Selecting an improperly sized fixture or
placing it in the wrong location can ruin an otherwise beautiful interior design
scheme no matter how exquisite the piece. Designing a lighting plan complete
with switch types, outlets, and locations is an integral part of the total project.
This blog focuses on size and placement
of fixtures. All of the measurements are general guidelines used by Robin
Lechner Designs. Measurements will vary depending upon your design scheme, fixtures,
furnishings, and preferences.
Chandeliers in dining rooms should
hang 30-36” from the table top – or 66” from the floor. To determine the proper
size, add the length, width, and height of the space, using the total as the
height in inches your fixture should be. A chandelier that’s too large will
overpower a small space, and one that’s too small can get lost and not provide
sufficient illumination in a large room.
Entry halls look best with several
types of lighting fixtures. In addition to a dramatic overheadchandelier,
sconces flanking a hallway mirror, or a lamp set on a foyer table add warmth
and graciousness to the space and eliminate shadows. Hanging fixtures should be
an average of 84”off the floor, though no lower than 81”.
Most apartments have cement ceilings
making it almost impossible to add ceiling fixtures. If you don’t already have
recessed lighting, you can add track lighting. I prefer recessed lighting, and
often have a soffit constructed around the perimeter of a room. Another option
is to add coffering in a pattern that allows lighting to be placed in any
pattern. If ceilings are high enough, you can drop them a few inches to run
wires for additional hanging fixtures.
Perimeter lighting is the most
versatile whether you want to use it to highlight artwork, use it for subtle
accents, general or task lighting. It should be installed 18” away from the
wall and always on dimmers to get the most benefit and avoid getting light or
glare in your eyes.
Reading lamps, whether table or
floor styles, should be placed 15” to the right or left of the
Table lamps not used for tasks or reading
average 27-30” on tables that are 27-30” high. Floor lamps range from 60-66” in
height.
One of my favorite space saving
lights are wall mounted swing arm lamps. In a bedroom, the bottom of the shade
should be the same as that of a lamp, about 20-22” above the surface of the
mattress. For a 21” mattress place the mounting box of the fixture 42” off the
floor; a 24” mattress, raise it to 45”, and 48” for a 27” mattress. The arm
should be long enough to adjust for reading comfortably, and the on/off switch within
convenient reach. I strongly recommend you set up your bed with the mattress
before installing the junction box. Every bed supports the mattress at a
different height and have different overall widths. The junction box should be
6-8” from the headboard.
I also use them to flank sofas. The
bottom of the lamp shade should be 42-44” off the floor and centered over the
end table.
Sconces are my favorite decorative lights whether they flank
a fireplace, entry foyer or bathroom mirror. Junction boxes for sconces or wall lights
should be installed 66” from the floor. If they’re to be placed above a
fireplace mantel, the box belongs 15-18” above it.
Have questions? I'd be surprised if you didn't! Call me now at
305-940-7892 or 631-848-8469 for a FREE 30 minute consultation
And for more discussions on design topics, visit my website.
If you'd like to schedule some time to talk or meet or email, try
No comments:
Post a Comment