How to Light a Room
Lighting Each Room
• Try hanging a Semi-Flush Ceiling Mount or a Chandelier in the foyer. Measure the width and the depth of the foyer and add it together. The diameter of the chandelier should not exceed the sum of the two numbers (10 + 15 = 25) so the Chandelier diameter should not be any wider than 25”. We have given you the formula for figuring the wattage – so don’t forget to calculate it as well. If your foyer is small, try a pendant light, two wall sconces or even two buffet lamps on a side table for an inviting entrance.
• Pendants are a great lighting source in a stairwell. As far as the hallway, there should be a fixture every 8 to 10 feet. The most popular hallway lights are flush or semi -flush ceiling lights. For a different look, try wall sconces that wash the walls with light for a dramatic effect.
• Kitchens need bright, general lighting as well as good task lighting. If you are looking at pendants over an island, they should be about 36” above the surface of the island. Just make sure the lights do no hang too close to the cabinet doors, otherwise, you may not be able to open them fully. Let’s say your counter area is 60” long, and you want three pendants divide 60” by 3. So the center pendant should be at 30” then the end pendants should hang at 10” on one end and at 50″ on the opposite end. For food prep try under-counter lighting. It is great task lighting. When you install lights under your counter, make sure that you pull them forward to the front of the cabinet for maximum illumination. If you have a table area or separate dining room, a chandelier (no more than ½ to ¾ the width of the table in diameter (with a maximum of 150 watt lighting capacity) should do the trick. The chandelier should be hung between 30 to 32 inches above the surface of the table. Always install a dimmer switch on high wattage chandeliers and pendants so that you can control the amount of light needed.
• Other than the kitchen, excellent lighting is essential for performing personal tasks in the bathroom. Whatever your style, lighting for the bath has become a primary part of bath design. The best way to light a vanity is sconces above the mirror (1, 2, 3 or 4 light sconces are available). You can also mount them on either side of the mirror. A good rule of thumb is to keep the size of the lighting in proportion to the size of the mirrors. Your bath will probably require some form of overhead lighting. For that spa like quality, try a chandelier that coordinates with your vanity lighting. You can also use a ceiling mounted fixture. Think about adding a dimmer switch for those times when you crave that special spa experience. It can really set the mood.
Living Areas – Living Room, Family Room
• Most living areas of the house require adequate lighting for reading or other tasks, in addition, some low level, glare-free lights needed for television viewing. To figure out how much lighting you will need in the space, follow this formula : [Room Length x Room Width x 1.5 = Amount of watts needed to light the space].
This should help you determine how much lighting you will need in the area. Make sure that you have adequate lighting for reading and other tasks. You can use lamps that have a 3-way switch which will give you a wide range of illumination. Try keeping the lamps proportional to the tables they are sitting on. The bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level when you are seated. Floor lamps are another option when table space is at a minimum. There is usually some form of overhead lighting so try keeping it as a decorative accent and use a dimmer switch so you can change the mood of the room. If all of this seems complicated, a good rule of thumb is to have 4 lighting sources in a room to produce adequate lighting.
• Adequate task lighting is the key to a functional office space. Lamps are the best option to achieve good task lighting. Desk lamps should be about 16” above the work surface to maximize efficiency and reduce glare. If overhead lighting is needed there is recessed lighting or track lighting which will allow you to direct light in the areas that need illumination. It is always a good idea to place overhead lighting on a dimmer to control the brightness, and a home office is no exception.
• Most bedrooms have overhead lighting. When choosing a ceiling fixture, look for something decorative that fits the style of the bedroom. Chandeliers are very popular and look opulent in the bedroom. Don’t be afraid to go for it! Again, make sure whether you choose a chandelier, semi-flush or a flush mount fixture, you install a dimmer switch. It will give you options from bright light all the way to a soft, moody glow. Bedside lighting is also important. It provides you with additional lighting for reading. For maximum illumination, the lamps should be no further than 12 inches away from the side of the bed. Try choosing bedside lamps with three-way switches so you always have the level of light needed for reading, etc. No room for a bedside lamp, try wall mounted sconces. You can purchase either plug in or hard wire versions that look stylish and keep your bedside tables free for that stack of magazines you’ve been wanting to read.
So as you can see, lighting is a critical part of decorating your home. If you choose new lighting, try to be consistent with the style and finish of the lighting. If you love traditional lighting in antique bronze finish, then try to keep all fixtures traditional in style with an antique bronze finish. As with any electrical changes, make sure you have a licensed electrician do the installations. Safety always comes first.
