Hi! It’s me, Jess—your resident light fixture-obsessed friend. Today I am here to chat to you about your boobs. BOOB LIGHTS! We allll know the ones. Landlords and flippers love them because they are cheap (especially when you need to get a lot of them). It’s a real “don’t hate the player, hate the game” situation, but honestly, I’m not a fan of either. I am sure there are some of you reading this who have wanted to switch those puppies out from the moment you toured your home for the first time, and either haven’t had the bandwidth to search for the right replacement or haven’t had the budget, or both. Well, I hope this post will solve both of those problems.
I know it can feel intimidating to replace a hardwired light, but I promise it’s easier than you think! I’ve switched out so many lights in my many rentals on my own, but of course, if you don’t know how, then get a person who does (and maybe they’ll teach you for the future). Safety first, deal? Or if you have the budget to pay someone, then that’s the easiest option:) Ok, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to see the profound power of saying buh bye boobs, and hello beautiful ceiling lights.
No one on this earth could tell me Caitlin’s hallway in her rental apartment doesn’t look one million times better post its makeover/new lights. It, of course, would have been massively upgraded with the paint and art added while still keeping the boob lights. BUT it’s so stunning and so special with the new semi flush mounts.

Sara’s kitchen in the home she and her husband bought got a wonderful gut job with the help of her dad and brother. There was no way a new and improved ceiling light wasn’t going to be installed. The size is similar to the original, but the shape and accents make the space more elevated and work perfectly with the rest of her design/the home’s architecture.

The original entry ceiling light at the mountain house is more of a cousin to the classic boob light, but it had the shape and nipple accent, so I’m counting it! It was dated and didn’t work with the light, airy, Scandi vibe the home would eventually have. So Emily and the design team picked out this beautiful semi flush mount that was simple in shape but had fun modern accents (like most of the house had). A MUCH better fit.

And for my final example today, I’m taking you to the farmhouse entry. Again, the original light was more “boob light adjacent,” but regardless, it wasn’t a style fit. Instead, Emily chose a more pendant-like light that was simple and neutral (and beautiful) so that the wallpaper and art wall could really shine. Couldn’t have picked a better one if I tried.
Now, let’s talk about your home, shall we? I chose lights that range from $28 to $339 (don’t worry, the over $250 section is the smallest, but I loved them, so I wanted to add). And style-wise, I really tried to find something for everyone. And of course, even if you don’t have a boob light to replace and just need a ceiling light (flush and semi flush mount) recommendation, you are welcome to:) Let’s take a look.

1. Miasophia Glass Semi Flush Mount | 2. Glass Flush Mount | 3. Hyde Flushmount
Why not start off modern? A black ceiling light can either be a fun, bold, but cool statement on your light colored ceiling, or blend in nicely on your dark colored or dark wallpapered ceiling. What I like about #1 is the horizontal length and that it gives off so much light. Sometimes these standard boob lights are the absolute wrong scale and too small for the area they are in. So this one is perfect if you have a low ceiling in a larger or longer space where you want a bigger flush mount. Plus, the shape is great. #2 is both cool and playful. It also comes in brass if that’s more your style. Then #3 has an awesome modern utilitarian shape. Almost “Schoolhouse” in style but at a very affordable pricepoint. I also love that since the bulb/glass cover isn’t super tucked into the black dome, you’re still going to get a ton of ambient light, instead of super directional.

1. KRANBALK | 2. Statler Glass Semi Flush Mount | 3. Gemma Flushmount Ceiling Light
I was pretty happily stunned when I saw that #1 was an IKEA fixture. Not that it was shocking that IKEA had a great light (they have many), but this one just looked more elevated. The color is so chic. Then I just love the classic shape of #2. Vintage MCM-inspired but still so modern because of the cool beige color. It also comes in other colors if this doesn’t work with your home. Then the #3 is also such a great find! The color is a soft, warm beige that I’m in love with (you can see it better on their site). To me, it looks like another affordable Schoolhouse-like fixture, which is a high compliment.

