There are two main types of ceiling lights: Those with flush mounts and those with semi-flush mounts. Flush-mounted light fixtures are often, but not always, dome-shaped. They're mounted flush to the ceiling. Semi-flush ceiling lights are usually more decorative, and the base of the light extends just below the ceiling. They don't hang as low as pendant lights do, but they sometimes look very similar.

Flush-mount and semi-flush ceiling lights are made to give off ambient light, not task lighting.

Semi-Flush Ceiling Light Mounts

Semi-flush ceiling light mounts are usually ideal in rooms with ceilings over 8 feet high. (Ceilings that are over 10 feet high often look best with chandeliers or pendant lights.) Semi-flush mounts, which generally hang less than a foot from the ceiling, work exceptionally well in:

• Bedrooms

• Hallways

• Home offices

• Kitchens

• Living rooms

• Low-ceiling dining rooms

Ceiling Light Styles

Ceiling lights are available in several styles, each with its own benefits. Some of the most common are bowl, drum, globe and linear, but there are several options available.

If you're creating a traditional look, bowl ceiling lights may be the way to go. Trendy square light fixtures, linear lights and drum-shaped lights can add a modern edge, while lantern-style ceiling lights create a charmingly rustic look.

How to Choose the Right Light Based on Room Size

The size of your room will determine what size flush-mount or semi-flush ceiling light fixture you need. You need two measurements: Diameter and height.

Expert decorators use this formula to find the right diameter for a light fixture:

• Measure the length and width of the room in feet.

• Add the two lengths together.

• Read the sum in inches, not feet, and choose a light fixture with that measurement.

The same decorators use this formula to find the right height for a light fixture:

• Measure the height of the room from floor to the ceiling.

• Multiply the height by 2.5, then multiply the height by 3.

• Read the two products in inches, not feet, and choose a ceiling light that falls within that range.

When you're illuminating a large space, you'll need a fixture with enough bulbs to produce adequate light. You can choose from flush and semi-flush fixtures that fit between one and six bulbs, as well as those that are compatible with a variety of bulb types.

Clearance

In rooms where people will be walking below the ceiling lights, keep at least 7 feet of clearance. In a foyer or hallway, the light should hang with the bottom at least 6 inches higher than the door.

A Word on UL Listings

Underwriters Laboratories, which you'll see on light fixture specifications as UL, rates ceiling lights and other fixtures for safety under certain conditions. The most common UL listings you'll see on light fixtures are:

• UL Listed. When you see a fixture labeled "UL Listed," it means it's safe to use in a dry location, such as an indoor area that's not normally damp. (And in case you were wondering, UL Listed lights are safe for use in bathrooms and kitchens, provided they have adequate ventilation and aren't subject to a buildup of moisture.)

• UL Listed for Damp Locations. Damp locations are interior or exterior locations that are normally or occasionally subject to condensation.

• UL Listed for Wet Locations. Wet locations can be inside or outside, and the term refers to places in which water or other liquids can drip, splash or flow on or against the light fixture's electrical components. These locations can include open-air decks or patios, exterior walls, uncovered porches and shower enclosures.

Find the Right Ceiling Lights for Your Space

Whether you're aiming for a bold, modern look with a round light fixture featuring an etched glass diffuser, or you want to create a rustically charming style by picking a lantern-style ceiling light, you'll be able to find the perfect fixtures for any room in your home with Build.com's extensive selection.

Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lighting

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