Light fixtures. We all have them. We all need them. When you decide to replace one, or add one to your space, lots of questions come up! It’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly! Let’s break it down. 

 

What size fixture should I get?  How high do I hang it?  

Hanging a light above a table in a kitchen or dining room:

  • The fixture should be ½ to ¾ the width of your table. 
  • A thin wire fixture can be on the larger side.  A chunky, larger-scale fixture should be on the smaller end of the spectrum. 
  • If your table is 48” x 60” then your fixture should be 24”-36” wide. 
  • The fixture should hang 30-32” off the table. 

If there is no table, use these easy calculations: add the length and width of your room together.  If the room is 10’x15’ added together = 25’.  So a good diameter for the fixture is 25”.  

 

Hanging a light in a foyer:

Grab the measuring tape and find the length width and height of your foyer.  Add the length by the width and height of your foyer.  For example, if your foyer is 8’ wide by 12’ long and the ceiling is 18’ high add those together to get 38’  So your fixture should be 38” wide.  This is a guide and it does depend on the style of the fixture, but this is a good place to start! 

  • Your fixture should hang 7’ off the floor with an 8’ ceiling, and 8’ off the floor with a 10’ ceiling. 
  • In a two story foyer, hang your light fixture no lower than the first floor.  Usually 5’ down from the ceiling is a good place to look at it and then adjust. 
  •  If you have a large second story foyer window, center it in the window space.  Take the time to go outside to look at from the street and make sure you are happy with the placement. 

 

What style goes with my space? 

This is a tough question to answer.  If I were standing in your home, I could easily answer but since I am not, I offer a few suggestions. 

  • The style of the light fixtures in your home should work together, but don’t necessarily have to match.  This means, if you chose a long linear wrought iron dining fixture, in the foyer which may be right next to the dining room, it’s a good idea to go with another wrought iron fixture. But the shape and size can be different, as it should be. The foyer space is probably a very different size than the dining room. 
  • Types of bulbs can dictate style.  If you love Edison bulbs, then stick with those types of bulbs across the fixtures.  This will help keep some cohesiveness in the fixtures.
  • Take cues from your furniture.  If you have more detailed wood pieces and more ornate decor, then the fixtures should reflect that.  If you are into more of the farmhouse, reclaimed feel, look for that to complement your space in fixtures.  

 

What kinds of finishes should I get on my fixtures?

  •  Does the fixture have to match the hardware? (faucets, door hardware, etc)  It depends on the space.  Some examples- if you have put in gold faucets and cabinet hardware you can continue that flow in the lights.  But, you can contrast that look with black fixtures.  
  • If you are layering metallics, a light fixture is a great way to bring multiple finishes together. Many have brushed silver faucets or door hardware. The brushed look is one of the most neutral, meaning you can bring in another element and not have to match it.  

 

I hope you find these tips helpful.  If you need more personalized design help, you can book a Virtual Design Appointment here.

 

 

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