1. Semi-flush Mount Light Rattan Shade | 2. Farmhouse Rattan Plait Dome Semi Flush Mount | 3. Light Raffia Dimmable Metal Drum Flush Mount
Now, for the woven lights:) If you want to add more visual texture to your home, then these would be great options for you. I really like the shape of #1, which makes it feel a little more eclectic than anything else. #2 is the perfect medium tone and would work effortlessly in a more traditional or farmhouse home. #3 comes in two different sizes and colors with a fun shape (and at a great price!). I will say for all of these, you can likely expect a medium to low amount of light. Rattan/woven lights like these are great for a more moody vibe. Just want to manage those expectations:)

1. White Fabric Flush Mount | 2. White Modern Style Semi-Flush
If you want a soft texture/organic-looking ceiling light but aren’t looking for that rattan look, then these two are perfect! #1 is a vintage-inspired beauty. The shape is so elegant, and the warm Japanese silk fabric would give off the prettiest light. Then, if you want modern romance, by way of flush mount, #2 is a great price and totally special. This is my type of visual texture:)

1. Cudzilo Semi Flush Mount | 2. Sawvel Semi Flush Mount | 3. Saffron Single Light Glass Flush Mount
I didn’t have a perfect category for these three, but I loved them, so here they are. #1 is this cool modern organic wood light that feels very midcentury modern vibe. Look at that high gloss wood! Then #2 is perfect for a minimal look. OR think how pretty this would look in, say, a burgundy hallway?? I do prefer opaque light bulbs with most lights where the bulb is exposed, so the light is less harsh. #3 is for my color lovers. It’s fun, eclectic, and totally unexpected. I would love to see this in someone’s home that full of patterns and color.

1. Gem Fern | 2. Dakota Gathered Fabric Flush Mount Conversion Kit | 3. Odette Flush Mount Conversion Kit
Now, while I’m a renter who will change her ceiling and wall lights without a second thought, I do understand that not every renter is like me. There have been some new developments in the boob light concealing arena that are very cool and don’t require an electrician. Welcome to boob light covers! #2 and #3 are both from Urban Outfitters and have really fun and playful looks. There are a couple more options on their site if you want to see. But if you’re looking for something a little more organic and neutral, take a look at #1. Gretchen was the first one to make me aware of this brand, Tulip Shades, and I think they make the coolest designs. There’s a lot to choose from, so go take a peek.
Let’s go up a little bit:)

1. Romines Cotton Semi Flush Mount | 2. Landor Natural Woven Drum Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light | 3. Holden Linen Flush Mount
We all know that a drum shade gives off beautiful, soft, even light. A real 10/10 if you will. These were the favorites that I found. #1 is simple and classic and can do no wrong. It also comes in all white if you want it a little more modern-looking. Then, for a warmer/more natural look, #2 is perfect. It’s got an organic vibe while still working seamlessly with a more traditional style. I love a cone shape too, like #3. Still classic and traditional, but a little fresher.

1. Anders Porcelain Flush Mount | 2. Piero Flush Mount | 3. Allegra Large Linen Flush Mount Light
These next three are also soft light beauts. #1 is going to give off a more directional light, but I love the drum shape in that more organic porcelain material. That, plus the brass base, is such a pretty style contrast. Then #2 is giving modern art deco. Simple and special is the only way to describe this cutie. #3 is what I think the World Market one duped. It’s $100 more, which is a pretty big difference if you have a smaller budget. I do, of course, love this one and the ball finial (yes, it’s kinda like the boob light nipple but waaaay prettier, ok??!).

1. Kalani Flush Mount Light | 2. Rattan Bubble Flush Mount | 3. Meridian Ceiling Light
Another rattan roundup, but with a bit more of a luxury look. #1 is wonderfully refined, while still having that texture and organic feel. Oh, and the light bulb is popping out of the bottom, which makes me think the lighting will be pretty good:) #2 will likely give off a moodier and reduced amount of light, so not great for spaces that need that. Otherwise, if that works for you, how sweet are those scallops? I also love the darker rattan and the white matte base. It feels more modern than if it were brass. #3 does such a great job mixing a more traditional metal base shape with a trendier wide cone shade. It looks completely classic but cool and will stand the test of time!

1. Scarlet Flush Mount Light | 2. Stefanie Silk Flush Mount | 3. Pierce & Ward Pleated Flush Mount
Pleated shades are still going strong, and I, for one, am very happy about it. #1 is as classic as they come, and with the light filtering base, it’s guaranteed to give off a soft, beautiful light. #2 I love because of the inverse shade. This one isn’t a knife pleat like the other two, but it still counts in my book. The brass detailing is also so pretty. #3 is incredible fun because it’s yellow! And before you think this color may be a little too bold, read this post, and you will feel differently. Plus, anything that Pierce & Ward designs is amazing.

1. Farmhouse Metal Flush Mount | 2. Rosanne Glass Flush Mount | 3. Kitt Metal Round Indoor/Outdoor Flush Mount
Oh, I really love #1, and I think it would be so, so pretty in a modern farmhouse. Can’t you see these also in Em’s house? Of course, it can work with other styles too, and the cream/brass is really elegant on this light. It does come in three other color options if this one doesn’t work with your home. #2 is another great modern traditional light that is simple but not boring, and could work with so many styles. #3 is bolder with its black exterior, but really gives off that modern utilitarian style perfectly.

