What Height to Hang Pendant Lights and Chandeliers
Are you puzzled as to what height you should hang your new pendant light or chandelier?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Some of the most common questions we get asked on a daily basis include:
- What Height should pendant lights be over a kitchen island?
- How low should pendant lights hang?
- How to hang pendant lights?
- What space should you leave between light fixtures?
If you find yourself asking some of these questions, then you have come to the right place where we can point you in the right direction.
This handy guide will advise you on the correct height from which to hang your light fixtures.
Hanging your new light fixture at the correct level is crucial to achieving the right amount of light in a given space, as well as achieving great aesthetics. We have arranged this supportive guide to assist you with identifying pendant and chandelier drop heights.
Visual guide to help determine heights, widths and sizes of light fixtures.
There are several elements to take into consideration before selecting a light fixture for your interior space.
- What is the purpose of the light? Is it to provide light exposure to the room or will it be used to create ambient light?
- Measurement of the space is important to ensure the light won’t look too large or too small.
- Ceiling height will also play a crucial part in determining the drop height of the light.
It is important to measure the height of your ceiling before deciding on a light fixture for your space. This will help determine what fixtures will best suit your room.
Visual guide to help calculate suitable dimensions for light fittings.
A clearance of 7ft from the floor to the bottom of your light is a good starting point when considering a product. Here are some useful tips to carry out prior to purchasing or indeed drilling unnecessary holes in your ceilings!
Dining Room
Our Cairo three-arm chandelier above dining space.
When considering pendant placement and chandelier size, it is crucial to note other room elements such as existing furniture, door openings and windows.
1. Pendants
How far down do you want the fixture to hang?
The bottom of the pendant should be at least 75-90cm / 30” from the table top.
If you opt to hang more than one pendant, there should be equal space between each pendant (around 2ft).
Following best protocol, we suggest leaving around 15cm from the table edge to the side of the light fixture on both sides of the table as this will keep all furnishings in correct proportion.
2. Chandeliers
For chandeliers, in general follow the same guidelines for pendants as above.
In terms of chandelier width, the diameter of the chandelier should measure between half (1/2) and two thirds (2/3) of the dining table. We would advise the width to not be any larger.
Visual guide for hanging light fixtures above a dining table.
Visual guide for hanging light fixtures above a round table.
Over a Kitchen Island
Lyx clear class pendants above kitchen island.
1. Pendants
Kitchen island light fixtures follow steps similar to the dining table guidelines.
- The bottom of the pendant should be at least 75-90cm / 30” from the surface of the island.
- Pendant lights should be hung around 72” from the floor to the base of the light fixture.
Good proportion practice should be exercised when hanging lights over a kitchen island, with equal space left between each pendant.
- Approximately 75cm (this depends on the diameter width).
- Smaller diameters can support a smaller gap between each fitting.
2. Chandeliers
The same rules for pendant lighting apply to chandeliers when considering kitchen island light fittings.
In terms of chandelier width, the diameter of the chandelier should measure between half (1/2) and two thirds (2/3) of the kitchen island.
Caution should be carried out to ensure equal length is left from the edge of the island to the side of the chandelier.
Visual guide for hanging light fixtures above a kitchen island.
Visual guide for hanging linear light fixtures above a kitchen island.
Hallway or Entries
Light fixtures in hallways, corridors and walkways should comfortably clear any barriers that may cause obstructions such as doors, furniture openings and head height amongst other elements.
- At least 7ft / 215cm should be left from the bottom of the pendant and the floor.
- Approx. 4ft / 120cm should be spaced between the light fixture and any surrounding wall/obstacle.
- Between 6-7cm of height should be added for each foot of ceiling above 8ft.
Visual guide for hanging light fixtures in a hallway/entry.
Personal preference, interior desire and light exposure needs will vary for each individual. Pendants and chandeliers vary in sizes and styles making it difficult to advise on how to hang your new light fixture perfectly.
The above tips act as a proposed guideline to assist you when hanging your light fixtures.
*Hero Image Credit: Little Design House