Lighting can truly make or break a space. If you are feeling that your space just isn’t working for you, look at the lighting first. Make sure it is adequate and has the ability to create variable light (dimmers). Not only will it give you the ability to create a welcoming beacon, it can create many different levels of light compatible with your lifestyle. Just knowing the few formulas we gave you can create an environment that is pleasing to your family and your guests. So take a good look at your home, make a few small lighting changes and see what happens!
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can we considered room high in this formula(Room length X Room width x 1.5 = Amount of wattage to light a room) ?
Dear Aung: As with any formula, you have to take into consideration your room size along with how you will be using the room. The formula we use is a basic general plan for lighting a room, but if you have an unusually high ceiling, you may need additional lighting for the room. The formula we use is for general lighting in a standard room with standard ceiling height. This is just a starting point for lighting a room, there are many factors that may increase or decrease the amount of lighting needed.
The Style Studio Team
catalog imagery looks great
How do I figure the right size chandelier for my dining room? My table is 45″w x 64″l (without leaves). The room is 13′ by 25′, but the dining area is a 13′ x 16′ section of that larger room.
I’m thinking about the 6-arm Talia chandelier which apparently is 25″. Too big? Too small? Just right?
Karen: We feel that you should use the 13′ x 16′ dimensions of the room to determine what size chandelier you should have. If you add the two dimensions, the diameter of the chandelier should be no larger than 29″ in diameter. The 9 arm Talia is 28″ in diameter and the 6 arm Talia is 25″ in diameter. You can actually use either Talia Chandelier in this area. If you ceiling height is lower, the 6 arm would work but if you have tall ceilings (10′ or above) then you may want to consider the 9 arm Talia.
The Style Studio Team
Your room examples and tips are invaluable. Please tell me if I am ok with a 6 arm chandelier of glass and metal over your 48 inch Rudolph round table. How high off the table should it hang? The ceilings are 8 feet. Thanks.
Carol: Your chandelier should be between 24 and 32″ in diameter for the size of the table. The bottom of the chandelier should be between 32 and 36″ above the table top so as not to be in your eye line. Hope this info helps!
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
My front door enters into the living room of my very tiny apartment. There is a garish harsh flush mount fixture on the ceiling right at the doorway. Should I just scrap the overhead light – will it end up looking harsh no matter the style of fixture – in favor of a sconce or a console with a table lamp?
Dear Chitchatcat: Sometimes overhead lighting can be harsh. If you find a terrific semi-flush mount like our Anatasia Light, you may fall in love with your foyer light! Look for a light that covers the bulbs rather than one that exposes them as this will soften the light source. We also love the idea of a small console with a lamp. Because it is ambient (mood) lighting it has a softer effect on the space. So the choice is up to you. We hope these suggestions help with your decision.
Happy Decorating!
The Style Studio Team
Is there any rule of thumb for size and height of lamps on a nightstand next to a king-sized bed? I think my lamps may be too small. Thanks!
My son is becoming an electrician – and I am sending him this website to read! What great information!!! I love the formulas to help…as always, Ballard’s Style Studio ROCKS!!!
I also have a question about the chandelier size I need for my dining room. The room is 11 x 13, with 9 foot ceilings. I have a dining room table that is 42 inches wide. I am looking at the Lourdes Chandelier. Do I choose the 8-arm or the 12-arm? Thanks!!
Dear Stephanie: The 12 arm Lourdes Chandelier is the correct size for your dining room as well as your dining room table.
The Style Studio Team
I am looking for a lamp for a console behind a living room sofa. The room is large-24 X 14, with 12 foot ceilings. The sofa sits in the middle of the room. The console table height is 38W X 15.25D X 28H. Should I get the 23-inch or 27-inch Suzanne Kasler Gourd lamp or the Madison?
Dear LKN: Due to the size of the rooom, you should go with the taller Gourd Lamp. The Madison is the same height as the large Gourd Lamp – so it is just a matter of personal taste. Another option available are the Chartres Buffet Lamps which could be placed on either end. They have a smaller profile but are taller at 30″. Hope this information helps.
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
My living room is 20×16 and has a 12 foot A-shaped ceiling. I purchased the 9-arm Grand Claire gold chandelier. How many feet from the floor should it hang?
Dear Style Studio Team.
I redecorating my Formal office. I have dark hand scraped wood floors without a in floor source of electricity. How would I float a Bourdonnais desk in the center of my room and be able to rest task lighting on the desk and minimize the visual of a cord?
