Find the perfect lighting height and placement with EL Design’s expert guide to vanity, wall, and recessed light measurements.
Lighting Guide: Perfect Light Placement
Measurements That Matter
Lighting transforms a space, not just visually but experientially. At EL Design, we know that the right placement is everything; too high, too low, too close, or too far can completely change the effect of a fixture. From kitchen islands to vanities, wall sconces, recessed lights, and even ceiling fans, here’s how to make every inch count.
Suspensions and Ceilings
How high should a chandelier or pendant hang above a kitchen island?
For optimal proportion and light distribution, install your fixture 30”–36” above the surface of your island. This height creates a comfortable visual line while maintaining even illumination across your workspace.
How long should a linear suspension be over a kitchen island?
A good rule of thumb is to leave about 6” of breathing room on either side of your island. In most cases, choosing a fixture that’s about two-thirds the length of the island ensures a balanced and proportional look.
Pendant Spacing and Sizing
How far apart should I place my kitchen island pendants?
Divide your island into equal sections, one more than the number of pendants you plan to hang. For example, a 6-foot island with two pendants should be divided into three 2-foot segments, with each pendant positioned where the segments meet. For most designs, around 30” of space between pendants works beautifully.
What size should my kitchen island lights be?
To determine the ideal diameter, take your island measurement and the number of pendants, then calculate the size based on your spacing. This helps maintain symmetry while allowing enough negative space for each fixture to shine.
Dining Room Lighting
What’s the best size for a dining room pendant or chandelier?
Just like over a kitchen island, you’ll want 6” of clearance on each side of your dining table. A fixture that’s roughly ½ to ¾ the width of your table is typically ideal. This ratio ensures your light complements the table without overpowering the space.
Ceiling Height and Fixture Placement
What is the proper height for chandeliers and pendants?
In general, chandeliers should hang about 7 feet above the floor. For rooms with higher ceilings, hanging your fixture between 8 and 10 feet can create a more dramatic effect, just be sure your fixture provides enough light output for the added distance.
Lighting Wall Art
How do I light artwork with a ceiling spotlight?
Proper angle and distance are key. For ceilings ranging from 8 to 16 feet high, adjust your track heads accordingly, and always aim them at a 30° angle. This minimizes glare and ensures your artwork is evenly illuminated.
Suspensions Near Walls
How far should a suspension hang from the wall?
Give yourself at least 4 feet of clearance from walls or doors to prevent crowding and allow light to disperse properly. Some fixtures can hang closer if their shape allows, but maintaining this spacing ensures a balanced look and comfortable flow.
Vanity Lighting
When it comes to vanity light height, how high do I hang my lights?
Vanity lights come in all shapes and sizes, and just like your bathroom mirror, you want them at about eye level to evenly illuminate your face. When hanging vanity lights on the side of your mirror, 60” - 70” from the ground is a safe bet.
Placement for over-mirror vanity lights:
A vanity light above the mirror should be about ¾ to the full width of the mirror. Too small won’t provide enough illumination, and too wide can overwhelm the space. For extra-wide mirrors, consider two or three lights above.
Wall Sconces and Bedroom Lighting
Best bedside sconce height:
Most bedside lights are used for reading, so hang them at about eye level while sitting up in bed 28” - 30” above the mattress top works well. Keep them within easy reach, far enough not to hit your head, but close enough to control without leaving the bed.
Wall sconce spacing and height:
Sconces vary by design and light output, but generally, 8’ - 10’ apart illuminates a space evenly. Hang at eye level, typically 60” - 70” from the floor.
Recessed Lighting
Distance from walls:
Consider whether you’re aiming for a wall wash or accent lighting. Standard downlights should sit 36” - 48” from the wall.
Spacing between recessed lights:
A smart layout follows half your ceiling height: 2’ - 4’ apart for 8’ ceilings, 3’ - 5’ apart for 10’ ceilings, and so on. Position lights over work or reading areas for maximum effect.
Textured walls:
For a wall grazer, mount next to a textured wall (3° slope is ideal). For flat walls, 1” - 3” from the wall allows beam spread to enhance texture and shadows.
Ceiling Fans
Height from the floor:
Metal fans require at least 10’ clearance; standard fans should hang 8.5’ - 9’ off the floor. Taller ceilings or industrial spaces may need fans higher to optimize air circulation.
Distance from the wall:
Maintain at least 18” from the edge of the blades to the wall to ensure proper airflow and safety.
Track Lighting
Distance from the wall:
Depends on ceiling height. Generally, 2’ - 4’ away works for 8’ - 16’ ceilings. Angle heads 30° when illuminating artwork to prevent glare.
Spacing between heads:
Track heads are adjustable, but spacing 2’ - 4’ apart offers versatile lighting for artwork, tasks, or general illumination.
Switches and Controls
Height from the floor:
Most switches are installed around 48” from the ground—high enough to avoid bending, low enough to reach comfortably. Heights may vary for counters or specific room layouts.
Outdoor Lighting
Wall lights:
Follow the same rules as indoor wall sconces. For doors, place a single fixture on the knob side or two on each side of the door for symmetry.
Path lights:
Space path lights 6’ - 8’ apart for safe nighttime navigation. Depending on brightness, closer spacing may be required; extra light is always better than too little.
