How to Pick the Right Size Light Fixture For Your Home

Design Elements, Do It Yourself ~ DYI, Interior Decorating, Interior Decorating Tips, Interior Design, Lighting, Recommended Light Fixtures

You take the time to pick out the right furniture and accessories for your interior, but have you given any thought to your light fixtures?

Lighting plays a key role in the functionality and appeal of a space, so it should never be an afterthought. In fact, the light fixtures you use should ideally be part of the design process rather than just something you leave for last to think about.

The question is, what’s the right size light fixture for your space? You might have a style in mind, but what about size and scale in relation to the room you’re outfitting?

Consider these factors when selecting a light fixture.

Placement

To help you determine the size of your light fixture, consider where you’ll be placing it. Think about the amount of space that you’ll have around and between your lighting fixtures as it relates to the surrounding furniture, such as a dining room table or kitchen island.

For example, over a dining room table, take the shape and size of the table into consideration. If your table is square or round, a single chandelier will definitely work. But if you have a long rectangular or oval-shaped table, multiple pendant lights might be best, or fixtures with a more linear suspension.

In this case, make sure that you allow for enough space between each light based on the length of your table.

Height and Diameter

Consider scale when choosing a light fixture for a space in your home. More specifically, you should measure the dimensions of the room you’re outfitting (length and width). This will help you determine the diameter of the light fixture you use.

Clearance

You certainly don’t want to walk into the light fixture and bump your head, which is why it’s so important to consider clearance when picking a light fixture. So, how long can you allow the light to hang?

The hanging length of your fixture will depend on the room or placement of the light as well as the space that it’s being used in. In open foyers, living rooms, or bedrooms where you’ll be walking underneath the fixture, ensure that there’s at least 7 feet of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the fixture. For lower ceiling heights, consider light fixtures with a low-profile flush mount so you can get more clearance.

If you need more help and guidance about light fixtures or anything else to do with improving your home’s interior design, we’d love to help. Get in touch with Hope Designs today to book your consultation!