Lighting is one of the most powerful elements in any design, and with so many fun, sculptural, oversized, or minimalist fixtures available today, it can be challenging to choose the right size and placement for your space. While I often rely on a trained eye and a little "eyeballing" when it comes to hanging mirrors and lighting, there are a few tried-and-true guidelines that can make your lighting choices a lot easier—and a lot more successful.
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you confidently size and place your lighting fixtures, room by room.
When selecting a chandelier for your dining area, start with the size of your table. A good rule of thumb for dining room chandelier size is to choose a fixture that’s approximately two-thirds the length (or diameter) of your dining table.
Example: For a 60” table, a chandelier around 40” in width (60 ÷ 3 × 2) will offer balanced scale and presence.
For an ideal chandelier height, hang your chandelier so that the bottom of the fixture sits 30” to 36” above the table surface. This keeps the lighting intimate without obstructing sightlines.
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Pendants over an island or countertop should also be installed 30” to 36” above the surface. Fixture sizes can vary greatly—from sleek singles to bold statement pieces—so to ensure proper spacing, island light fixture placement should be at least 30” apart, measuring from the edges of each fixture, not the center.
Sconces are both stylish and functional in bathrooms. For ideal placement, mount the sconces so the center of the backplate sits 60” to 65” from the finished floor. This allows the light to hit your face evenly, reducing shadows—a bonus when applying makeup or shaving.
When using a horizontal light bar or fixture above your bathroom mirror, aim for vanity lighting placement that spans about three-quarters of the width of the mirror below it. This proportion creates balance and ensures well-lit bathroom mirror lighting.
For ADA-compliant design (Americans with Disabilities Act), note that wall-mounted bathroom fixtures should protrude no more than 4” from the wall and be installed between 80” and 84” from the floor, depending on context and use.
While these lighting design tips and guidelines offer structure, don’t be afraid to adapt based on the aesthetics of your space, ceiling height, and fixture design. Don’t shy away from creative lighting ideas! Lighting is part function, part art—and a well-placed fixture can be a true showstopper.
Need help selecting or placing the perfect fixture? Let’s light up your space together.
