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Jun 1, 2013

Lighting Tips

How-to Choose the Correct Ceiling Light Fixture: Flush or Semi-flush?

5 Tips to Get the Best Flush Mount or Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures for Your Home107-34

Flush or Semi Flush?

Flush mount and semi-flush mount lighting fixtures are integral components in lighting design, adding interest and depth while providing ambient illumination and decorative lighting effects to hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.

The difference between a flush and semi-flush light fixture is that a flush fixture fits snugly to the ceiling, while a semi-flush fixture is suspended, leaving a small gap between the ceiling and fixture.  Opting for a flush or semi-flush light fixture is based upon taste and proportional considerations, but a few standard rules apply:

  1. Know your style—Traditional, transitional, whimsical, retro or classic, the market for flush-style fixtures is abundant. Find a style that is in keeping with your home’s décor and select finishes that work well with other fixtures and accessories in the room.
  2. Size Up—Whether you need a few flush fixtures from foyer to hallway or one fixture for a powder room or bedroom, your light fixtures must be sized correctly for the best illumination and overall decorative effects.  Know the dimensions of your room, hallway, closet or foyer area to find fixtures that will fit neatly and within electrical code restrictions for this space.
  3. Adjust to Altitude—Choosing a flush or semi-flush fixture will depend upon the height of your ceilings and the height of individuals in your home. Semi-flush fixtures hang between 4-8 inches from the ceiling; this may limit mobility of taller individuals in homes with 7-foot ceilings, so flush fixtures will be a better option.  Do not use flush or semi-flush fixtures in homes with cathedral ceiling; opt for recessed lighting, hanging pendants or  chandeliers.
  4. Be Bright with Bulb Selection—Inquire as to bulb options for your flush or semi-flush fixtures, so you can choose the lamp (light bulb) that is best suited to your particular lighting application.  Balance energy-efficiency with desired ambient illumination for each light fixture.  Many flush and semi-flush fixtures allow for a choice between incandescent, halogen, fluorescent and LED (light-emitting diode).  You may opt for halogen in bedrooms and dining rooms for a warmer, richer illumination; while kitchen areas, hallways and bathrooms may benefit from cooler compact fluorescent or LED lamps.
  5. Gain Ultimate Control–Never underestimate the added benefits of dimming systems, automated controls and technologically improved switches for decorative effects, energy-efficiency and mood-enhancing lighting adjustments.  It is a good idea to have bedroom and hallway flush and semi-flush fixtures installed with updated controls for the ultimate in convenience, nighttime lighting adjustments and energy-savings.

♦ Semi-flush—Somewhere in between the chandelier and standard ceiling fixture, the semi-flush fixture shines with distinction.  Taking up just the right amount of space with the power to attract desired attention, the latest semi-flush light fixtures provide superb illumination with artistic excellence.109-33 Dolce

♦  Semi-flush fixtures provide an added benefit: the small gap allows for double the illumination with indirect uplight rebounding off the ceiling and downlight emitted directly from the fixture.

♦  Flush fixtures—Most often employed in homes with standard 7-foot ceilings to provide general illumination for bedrooms, bathrooms, foyers and hallways.67-34

Novel compositions and unique finishes are available at a variety of price points and are being featured from top lighting vendors around the world, making it easier than ever to find ceiling light fixtures in keeping with your budget and style requirements.

Corbett Lighting offers outstanding flush and semi-flush lighting designs:

-CQ33 “Cirque” Semi- Flush Fixture62-33
120-33 Karma

-120-33 “Karma” Flushmount Fixture