Lighting Installation Guides - How to position feature lights
How to position your feature lights
A guide on how to position your lights in the most common applications.
Just like the perfect piece of jewellery elevates an outfit, the right lighting elevates your entire renovation. Imagine striking pendants drawing attention to your stunning kitchen island, or a statement pendant over your dining table creating a warm and intimate ambience. Feature lighting is the finishing touch that adds personality, functionality, and magic to your space.
Single Kitchen Island Pendant
Having a single, large pendant over your kitchen island can create a bold and dramatic statement. It can become the focal point of the room, drawing the eye upwards and highlighting the unique architecture of your space.
While a centred pendant is a classic choice, a large pendant offset at one end of the island (perhaps the seating end) can also create a striking look, breaking the symmetry of the space.
Two Kitchen Island Pendants
For a classic and balanced look, center two pendant lights over your kitchen island. As a general rule of thumb, the width of each pendant should be about one-third to one-half the width of the kitchen island. This guideline ensures that the pendants are not too small to get lost visually nor too large to overwhelm the island's size. Ensure they hang at the optimal height for both task lighting and visual appeal.
Three Kitchen Island Pendants
If your island is a bit longer (2.4-3m), you’re getting into the size range where you can start considering hanging three lights rather than two, depending on which look you prefer.
Choose three slightly smaller pendants, opting for a size that complements the island's length and doesn't overwhelm the space. Precise spacing between the lights is important as is the space left between the light and the end of the island.
Single pendant over oval or rectangle table
Striking a balance between elegance and functionality, a single pendant, strategically positioned above your dining table, becomes the focal point of the space.
Two pendants over oval or rectangle table
Unlike a single pendant, a double arrangement provides flexibility. Adjust the height of each to create a staggered effect, or keep them level for a balanced look. You can also vary the sizes of the pendants for visual interest.
Pendant over a round or square table
With a round or square dining table opt for a single, circular pendant with a diameter approximately 2/3 - 3/4 the diameter of your table. This creates a cohesive look and avoids overwhelming the space. Higher ceilings allow for slightly larger pendants or multiple fixtures. In low-ceilinged spaces, choose smaller, low-profile designs.
Bedroom Bedside lights
Choose lamps or pendants proportionate to your bedside tables and bed frame. Oversized lamps can overpower the space, while tiny ones will look out of place. If you are using pendants either side of the bed remember to allow for two way power switches above your bedsides so that you can turn them off or on from the comfort of bed. Importantly, don’t forget to include dimmers!
Console Sconces
Measuring for wall mounted lighting depends heavily on the user's height and wall dimensions, but use this as your starting point and adjust from there.
Seated Lighting
For comfortable reading and other seated tasks, ensure the bottom edge of the shade hangs at eye level when you're seated. This ensures the light falls directly on your reading material or workspace without creating glare or strain.
Final Thoughts on Feature Light Placement
These recommendations on positioning feature lights in your home are based on my professional experience. While there are no hard and fast rules, as every space and personal preference is unique, I highly recommend being present when your electrician is installing your lights. This allows you to make adjustments to the height or position to ensure the perfect ambiance for your space. Your input during installation can make all the difference in achieving your desired look and feel.
Follow this lighting series for more useful tips on how best to light your home.
Part 1: LED lighting for bathrooms
Part 2: Interior Lighting made easy
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