Can You Put A Flush Mount Light On A Sloped Ceiling?
A sloped ceiling can add dimension and depth to your space, but it does cause some challenges when it comes to choosing the best lighting options for your space. This includes successfully mounting said lighting from the ceiling.
One popular lighting option is flush mount lighting. Technically, you can install a flush mount light on a sloped ceiling, but it is not the best option for this type of ceiling because they won’t light a room as effectively and won’t offer much in terms of enhancing the room’s aesthetic either.
Read on to learn about how flush mount lights work as well as the best lighting for sloped ceilings.
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What is a Flush Mount Light?
A flush mount light is exactly what it sounds like: a light that you mount flush with—or up against—the ceiling. These types of light typically range in width from 12 to 24 inches with most being about 13 inches wide. Whether you have a more modern or more traditional household, flush mount lights
Mounting Flush Mount Lights on a Sloped Ceiling
It is possible to install flush mount lights on a sloped ceiling, but it may not give you the effect you are desiring for your space. Since the lights will be pressed right against the ceiling, they won’t act as a focal point for your room and actually may take away from the space’s overall appearance.
Sloped ceilings are taller on average and will have flush mount lights right on it, so the light it emits won’t reach as far across the room.
The average height of a flat ceiling is eight to nine feet. Sloped ceilings, on the other hand, will have a low point and a high point. That low point usually starts around seven feet, and the high point can exceed 10 feet.
That said, you are going to need lighting that hangs a bit lower to light up your entire space properly and enhance its appearance, too.
Lighting Alternatives for Sloped Ceilings
While flush mount lights are not ideal for sloped ceilings, there are plenty of alternatives from which you can choose. We’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular options, so you can make the best choice for your home lighting remodel.
Semi-Flush Mount Lighting
Semi-flush mount lighting is very similar to flush mount lighting except it hangs lower off the ceiling. It doesn’t hang quite as low as a chandelier and is much more subtle, too. Since it hang off the ceiling, it offers better lighting overall than a flush mount light.
Track Lighting
Track lighting fixtures hang from a track that is installed on the ceiling. You can choose to hang many lighting types on the track, and can position them in any direction. That said, the angle of the ceiling will not affect its installation or how it lights a room.
Chandeliers
A chandelier is one of the best options for sloped ceilings because it hangs freely from the ceiling. This type of lighting comes in many different styles and sizes, making them a versatile option for any type of home.
Pendants
Pendants are much like chandeliers in that they hang freely. The one thing you’ll have to keep in mind is you may have to adjust the length of the lights if you plan to hang them in a row on a sloped ceiling. Pendant lights work well as ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting over paintings, countertops, or dining tables.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting mounts into the ceiling and provides a modern look for the room. Since you can angle these lights within the ceiling, they still work well on sloped designs. Just be aware that they will not fit as well in a more traditionally styled room.
Related Questions
What are the different types of lighting?
There are four basic lighting options for indoor spaces. Ambient lighting, task lighting, decorative lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting will light up a room entirely, task lighting is designed to brighten up a specific area to complete activities, decorative lighting is used purely for aesthetic appeal, and accent lighting is used to draw attention to specific points of interest in a room.
What is the best type of light for a living room?
On top of having ambient lighting in your room, you should also have desk lamps or floor lamps for better task lighting. This will make your room better equipped for all activities whether you are lounging or working at the table.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor light bulbs?
Outdoor lightbulbs are designed to withstand temperature changes and can be used both inside and outside. On the other hand, you should not use indoor light bulbs outside. This is because they are not rated for extreme temperatures or to handle the elements.
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Final Thoughts
While you can install flush mount lighting on a sloped ceiling, it is not your best option overall. Due to the way the you will have to position the light fixtures and how close they will be to the ceiling, they do not offer a great amount of light in larger rooms with high ceilings. Plus, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as light fixtures that hang lower from the ceiling.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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