What size light do I need, and how high should it hang?
The rules interior designers use, a calculator for your room, and lights from our collection that fit. Inches and centimetres.
Enter your room, get your size
Lights that fit
Shop all →Diameter first, then height, then hanging height
What fits under your ceiling
| Ceiling | Best type | Keep clear below | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft 244 cm | Flush or semi-flush | 7 ft 213 cm | Pendants only over a table or island |
| 9–10 ft 274–305 cm | Pendants, chandeliers | 7 ft | Most of our pendants come with a 59″ (150 cm) adjustable cord |
| 10–12 ft 305–366 cm | Larger chandeliers | 7.5 ft 229 cm | Go one size up and use more of the drop |
| Sloped | Pendants with a swivel canopy | 7 ft | Check the canopy in the product specs |
Sizing for every room
Table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces
| Light | Rule | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Bedside lamp | Bottom of the shade at chin height when sitting up in bed | Nightstand + lamp ≈ 55–62″ 140–157 cm |
| Living room table lamp | About 1.5× the height of the side table | 24–32″ tall 61–81 cm |
| Reading floor lamp | Bottom of the shade at shoulder height when seated | 40–49″ from floor 102–124 cm |
| Wall sconce | Centre slightly above eye level | 60–66″ from floor 152–168 cm |
| Hallway sconces | Even spacing along the wall | Every 8–10 ft 2.4–3 m |
Questions we get most
Can I hang a pendant with an 8 ft ceiling?
Yes, over a table or kitchen island where nobody walks under it. Keep the bottom 30–36″ above the surface. Over open floor, a flush or semi-flush light is the better choice.
I'm between two sizes. Bigger or smaller?
With ceilings over 9 ft, go bigger: lights look smaller once they're up. Under 9 ft, go smaller.
Can I shorten the cord?
Most of our pendants have an adjustable cord, usually up to 59″ (150 cm). The exact length is under Dimensions & Specifications on each product.
Which size is right for my dining table?
Take the table width and subtract 12″ (30 cm). A 42″ wide table suits a light around 30″. For long tables, use two or three smaller lights.
Still not sure about the size?
Send a photo of your room and we suggest the best fit. Free design support, reply within 1–2 business days.