For those of you that don’t know, we’re having a lighting sale right now, with 20% off all lighting! To help you choose, we’re sharing our top tips for using lighting in your home. Good lighting is so important as it sets the mood for your space and can elevate your home to the next level.
First tip, it’s crucial to layer your lighting in a room- providing light from different sources. In a kitchen, for example, you need both task lighting from pot lights or under cabinet lighting, and accent lighting from pendants or sconces. Layering also gives you the opportunity to mix metals and create some interest in your space. We always suggest using dimmers for all your ceiling fixtures and pot lights, to allow you to adjust the light to a comfortable level. In addition to layers of light, where you place your lights is of equal importance. Lighting should be balanced within a room so you don’t have dark spots, and try to use different heights of table and floor lamps to create some visual interest.
Photo courtesy of thelifestyledco.com featuring our Tilda Chandelier
Photo courtesy of housesprucing.com featuring our Geoffrey chandelier
Guidelines for Hanging Lighting
Dining Room
Ceiling fixtures should be at least 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the table in diameter. If your table is 7ft long, look for a fixture that is 30"- 42” in diameter. For extra long tables, you might want to consider 2 ceiling fixtures spaced apart. For a round table, choose a fixture that is at least 1/2 the diameter of the table. For the height of the fixture, allow for about 30”-34” between the bottom of the fixture and the table top. If you have ceilings higher than 8ft, you can adjust the height about 3” higher for each additional foot of ceiling height.
Kitchen over an Island
Ideally, you should have at least 30” between your fixtures if you are hanging more than one, and 6” from the edge of the island. The distance between the countertop and the bottom of the fixture should be about 30"-36” height. There are always exceptions depending on the height of the ceiling and the type of fixture.
Great Rooms and High Ceilings
For ceilings that are 10 feet or higher, look for fixtures that are proportionally taller than wider. The hanging height will depend on the sight lines into the room and the height of the door openings. If your ceilings are 8ft, you’ll want to keep your fixture around 18” in overall height to allow for at least 6 feet of clearance.
Entry Hall
Leave at least 7 feet of height from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. Don’t hang your fixtures too close to the door and consider the tallest person who has to walk thru the space. Ideally allow at least 4 feet of space between the wall the light fixture.
Sketches courtesy of reginaandrew.com
Bedroom
Bedside table lamps need to be functional for reading in bed. Ideally the light should shine down around your shoulder height if you are sitting up in bed. Measure the bottom of the shade height relative to your shoulder height and that will guide you as to how tall the lamp should be.
Photo courtesy of houseofjadeinteriors.com featuring our Hardy chandelier.