Lighting Guide
Lighting is one of the most transformative design elements in a home. The right fixture adds warmth, structure, and atmosphere—while the wrong size or placement can throw everything off. This guide walks you through key lighting principles, with straightforward measurements to help you feel confident in every selection.
Lighting Layers: The Foundation of a Well-Lit Room
1. Ambient Lighting – The general glow that fills a room. Think flush mounts, chandeliers, or recessed lighting.
2. Task Lighting – Targeted light for specific functions like reading or food prep. Examples: table lamps, under-cabinet lighting, swing arm sconces.
3. Accent Lighting – Decorative and directional lighting used to highlight details. Think picture lights, uplights, or sconces framing a fireplace.
Room-by-Room Guidelines:
Above a Kitchen Island
How High to Hang:
• Hang pendants 30”–36” above the countertop (measured from counter to bottom of fixture).
• For ceilings over 9 ft, go slightly higher or use a taller fixture.
How Many to Use:
• For 2 pendants, center each over ⅓ of the island.
• For 3 pendants, space evenly with 6”–12” between the edge of the pendant and the edge of the island.
Sizing Tip:
• Add the pendant widths together and ensure they don’t exceed ⅔ the island’s total length.
• Example: For a 6-foot island, total pendant width should stay within ~48”.
Above a Dining Table:
How High to Hang:
• Hang chandeliers or pendants 30”–34” above the tabletop (for ceilings up to 9 ft).
• For taller ceilings, raise fixture 3” for every extra foot of ceiling height.
How Wide Should the Fixture Be:
• Aim for ½ to ⅔ the width of the table.
• Example: For a 42” wide table, look for a fixture between 21” and 28” wide.
Round Tables: Choose a single statement piece.
Rectangular Tables: Consider linear chandeliers or multiple pendants.
Wall Sconces:
How High to Hang:
• Mount sconces 60”–66” from the floor to the center of the fixture.
• For vanity sconces next to a mirror: hang at eye level (roughly 60”), and space them about 36”–40” apart (or about 18” from each side of the mirror if using two).
How Far from a Mirror:
• Ideally side-mounted, about 60” high and 3”–6” away from the edge of the mirror.
In Hallways or Living Areas:
• Mount 5.5–6 feet from floor, spacing every 6’–8’ along a wall.
Chandeliers in Living Rooms or Bedrooms
Height from Floor:
• At least 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fixture if walking under it.
• Over a coffee table or bed, you can go lower — 6.5 feet is standard.
Room Size Tip:
• Add room length + width (in feet), convert to inches for ideal fixture width.
• Ex: 12’ x 14’ room = 26 → ideal chandelier diameter = 26” wide
Outdoor Lighting
Front Porch or Entryway Sconces:
• Mount between 66”–72” from the floor to the center of the light.
• Fixtures should be ¼ to ⅓ the height of the door.Garage Lights:
• Same height rules apply. For double garages, space evenly between the doors or flank both sides.
Garage Lights:
• Same height rules apply. For double garages, space evenly between the doors or flank both sides.
Pendant or Hanging Lanterns (covered porch):
• Hang 80”–84” from the floor, centered in the space.
