What size should my ceiling light be? Ceiling Light Size Guide
- Posted on
- By Jack Inston
At Lightbox, our lighting designers are frequently called upon to assist clients and customers in selecting the ‘correct’ ceiling light size for their rooms.
Recognizing the importance of this aspect in interior design, we aim to extend our expertise to our wider online community through this post.
“While sizing ceiling lights may seem straightforward, it can often be a daunting task. Therefore, we've put together this guide to help demystify the process.”
It's essential to note that this post focuses on sizing ceiling lights for central placement in rooms or spaces. For areas with multiple ceiling points or more unconventional layouts, the rules can differ. In such cases, we encourage you to reach out to the Lightbox store and speak with one of our lighting designers who can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Call our team on 01723 370572 - our Store is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Now, let's delve into the details of determining the size and hanging height of your new ceiling light fixture.
Part 1. What width should my ceiling light be?
When figuring out how big your ceiling light should be, you can start with a simple formula: add together the width and length of your room (both measured in feet). This gives you a number that represents the diameter of your ceiling light in inches.
“For instance, if your room is 10 feet wide and 12 feet long, you’d add 10 + 12 to get 22. So, a ceiling light around 22 inches in diameter would be a good fit.”
Remember, this is just a rule of thumb. Feel free to adjust the size by around 10% to match your personal taste and the feel you want for the room. It’s subjective, after all.
For lights hanging over dining tables, a good tip is to choose a light about 12 inches narrower than the table (6 inches on either side). This ensures the light doesn’t overpower the table and leaves room for a balanced look.
Part 2. What Height Should My Ceiling Light Hang
Determining the height at which your ceiling light should hang is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.
“As a general rule, ceiling lights should hang at least 7 feet above the floor to provide ample headroom and avoid any collisions.”
However, exceptions apply; for instance, over a dining table, we recommend leaving approximately 30"-36" between the bottom of your fixture and the surface of your dining table, with the width of the fixture being at least 6" narrower than the width of your table. For round tables, opt for a fixture with a width measuring between 1/2 and 3/4 the diameter of the table.
Now that you have the insider sizing tips from lighting designers, you're all set to shop for your new ceiling light.
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Whether you're illuminating a cozy living room or a spacious kitchen, our expertly curated selection has something for everyone. Illuminate your home with style and functionality—shop with confidence at Lightbox today.
