Good lighting doesn’t happen by accident. Where you place each chandelier, pendant, or sconce can decide whether a room feels flat and dull—or warm, inviting, and beautifully designed.
At ledlighthub, we’re often asked the same question:
You can browse our lighting collections to see different styles in real spaces.
“How high should I hang this light, and is it the right size?”
To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple guide to lighting placement for the most important spaces in your home: entryways, dining rooms, kitchen islands, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
1. Entryway Chandeliers
Your entryway is your home’s first impression, and the chandelier is usually the star of that view.
How big should it be?
Quick sizing trick:
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Add the length and width of the room (in feet)
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The result (in inches) is a good starting point for the chandelier diameter
Example: If your foyer is 10 ft x 12 ft:
10 + 12 = 22 → look for a chandelier around 22 inches wide.
This keeps you away from fixtures that are too tiny or overpoweringly large.
How high should it hang?
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In most foyers, keep the bottom of the chandelier around 7 ft (213 cm) from the floor.
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In a double-height entryway, you can hang it higher so it sits comfortably in the vertical space and doesn’t block upstairs views.
2. Chandeliers Above a Dining Table
The dining area is one of the best places to use a statement chandelier.
Size: width
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Choose a chandelier that’s roughly 10–12 inches narrower than your table.
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If your table is 40 inches wide, a fixture around 24–30 inches wide usually feels balanced.
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For long rectangular tables, linear chandeliers or elongated shapes work especially well.
Placement: height
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For an 8 ft ceiling, hang the chandelier 30–36 inches above the tabletop.
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For each extra foot of ceiling height, raise it by about 2–3 inches.
You want the light low enough to feel intimate, but high enough that no one bumps their head or stares directly into the bulbs.
3. Pendant Lights Over a Kitchen Island
Island pendants are both task lighting and décor. Getting the size and spacing right keeps your kitchen looking clean, not cluttered.
How many pendants?
Rough guide:
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4–5 ft island: usually two small or medium pendants
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6–8 ft island: often two large or three medium pendants
Spacing & height
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Leave about 24–30 inches between the widest parts of each pendant.
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Hang pendants 28–34 inches above the countertop.
If you’re unsure, start a bit higher—you can often lower adjustable pendants later.
4. Living Room Chandeliers & Statement Lights
In a living room, a modern living room chandelier does more than provide ambient light. It anchors the seating area and adds a focal point.
Choosing the right size
Use the same simple formula:
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Room length (ft) + room width (ft) = suggested diameter (inches)
Example: 18 ft x 22 ft room → 18 + 22 = 40 → look for a fixture around 40 inches wide.
If your ceiling is low (around 8 ft), choose a shallower chandelier or a semi-flush fixture with personality.
Where to place it
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Center the chandelier over the main seating group, usually above the coffee table.
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Keep at least 7 ft of clearance from the floor so people can walk comfortably underneath.
For very high ceilings, drop the fixture lower so the light feels connected to the furniture instead of floating far above it.
5. Bathroom Vanity Sconces & Lights
Bathroom lighting should give you a clear, flattering view of your face—no harsh shadows.
Sconces beside the mirror
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Mount sconces on both sides of the mirror, roughly at eye level.
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For most adults, that’s around 60–65 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture.
This side lighting softens shadows and makes daily routines—makeup, shaving, skincare—more comfortable.
Lights above the mirror
If you prefer a single light above the mirror:
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Place it roughly 30–36 inches above the countertop,
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Or about 75–80 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture, depending on mirror height.
Avoid placing it so high that it only lights the ceiling, or so low that it shines straight into your eyes.
6. Bedroom Lighting & Bedside Pendants
The bedroom should feel calm, cozy, and restful.
Ceiling light
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A soft, diffused flush mount or chandelier works well.
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As with other walk-through areas, keep at least 7 ft clearance from the floor.
Bedside pendants
If you hang pendants instead of using table lamps:
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Aim for the bottom of each pendant to sit 18–24 inches above the nightstand.
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Center the pendant over the nightstand, not the mattress.
This provides comfortable reading light without creating glare when you’re lying down.
7. Quick Lighting Placement Checklist
Before you install any light, ask yourself:
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Is the fixture proportional to the room or furniture below it?
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Will people walk under it? If yes, is there at least 7 ft of clearance?
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Is the light centered over what matters—table, island, coffee table, mirror, or bed?
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Are the bulbs in your direct line of sight? If so, consider diffusers, frosted bulbs, or a slightly higher position.
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Did you measure twice before drilling?
Let ledlighthub Help You Light Every Room Right
If you’re not sure where to start, explore the ledlighthub chandelier and pendant collections and use this guide to choose the right size and placement for your home.
Whether you’re searching for a modern living room chandelier, kitchen island pendants, or soft vanity lights, ledlighthub curates designs that balance function, comfort, and style.
Browse our collection online, save your favorite looks, and when you’re ready to upgrade your home, you’ll know exactly where—and how high—to hang every light.