1. Drift Adjustable Ceiling Lamp | 2. Boden Dome Flush Mount Light | 3. Polly Modern Metal Flush Mount
I don’t have a place in my apartment for #1, but I wish I did! It’s so chic and simple and feels vintage-inspired. It also comes in green/brown combo if you want some color in your ceiling light. If you love a real “mod” look, #2 is extremely cool and will give off so much light! Lastly, #3 is for my color lovers. Another yellow, but if you want to go even bolder, there’s a lavender and red combo:) The shape is also just so sweet.

1. Coy Flushmount Ceiling Light | 2. 3-Light 22 Modern Sputnik Globe Semi Flush Mount
If you’re a fan of a more “chandelier look,” then these two lights could be great picks for you! #1 is another from Article that I’m so impressed by. The shapes of the shades give it an extra cool edge, and with 4 bulbs, you’re getting a very lit room (I would recommend a dimmer:)). It also comes in black. Then #2 is a total classic that’s another one that won’t go out of style. It also comes in a black/gold combo, and you can pick from a white bulb or a hammered glass bulb. I tend to prefer the white since the light is filtered and softer.

1. Ahona Dimmable Semi Flush Mount | 2. Ardythe Alabaster/Metal Semi-Flush Mount | 3. Ascot Aged Brass Flush Mount Light
Who doesn’t love a little bit of glam in their lighting, right? #1 is a great option and actually pretty on trend despite not giving that vibe (the dream:)). Now, #2 won’t work in every home, but for the right style, I know it would look so incredible. I really love the shape of #3’s brass base. It’s elegant, clean, and special!

1. Bundt Semi-Flushmount | 2. Matte Pleated Glass Semi-Flush Mount
Modern elegance is what this style is all about! #1 is such a pretty inverted flush mount light. The slight glossy sheen and the soft light that’s likely going to radiate through your room will be beautiful. #2 is the same, but also kind of opposite. Similar shape but flipped the other direction and in a matte sheen. You can’t go wrong with either.

