Lighting Guide

IN THIS GUIDE

Which room are you lighting?

Start with your space, then explore sizing and bulb guidance as you need it.

01 / Kitchen

Lighting the island

Think about how you use the island: preparing meals, working and gathering. Pendants define this area; plan suitable lighting for the other worktops too.

Two pendants or three?

Compare shade sizes before settling on a number. Two substantial pendants can create a quiet composition; three smaller designs give a more regular rhythm. The layouts below are geometric examples to try with templates, rather than required dimensions.

Three islands, three layouts

Measurements in inches unless indicated.

For matching shades: clear gap = centre-to-centre distance − diameter. Also check island depth, cabinets, the range hood and electrical box positions. The number of pendants alone does not determine whether the lighting is sufficient.

THE DETAILS

Hanging height: start at the right surface

Above a table or island, 30–36 in. (76–91 cm) from the surface to the bottom of the fixture is a common starting point. Adjust for the design, the people using the space and their sightlines.

The complete hanging height

Include the canopy, rods or chain and the fixture body. Example: a 96-inch ceiling − a 36-inch counter − a 32-inch gap = 28 inches available for the complete fixture. A design with a minimum hanging height over 28 inches will not fit that layout.

Hanging-height reference: Visual Comfort

02 / Dining room

Begin with the table

Check: centre the composition over the table in its final position. For an extending table, compare both lengths. Check the fixture while seated to preserve the view across the table.

Chandelier proportion: Visual Comfort

03 / Living room

Bring light to different levels

A combination to try

General lighting for moving around, a lamp beside the reading chair and a table lamp on a console: each source has a purpose. In the evening, try the room with only the lamps switched on to identify areas that still feel too dark.

Choose a comfortable lamp height

Sit in your usual spot. Check that the exposed bulb does not glare beneath the shade and that light reaches your book. On a small table, measure the shade as well as the base: it often takes up the most room.

Remember: check outlet positions and cable routing, particularly for floor lamps near walkways.

04 / Bedroom

Light for reading and unwinding

05 / Bathroom

Light around the mirror

Choose the mirror first, then position lighting around it. Sources on either side can help reduce facial shadows. Where space is limited, consider a light above the mirror and check its spread and reflections.

06 / Entryway & hallway

Leave room to move

Start with available height and door swings. A flush mount often suits a low ceiling; a taller space gives room to consider a pendant or chandelier. In a narrow hallway, check how far sconces project from the wall.

A common decorating reference is at least 7 ft. (213 cm) below a fixture in a walkway, adapted and checked for your installation. Under an 8-foot ceiling, that leaves only 12 inches for the complete fixture.

Clearance below a chandelier: Visual Comfort

07 / Outdoors

A welcoming entrance

View the facade from the approach before choosing a lantern size. Compare it with the door, then check the door swing and house-number position. A sheltered porch and an exposed wall face different rain conditions: the fixture rating must suit the location.

THE DETAILS

Before choosing a size

THE DETAILS

Choose the type, material and finish

Coordinate without matching everything

Choose a connection between pieces: a rounded shape, a natural material or a finish repeated quietly. For example, a brass pendant, a ceramic lamp and a sconce that picks up the brass can work together. Compare samples or close-up photos: finishes with the same name can differ between manufacturers.

What about lighting artwork?

A starting point is a light about half the frame width. For a 36-inch frame, try an 18-inch template. Then check reach, angle and reflections on the glass.

Picture-light proportion: Visual Comfort

THE DETAILS

Choose the light as well as the fixture

Colour temperature does not measure brightness: compare lumens for light output and watts for power consumption. Even at the same colour temperature, shades and light distribution change the result.

Colour-temperature reference: ENERGY STAR

Lumens and power: Department of Energy

Checks that prevent surprises

Confirm the bulb base, shape and maximum permitted wattage, and whether bulbs are included. For integrated LEDs, check the fixture’s lumen output and colour temperature. To dim the light, the dimmer and bulb or LED driver must be compatible: consult the manufacturer’s specifications.

THE DETAILS

Three pieces, three roles

Examples from our collection to begin your selection. Compare each product’s dimensions and specifications with your project.

Geary pendant

A simple silhouette to consider in a repeated arrangement over an island.

Brussels chandelier

A broad shade and black-and-gold contrast to give the room a focal point.

Dolce table lamp

White ceramic and a scalloped shade for a console or bedside table.

See each product page for finishes, bulbs, availability and lead times.

THE DETAILS

Your checklist before ordering

1. Measure the room, ceiling and furniture below the fixture.
2. Test the footprint with a template and check sightlines.
3. Confirm minimum and maximum hanging height, included rods and sloped-ceiling compatibility if needed.
4. Check the connection type: hardwired, plug-in or rechargeable, depending on the model.
5. Confirm the location rating, bulbs and dimmer compatibility.
6. Read lead times and the return policy before ordering.

These guidelines help with decorative planning. A qualified electrician should confirm installation, support, clearances and applicable requirements for the fixture and the manufacturer’s instructions.