The right lighting can bring elegance, charm and the right mood to your foyer, so long as it's hung at the right height. We've learned by some of the very best lighting designers across the U.S. there are general rules for how tall and wide a lighting fixture should be for its location. Every application is unique and involves analyzing your particular space.
Kitchen Pendants
Start the row 12"-15" in from either end of the island and then space the pendants evenly within that span.
Space pendants around 24"- 30" apart from one another (depending on style & quantity).
Pendants should be at least 10" smaller in diameter than the width of the countertops. Consider the rule of odd numbers (unless using oversized fixtures).
Keep 30"-36" of space between the countertop and fixtures.
Kitchen Recessed
Keep 30" away from the wall and space evenly for
4" recessed space 4' apart but for 5" space 5'.
The table under the fixture should serve as a guide for selecting the right fixture for your space. To calculate the correct width, start with the width of your table and subtract 12". (For example, if your table is 42" wide, your chandelier should not be more than 30" wide.)
Based on an 8' ceiling, your fixture should hang between 30"-36" above the table.
Minimum Width Recommendations:
Add width of room + length and use this number as inches
Note: For 10'-0" ceiling heights or below, fixture should not exceed width of table less than 12".
The rule of thumb is to accommodate 2.5 - 3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height.
9' - 10' Ceiling
Hang a fixture using a guideline 7-to-7.5 feet should proceed sufficient results.
11' + Ceiling
Divide the vertical space into thirds, positioning the fixture(s) two-thirds of the distance from the floor, so that the ceiling height does not overwhelm the space. If the foyer is large and has a high ceiling, it's recommended to choose a slightly larger fixture than formulas suggest.
*Note confirm that light doesn't interfere with door swing. If it does, place it further back.
Front Door Wall Lanterns
For a front door with two lanterns, the lantern height should be approximately 1/4 the height of the door. Front doors
with one lantern should be approximately 1/3 the height of the door. Mount lanterns approximately 66" above floor for accurate lighting effects.
For a door that is 96" in height, multiply the height by .25 to get 24" for the suggested height of each fixture.
Front Door Hanging Lanterns
For a front door with a hanging lantern, the lantern height should be approximately 1/5 the height of the door.
Hanging lanterns are hung using chain or stems connections, so be sure to consider the additional length of the chain or stem. The hanging lantern should not hang below 7' from the ground, including the fixture, chain and stem.
Allow 6" minimum clearance from the bottom of the lantern to the top of the door to allow the door to open and close. If there is not enough clearance, consider using a flush mount outdoor fixture. the height of the door.
Garage Wall Lanterns
If you are installing two or more wall lanterns on the exterior of your garage, the lantern height should be approximately 1/4 the height of the door. For installing a single wall lantern, the height of the fixture should be approximately 1/3 the height of the door.
For a garage door that is 16' in height, multiply the height by .25 to get 4'. Divide 4' by 2 to get 24", which is the suggested height of each fixture.