1. Gull Flush Mount | 2. ELIANA Flush Mount | 3. Radner Flush Mount Light | 4. Cruz Flush Mount | 5. Dilworth Flush Mount | 6. Helmi Flush Mount Light
I know it’s debatable to call these “affordable,” but since everyone has a different budget, I wanted to give just a few more options (plus once I start finding lights I love, it’s really hard not to want to share:)). I’m obsessed with the shape and two-tier look of #1. The modern but vintage style of #2 is so so good (and would give off beautiful ambient light). I adore the color and organic shape of #3 (I would own that in a second). The modern boldness of #4 with that cone-shaped shade is effortlessly cool. Oh, and the mix of materials in #5 is so, so good. If you haven’t heard of Worley’s lighting, then go to their site now. Their pieces are so beautiful, and Emily even used them in some of the River House rooms. Just saying. Finally, #6 is a very special and unique piece, and in the right home will completely shine (I had to do one lighting pun:))
Ok, end of session. As always, I really hope this was fun, gave you some ideas, and for the sake of this post’s mission, convinced you to replace that boob light.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design and Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Styled by Emily Bowser | From: Sara’s Galley Kitchen “Update” Turned Into a Full Renovation (And The Result is Well Worth the Wait)
These are lovely options! I especially like the scallop designed lights. I finally changed out the light fixtures in the kitchen and hallway in my home a few months back. We’ve lived here for 3 years. It really does make a big impact. It’s funny, I find for me, I’ll buy a lot of Starbucks drinks, and little things that add up, but always tell myself the lights will be too expensive, but when I actually just pull the trigger, it is SO worth it for the impact that it makes.
Congrats! It’s such a great feeling once you do it!
any tips on the actual replacing process? That’s the part that intimidates me even though I’m generally handy. Can’t pay someone but would have stared at my boob lights for years picturing their replacements. Just nervous about the ‘how to’.
If I can do it then you can, I promise. I would go on YouTube and learn from a professional electrician. I’m sure there are a ton. Good luck!
thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂 I can build or paint anything at home ( ish) but have always been intimidated by electricity. If anyone else has specific tutorials I’d love to hear! My bad lights are menacingly laughing at me.
Do research from a reputable source (I always love the comfort of the Mass accents of This Old House guys) but if they were installed correctly the first time around, replacing lights is about making sure the power is off, unscrewing what you’ve got, twisting the new wires together a bit, and then mounting the new guy. 3 wires total, not super hard.
If you’re confident enough to use a saw and
not chop fingers off, you’ll be able to learn how to change a light. The issues arise when the wiring is sketchy and you discover a mess underneath your old fixtures (ask me how I know 😉 )
Been there with the sketchy wiring and poor drywall openings!
Another thing to watch for is improper support in the ceiling for a heavy light fixture or fan.
I really like these suggestions and if you’re considering continuing the series beyond boob lights, would love some ideas on replacing the track lighting down my hallway (ugly! spotlights!) and the big florescent light in my galley kitchen (too bright! hard to figure out the right scale given how bright it is!).
Good idea! I’ll talk to the team about it
Could we also talk about ceiling fans which are so practical and use less energy but I rather shunned by the decorating world
While we’re talking requests, I second the ceiling fan request! (although I do think there’s been a ceiling fan roundup before). I’m in Atlanta, where old homes use tall ceilings plus ceiling fans to keep things comfy. I also want to add, when looking at ceiling lights, would love a post discussing how the design of the fixture affects the way it lights the room. My dad is an electrical engineer who designs lighting, and he’s weary of the “cave effect.” It’s when a room is bright, but there isn’t enough light thrown at the ceiling. You feel like you’re in a weird cave when light is coming from above, but the ceiling itself is dark. It’s my theory for why so many people hate the big light and why I haven’t figured out a good replacement for my ugly 90’s ceiling fan with 4 bulbs. I like that it throws light to the room and the ceiling, lighting all four corners evenly. It’s also why I’d hesitate to pick a semi-flush mount fixture that has a downward pointing shade, but I’m curious what situations that would work in! Am I missing out, or do they always cause the cave… Read more »
yes please! My husband is a ceiling fan addict (and I have grown to really appreciate them). The fan in the bedroom is an absolute non-negotiable (and he’s up for most of my ideas – this is a totally reasonable line in the sand).
While a round up of options would be nice (tbh i’m probably always opting for simple & white), what i’d really love and appreciate is options to PAIR with the ceiling fan – how can I work WITH the practicality of the ceiling fan
Also replacing canned lights with pretty ones. This could be a great series!
One important thing to note (as someone who just replaced all the boob lights in an apartment) is that most boob lights cover 2-3 bulbs, BUT a lot of the pretty ones noted above only hold 1 bulb (I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DO THAT!). So, not only do you need to consider if the shade/design will block/muffle any light, but you need to be aware you may be cutting your lightbulbs in half/by two-thirds… not something that’s ideal for most spaces.
I wish these vendors would A: make more things with 2+ bulbs that aren’t like a chandelier look and B: be clearer about how many bulbs their light holds (that should be the first detail it notes, not way down in the description drop down!)
Good tip! There are a good amount in this post that have more than one bulb but are covered so you can’t see. But I totally hear you!
Yes! Sorry, I more meant the ones I’d sourced that had the look of the pretty ones above…. Not necessarily that yours were all 1 bulb! 😀
It just wasn’t something I’d thought about! Every single ceiling-mount light in my apartment was 2 bulbs, so I didn’t realize that 95% of the ceiling mount fixtures I was looking at online (i.e. non-ugly ones) would be 1 bulb!
This EXACTLY.
As someone who is six months in to living in a house filled with the epitome of early 2000s builder grade lighting, including boob lights everywhere, this post is soooo helpful! Please do ones for sconces, vanity lights and chandeliers too!!
