How to Hang a Light Fixture at the Correct Height

When hanging a pendant light fixture or chandelier, you need to make sure it is hung at the correct height. This article will explain how high to hang the light fixture in different situations.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The main consensus when hanging a pendant light or chandelier over a dining room table is to hang the fixture so the bottom is approximately 30" above the table. Assuming your table is 30" high, the bottom of your light fixture will be about 60" or 5' from the floor. If your table is not in place, this will seem very low and without a table you will probably bump your head on it. Once your table is in place, the light fixture will be low enough to provide enough light, however high enough not to get in the way.

2. When hanging a pendant light or chandelier over a high bar, use the same suggestions as step 1. Assuming that your countertop is 42" high, add 30", so the bottom of your light fixture should be about 72" or 6' from the floor.

3. If you would like to hang a pendant light or chandelier over a kitchen island, the bottom of the chandelier should be around 6' from the floor.

4. If you have a pendant light or chandelier in an entryway, stairwell, bathroom, or any other place where people will walk under it, the bottom of the light fixture should be no less than 7' from the floor.

5. For hanging a light fixture over a billiard or pool table, the bottom of the fixture should be approximately 32" to 36" over the playing surface.

6. When hanging a pendant light or chandelier in a room with a very high ceiling (18'+), consider centering the light fixture 5' from the ceiling. If you have a large picture window near your light fixture, you may want to consider centering the light fixture in the window so it can be viewed from the outside as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Hanging heights are recommendations for the average person. If you have tall family members, you will need to hang the light fixtures closer to the ceiling so they do not get in the way.
• Consider using a pulley system for your pendant lights and chandeliers if you have really high ceilings so you can change the light bulbs without requiring a scaffold.
• Hanging chandeliers over bathtubs is very popular, however may not follow your local building code. Check with your local officials or electrician for codes applicable to your area.

Resources

• More Interior Design Articles

[MarieSteris]

on 1/28/2009 Great info! I would have never known the appropriate height to hang a chandelier over anything! Thanks!

[Kallicat]

on 12/31/2008 I will give this article to my husband and he can install the next light fixture.

[w8tn4him]

on 12/30/2008 Great information and easy to understand. Thanks!

[tylamac]

on 12/30/2008 I wouldn't have had a clue how to hang a light fixture if I hadn't seen this article. I would have had to hire someone to do it. This will save people money. Thanks!

[dasbootjoe]

on 12/29/2008 Thanks for the tips!*****