The Art of Light: How to Hang Home Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is a subtle art that makes all the difference. The optimal positioning and proportions of your light fixtures create a “just right” feel. Here are some handy light hanging and sizing guidelines for your home.

DINING ROOM

Positioning:

Install light(s) 30” – 36” above table surface

For round tables, choose a single pendant at least 1/2 the diameter of your table

For rectangular tables, the fixture should be at least 6” narrower than the width of the table

Choosing Your Fixture:

If you have a large or rectangular table, a linear fixture or multiple pendants will look proportionate

If your table is intended only for dining, choose a fixture style that diffuses the light for a soft, atmospheric effect; if you will also use the table as a working surface, opt for a fixture that provides brighter light for better visibility of your work

KITCHEN

Positioning:

Install light(s) a minimum of 30” – 36” above kitchen island; (PRO-TIP) for taller people, add a couple extra inches of clearance

Choosing Your Fixture:

For a single linear fixture, choose a size that is approx. 2/3 the length of the kitchen island

LIVING ROOM

Positioning:

Install pendant lighting so the bottom of fixture(s) extends to 84” above the floor

For higher-than-standard ceilings, raise fixture by approximately 3” for each additional foot of ceiling height

Choosing Your Fixture:

(PRO-TIP) There are no strict specifications for the size of lighting fixture; however, a reliable guideline is to add the length and width of the room in feet (ex. 12’ length + 14’ width = 26’), and the number of feet would be the ideal number of inches (26”) of the fixture’s perimeter

BEDROOM

Positioning:

For wall-mounted lighting fixtures, install at 55” – 60” from floor to top of sconce

A warmer temperature of light, between 2200K – 2700K, is the least disruptive to sleep

Choosing Your Fixture:

To ensure you can easily switch bedside lights on and off from the bed, choose wall sconces with a switch, or table lamps or small pendants with added cord switches within reach

HALLWAY

Positioning:

Hang wall sconces 60” – 65” from floor to centre of backplate

If installing multiple sconces, it is ideal to leave 8’ to 10’ between each fixture to balance the coverage of light

Choosing Your Fixture:

Wall-mounted lighting is a tidy and effective selection for hallways, especially narrower ones; (PRO-TIP) opt for proportionally scaled pendant lighting instead of sconces to hang directly above a sideboard or piece of art

BATHROOM LIGHTING

Positioning:

For sconce(s) positioned beside a bathroom mirror, install 60” – 65” from floor to centre of backplate, or just above eye level

Alternately, position a linear sconce centred above bathroom mirror; ideally the fixture length is 3/4 the width of the mirror it sits above

Choosing Your Fixture:

In order to create different lighting moods or functions, such as applying makeup vs. having a relaxing bath, install multiple, dimmable light fixtures; wall sconces in addition to overhead lights are recommended

(PRO-TIP) Add whimsy or elegance by hanging a chandelier centred above the tub

We invite you to source the wholesale lighting collections for your store or design clients from our lighting manufacturers, Palecek, Robert Abbey and Savoy House.