When lighting your home, multiple kinds of lighting has to be included: task, accent encompassing. Both flush and semi-flush fittings are ceiling-mounted to light a larger place. When you purchase a new residence, flush and semi-flush lights typically are installed in halls, walk in closets, and as overhead lights in a variety of rooms. Though used for similar functions, the 2 kinds of lighting differ in a semi-flush mount fixture is suspended on a stem, leaving a little gap — [usually 4 to 8 inches to the top of the fixture](http://blog.quoizel.com/2013/03/04/flush-or-semi-flush/) — between the ceiling and the fixture, while a flush mount hugs the ceiling.

Flush Mount Fixtures

Flush mount fittings supply **greater ceiling clearance** and, as they’re mounted so tightly to the ceiling, are far less prone to catching dust and bugs within the fixture. Though the fixtures may be decorative, they tend to blend in more with the ceiling. Flush mounts are also strategically chosen to conceal marks on the ceiling close to the light source. Hallways are an perfect location for flush fittings, as are kitchens, which frequently have more direct task lighting, as required.

Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures

Semi-flush fixtures offer **more illumination** than do flush fittings. The difference between the surface of the light and the ceiling permits for an uplit effect, reflecting light from the ceiling while also providing a more direct downward mild. Therefore, they offer better ambient lighting and are favored for living spaces. Many manufacturers provide more decorative options from the semi-flush style than they do the flush mount as those lights are meant to be viewed.

How High

The principal factor in choosing a ceiling fixture is height. Consider both the ceiling height of this space as well as also the height of the tallest person who will regularly utilize the space. In areas where people walk straight under the fixture, plan to have a [minimum 84 inches](http://blog.1800lighting.com/flush-semi-flush-question/) in the bottom of the fixture to the finished ground. If the ceiling is lower compared to 90 inches, opt for a flush mount light. Conversely, a 20-foot ceiling could look absurd and out of scale with a flush or semi-flush light. The light cast in such a space would also be insufficient.

Defined Purpose

The usage of this space to be illuminated makes a difference. When a light is placed directly over a stationary object, including a dining table, bed or breakfast bar, you have greater flexibility in terms of lighting choices as headroom becomes less of a problem. Hallways, closets and stairwells, however, bear greater thought. If the ceiling height is 9 feet or greater and you intend to regularly move items in and out of the space, you must think about the measurements of the items being moved and if a decrease hanging fixture may impede movement.

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