Unpopular opinion: We all have a little bit of an interior design snob inside of us. There are always design choices I notice about a space that make me … curious about the overall vision. Yes, everyone has their own approach to interior design and certain aesthetics speak more to some than others. For me, the infamous “boob light” still hasn’t made a case for why it still belongs in most homes. It isn’t the most stylish, modern or interesting fixture when it comes to overhead lighting, in fact it’s an eyesore.
While they’re often a design choice that comes with many homes and rental spaces upon move-in, there are a lot of boob light alternatives that aren’t super expensive. Plus, like peel-and-stick wallpaper, they don’t require expertise to install. To find the best replacements, I spoke with interior design experts for their guidance and product recommendations. I also spoke to my NBC Select colleagues for their opinions, too.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best boob light alternatives | The best boob light alternatives | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best boob light alternatives
There are a few important aspects to consider when choosing the best replacements for boob lights. Here are the main characteristics experts recommend you keep in mind when making this list:
- Electric compatibility: Unlike a floor or desk lamp, a ceiling light connects to a box system rather than an outlet in the wall. It’s important to make sure the replacement you use for your ceiling light can connect safely to your existing electrical box, says Sarah Barnard, a California-based interior designer. “Electrical safety is crucial. Before installing a replacement fixture, ensure it is compatible with your home’s electrical system,” she says. “For those not qualified to work with electrical wiring, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician.” With this in mind, I included alternatives with easy-to-follow directions related to electricity.
- Weight: In addition to logistics related to electricity, Barnard recommends considering the size and weight of your boob light replacement or cover, to ensure that it doesn’t damage the ceiling or fall from it. You should make sure the replacement is large enough to cover the hole left behind (if you decide to remove it) and make sure to “verify that the new fixture can be supported, as some ceilings may be unable to hold heavy fixtures,” says Barnard. “Once you’ve considered these factors, you can decide what kind of light fixture to install.” Following Barnard’s guidance, I included both light covers (that don’t require removing the existing light) and options for replacing the light as a whole.
- Type of mount: Boob lights are also known as a flush mount light, meaning they sit flush against the ceiling. Semi-flush mount lights sit partially against the ceiling. Additionally, you can consider pendant lights, which hang from the ceiling via cord, as an alternative to the typical rounded ceiling light. Some projects, like using a light cover, require very little work since you don’t have to detach anything, while others, like pendant lights and flush mount lights, sometimes require a little more effort, and the help of a friend or professional. I Included all of these ceiling light alternatives in this list and noted the level of difficulty in installing them based on brand descriptions.
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The best boob light replacements
All of the products below are either direct recommendations from our experts or NBC Select staff members. Some of the products have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or at least 100 reviews on their respective sites.
Tulip Shades Gem Natural Light Cover
- Easy to install alone
- Good for low lighting
- Works on popcorn ceilings
- Isn’t machine washable
Tulip Shades is a super popular brand of cotton-based ceiling light covers, which are inspired by traditional paper lanterns, according to the brand. The lights, which the brand calls either a gem or a drum (based on its shape), have an upholstered look thanks to their beige fabric. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin installed a Tulip Shade in her apartment, since boob lights are a major pet peeve of hers, but she didn’t want to actually take out the light fixture. “It fully covers the boob light so you never knew it was there, and it’s beautiful, so it adds a piece of decor to my room. The shade took less than five minutes to install — all you need is a ladder.”
Home Concept Moderne Flush Mount Converter Kit
- Modern look
- Video tutorial available
- Must remove light shade
This rounded drum-style ceiling light shade comes recommended by Randolph, who loves its contemporary look and the fact that it doesn’t require calling an electrician to install. This kit comes with the shade, screws, rod (you have to have a center threaded rod to install) and diffuser. The shade is made of burlap and measures 18 x 18 x 10 inches.
Hykolity 10 inch Flush Mount LED Ceiling Light Fixture
- Comes with lights
- Dimmable
- Has warm and cool light
- Nothing to note at this time
The Hykolity flush mount ceiling light is a great affordable option if you prefer an ultra-modern look. You can attach this fixture to the ceiling securely using the three caps on the edge of the metal frame. It has a 10 inch diameter, is less than 4 inches tall and the top of the plastic shade has a slightly rounded shape. Instead of a typical light bulb, this shade has a plate with a grid of small 17-watt LED lights. It has a 4.6-star average rating from 10,727 reviews on Amazon, and is available in 10-, 13-, 16- and 32-inch options.
Joss & Main Armande Single Light Linen Flush Mount
- Linen cover
- Safe in bathroom
- Has dimmable lights
- Must clean with dry cloth
This alternative, which has a 4.7-star average rating from 2,237 reviews on Joss & Main, has an LED light panel, rather than a single bulb, and a smooth acrylic diffuser at the bottom. The inside of the shade has a metal frame, which is entirely covered by an off-white linen fabric cover. It’s also safe to install in both open areas like a living room, bedroom or office. Plus, it’s compatible with damp spaces, like bathrooms, too, according to the brand.
