!
Diana says
January 28, 2016 at 4:11 pmIt’s certainly hard to choose my favorite from the ones you listed. We definitely have similar style!
Question for you. I’m trying to choose a flush/semi-flush mount light for my living room with 8′ ceilings. The connecting hallway has an ORB lantern fixture and the kitchen has a black chandelier, but I’m wanting to mix it up and add an antique brass statement fixture in our living room. What are you thoughts on mixing metals in light fixtures? Do you think it would flow or look silly? Thanks for your thoughts!!
Emily Clark says
January 28, 2016 at 5:06 pmTotally on board with mixing finishes!
Diana says
January 29, 2016 at 9:27 amAwesome! That makes my decision much easier. :)
Thanks for your input!! Wishing you the best on your kitchen reno!! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Meggie says
January 28, 2016 at 4:35 pmI love this flush mount light! We live in a house with 8 ft ceilings too and I have struggles with which lighting to choose. I’m curious- what would you recommend for lighting over a dining room table where 8 ft ceilings are involved?
Emily Clark says
January 28, 2016 at 5:05 pmI wouldn’t do a flush mount over a table. I would do a fun (but maybe not gigantic) chandelier or lantern since that’s about the only place you can go a little bigger.
Beverly says
January 29, 2016 at 11:55 pmThank you for doing this post! I’ve lived in my home for 2 years and I’m constantly thinking about replacing the lighting, but it’s been a struggle considering the 8′ ceilings. You provided some good options.
Lex says
February 4, 2016 at 7:24 pmHere’s my dilemma. I have the old boob lights pretty much throughout my house. Do I need to coordinate them? In other words, find one style I like and try to do that or something very similar throughout? Or should I be thinking of using the same kind, say, in all hallways, but vary elsewhere? Help! I’m paralyzed and can’t move forward.
Emily Clark says
February 4, 2016 at 7:29 pmI would change them up in different areas–probably same down hallways and then individual styles for different rooms.
Lex says
February 4, 2016 at 7:42 pmMuch appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m off to window shop for my hallway fixtures first now. ;)
Dawn says
May 14, 2019 at 11:21 amDo you have a rule of thumb for sizing flush mount lights for a bedroom? Some of the calculators I’ve seen suggest a very large (width) flush mount, which surprises me. Thanks!
Emily Clark says
May 14, 2019 at 12:10 pmI really don’t. Maybe there is one, but I just eyeball it :)