lighting up your space
DESIGN
There are so many ways to determine lighting for your space. We at House&Home are here to help you with the basics and you can manipulate these key elements to personalize your home design.
Q: How high above a table or counter top are you supposed to hang lighting fixtures?
A: Typically, we like to install the bottom of a light fixture between 30" to 36" above the table top or surface. The exact location will depend on your use of the space, the fixture, and the ceiling height. You can get away with lower hanging fixtures over a dining table because the edge of the table generally keeps a persons head out of the center where it may hit the fixture.
Task lighting is usually used over-head like at a kitchen island or a desk. These areas usually require a higher hanging height to avoid intense or harsh lighting over your eye level. These areas are also usually located in a more narrow footprint than a dining table so to avoid hitting a persons head while standing or working under the lighting, it is best to raise it higher.
Pro Tip: If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling!
Q: How low is too low for a ceiling fixture when it is not over a surface or table?
A: Your Lighting should not hang or be mounted lower than 7'-0" from the floor.
If your lighting is being hung in a 2 story entryway, you don't want the light hanging below the second story - where it is in the first story's airspace. Keep it up higher to bring the eye level upwards.
Q: How do I determine the size of lighting I need for my space?
A: Chandeliers above dining room tables should have a diameter of 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the table. Example: 48"W table = 24" to 32" diameter
For lighting as the focal point of other spaces, such as foyers, living rooms, etc, measure the length and width of your room then add those figures together. The sum of those two numbers is the approximate recommended diameter of your chandelier in inches. Example: 15'-0" + 20'-0" = 35'-0" Result as inches: 35" Best size fixture: 35" diameter
Remember to take your ceiling height into account as well, if you have higher ceilings you can use a slightly larger fixture and vice versa with low ceiling heights.
Q: How many light fixtures do I need over my table or island?
A: This all depends on the aesthetic you are going for. A general rule of thumb is to place lights between 24" to 30" from each other.
We love a big, over-sized dome light over a kitchen island but if your space is on the smaller side then try sleek pendants to visually open up the space by not blocking the view of what is behind them.
If you find your dining room is not well-lit by windows or other lighting; try multiple pendants or a fixture with multiple light bulbs to really brighten up your space!
H&H Favorite Light Fixtures
Q: What are the different types of shades and what is the difference?
A: Shades can be Fabric, Glass/Acrylic and Metal. The outcome and ambiance of lighting is different with each material.
Fabric linen shades create a glow instead of direct light. Use white or light beige/gray linen for brighter ambient light and dark beige/gray or black linen for a more subtle light.
Glass/acrylic: A clear shade will illuminate your entire space with bright 360-degree ambient light. You will see the light bulb through a clear glass/acrylic shade. An Opal shade will provide plenty of bright light with a more diffused glow than clear glass.
Metal shades focus the light in an upward or downward direction, making it best for subtle accent lighting since it does not spread the light throughout the space like the other materials.
Q: What is the best height for wall sconces?
A: Typically we like to install wall lighting between 60" to 66" from the floor. Like a lot of lighting, this too will depend on the ceiling height, style of fixture, and the use of the space. In a hallway, we prefer on the higher end, sometimes even higher than typical at around 72" from the floor. In a bedroom, above nightstands, we prefer on the lower end. At a bathroom vanity, we prefer right in the middle.
Lights being installed above a vanity and mirror should typically be 75" - 80" from the floor to the center of the fixture. For lighting above the mirror, you don't want to have any harsh shadows from the mirror or medicine cabinet, this will help you determine the best height for a fixture, as well as the ceiling height and fixture size.
H&H Favorite Wall Sconces
