I just had the ceiling in my breakfast nook re-plastered. I bought a new light fixture. However the electrician says that it won't fit/cover the light box, which protrudes about one inch below the drywall. This is an old house and the light box has protruded always - the plasterers did not cause the problem.

I can't afford to tear open the ceiling, somehow make the light box flush, and then re-plaster. How do I find a ceiling light that will work? The electrician, who has limited English, is struggling to tell me what to buy. Do I buy a light with a wide and deep base that goes against the ceiling wall, so that it encircles and covers the light box?

In other words, do I measure the protruding light box, then go to a lighting store and open boxes and examine the light bases to be sure they will fit?

Thank in advance.