How to Measure Ceiling Lights

Measuring your home for lights can be difficult. Lighting Design is here to make it easier. With our visuals, you can measure your space quickly and easily.

When measuring pendants, Lighting Design recommends pendants are 30”-36” above the counter or table you are putting them over. Pendants should be 30” apart from the widest part of their frames. Pictured here are the Hudson Valley Painted No.2 Pendants and the Uttermost Dalvin Bar Stools.

For linear lanterns, we recommend they be no bigger than ? the length of the counter or table the fixture is going over. Pictured here the Generation Lighting Thayer Linear Lantern and the Uttermost Dalvin Bar Stools.

When hanging a light over a dining table it should be 30”-36” from the bottom of the fixture to the top of the table. The width of the fixture should be at least 6” narrower than the width of your table. Pictured here the Golden Lighting Chatham Chandelier and the Uttermost Stratford Dining Table.

To measure a light fixture for a round table, the bottom of the fixture should be 30”-36” from the top of the table. The diameter of the light should be at least ½ the diameter of the table, but no bigger than ¾ the diameter of the table. Pictured here is the Hinkley Dakota Chandelier and the Arteriors Halton Dining Table.

In hallways or entryways, the light should be a minimum of 7’ from the floor and a minimum of 4’ from the wall. Pictured here is the Hinkley Stinson Hallway Lantern.

In a space with 10’ or higher ceilings, a two-tier chandelier is recommended, or a fixture that is equivalent in height to a typical two-tier chandelier. Pictured here is the Generation Lighting Brianna Two-Tier Chandelier. 

Thanks for reading! This is part one of our “How To Measure” series. Up next is wall lighting. Until then, be sure to like and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to stay inspired.