The general rule of thumb for spacing flush mount lights is to divide the height of the ceiling by two. This will give you the distance in feet between each light fixture. For example, if your ceiling is 10 feet high, you should space your flush mount lights 5 feet apart. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are other factors to consider when planning your lighting layout. In this article, we will discuss some of these factors and how they affect the optimal spacing of flush mount lights.
What are Flush Mount Lights?
Flush mount lights are a type of ceiling light that are mounted directly to the ceiling, without any gap or hanging parts. They are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, as they do not take up much vertical space. Flush mount lights can provide general, ambient, or task lighting, depending on the size, shape, and style of the fixture. They can also create a clean and modern look, as they blend in with the ceiling.
Some of the benefits of flush mount lights are:
- They are easy to install and maintain, as they do not require any wiring or hanging hardware.
- They are energy-efficient, as they use less electricity than other types of ceiling lights.
- They are versatile, as they come in a variety of designs, colors, and materials to suit any decor.
- They are safe, as they do not pose any fire or injury hazards.
Some of the drawbacks of flush mount lights are:
- They can create shadows or glare, as they do not diffuse the light evenly across the room.
- They can limit the height of the furniture or artwork, as they do not leave much clearance below the ceiling.
- They can be boring or bland, as they do not add much visual interest or personality to the room.
How to Choose the Right Size and Style of Flush Mount Lights?
The size and style of your flush mount lights will affect how far apart you should space them. You want to choose flush mount lights that are proportional to the size of the room and the ceiling, as well as match the style and mood of the space.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right size and style of flush mount lights:
- Measure the length and width of the room, and multiply them together to get the square footage. Then, multiply the square footage by 1.5 to get the total wattage needed for the room. For example, if your room is 12 feet by 15 feet, you will need 270 watts of lighting. Divide the total wattage by the wattage of each flush mount light to get the number of fixtures needed. For example, if each flush mount light is 60 watts, you will need 4.5 fixtures, which you can round up to 5.
- Choose flush mount lights that are about 10 to 20 percent of the width of the room. For example, if your room is 12 feet wide, you should choose flush mount lights that are 1.2 to 2.4 feet in diameter. This will ensure that the lights are not too small or too large for the space.
- Choose flush mount lights that match the style and mood of the room. For example, if you want a cozy and warm atmosphere, you can choose flush mount lights that have a soft and diffused light, such as fabric or glass shades. If you want a bright and airy atmosphere, you can choose flush mount lights that have a clear and direct light, such as metal or crystal shades. You can also choose flush mount lights that have a unique or decorative design, such as geometric shapes, patterns, or colors, to add some flair and personality to the room.
How to Space Flush Mount Lights Evenly and Symmetrically?
Once you have chosen the right size and style of flush mount lights, you need to space them evenly and symmetrically across the ceiling. This will ensure that the room is well-lit and balanced, without any dark spots or overcrowding.
Here are some steps to help you space flush mount lights evenly and symmetrically:
- Mark the center of the ceiling with a pencil or tape. This will be the reference point for spacing the flush mount lights.
- Measure the distance from the center of the ceiling to the nearest wall, and divide it by the number of flush mount lights you want to install along that wall. This will give you the distance between each flush mount light and the wall. For example, if the distance from the center of the ceiling to the wall is 6 feet, and you want to install 3 flush mount lights along that wall, you will need to space them 2 feet apart from the wall.
- Mark the spots where you want to install the flush mount lights along the wall, using the distance you calculated in the previous step. Make sure the spots are aligned with the center of the ceiling, and are the same distance from the wall on both sides of the room. For example, if you want to install 3 flush mount lights along each wall, you will need to mark 6 spots on the ceiling, 2 feet apart from the wall, and aligned with the center of the ceiling.
- Repeat the same process for the other walls, until you have marked all the spots where you want to install the flush mount lights. Make sure the spots are evenly spaced and symmetrical across the ceiling, and form a grid pattern. You can use a tape measure, a level, and a chalk line to help you mark the spots accurately and straight.
- Install the flush mount lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the marked spots as guides. Make sure the flush mount lights are securely attached to the ceiling, and are facing the right direction. You can use a drill, a screwdriver, and a wire stripper to help you install the flush mount lights safely and correctly.
Conclusion
Flush mount lights are a great option for rooms with low ceilings, as they provide ample and versatile lighting, without taking up much space. However, spacing flush mount lights can be tricky, as you need to consider the size, style, and layout of the room and the ceiling. The general rule of thumb is to divide the height of the ceiling by two, and use that as the distance between each flush mount light. However, you also need to factor in the size and style of the flush mount lights, and the wattage and mood of the room. By following the tips and steps in this article, you can space your flush mount lights evenly and symmetrically, and create a well-lit and beautiful space.