Goodbye, Boob Lights: These Are the 15 Best Ceiling Lights to Replace Them With

Nancy Mitchell
Nancy Mitchell
As a former Senior Writer at Apartment Therapy, Nancy split her time among looking at beautiful pictures, writing about design, and photographing stylish apartments in and around NYC.
Sarah M. Vazquez
Sarah M. VazquezCommerce SEO Editor
For the past 8 years, I've covered all things shopping. My work's been published by Hearst, PureWow, and Bauer Media Group. I'm a Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl (with a BA in English from Montclair State University) who loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and my family (but not necessarily in that order).
updated Apr 7, 2026
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bedroom with white slatted walls, natural fiber rug, bed with rattan headboard and pale terracotta and white bedding, modern art, framed, straw/wicker accent chair

We’ve all seen them: the dreaded boob lights that mar apartments and builder-grade homes everywhere with their unrepentant mediocrity. If you’re a little bit handy you’ve probably replaced one (or at least thought about it), but then you probably ran into the same difficulty I did when I started looking for a fixture to replace the boob lights in my own apartment: Flush-mount fixtures can be really ugly.

If the room in question doesn’t have the headroom for a beautiful chandelier with a two-foot drop, finding the best ceiling light can be a real challenge. Where are all the nice-looking flush-mount lights? Surely, they have to be out there … somewhere? We decided to do a little hunting — and boy did we find some beauties. Below, check out 15 of the best ceiling lights that you’ll actually like showing off.

Emerson Flush Mount
$229

There’s something adorably old-school about the Emerson flush-mount. Between the mustard-yellow iron exterior and the frosted glass dome, its retro charm is undeniable. It’s the best ceiling light, in my opinion, because it would complement maximalist and minimalist spaces alike!

$229 at West Elm
SOLKLINT Ceiling Lamp
$45

Create a warm atmosphere with this decorative brass and gray glass flush-mount from IKEA. The tinted glass creates soft light and unique shadows — the textbook definition of mood lighting. Best of all, the budget-friendly price makes it a great choice for renters wanting to personalize their space.

$45 at IKEA
Boden Dome Flush Mount Light
$199

This ceiling light from Urban Outfitters takes the boob light’s classic dome shape to the next level with its retro, chrome base. Its gentle curves and shiny finish bring a glint of modern glamour to any room, and the frosted shade softly diffuses light.

$199 at Urban Outfitters
Siljoy Rattan Lamp Shade Rustic Chandelier
$108$45

For a boho vibe, we love this woven rattan lamp — especially the dazzling shadow pattern it casts on the ceiling when it's illuminiated. It's charming and modern, with just a hint of nautical style, and it works beautifully in all different types of rooms, from dining areas to bedrooms.

$45 at Home Depot
Madelyn Capiz Faceted Flush Mount
$398

Double capiz-shell layers add an elegant touch to this drum-shaped flush-mount fixture from Anthropologie. The light will catch the shells when it's on, creating a glittering effect that adds a glam sparkle to any room.

$398 at Anthropologie
Marlo Linen Flush Mount
$299

With a unique conical shape and layered linen design, the Marlo flush-mount is a modern pick that will transform a room with its playful geometric look. It’s a thinner style that’s particularly good for rooms with a low ceiling where there's little-to-no wiggle room when it comes to light fixtures and head space.

$299 at West Elm
Birch Lane Abbey Glass Flush Mount
$540$59

This Art Deco-inspired flush-mount is equal parts elegant and eye-catching. The globe-shaped shade gently diffuses light around the entire space, and the gold-pleated mount adds a touch of brightness, reflecting a little bit of the light.

$59 at Wayfair
Aneve Silk Flush Mount
$399$379

Inspired by seashells, this geometric light is sophisticated and modern, bringing visual intrigue to any room without being overpowering. You can use it with dimmable bulbs to set the perfect mood, and it blends effortlessly with a wide range of home decor styles.

$379 at Joss & Main
Erin & Ben Co. Deco Ceiling Light
$199

With its sculptural silhouette, the Deco Ceiling Light is a modern take on the classic Art Deco style. It comes in Matte Black and Satin Brass, and no matter which room you place it in it's bound to make a statement.

$199 at Shades of Light
Metal 3-Arm Flush Mount Ceiling Light
$130$100

This three-arm flush-mount offers you the ability to adjust the shades to direct the light in your space, and we love the two-tone finish combination of black and brass. Put in your bedroom, hallway, or even your entryway for a graceful burst of light.

$100 at Nathan James
West Elm x PBK Striped Ceramic Flushmount
$299$239

Charming and timeless, this adorable striped ceramic flush-mount is a collaboration between West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids, but it's definitely not just for children. In fact, it's perfect for cozy, quaint kitchens or even for a fun touch of color in a powder room.

$239 at West Elm
Star Brass Glass Ceiling Light
$120

Add a touch of Art Deco magic to a room with this star-shaped ceiling light. It comes in two sizes and four dazzling finishes — including one with embossed glass for a rippled-light effect. Amazon shoppers say it’s just as beautiful IRL, and it’s on sale. It’s meant to be.

$120 at Amazon
Mid Century Modern Globe Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light
$40

If simple, classic design is your style, this mid-century modern globe flush mount is the perfect way to shed a little light onto your kitchen, living room, or bedroom. It comes in a variety of different finishes, or for larger spaces you can opt for the 3-globe model for even more light.

$40 at Amazon
Bell Black Flush Mount Light
$80

The simple design and low price of this CB2 fixture make it a perfect choice for renters and homeowners looking to ditch the boob light without breaking the bank on a new design.

$80 at CB2
Mid-Century Modern Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light
$70$5916% off

Simple and chic, this ceiling light from Amazon instantly upgrades the look and feel of any room. Its rounded edges and milky glass shade give it a subtle MCM vibe, and it’s available in four finishes: brass, matte black, or two faux wood options — you can't go wrong either way.

$59 at Amazon

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