So happy this was so helpful! And we’ll definitely talk about continuing the series:)
They’ve done a few of these types of posts over the years but probably time for an update. Search for these posts:
Love this! Can you do a roundup like this for ceiling fans? We’re trying to find a replacement for a super ugly one in our house but are struggling to find something that looks nice. (Would 100% remove the fan if we could but the air circulation is needed in our old home without AC)
They’ve done a few over the years but probably time for an update. Search for these posts:
Impossible. Sorry! There are no aesthetically pleasing ceiling fans for some reason. I find it so baffling and frustrating, since my husband insists on one for our bedroom. No matter how much I look I have never found one I love. Eventually, I just break down and agree to the least upsetting option. Lol…
Just throwing out my favorite $2.50 renter fix for boob lights
I bought one of these to basically “cover” the boob light in my bedroom. Cut the wire at the top a bit so that I could slide it over and under my boob light. No wiring required!
Instead of switching perfectly usable lighting, wouldn’t it be easier and much cheaper just to spray paint the base/framing? I don’t think boob lights are as bad as every blogger claims. There is so much waste sitting in landfills because people dump usable decor items just to needlessly replace them with yet more stuff. And for paying an electrician to switch out a ceiling light may be more expensive than the light itself. Many landlords don’t allow cosmetic changes because they don’t want their property damaged.
They ARE as bad. Painting them will not hide that. Switching out light fixtures is easy, no need to hire someone.
I’ve updated lighting in almost every rental I’ve lived in and the landlords have rejoiced. Once, my first rental, I did more work than I should have and asked for slight compensation when I was moving out. The landlord balked but then I said, “Fine. I’ll return the house back to the original state.” She paid.
I’m sensitive to sustainability. Updates can be made with used or reclaimed materials and the lights removed donated. Aesthetics might not be a priority for you, and that is fine. It’s just the point of this whole blog…
I’m wondering if this boob light thing is a particularly North American phenomenon? I live the other side of the Atlantic and I can’t think of anyone’s house that has a boob light. And maybe because they are unfamiliar to me, they don’t look too bad. Is it something to do with ceiling heights? Outside of bathrooms, most basic ceiling lights here are suspended from the ceiling rather than attached directly to the ceiling (if you know what I mean).
This may be one of the most helpful posts of all time, ever on this site. Thank you so much for continued excellence!
Love so many of these! And, SCALLOPS- such a happy little resurgence. I’m doing my laundry area with 1940s barkcloth, flamingos, vintage tablecloths, and scallops. There are two canless/ puck style lights in the ceiling- any suggestions on how to easily upgrade those?
These kinds of roundups are always so useful!
Last year, I swapped out a boob light for the “Mitzi Wave 3 Light 16″ Wide Flush Mount Drum Ceiling Fixture” and it was a lot bigger than I thought in person, but I love it so much! One thing with the boob light replacements is that I didn’t want to look up directly in a bulb. I also wanted it to be interesting but not loud. The wavy edges on this fixture are just enough.
I really want #1 under black and modern – supposedly has over 2000 reviews but when you hit “show more” it’s just repeating them. Getting real reviews in the age of AI is going to be challenging. Anyone actually have that one and can vouch for it?
I only look at the photos in reviews because to me that can’t be faked. That light has quite a few photos, so I think the reviews are valid. Plus, the price point and return policy make it low risk.
This was perfect timing! Any suggestions for replacing the boob light-fan combo in my bathroom?
Definitely a case of finding the “least” ugly one because I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a design-forward bathroom fan. Search for the main brands that make them, look directly at their “manufacturing” sites to find one you like. Some of the main brands are:
Currently shopping for our 1960 pink bathroom reno. New fans are decibel rated, and often have timers, so convenient.
And there is an “invisible” bathroom fan now. It looks like a can light but it’s really a fan, none of those ugly grills on the ceiling anymore! It’s the Broan NuTone Recessed Light with Selectable CFM Ventilation Fan. Might not fit into a 1960 bathroom but I’m using them in our 1986 home.
I installed the recessed/can light Broan NuTone over a shower last year, and it’s great!
I like all the options! Thank you. Is there any way we can get something similar for ceiling fans? I know people dislike them but they are a must in some spaces! Xo
Just a note that the bare bulb fixtures are really quite unpleasant to live with. I used clear glass fixtures in my last house in that farmhouse/industrial moment, and even when it’s in the next room, the glare through clear glass was not nice.
Thank you this kind of content is always so desperately needed! Also would be great to see a round up of attractive flush mount ceiling fans with lights (I’m on the hunt!!)
Only buy a fan with a DC motor, they are silent even when running on highest speeds and they last forever.
I have changed out almost every light fixture on my own except the boob light over my stairs (too steep to attempt). I made the mistake of having an electrician install an inverted pendant. Because of the way air circulates in my house, it’s now full of dust I can’t reach! So…next time it’s an enclosed fixture.
I am here for your lamp obsession Jess 🙌🏽 You totally made my morning. What fantastic choices, thank you!
Oh this is on point. We’re currently overhauling my oldest son’s room. It’s down to studs and subfloor right now.
I think I know the answer I’m going to get, but I’ll ask anyway: does a room NEED a ceiling lamp if there are recessed lights? This room has 10′ ceilings, and I’m big on making sure a room has sufficient overhead lighting (my father studied vision and railed constantly about the importance of good light).
My husband thinks can lights are enough; I’m worried that without a ceiling lamp to draw the eye and make it a bit cozier, it’ll feel too general-living-space. And with high ceilings, how big a lamp would we want? Thoughts?
Do you have a minimum of 4 lamps in the room already? That’s step one.
Great post a year ago, great update today. The original post had a few different options (you can find it on the internet archive).
Lol! Boob lights are $29. None of these come close to that.