How to Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp

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posted on 16 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Pendant lighting is an ideal way to add light to your surroundings as well as adding something decorative and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. These days, with so many funky and decorative pendant lighting designs available, it is easy to see why more and more homeowners are choosing to add pendant lights to their décor. If you are one of them, you may be thinking the number one question that many people have when they buy a pendant lamp: How high do I hang it? Here is a good guide for choosing the proper height for your lamp.

Steps

Asking Yourself the Right Questions

Think about what effect you want from this lamp. Think about what you want from the pendant light. Is it meant to provide a bright light for working or a soft mood light? A chandelier might overwhelm a small space while a more utilitarian lamp could look too harsh for your living area.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 1Bullet1.jpg Decide if the lamp's purpose and design will match the room's décor. A light fixture made of chrome or stainless steel will look sleek and modern. Blown glass gives an artistic feel. Chandeliers are more romantic and elegant.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 1Bullet2.jpg

Consider where you want the lamp to hang. Consider the size of your light. As a general rule of thumb, a larger light can be moved higher while a smaller light can be moved lower.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 2Bullet1.jpg Consider the size of the room. How tall is the ceiling? Rooms with unusually high ceilings require lights that are bigger and hang lower.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 2Bullet2.jpg If you are hanging the light over a table or a kitchen island, think about the size of that as well. If you have a large table, you can get away with hanging your lamp slightly higher up. Also, look at the shape of your table. Is it round, square, or rectangular? If you have a rectangular table, an island, or a counter, you will likely need more than one hanging pendant light.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 2Bullet3.jpg

Measuring the Proper Height

Hang a lamp over a kitchen table or island. Start with 28 to 34 inches (71.1 to 86.4 cm), measuring from the bottom of the hanging light and the surface of your table. This range will be your base measurement. Use it as a rough guideline when planning the placement of your light.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 3Bullet1.jpg When hanging a light over a table, be sure to plan for the height of the people that may use that space. Nobody wants a light glaring in his or her eyes or knocking them in the head while they are chopping vegetables.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 3Bullet2.jpg

Hang a lamp over the floor. Plan for roughly 84 to 96 inches (213.4 to 243.8 cm) from the bottom of the light to the floor. You should provide at least 1 foot (0.3 m) of clearance for the person walking below.Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 4Bullet1.jpg Calculate according to the height of the ceiling. For an 8-foot ceiling, a pendant lamp should hang about 12 to 20 inches (30.5 to 50.8 cm) below. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches (7.6 cm).Determine The Proper Height For A Pendant Lamp Step 4Bullet2.jpg

Getting a Second Opinion

Have another person help you decide on the height. One of the best ways to decide on the perfect height of your pendant light is to get someone else to lower or raise the light while you stand a distance away to see how it all looks.

Practice walking across the room or sitting down at the table while your partner holds the light in place. This will allow you to make sure the lamp is not blocking your view, knocking into your head, or interfering in any way with your routine.