Hey Modern Nesters,
Thought I would share with you some guidelines when hanging /placing lights in you home. This can be stressful. Usually, the electrician or the handyman is there tapping their foot and you don’t have a clue. Now you do!
Chandelier over a round table
You should hang the light 30 to 36 inches from the top of the table to the bottom of the light fixture. To keep things in scale, the diameter of the light fixture should be one-half to three-quarters of the diameter of the table
Chandelier over a rectangular table
Again, you want the bottom of the chandelier to be between 30 to 36 inches above the table top. The width of the fixture should have about 6 inches on each side. So, if your table is 40 inches wide your chandelier would be about 28 inches
Linear light over an island
Scale is the key. Ideally the light fixture should not exceed two-thirds of the length of the island. The height of the fixture should be 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the island.
Pendants over an island
This one is a bit tricky. . Here are some things to consider
The size of the pendant. - If it is really a small light and the island is quite large it will look awkward
The spacing of the pendants - It really depends on the size of the pendants. Also want them no less than 30 inches apart.
The height is again about 30 to 36 inches from the top of the island.
If you can sketch a scale drawing of the pendants and the island, it will help you get a grasp of the scale and the spacing.
Sconces in a bathroom
A good rule of thumb is to mount the sconces above eye level, this is usually at about 60 to 65 inches from the floor.
The sconces should be set within the width of the vanity. That is my personal preference.
Outdoor Light
If you are just setting one outdoor light, you want to place it on the same side as the door knob. The light should be placed 60 to 65 inches from the floor or at eye level.
I hope you found this helpful. When I am hanging lighting, I am there and adjust in the field. With pendants and chandeliers, have the electrician leave a little extra cord in the junction box in case you want to hang the light lower.
Until next time
Michael.