Globe Electric 2-Light Flush Mount Ceiling Light
- Works with many lights
- Different styles
- Linen material
- Nothing to note at this time
Another semi-flush mount option, this ceiling light has a brass frame and a linen shade, though it’s also available in a glass shade with bronze framing. With a 4.5-star average rating from 2,203 reviews on Amazon, the light is compatible with LED, incandescent and halogen bulbs that are 60 watts or lower, according to the brand, and the linen material makes it easier to diffuse white or warm light into your space. It has a diameter of around 16 inches and a height of 7 inches.
Ikea Trettioen Pendant Light
- Enamel finish
- Easy to clean
- Ceiling hook not included
If you don’t want a lamp that sits directly against the surface of your ceiling, a pendant lamp like this one from Ikea is the way to go. It hangs from a wire and metal frame connected to the ceiling and has a lamp shade at the bottom, which partially covers the lights. Also available in aluminum and white, the lamp shade has an enamel coating, so it has a shiny appearance similar to enamel cookware, the inside is white and the edges have black trim. The brand recommends using an LED E26 bulb with this light. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 60 reviews at Ikea.
Ikea Misterhult Pendant Lamp
- Hand woven
- Good for low light
- Upcycled bamboo
- Best for high ceilings
This pendant lamp comes recommended by NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, who set it up in her bedroom when she decided she wanted a renter-friendly alternative to a boob light. “Although this is probably best for a ceiling slightly higher than mine, I just love the easy-breezy feeling it’s added to my apartment. My mom says it’s giving updated Golden Girls Miami vibes, which I’m not mad at,” she says. “The only hiccup I had with this was a faulty wire, which honestly may be on the TaskRabbit I hired to install (definitely don’t do this yourself, unless you’re an electrician). Ikea immediately sent me an entire new lamp free of charge and installation was a breeze after that.” The light cover, which is made from woven bamboo, provides great low light, but it isn’t ideal for those who prefer a brighter light, according to Brown. Ikea recommends pairing the lamp with a clear globe bulb.
Joss & Main Savita 3 Light Glass Flush Mount
- Uses three lights
- Ultra modern look
- Gold interior
- May require help
The popular drum-style Savita 3 Light has a 4.5-star average rating from 2,288 reviews at Joss & Main has an extremely sleek and modern look, thanks to its glass diffuser and aluminum frame. It also comes in gold and monochromatic options. An interesting feature of this flush mount light is that the diffuser end of the light is sunken into the frame, rather than being parallel with it — this way you can see the juxtaposition of the gold or white on the inside. The light also holds three bulbs at once with a maximum of 60 watts.
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How to shop for boob light replacements
Depending on what type of boob light alternative you’re looking for, there are different aspects to keep in mind when shopping for one. Here’s what our experts recommend considering:
Decide on the type
As I mentioned above, there are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to dome lights. The main types are flush mount, semi-flush mount, pendant lights and light covers. These types also either have screw-in bulbs or LED light panels that have different installation types. Deciding which one you want is the first step, according to Barnard. “Choosing between covering or replacing an existing ceiling light depends on personal preference,” she says. “Covering the light can be a quick and cost-effective solution that typically requires little to no electrical work. However, the available aesthetic options might be somewhat limited.” Once you choose a light, this will determine how best to install it.
- Flush mount: Technically, a dome light is a type of flush mount light, it’s just a rounded and old fashioned-looking one. More modern flush mount lights usually have either a cylindrical or abstract shape, which is why I recommend them above. To install these, you’ll have to first remove light shade (which often requires help) and then install all of the parts of the other shade, along with connecting any wiring. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call an expert once you’ve picked out the type of light you want.
- Semi-flush mount: A semi-flush mount light is one that sits just above the surface of the ceiling, usually with some sort of metal frame. These, like a flush mount and pendant light, require you to remove the light shade, which means it may be easier to work with another person to uninstall it. Plus, you’ll have to make sure the frame is securely screwed in and the wires are properly installed for safety. These may require calling an expert to help.
- Covers: Dome light covers are by the easiest to install, making them the best for beginners or people who aren’t skilled in DIY. They’re the easiest and fastest because they don’t require you to uninstall the dome light — all you have to do is attach the cover to the ceiling, directly above the light. You usually only have to use a ladder or step stool to reach the ceiling.
- Pendants: Pendant lights are very aesthetically elegant and come in many styles, but their installation process is more intricate than with a cover. “With sufficient ceiling height, pendant lights can serve as a stunning focal point. They are available in nearly any design style, from historic to traditional, modern or even sculptural and contemporary, creating visual interest while beautifully illuminating a room.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sarah Barnard is an interior designer based in Santa Monica, CA.
- Robbie Randolph is the broker-in-charge and CEO of Randolph Estate Living in Greenville, SC.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select who writes about home and kitchen topics, including interior design and decor. I spoke with interior design and real estate experts for this story. I also got recommendations from my colleagues for this story.
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