Get The Full Lowdown on Flush Mount Rectangular Kitchen Lighting
Installing new kitchen lighting can completely transform the look, feel, and function of your cooking space. If you're seeking an elegant yet understated option, flush mount rectangular fixtures are a top choice to illuminate islands, sinks, and dining areas. With the right layout and bulbs, these versatile lights create both ambiance and ideal task lighting.
Read on for an overview of benefits, design considerations, popular placement spots, special features, and more to get the full lowdown on illuminating your kitchen with rectangular flush mount lights.
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Overview of Flush Mount Kitchen Lighting
Flush mount lights install directly to the ceiling with no gap or chains, creating a streamlined aesthetic. Their low profile hugs ceilings, providing an unobtrusive lighting source ideal for kitchens. Rectangular flush mounts in particular give a refined, contemporary style.
Going with rectangular flush mount fixtures over rounded lights delivers directional illumination. The elongated shape beams light in a focused path, reaching key tasks spots like countertops, islands, and sinks. Many homeowners opt for rectangular to light specific work zones.
Pros of Flush Mount Rectangular in Kitchens
Here are some top perks of installing flush mount rectangular lighting in kitchen spaces:
- Sleek, minimalist look shows off kitchen design
- Directed light brightens task areas
- Lack of hanging hardware simplifies installation
- Lower profile feels cohesive in low-ceiling rooms
- Variety of sizes suit small or large kitchens
Keep proportions in mind when selecting fixtures. For ample illumination over islands or dining sets, wider rectangular lights are ideal. Smaller 12-24 inch bars work well centered over a sink or range.
Types of Flush Mount Rectangular Kitchen Lights
Flush mount rectangular lights come in a diverse range of materials, sizes, and light sources. Consider the style and lighting needs of your kitchen to narrow options.
By Light Source
Flushing lighting is available with nearly any bulb type. Here are some top options:
- LED flush mount rectangular: Energy efficient and long-lasting bulbs. Many have dimmable capability.
- Halogen flush mount rectangular: Affordable with bright, white light. Operate at high temperatures.
- Incandescent flush mount rectangular: Warm lighting on a budget. Less efficient than LED.
- Fluorescent flush mount rectangular: Even lighting good for general ambient glow. Most are not dimmable.
By Material
Flush mount fixtures come in metal, glass, acrylic, and fabric:
- Metal flush mount rectangular: Choose stainless, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, etc. Sleek and durable.
- Glass flush mount rectangular: Provides bright illumination. Prone to glaring.
- Acrylic flush mount rectangular: Softer glow than glass. Flexible material.
- Fabric flush mount rectangular: Diffuses light evenly. Drum shades offer a classic style.
By Size
Pick flush mount rectangular bars scaled to your room:
- Small 12-24 inch flush mount rectangular: Fits over sinks, stoves, or in tight kitchens.
- Medium 24-36 inch flush mount rectangular: Works over dining tables and kitchen islands.
- Large 48-60 inch flush mount rectangular: Makes a dramatic statement in big kitchens.
Best Placement of Flush Mount Rectangular Lights
Strategic placement amplifies the power of your new rectangular flush mount fixtures. Popular spots include over islands, sinks, and dining sets.
Over Kitchen Island
Islands topped with cooktops or prep areas need focused task lighting. Rectangular lights 36-48 inches wide make the perfect island centerpiece. Hang pendants at the edges for stylish accent lighting.
Place the bottom of the fixture 66-78 inches above the counter for ideal illumination. Island lights are often mounted slightly higher than standard to maximize sight lines.
Over Sink
A 24-30 inch flush mount over the sink provides glare-free lighting to tackle dishes and food prep. Center small fixtures or align two bars vertically for ample visibility.
Lower the fixture to around 36 inches above the sink bottom. This puts light right where you need it when washing up without shadowing your face in the mirror.
Over Dining Table
Defined dining spaces benefit from directional lighting to illuminate mealtime conversations. A rectangular dining light adds both elegance and visibility.
Size your dining flush mount 30-36 inches wide for tables up to 48 inches across. Hang the fixture 30 inches above the tabletop for cozy dim-lit dinners or up to 48 inches for brighter lighting.
Features of Flush Mount Rectangular Fixtures
Flush mount rectangular lights boast specialty features to customize your lighting. Consider dimmable capability, energy efficiency, and lighting inclusion.
Dimming Capabilities
Many flush mount kitchen lights are now dimmable, allowing you to control brightness. This saves energy and sets the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Ensure your fixture and bulbs are dimmable compatible. Pair lights with a dimmer switch for easy control. LED and halogen lights often dim best.
Energy Efficiency
LED flush mount rectangular bars offer the best energy savings. LEDs use up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs producing the same brightness.
Evaluate lights not just on wattage but lumens - the true measure of brightness. An 800 lumen LED fixture offers comparable light to a 60 watt incandescent.
Built-In LEDs vs. Bulbs
Many rectangular flush mounts have integrated LED strips or panels. These eliminate lamp replacements, give even lighting, and create a unified look.
Bulbed fixtures allow you to customize your lights with specialty decorative bulbs. Just ensure your bulbs don't overpower the fixture with too high of wattage.
With this overview, you should feel equipped to find the perfect flush mount rectangular light fixtures for your kitchen. Measure your space, decide on design elements like finish and bulb type, and focus placement on key workspace areas.
Thoughtful lighting layouts that mix ambient, task, and accent lights create beautiful, functional kitchens. Flush mount rectangular fixtures check all the boxes for performance and modern style.