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Design Agony! Lighting For Low Ceilings (We Found 33 Perfect Options)

I’m working on so many projects right now and they all have ONE need in common – a wide, multi-bulb, semi-flush mount light fixture. And I’m happy to say that there isn’t a hole in the market and for once there are SO MANY to choose from. But since literally all of my projects need this I figured some of you might also (or might not even realize you needed this).

Here’s why:

  1. Function: most older homes either don’t have or don’t want recessed lighting, but one bulb isn’t enough lighting (especially in the darker months up north).
  2. Scale: Having just one fixture in the middle of a big ceiling is just not that interesting and the scale of it can feel off if the room is on the bigger side.
  3. Interest and Impact: You don’t want to neglect the ceiling and lighting is such a good way to make a statement, but most older homes only have one junction box in the middle (so the option of multiple flush mounts, which is also a thing is not possible without a lot of work/cost).
  4. YET low ceilings…unless you have vaulted ceilings, you can’t fit a standard chandelier, thus the “low but wide” need, clocking most of these under 16″. Most of these below would work for an 8’ ceiling, and if it’s over a bed or coffee table you can drop it even more (probably no more than 18-24”).

Hey everyone! It’s Jess and I’m now taking over this post. Emily did a lot of light fixture pinning but asked me to add in some more options as she had a lot on her plate this week. So if you have a low ceiling we are both here to help. Below are 33 vetted options that we think you’ll love! There’s something for everyone:) Let’s begin.

1. Huxley Large | 2. Modern Flush Mount | 3. Alameda

Now, this first bunch is admittedly modern BUT also chic and versatile…if I do say so myself. The first one (aka #1) could not be simpler and yet more beautiful. With frosted blubs this would give off the prettiest light. Well, actually that goes for any frosted exposed bulb:) But this fixture also comes in black and starts at an 8″ drop with lots of height options. The middle light option I can personally vouch for because I owned it! It’s only 10″ tall but with a 32″ width. You can see it in action in the photos above. So while I didn’t have a low ceiling it was such a pretty fixture and now lives in my best friend’s house in New York who needed a short and wide light. It’s also not a bad price. Lastly, is another Park Studio gem and is pretty freaking cool. Definitely modern and has a starting height of 9″ and a width of 60″. WHAT?! If you have the budget, this is a very chic option that would give off great light.

1. Altona Barebulb Semi-Flush Mount | 2. Trio Chandelier | 3. Modern Flush Mount

Keeping on that simple, linear train (but with a twist), I love these three. The first option, from our beloved Rejuvenation, is beautiful, obviously, but with the wood accents feels a little warmer which is a nice option. However, it comes in three other colorways! It’s also only 15″ tall and has a 29″ width (I believe that’s minus the bulbs so you can add a couple more inches!). The second option is a real looker and BIG KID. It does have a minimum height of 18.5″ but a width of almost 52″. I also just love that brass tone. Lastly, we have a great slightly smaller option that only drops from the ceiling 8″ but is 24″ wide. It’s fun, clean, and also pretty affordable.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: eclectic traditional bedroom reveal

1. Renee Semi Flush | 2. Boccia Curved Shade Flush Mount Light | 3. Ashleigh Semi Flush

Want more bulbs? I’ve got you. All three of these have a much more vintage modern feel (and primarily MCM). Take our first light. It’s got those gorgeous large frosted blubs mixed with black and chrome for a very on-trend yet classic look. It’s only 15″ tall and has a width of 28″. It also has a lot of visual impact! It comes in black and brass if that’s more your style. Now I am pretty obsessed with #2 and it’s one that Em pinned first. It’s vintage-inspired, makes such a visual statement, and is honestly a great price! Also, it’s only 7.5″ tall but has a 34.5″ width! The last one on the right is the smallest of the group but is so classic (sorry, I know this section says it’s only large lights). This one comes in at 18″ tall and 20″ wide, so it’s great for a small to medium-sized room! Oh, and it also comes in chrome:)

