Lighting the Way to Better Lighting
From placement to spacing, we'll give you the 101 on all things lighting.
How to Hang
Kitchen Lighting
Pendants
When hanging island pendants, leave about 30–32" from the island countertop to the bottom of your fixture, and space each pendant about 2.5-feet apart.
Linears
For linear island lights, go with a fixture with a length that does not exceed 2/3 of the island. For a very long island, consider two linear lights if your electrical situation allows it.
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How to Hang
Bathroom Lighting
Sconces
Side mounted sconces should be about 28" apart. If your mirror is centered above the sink, mount fixtures just a few inches to the left and right of the mirror—as close to your face as possible. There should also be about 60-65" of space between the floor and the midpoint of the sconce backplate.
Bath Bars
Your bath bar should be approximately 75% of the mirror’s width, and mounted about 75-80" above the floor.
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How to Hang
Bedroom Lighting
Plug-In Wall Sconces & Wall Sconces
When hanging plug-in sconces, leave about 55-60" from floor to top of your fixture, and space each plug-in sconce on each side of your bed.
Bedside Lamps
Table lamps should be placed so the bottom of the shade sits about 42" off the floor. Always consider the lamp’s size in proportion to the piece of furniture it will live on.
Bedside Pendants
Hang pendants so that the shade is about even with the side of your head or slightly higher from an upright seated position. Pendants used to replace portable lamps should be hung approximately 42" above the floor. For bedside sconces, between 55-60" of space from floor to top of sconce is ideal. For sconces with a switch or an adjustable arm, keep within arm's reach from a sitting position so you can easily turn it on and off.
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How to Hang
Living Room Lighting
Chandeliers
To calculate the size of your chandelier, multiply ceiling height by 2.5–3 to get suggested height for fixture. An 8’ ceiling calls for a chandelier height of 20–24". For diameter, add the room’s dimensions and convert sum to inches. A 12' x 12' room indicates a chandelier with a 24" diameter would work.
Picture Lights
When used for art, tilt picture lights at a 30° tilt. To pick the right size light, measure the width of the frame, then select a fixture the width of which is about half that, e.g., if 8–14” wide, use a 4.5” light. If more than 30” wide, use a 30” light.
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How to Hang
Dining Room Lighting
Chandeliers
Keep 36" between the table and the chandelier's lowest-hanging point. For round tables, compare the diameters of the table and the fixture, aiming to keep the fixture 12-18" back from the table's edge. For a rectangular table, the ideal width is 6" less than all edges of the table.
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How to Hang
Entryway Lighting
Wall Sconces
Mount wall sconces 60'-65' from the floor, higher if you very tall ceilings.
Chandeliers
If hanging a chandelier in the open, with no table below it, add the room's length and width in feet to discover the ideal diameter in inches. For example, a 7' x 10' room is best served by a 17" chandelier.
Pendants
Pendants should not hang lower than 7' from the floor.
