Hanging a Light Fixture: The Interior Designer’s Guide to the Correct Heights

A light fixture can make or break a room in any home, and is often something that’s both beautiful and functional. Even the most stunning fixture can easily ruin the whole aesthetic and flow of the room if you hang it at the wrong height. As an East Texas interior designer who has helped so many homeowners fix lighting that just felt off, today I’m sharing the ultimate guide to hanging a light fixture in every single room!

Hanging a Light Fixture: The Correct Height for Each Room

When you’re hanging a light fixture, you want to do it in a way that grasps the attention of your guests but also maintains functionality. You don’t want to hang it somewhere that you (or anyone else) will hit your head on it! So, I’ve compiled the steps that I use as an East Texas interior designer for how high to hang a light fixture in every single room in your home, all in this guide. Note: these are each based on a 10-12 foot ceiling, so keep that in mind with the measurements of your own home! 

Hanging a Light Fixture in a Kitchen

A light fixture hanging over a kitchen island is just so classic. It brings warmth and coziness to a space that’s all about hosting, and the style of light fixture you choose can really bring out your interior design and add something special to that space. 

When I’m designing a kitchen, lighting is one of the first details I finalize because it sets the tone for the whole space. For pendants over an island, keep the bottom of the fixture around 36-42 inches above the countertop. That height keeps the light balanced and functional while letting your fixtures shine as focal points.

Hanging a Light Fixture in a Dining Room

Dining room light fixtures are arguably one of the most important fixtures in a home. It’s a space meant for gathering around, so creating a gorgeous and well-thought-out room to do so makes a huge difference in the feel of your home. 

A dining room light fixture should achieve the same thing as one above a kitchen island: create a stunning, attention-grabbing piece while still having room to sit comfortably around the table. With that being said, leaving a 30-36 inch clearance from the top of the dining table to the bottom of the fixture is that sweet spot! 

Hanging a Light Fixture in a Living Room

A living room should be designed for comfort and rest, so your light fixture should help the room achieve that by bringing warmth and functionality. 

The rule of thumb for hanging a light fixture over a coffee table is to hang it from 60-70 inches from the floor to the top of the light fixture. This achieves maximum relaxation while still maintaining a feel of luxury. 

Hanging a Light Fixture in a Foyer

A foyer is the first impression of your home, so the style and height of a light fixture hanging here is extremely important to the overall feel of your house. Hanging a light fixture in a foyer should focus on making a statement, and the best way to do that is to hang it 84 inches from the floor to the top of the fixture. It feels grand and elegant like this, perfect for a welcome into your space. 

Hanging a Light Fixture in a Bedroom

And lastly, we’ll go over hanging a light fixture in your bedroom. This room is all about you, so choosing the style is fully based on personal preference. However, to achieve maximum comfort, it’s important to make sure that there are at least 60 inches of clearance from the top of the bed to the bottom of the light fixture! 

Brittney Lane | East Texas Interior Designer

Hanging a light fixture isn’t all about looks; it’s about creating a space that feels comfortable and well planned out. For more interior design tips, check out my posts on how to create a cohesive home design and how high to hang wall art, and find more interior design inspiration on my Pinterest. If you’re ready to book with an East Texas interior designer and design a home that feels thoughtful, timeless, and unmistakably yours, click here to inquire today!