Lighting can be the centerpiece to any space, instead of an afterthought or a distraction, but the correct proportions (size) and mounting (location) are key to nailing the look.
A few of the most common types of lighting our clients get hung up on are below:
LIGHTING GUIDE: BEST LAYOUTS & SIZES FOR MOST COMMON INSTALLATIONS
Island Lighting
3 lights: Keep these a minimum 6″ in from each edge of island. Go with a smaller diameter unless you have an island that is 10 feet long (or longer) something around a 6-12″ diameter should work perfectly!
2 lights: Keep at least 30 inches between each pendant if you can, and feel free to go with a larger fixture to make more of a statement! Aim to keep the pendants equidistant from each other and the edges of the island.
IN GENERAL :: when hanging pendants over your island, remember to consider sightlines through the space and adjust pendants as needed to make sure they aren’t blocking important views. The pendants should be 30-36 inches above the counter optimal mounting height!
Dining Lighting:
Fixtures over a dining table should be a minimum of 6 inches set in from the table edge, to make sure no one bumps their head when going from sitting to standing. Hanging the pendant 30-26 inches from the table high is optimal…mounting on the lower end creates a moodier feel.
Bigger, in this case, is better. Choose the largest fixture you can while still allowing for the suggested distances Does your space have lower ceilings? Choose a linear fixture so you can get more visual impact proportionate to the length of the table.
Semi flush-mount
In spaces where you don’t have the space for bigger hanging fixtures, a semi-flush-mount is a great way to add interest and dimension to the ceiling.
If you’re not hanging the light over a table/counter, keep a minimum of 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fixture to prevent any heads from being bumped. If the fixture is going over an area where there will be more than just walking (think your home gym where you might be jumping or your walk-in closet where you’re putting your arms up to get dressed), add another foot of clearance.
Remember, always consider what the fixture will look like from underneath. For something like a drum shade, consider a fixture with a baffle (covering on the bottom) so the sightline stays clean.
Feel frozen when it comes to making decisions about lighting and…more? We can help with that. We work locally with clients in Marquette, MI + virtually with clients worldwide!
Sincerely,
Allison
MY SHORT BIO.
Founded in 2012 by Allison Harlow, Curio Design Studio focuses on creating distinctive interior environments for new construction, whole house renovations and kitchen + bath remodels for modern families and leading professionals.
