Lighting Lessons: Sizing + Placement Guide

Photo Credit @tadainteriors

There’s an old adage in the world of home improvement: “Measure twice, cut once.” This timeless advice holds especially true when it comes to choosing and installing lighting fixtures. The right lighting can transform a space, creating ambiance, functionality, and style. However, ensuring your lighting is appropriately sized and properly placed is crucial to achieving the best results.

Kitchen Pendants

Photo Credit @aerlum_homes

Pendant lights are a popular choice for kitchens, particularly above islands and countertops. The height at which you hang your pendant lights can significantly impact both the functionality and aesthetic of your kitchen.

1. Ceiling Height: Standard ceilings are typically 8-9 feet high. For these, hang pendant lights about 72 inches from the floor, which translates to 28-34 inches above your countertop. For taller ceilings, adjust the height accordingly to maintain visual balance.

2. Spacing: Ensure adequate space between each pendant light to avoid overcrowding. A good rule of thumb is to space them 24-30 inches apart, depending on the size of your pendants and the length of your island.

Dining Room Chandeliers

A chandelier in the dining room serves as a focal point, adding elegance and enhancing the dining experience. Proper placement is essential for both function and form.

1. Height: Dining room tables are generally 31 inches high. Hang your chandelier 35 inches above the table surface, or between 66 to 76 inches from the floor. This height ensures ample lighting while maintaining clear sightlines across the table.

2. Size: The chandelier should be proportional to your dining table. A fixture that's too large can overwhelm the space, while one that's too small may not provide adequate illumination. A good guideline is to choose a chandelier that is about half to two-thirds the width of your table.

Bedroom Sconces

Wall sconces in the bedroom can add a touch of sophistication and provide practical lighting for reading or ambiance.

1. Height: Mount bedroom sconces about 55-60 inches from the floor, placing them at eye level when you’re sitting up in bed. This positioning provides optimal lighting for reading without being too harsh.

2. Placement: For symmetry and balance, install sconces on either side of the bed. Ensure they are spaced evenly, up to 12" from edge of bed, depending on the width of your headboard.

Bathroom Mirror Sconces

Proper lighting around your bathroom mirror is essential for grooming tasks and creating a flattering illumination. You can choose between side sconces or top sconces depending on your bathroom’s layout and your personal preference.

1. Side Sconces: Mounting sconces on either side of the mirror provides even, shadow-free lighting for your face. Place each sconce 6 inches from the edge of the mirror, about 60-65 inches from the floor to middle of sconce, and ideally 28" from center to center minimum to evenly distribute light. The center of each fixture should be roughly at eye level to provide the best illumination for daily tasks.

2. Top Sconces: If side sconces aren’t feasible, a top sconce above the mirror is a good alternative. Ensure the fixture is at least 78 inches from the floor or 6-12 inches above the mirror to provide adequate lighting without creating shadows.

Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights, including flush mounts and semi-flush mounts, are versatile fixtures suitable for various rooms in your home.

1. Height: Maintain at least 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the bottom of the fixture. This ensures sufficient headroom and prevents the light from feeling intrusive.

2. Size: The size of your ceiling light should be proportional to the room’s dimensions. For larger rooms, opt for fixtures with a wider diameter to ensure even light distribution. To calculate the ideal diameter, measure the space's length and width in feet, add them together, and convert to inches. For example, a 12-inch wide ceiling mount might work well for a 6x6 foot space.

Game Room Lighting

Game rooms, particularly those with pool tables, require specialized lighting to enhance the gaming experience.

1. Height: Regulation pool tables are typically 29 1/4 to 31 inches high. Hang lighting fixtures 60-62 inches from the floor, or 31 inches above the tabletop. This height provides focused illumination on the playing surface without casting shadows.

2. Placement: Center the light fixture over the pool table for even lighting. Ensure it doesn’t obstruct the players’ line of sight or interfere with game play.

At Olde Brick Lighting, we understand that the perfect lighting is essential for creating beautiful and functional spaces. Our wide range of fixtures, from elegant dining room chandeliers to practical kitchen pendants, are designed to enhance every room in your home. Explore our collection today and let us help you find the perfect lighting solutions for your space.