1. Jensen Black Metal Semi-Flushmount Light | 2. Stella TRIENNALE | 3. Brendle 3-Arm Semi-Flush Chandelier

But for those with large rooms, these three are awesome. I adore the perforated detail on the metal shades in the first one. I think this could work with SO different styles and the price is great. It’s also a wonderful height at 15.75″ and a 55″ width! Our middle child is pricey but man is it so beautiful. It’s a prime candidate for a low ceiling since it’s 9″ tall and 34 wide. It would give off A LOT of light when needed. Then lastly, we have an EHD favorite that is currently in TWO rooms at the farmhouse (living room, as shown above, and family room). Vintage-inspired, a quality we absolutely stand behind, and so pretty! It’s juuuust over 15″ tall and 40″ wide. And as you can see, Emily’s living room is not small and it works perfectly size-wise. This comes in brass and black:)

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: a refresh of our favorite “child client’s” – bedroom 8 years later

1. Nouveau Aged Gold Three-Light Semi-Flush Mount with Opal Glass | 2. Jane 3 Light Semi-Flush Ceiling Light | 3. Tinsley Semi-Flushmount

So I know that width is a big part of Emily’s current lighting needs but I want to give a few more (literally three) slightly smaller options in case you need one for a smaller room. The first one is similar to one of the options above but it’s even shorter! This Parisian-inspired beaut comes in at 11″ tall and just over 25″ wide, which is a pretty good width if you ask me, especially for the price. The second is an even better price, is also wildly versatile stylistically, and is even SHORTER at 6″ tall and 24″ wide! It also comes in white. But if you want something that feels a bit more decorative I love #3. And get this…it’s only 4″ tall but is 33″ in diameter. So actually not that small after all:)

1. Decatur Chandelier | 2. Wilson Mid-Century White Metal Chandelier Light | 3. Raw Brass Semi Flush Ceiling Light

While typically we go for more ambient lighting for an overhead fixture, when you have a lot of bulbs in a single fixture you don’t have to worry about it not lighting the room properly. So let’s talk about the first one. I LOVE the patina and shape. Yes, it’s also vintage-inspired, as most of these are, but come on it’s good. The price is hefty but for that kind of patina, I’m not shocked. In terms of size, the minimum height is 16.5″ and the width is 42″! So if you love the general shape of #1 but want something more modern MCM (and a lower price tag), the second one is awesome. I love the materials and it still has that great shape. This one has a minimum height of 10.6″ and a width of 45.5″. Wow wow! Our last one doesn’t totally fit into this category but just ignore that. It’s so cute, small, and is a great price. At just over 6″ tall and 18.25″ wide, it’s a great option for the right size room.

photo by kaitlin green | from: the prettiest green and pink kitchen remodel that we completed in 7 weeks

1. Mid Century Linear Double Shade Chandelier | 2. Madera Linear Pendant | 3. Griffith Linear Suspension | 4. Andre White and Brass 2-Light Pendant | 5. Bicentric Sconce | 6. Ondu Dual Flush Mount

Ok, so now that the roundup has gotten larger I won’t write you a whole dissertation on these STUNNERS. However, I can’t get enough of these. Since these have shades you want to consider the light distribution. This means #2, #3, and #4 (which you can see in the photo above) are going to have much more directional/task lighting than the others where the bulbs are more exposed. But if your space doesn’t need to be completely illuminated in a big way, like in a dining room or kitchen, then any of these would work perfectly. But for real for real how CUTE is the little curve in #1??

