Lighting Placement & Spacing Guide
Where each type of light belongs — and exactly how high and how far apart to hang it. A visual reference for chandeliers, wall sconces, pendants, floor lamps, and table lamps, with the measurements designers actually use.
above table
from floor
above counter
shade height
above table
Chandeliers
The centerpiece of a room — meant to be seen in full. Chandeliers shine over a dining table, in an open entry, or filling the vertical space of a stairwell. Get the height and diameter right and the whole room falls into proportion.
Over a dining table
Bottom of the fixture 30–36″ above the tabletop; pick a diameter about ½–⅔ the table width.
Floor clearance
In open walkways, keep at least 7 ft (84″) from floor to the bottom of the fixture.
Diameter formula
Room length + width (in feet) = ideal diameter in inches. A 12×14 ft room → about a 26″ chandelier.
Two-story foyer
Center in the space; bottom sits just above the second-floor window line for the best curb view.
Common mistake: hanging it too high or too small. A chandelier that floats near the ceiling or looks undersized makes the whole room feel unbalanced — fill the space confidently.
High ceilings: add about 3″ of drop for every foot of ceiling height above 8 ft, so the fixture stays in proportion.
↑ Back to topWall Sconces
Space-saving wall lights that layer in soft, indirect glow without taking up floor or table space. They look best in pairs — framing a mirror, a bed, or a fireplace — and turn a bare wall into a finished one.
General height
Center about 60–66″ from the floor — roughly eye level for most rooms.
Beside a mirror
One each side, centered ~60–66″ high and about 28–30″ apart for shadow-free light.
Down a hallway
Space sconces 8–10 ft apart for an even rhythm of light along the wall.
As a reading light
Mount a little lower, near seated eye level, so light falls onto the page without glare.
Common mistake: mounting sconces too high. Above eye level they wash the ceiling instead of the face — keep them at or just below 66″ for flattering light.
Bathroom note: mount away from direct water spray (outside the shower zone) and have it wired by a professional.
↑ Back to topPendant Lights
Single or grouped hanging lights for both task and accent. Pendants are the workhorse over kitchen islands and counters, and a stylish solo act over a nightstand or breakfast nook.
Above a counter
Bottom of the pendant 30–36″ above the surface for clear sightlines and good task light.
Spacing in a row
Center pendants 24–30″ apart; keep end pendants about 6″ in from the island edges.
How many
Start with one pendant per 2 ft of island length, then adjust for fixture width.
As a bedside light
Hang one each side ~20″ above the nightstand to free up the tabletop.
Common mistake: crowding or off-centering. Pendants should align to the island's center line and breathe — too close together reads as clutter.
Tip: Clearance is about sightlines, not a fixed law — in a taller household, nudge them an inch or two higher.
↑ Back to topFloor Lamps
Movable lighting that fills corners and adds task or ambient glow with no wiring at all. A floor lamp beside a chair turns any spot into a reading nook; an arc lamp throws light out over a sofa or table.
Reading height
Shade bottom around 40–42″ from the floor — near eye level when seated.
Beside seating
Set it 12–18″ behind or to the side of a chair so light falls over the shoulder onto the page.
Arc floor lamps
Place the base 2–3 ft to the side and let the arc reach over a sofa or coffee table.
Corner fill
Aim a torchiere upward to bounce soft light off the ceiling and brighten the whole corner.
Common mistake: stranding it mid-wall. Floor lamps work hardest anchored to seating or tucked into a corner — floating in open space, they light nothing in particular.
Tip: Mind the cord run — place near an outlet so cables never cross a walkway.
↑ Back to topTable Lamps
The finishing layer of any room — warm pools of light on nightstands, side tables, and desks. The right height puts the glow at eye level when you're seated, so it lights your book, not your eyes.
Bedside height
Shade bottom around 20–24″ above the tabletop — light at eye level when sitting up to read.
Total lamp height
Lamp + shade together is usually 24–32″ for a nightstand or side table.
On a desk
Base about 15″ from the edge; shade bottom near seated eye level to cut glare on the work surface.
Proportion
Shade no wider than the table and roughly ⅓ the lamp's total height for a balanced look.
Common mistake: a lamp too short for the table. If the shade sits below eye level, you stare at the bulb — match lamp height to the surface and the seat beside it.
Tip: On a console behind a sofa, choose a lamp tall enough that the shade clears the seat back.
↑ Back to topStill deciding on the right fixture?
Tell us your room dimensions and ceiling height — our team will recommend the right size and placement, and can customize any piece to fit your space.
How to Calculate the Right Size
Simple formulas — with worked examples — so you can size and place any fixture yourself before you buy.
Chandelier Diameter for a Room
To find a chandelier that's in proportion to a room (living room, bedroom, entry), add the room's length and width in feet — that total, read as inches, is your ideal diameter.
Chandelier / Pendant Over a Table
Over a dining table, don't size to the room — size to the table. The fixture should span about half to two-thirds the table's width, so it fills the table without overhanging the edges.
Hanging Height Above a Table
Start from the standard clearance, then add height for tall ceilings so the fixture stays in proportion.
For ceilings over 8 ft: add 3″ for every extra foot
How Many Pendants Over an Island
For a row of pendants over a kitchen island, count by the island's length, then space them evenly.
Spacing: 24–30″ apart · end pendants 6″ in from the edges
These are general design guidelines — final placement depends on your space. Contact us for a personalized recommendation.