Dear Lori: You can get a Floor Cable Protector at your local Home Improvement Store which will protect the cord and keep it flat to the floor. Short of having a plug installed in the floor – this seems to be the best alternative.
The Style Studio Team
Dear Emmie: The chandelier should hang at least 8′ from the floor.
The Style Studio Team
our dining room is 15 x 15 with a large hutch along one wall. The dining table extends to 148″. It’s a tight fit, but during the holidays we need every inch. (one end opens into the foyer so there is some breathing room) I saw the formula for chandelier size and hanging height, but i’m wondering should I be hanging two chandeliers instead of one. Thanks so much
You certainly could hang two chandeliers if you wanted. But without the dimensions of the table, we are at a loss as to what size you should choose.
The Style Studio Team
A couple more questions, please! How high should my chandelier hang from a my kitchen island? Is it also 36 inches? And where do you position 2-light wall sconces on either side of a fireplace mantle?
Emmie: The chandelier should hang about 36″ from the top of the island – just make sure that it clears any cabinet doors, etc. Nothing is etched in stone, so if you feel it needs to be a bit higher make that decision. As far as sconces on either side of the fireplace – the standard for a wall sconce is about 5 feet from the floor to the middle of the sconce – however hanging depends on the height of the mantel as well as the height of the ceiling. There really are no hard-fast rules as each fireplace is different. One thing to make sure of is the size of the sconces should be in harmony with the size of the space. We wish we could give you a concrete answer, but your best bet is to get an electrician to help you make the determination.
The Style Studio Team
Hi, My master bedroom is only 8′ in height. I had wanted to use the six arm claire but was told by my electrician that it would be too long so I have to go with a shorter fixture. With an 8′ ceiling, what is the appropriate length for a chandelier? My husband and I are short and we are the only ones using our room….thanks much.
Carmen: We agree with your electrician – safety first! Have you looked at our Ceiling Mounted Lights? The Anastasia Ceiling Mount is 11 3/4″ in height and may be okay, our Claire Ceiling Mount is 10 1/2″in height – although the bottom of the light should be at 7 1/2′ – either of these lights are a bit longer – so the choice is yours. Let us know how things work out.
The Style Studio Team
We are adding a family room to our house.
The room is 26 feet long by 16 feet wide, with a 9 ft ceiling.
at one end is a fireplace with TV atop, and the other a 9 ft wide entrance.
there will be 2 – 5ft square windows on the sunny side, just a wall on the other.
My husband suggested recessed potlights [6-8?] around the outside with one large semi flush mounted ceiling fan in the middle.
any other suggestions?
thanks
Debbie
Debbie: Thank you for your questions. There is a simple equation to figure how much wattage a room needs. You multiply the width x length x 1.5 and that should give you the amount of wattage needed to light your room. According to the dimensions you gave us, 26 x 16 (x 1.5) you should have a total of 624 watts of lighting for your family room. If you want to use say a 60 watt bulb – you could do the 8 potlights (giving you 480 watts) and add two either table lamps or floor lamps with 75 watt bulbs – which will give you a total of 630 watts. Of course, this is only a guideline but it will give you something to work with. You can always add additional task light if needed. Make sure you add dimmer switches to your lighting so that you can control the lighting in the room. We hope we’ve answered your questions.
Happy Decorating,
The Style Studio Team
what about chandeliers in the bedroom? any specific rules?
The basic rules still apply as far as size. Just be careful about the height of the ceiling in relationship to the chandelier.
The Style Studio Team
I am putting in a 9 1/2 foot island and am wondering if I should hang two or three pendant lights and also if I should get pendants that are 7″ or 11″ in diameter.
If you use the 7″ pendants – do 3 across the island – if you are using the 11″ – try 2.
The Style Studio Team
What kind of lighting do you recommend for a family room? We are building a house and our family room is 18′x 16′ with 9 feet ceilings. There is a fireplace (tv above) and built in bookcases on one end and the other is open to our kitchen. I don’t know if we should just do a couple of table lamps and can lights in the ceiling or if we should do another type of ceiling lighting like chandelier.
Dear Andrea: In order to adequately light your family room, you would need a minimum of 430 watts of light. This could consist of 3 – table lamps (100 watts each) and two can lights over the bookcases (60 watts each) or if you prefer a chandelier (app. 100 watts) placed on a dimmer switch.
Happy Decorating
The Style Studio Team