The Proper Height to Hang a Pendant Light

Pendant lights are extremely versatile and can add drama to an ordinary room. The lights are sold in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, making them the perfect choice for a variety of settings. The key factor when determining the proper height to hang a pendant light is where the light is going to hang. Does this Spark an idea?

Dining Room Table

A pendant light can turn a dining room table into an intimate gathering place. The pendant should hang 28 to 32 inches from the bottom of the light to the table's surface. Consider the length and width of the dining room table when hanging the light, as it should hang closer to a small table. A pendant light can hang higher over a large table and still look elegant. If your home is decorated in a contemporary style, hang it lower. Be sure to hang the light over the center of the table in the center of the room.

Kitchen Island

When hanging pendant lights over a kitchen island, it is convenient to have two or more hanging together to provide ample lighting. Take into consideration the heights of family members who will gather at the island. Most pendant lights are hung 30 to 40 inches above the island, but you do not want them so low that someone sitting at the counter has to bend to see across the other side. If the island has a cooktop, the person standing should be able to cook without the light becoming a nuisance. Consider other uses for the island, too. If children will be doing homework at the counter, the lights should be low enough and bright enough for reading.

Foyer

Pendant lights are often the lighting source of choice for a foyer or stairwell. The light should hang 40 to 48 inches away from walls. The height of the ceiling will help determine how low the pendant should hang. Hang it low enough that it illuminates the entire room but high enough that people do not walk into it. Pendant lights look best in foyers with ceilings that are 11 feet or higher because the bottom of a pendant light should hang 9 to 10 feet from the floor.

Pool Table

A pendant light should hang 38 to 42 inches from the bottom of the light to the pool table's surface. To install the pool table light before the table is delivered, hang it so the bottom of the light hangs 66 to 72 inches from the floor. Players should be able to shoot pool comfortably without banging the light with their pool stick.