Which Light Fixtures Are Best for Your Space, and How to Hang Them
One of the most crucial pieces to the functionality of a home is the lighting that illuminates your space. It can evoke different moods, but it can prove essential to everyday routines. Additionally, lighting can be a piece of art to add to the design of your space. We like to take all of this into consideration when selecting light fixtures for our clients, to give a layered look that is timeless. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to select the right fixture for your space and how to hang it like a pro.
Sconces
We love sconces in bathrooms. Did you ever have one of those Conair, double-sided mirrors growing up? They were life-changing (so long as you didn’t flip them around) because the direct light kept you from having shadows on your face as you were applying makeup or getting ready. Sconces provide the same type of lighting when placed next to your mirror in a bathroom. When used in conjunction with overhead lighting, they minimize glare and provide the optimal amount of lighting for a great morning routine.
Sconces should be level with your face, just as your mirror(s) should, and should be no less than one inch from the side of the mirror. Generally, each sconce should be about 36-40 inches apart depending on the width of your mirror. We also like to take into consideration the size of the vanity when hanging bathroom sconces, as they shouldn’t fall outside the length of the vanity.
Flush Mounts
Flush mounts are great for providing a supplemental source of light. There are so many unique shapes and styles, they can add a lot of interest to a home’s design. Since flush mounts are a supplemental light source, we recommend using them alongside other light sources when ample lighting is important, in rooms such as bathrooms and offices.
Flush mounts are on the smaller size of light fixtures, so we like to consider the space in which we are placing them. Flush mounts are optimal in homes with ceilings 8 feet or shorter. If you have taller ceilings, consider a semi-flush mount (flush mounts with a small extension rod that help distribute light in large spaces). We love adding fun flush mounts to pantries, closets, and long hallways.
Pendants
Pendants are great for adding warmth to a kitchen. Outside of recessed lighting, which proves essential for your most used workspaces, kitchen pendants add mood lighting for entertainment and gathering. Pendants come in unique shapes and sizes that can tell a story about you and the place you call home.
A general rule of thumb when selecting kitchen pendants is to take in mind the size of the island. You don’t want your pendants to extend outside of the island. We recommend two feet of space between each pendant for ample breathing room. Two pendants are often the standard, but depending on the length of your island and the size of the pendant selected, you can add a third. Lastly, height: the bottom of the light fixture should hang anywhere between 30-36 inches off the surface of your countertop, allowing extra space on both sides of the island so you can still converse with your guests while maintaining your workspace.
Chandeliers / Large Pendants
The quintessential mood lighting for any evening gathered around the dinner table. Chandeliers and large pendants not only add to the ambiance of the dining area, but they are the statement earrings of your dining space. Do you prefer long and dangly with a touch of bling? Or simple with an understated elegance? Either way, we have a few tips on how to choose which works best for you.
The main thing you should consider when purchasing a dining fixture is the shape of your dining table. The shape of your light should follow the shape of the table. For round tables, you want to select a round fixture. This ensures the light is evenly-distributed. A tip to selecting the correct size fixture for your table is to half the width of your table- that number is how large you want your light fixture to be. Once you have selected your chandelier/pendant, you want to be sure it is hanging in the center of the table. Similar to our rules for kitchen pendants, we recommend hanging the light 30-36 inches off the top of your table.
For longer tables, such as rectangular and oval tables, the fixture should move with the length of the table. If you were to use a round chandelier in the center of the table, it could be very dark for your guests sitting on the outer ends. Therefore, we recommend a more linear fixture to flow with the shape of the table. If the linear fixture isn’t your style, you can hang multiple pendants above, following the same rules for the kitchen pendants. This still moves with the shape of the table while providing enough light for everyone seated. Again, we recommend hanging the fixture 30-36 inches from the bottom of the light to the surface of the table.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite sconces, pendants, flush mounts, and chandeliers; you can shop them here!