Choosing the right size of a lighting fixture is essential towards achieving that perfect look for both interior and exterior design. If a lighting fixture is too big, it can ruin the aesthetics of a room. On the other hand, if a lighting fixture is too small, it won’t be able to provide sufficient lighting. Below are a few tips to help you choose the right size fixture each time.

Chandeliers

If the chandelier is going to hang above a kitchen island or table, the maximum diameter of the chandelier should equal the width or diameter of the table minus 12 inches. For the standard 8-foot ceiling, minimum elevation of the chandelier should be 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop. Add 3 more inches for each additional foot of ceiling. If you want to use 2 chandeliers for the dining table, each one should be 1/3 the width of the table and positioned at the center of each half of the table.

Foyer Lighting

Measure the height and width of your foyer or entryway. For a ceiling height of 9 feet, the bottom of the light at least 7 feet from the floor.

Bathroom Vanity Lights

The size of yourvanity light depends on the size of your bathroom mirrors. The size limit for a vanity bar light should be 75% of the combined length of all the mirrors in the bathroom. When using a bath bar, there should be at least 3 inches separating the top of the mirror and the bottom of the lighting fixture.

Table Lamps

The size limit of a table lamp should be 150% of the height of the table it will be placed on. And a lampshade should never be larger than the tabletop it sits on. The room the table lamp will reside should also be considered:

26” to 34” for the living room

34” to 36” for the dining room

28” to 30” for the bedroom

Outdoor Wall Lights

The size of the door or surface to be illuminated should be the main factor in determining the size of awall-mounted outdoor lighting fixture. If you plan on using a single lantern, size limit should be a third of the height of the door. If you plan on using one lantern for each side of the door, the size limit goes down to a quarter of the door’s height. Center of the bulbs should be at least 66” from the edge of the door.