1. DANNA Chandelier | 2. Hargrove 10 Chandelier | 3. Aston Chandelier | 4. HAVANA Chandelier | 5. Camryn XL Glass Globe Flush Mount | 6. FLUGBO | 7. COBE | 8. Kira Chandelier | 9. Glass Orb Ceiling Chandelier

I save the biggest and brightest (literally) for last. If you want more of a chandelier look despite those short ceilings look no further. None of these are taller than 18.25″ (and most at least a few inches under that). All of these are really special in their own ways and are going to give off awesome light! And while there’s no need to pick favorites #7 is undeniably incredible (and was another top Em pick) and honestly, I am quite taken with #9. Look at Target getting very chic! I’m a high/low girl what can I say:)

We truly hope this was helpful and that we saved you hours of searching the internet. That’s our job so you can sit back and relax. Happy light shopping.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Annie Segal and Marieke Ochtman of ASOM HOME | Styled by Velinda HellenEmily Bowser, and Julie Rose | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for The New Design Rules | From: Tour This Eclectic Midcentury Modern House Designed by ASOM Home + 10 Approachable Design Tricks Anyone Can Do

Fin
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Ali
1 year ago

Beautiful lighting. I have an add on to this dilemma. I have lowish ceilings that slant. (7.5 feet outside wall to 8.5 feet in the center) So many say not suitable for slanted ceilings. What to do?
I currently have can lights that I hate. They shine directly in my eyes when I sit on the sofa.

Anywho
1 year ago
Reply to  Ali

I’d recommend one of the suspended options and create a ceiling built out area that is as big as the pendant mount that is level and not slanted for it to attach to and hang straight. So any pendant option on this list would work

LK
1 year ago
Reply to  Ali

What is the slope of your ceiling? You must caluclate that first: step 1 at this link

Lane
1 year ago
Reply to  Ali

Some sort of pendants with a cable or chain might work. Anything more sturdy would have to be modified. Also flatter flush mounts, like the one with brass. I think that one in particular would be really fun.

Susan
1 year ago

Where is the flush light in the room with the Crome star burst from? (Chrome). Thank you.

Sara
1 year ago
Reply to  Susan

I came to ask the same thing!

LK
1 year ago
Reply to  Susan

Do you mean the Sunburst Light Fixture from Global Views (available in Nickel and Gold)?

Cassie
1 year ago
Reply to  Susan

Same! I love the Starburst fixture. Would love to know where I can find similar.

Stephanie
1 year ago

These are all really beautiful, but some are so far beyond the budget for most of us, methinks. It would be a big stretch for me to pay more than $300 for a light fixture, let alone $7,800!! (Holy smokes!) But they’re nice eye candy.

Julie
1 year ago

The opening image is that beautiful starburst flush mount light, truly flush mount up on the ceiling without hanging down. I’d love to see more like that one! We have a hallway that is much shorter than the rest of our house.

Sam
1 year ago
Reply to  Julie

I know right?!

Mary
1 year ago

Thank you for this! I’m looking for lights like these for our living room and I also need an overhead bedroom light. Being in California, you will understand, it’s so frustrating now that they’ve made LED the only legal option. Honestly, LED lights give me a headache, the last thing I want in the bedroom. Have you found any ways around this?

Ali
1 year ago
Reply to  Mary

If you must have LED be careful to look at lighting temperature. It can make all the difference. A warm LED light might read more like an incandescent.

JenPNW
1 year ago

This is a timely post for me. Our third (smallest) bedroom is my work-from-home office and it was never wired for a ceiling light (house was built in the 1970s). I have been making do with a floor lamp, table lamp, and fairy lights but am determined this is the year I will have an electrician install a ceiling light. Thank you for these great options and ideas. One thing I’ll say: I usually buy online from lumens.com, not only for their wide selection but bc it’s one of the few sites that consistently include important information like lumens, color temperature, and weight of the light fixture. I’m truly surprised that upscale lighting brands like Schoolhouse Electric and Rejuvenation almost never include those type of details, even on their tech spec PDF sheets. It’s a huge miss.

Darci
1 year ago

This is just the post I needed as I am looking for a living room ceiling light for our 8 foot ceilings, but I am not sure what size I should be looking for a 14.5′ x 17.5′ room. I have several lamps but also just need that full room light of an overhead light.

Arfan
1 year ago

Fantastic blog post! Your insightful content truly stands out. It’s evident you’ve put a lot of effort into researching and presenting this valuable information. Thank you for sharing your expertise — looking forward to reading more from you!

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