LIGHTING SIZE & INSTALLATION GUIDE

How to Choose the Perfectly Sized Light Fixture for Your Space

Expert Tips from Lubrel Designers

Selecting the right light fixture is about more than just style — size matters just as much as design. At Lubrel, we’ve spent years helping homeowners and designers transform spaces with perfectly scaled lighting. A fixture that’s too small can feel underwhelming, while one that’s too large can overpower a room.
Here’s our exclusive guide to help you calculate the ideal light fixture size and create balanced, beautifully lit spaces.

1. The Lubrel Formula for Fixture Diameter

The easiest way to determine the correct diameter for a chandelier or ceiling light is to use our tried-and-true formula:

Step 1: Measure the length and width of your room (in feet).
Step 2: Add these two numbers together.
Step 3: Convert the total to inches — this is your recommended fixture diameter.

Example:
For a room that’s 12 feet wide and 14 feet long, add the numbers:
12 + 14 = 26 feet → 26 inches
So, your ideal chandelier size would be approximately 26 inches in diameter — large enough to make an impact, perfectly proportioned for the space.

2. Ideal Fixture Height for Your Ceiling

The height of your light is just as important as its width. For a visually balanced look:

  • Step 1: Measure your ceiling height (in feet).

  • Step 2: Multiply by 2.5 to 3 inches.

This gives you the recommended fixture height.

Example:
A 10-foot ceiling should have a chandelier or pendant around 25–30 inches tall for a harmonious look.

3. Perfect Hanging Height for Tables & Islands

Lighting isn’t just about the fixture — it’s also about where you hang it. Our design experts recommend:

  • Dining Tables: Hang your light 32–36 inches above the table surface.

  • Kitchen Islands: Pendants should also hang 32–36 inches above the countertop to provide clear, even task lighting.

4. Multiple Pendants? Here’s the Rule of Thumb

When using two or three pendants over a kitchen island or long dining table:

  • Each fixture should measure about ¼ the length of the surface below.

  • Space them evenly for balance and a clean, designer-approved look.

5. Room-by-Room Lighting Size Guide

Room Type Ideal Fixture Size Lighting Types to Consider Hanging Height & Spacing
Living Room Length + Width (in feet) → inches for diameter Chandeliers, pendants, flush mounts, floor lamps Chandelier bottoms should hang 7 ft above the floor
Dining Room ½ to ⅔ width of table Chandeliers, linear pendants, wall sconces 32–36 inches above table surface
Kitchen Each pendant ¼ length of island Pendants, recessed, under-cabinet, track lighting 32–36 inches above countertop, evenly spaced
Bedroom Length + Width (in feet) → inches for diameter Flush mounts, bedside lamps, sconces Bedside lamps at eye-level when seated
Bathroom Room dimension formula Vanity lights, sconces, flush mounts Sconces 65–70 inches from floor, 24 inches above mirror
Entryway/Hallway Length + Width formula or even spacing in hallways Chandeliers, flush mounts, sconces Entryway lights 7 ft above floor, hallway lights every 8–10 ft
Home Office Room dimension formula Flush mounts, desk lamps, recessed lighting Desk lamps should focus directly on work surfaces

6. Ceiling Height Considerations

Your ceiling height influences not only fixture height but also the overall style:

  • Low Ceilings (8 ft or less): Choose flush or semi-flush mounts to save space and avoid obstruction.

  • Standard Ceilings (9–10 ft): Perfect for chandeliers or pendants, maintaining at least 7 ft clearance below.

  • High Ceilings (10 ft+): Make a statement with taller, more dramatic fixtures that draw the eye upward and balance large spaces.

7. Proportional Bedside Lamps

Choosing bedside lamps? Follow these designer rules:

Lamp Part Ideal Measurement
Total Height Equal to the height of the nightstand
Shade Height ½ to ⅔ of lamp height
Shade Width About 2× the base width
Base Height ⅓ of total lamp height
Base Width Half the shade width

Your Lighting, Perfectly Scaled by Lubrel

At Lubrel, we believe the right lighting fixture doesn’t just illuminate your room — it defines it. Using these expert tips, you’ll select fixtures that are perfectly scaled, elegantly styled, and professionally balanced for your home.

✨ Explore Lubrel’s exclusive lighting collections, where every piece is designed to bring timeless beauty, optimal proportion, and a warm glow to your interiors.