How big should a light fixture be and how high over a table or counter? How close to other lights? How far from door frames? The team at Los Angeles lighting company Ravenhill Studio are constantly asked for advice on selecting designs and figuring out their placement and height. The answers, studio founder Brendan Ravenhill tells us, are “often a matter of personal preference, but there are a couple of things to consider when determining where your light should land.”
Here’s the company’s cheat sheet on sizes, depths, and distances for when mounting questions come up.
Photography courtesy of Ravenhill Studio, unless noted.
Where to Position Outdoor Sconces?
In our experience, measuring 64 to 70 inches from the ground works well when placing outdoor sconces. We find that outdoor wall lights are often mounted a little too high, especially for lights that cast out as well down, as ours do.
The other thing to consider is how far you want your sconce from your door. Since door frame widths vary, we recommend measuring from the door itself and placing your sconce 4 to 6 inches away from the edge of the door or trim board.
Best Ceiling Light Height for Entryways and Living Rooms?
Hang your fixture so it lands seven feet above the floor for standard ceiling heights. If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet, which is the norm, add 2 to 3 inches above the floor for each additional ceiling foot.
Right Size for a Dining Room Fixture?
To strike an ideal balance, the overall size of your light should be about one-half to two-thirds the size of your dining table. You want a fixture that allows you to leave some space from the edge of your table to the outer edges of the light all the way around.
Long chandeliers tend to work best over rectilinear tables, and standard chandeliers work well over round tables.
How High to Hang Kitchen Pendant Lights?
You’ll get the best light if you align the bottom of your fixture 24 to 32 inches above your tabletop or 30 to 36 inches above your countertop. If you have higher ceilings, you’ll want to place your lights on the higher end of each range.
How Far Apart to Space Multiple Kitchen Pendants?
If you’re hanging several lights above a countertop or kitchen island, the ideal distance between each light is 24 to 32 inches. Also be sure the edge of the outer fixture stays at least 6 inches from the edge of your counter.
Where to Mount Bedside Lights?
In the bedroom, sconces are typically best placed 16 to 24-inches above a bedside table. Or, if you’re hanging lights, aim to align the bottom of pendants at 16 to 24-inches above your bedside tables.
If you’re mounting an adjustable swing arm light or a pull-chain fixture, it also helps to consider your own height and arm length to determine what’s most comfortable when you’re reaching for a switch or swinging a light over for sitting up and reading in bed.
Final Words of Advice?
When in doubt, mock it up. We’re strong believers in eyeballing rectangles of tape on the wall or ceiling to get a clear sense of where you want to mount something. This is especially helpful for fixtures you need to easily reach, like bedside sconces. You can also have someone hold your light up to the wall or under the ceiling and, in addition to eyeballing, take a photo, so you can size up all the proportions.
More Ravenhill inspiration:
- A Boatbuilder-Turned-Designer’s Seaworthy Sauna in a Maine Harbor
- Extra Bedroom: Designer Brendan Ravenhill’s Summer Sleeping Porch
- A Study in Industrial Elegance
Frequently asked questions
How high should outdoor sconces be mounted?
Measuring 64 to 70 inches from the ground works well when placing outdoor sconces.
How far from the door should outdoor sconces be placed?
Recommend measuring from the door itself and placing your sconce 4 to 6 inches away from the edge of the door.
What is the recommended ceiling light height for entryways and living rooms?
Hang your fixture so it lands seven feet above the floor for standard ceiling heights.
What is the right size for a dining room fixture?
The overall size of your light should be about one-half to two-thirds the size of your dining table.
How high should kitchen pendant lights be hung?
Align the bottom of your fixture 24 to 32 inches above your tabletop or 30 to 36 inches above your countertop.
How far apart should multiple kitchen pendants be spaced?
The ideal distance between each light is 24 to 32 inches.
Where should bedside lights be mounted?
Sconces are typically best placed 16 to 24 inches above a bedside table.
Any final words of advice?
When in doubt, mock it up. Eyeball rectangles of tape on the wall or ceiling to get a clear sense of where you want to mount something.
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