Getting lighting right is mostly arithmetic. Diameter comes from room size, pendant spacing comes from island length, sconce height comes from eye level, and fan sweep comes from square footage.
Each guide below walks through one decision — the measurements designers actually use, the exceptions worth knowing, and the pieces that fit.
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Chandeliers and dining rooms
How to Size a Chandelier
Diameter, hanging height, and sizing over a dining table.
Read the guide → Shop chandeliers and semi-flush lights. -
Kitchen islands
Kitchen Island Lighting
How many pendants, how far apart, and how high to hang them.
Read the guide → Shop pendant lights and kitchen island lighting. -
Low ceilings
Lighting a Low Ceiling
The 7-foot clearance rule, flush vs. semi-flush, and how wide to go.
Read the guide → Shop flush mounts and semi-flush lights. -
Ceiling fans
How to Size a Ceiling Fan
Blade sweep by room size, downrod length, and blade direction.
Read the guide → Shop ceiling fans, outdoor fans, and downrods and accessories. -
Bathroom vanities
Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Sconce heights, fixture width by vanity, and flattering light.
Read the guide → Shop vanity lights and wall sconces. -
Wall sconces and picture lights
Wall Sconce and Picture Light Placement
Heights and spacing for hallways, bedsides, and artwork.
Read the guide → Shop wall sconces and picture lights. -
Table and bedside lamps
Table and Bedside Lamp Sizing
Lamp height by table, shade proportions, and floor lamps.
Read the guide → Shop table lamps and floor lamps. -
Front door and outdoor
Front Door and Outdoor Lighting
Lantern size by door height, mounting height, and ratings.
Read the guide → Shop outdoor wall lights and post lights. -
Furniture
Furniture Sizing and Spacing
Coffee tables, dining tables, consoles, mirrors, and nightstands.
Read the guide → Shop furniture.
Not sure which size is right? A designer will size it for you, free →
Quick answers
The short version of each guide. Tap a question for the answer.
What size chandelier do I need?
Add the room's length and width in feet — that number, in inches, is your diameter. Over a table, use half to two-thirds the table width. Chandelier sizing guide →
How high should a chandelier hang?
30″–36″ above a dining table on an 8′ ceiling. Everywhere else, keep 7′ of floor clearance. Chandelier sizing guide →
What size light goes over a dining table?
Half to two-thirds the table's width; a linear fixture one-third to one-half its length. Chandelier sizing guide →
How many pendants over a kitchen island?
Two for a 4–5′ island, three for 6–7′, three large or one linear fixture for 8–10′. Island lighting guide →
How far apart should island pendants be?
24″–30″ between centers, at least 6″ clear at each end, 30″–36″ above the counter. Island lighting guide →
How high do vanity sconces go?
Centers at 60″–66″ from the floor, 36″–40″ apart. A bath bar above the mirror goes at 75″–80″. Vanity lighting guide →
What size ceiling fan for my room?
42″–48″ for a room up to 12′ × 12′; 52″–56″ for most primary bedrooms and family rooms. Ceiling fan sizing guide →
What downrod length do I need?
12″ for a 10′ ceiling, 18″ for 11′, 24″ for 12′ — the goal is blades 8–9′ above the floor. Ceiling fan sizing guide →
What size light for my front door?
About ¼ to ⅓ of the door's height — 20″–27″ for an 80″ door — centered 66″–72″ above the threshold. Outdoor lighting guide →
How tall should a bedside lamp be?
24″–27″ on a nightstand about level with the mattress top. Lamp sizing guide →
How high should wall sconces be?
60″–72″ to the center in hallways and living rooms; 30″–36″ above the mattress at the bedside. Sconce placement guide →
What light works on an 8′ ceiling?
A flush or semi-flush up to about 12″ tall, keeping 7′ of clearance below it. Low ceilings guide →
How big should a coffee table be?
About two-thirds the length of the sofa, 14″–18″ in front of it. Furniture sizing guide →
Let a designer size it for you
Send us the room — dimensions, ceiling height, and a photo if you have one — and a certified designer will spec the fixture and the size with you on a 15-minute call. Phone or video, no charge, no obligation.
Book a 15-minute consultation →New to this? See how a design consultation works, or meet the designers.