What type of lighting do you have in your home? Maybe you have recessed lights mounted in your kitchen, or perhaps some table and floor lamps decorate your main living space. But if you live in an older home, a rental unit, or even a dorm, there's a strong chance that one (if not more) of your rooms is adorned with an ugly ceiling light – aka the 'boob light'.
What is the 'boob light', you ask? It's a term many have used to describe the infamous big light in interiors – a flush mount ceiling light centered to the room that protrudes downward and has horrible light output. It's a lighting idea that leaves interior design lovers like myself wondering why it even got so popular in the first place. Sure, its simple design and easy installation might seem attractive to some, but the boob light is so often plain ugly.
With so many stylish lighting trends nowadays, there are endless opportunities for ugly ceiling light replacements. And because I (unfortunately) live in a home with several of these unattractive light features, I've made it my personal mission to find the most practical, easy-to-install, and of course, chic alternatives.
Whether you need a simple bedroom lighting idea for your home or rental apartment, or want to get ahead on dorm room ideas to make your space feel more comfortable and inviting, these products can turn those ugly ceiling lights into something worthy of attention.
Tulip Shades might have the best solutions for ugly ceiling lights. The brand's shades, including this multi-colored option, mount to the ceiling and hang around existing flush mounts. They require minimal installation effort and guarantee good looks in any room. This patchwork design can diffuse light in a playful and inviting manner, and its style can enhance the atmosphere of any room.
This flush mount lamp shade is easy to install and can instantly add some whimsical charm to any room with its playful scalloped hem. Aside from this burgundy and yellow stripe pattern, it's also available in three more colorways. Reviewers comment that its simple installation takes less than 10 minutes to complete. If you're not in the mood to replace your entire ceiling mount, this is a great alternative.
Looking for a ceiling light to match the modern rustic style of your home? This is your pick. Its handmade paper raffia lampshade adds natural charm and textural details to any space. Mounting hardware is included with this flush mount, as well as instructions for installation. According to reviewers, it's very easy to install and provides a stylish light output in a room.
With its light blue floral shade, this flush mount is traditionally elegant and can benefit the aesthetic of any room of your home – from the entryway to the bedroom. Its installation is simple, and mounting hardware is included with the shade. Reviewers love this shade and its reasonable price. "I spent triple on a replacement for my boob light that was way too heavy and complicated," one reviewer wrote. "I gave up on that and got this instead, and I couldn’t be happier."
Need something simple to replace the ugly ceiling light in your bedroom? Here's a solution. This light shade is made from textured linen and is finished in an elegant oatmeal color. Some assembly is required for this shade, however the shade is sold with the necessary connecting hardware. All you need is the existing light fixture with a threaded rod connection, and you're good to go.
With its playful, hand-drawn design, this ceiling lampshade could be a fun addition to any room in your home. Its cotton shade emits an ambient light output and diffuses a soft glow across a room. With a ceiling mount and installation kit included with the shade, this design is easy to mount over unattractive ceiling lights.
With its scalloped exterior and petal-like design, this flush mount resembles a flower. Its design is made with ivory fabric over a chrome frame and can instantly decorate a room in a more desirable manner than the boob light. Reviewers love this fixture, and say it's subtly elegant, unique, and emits a gracefully soft glow.
This shade has an earthy elegance to it, thanks to its cotton fabrication and dark brown rim color. It easily mounts to the ceiling and can hang around any unattractive flush mount, giving the room a charming, natural appeal. Plus, its light output will emit a warm glow throughout any space in your home.
Did you know that recessed lights can have shades, too? Despite sitting flush against the ceiling, recessed lights present an opportunity for subtle styling. This shade clips around the frame of any recessed light – no hardware required. It can instantly elevate the look of your ceiling lights.
Replacing unattractive 'boob lights' with stylish flush mounts can change the design of any room of your home for the better. But want to know what else can? Layered lighting. Instead of just one light source, multiple light sources are the key to making a room feel cohesive and inviting.
