Size Guide

Finding the right size is the biggest question shoppers ask us. Use this guide to match a fixture to your room — formulas, clearances, and placement rules for every category we sell.

Jump to: How we measure · Pendant lights · Chandeliers · Wall sconces · Ceiling lights · Lanterns

How we measure our fixtures

Every product page lists three key dimensions:

  • Diameter (or width): the widest point of the shade or body, measured across.
  • Overall height: the distance from the top of the chain or canopy down to the bottom of the fixture — the full hanging length.
  • Fixture height: the body of the shade only, excluding any chain or rod.

Chain or rod length can be shortened during installation. If you need a custom drop, tell us in the order notes and our team will adjust before shipping. No extra charge.

Pendant light sizing

Pendants are the most versatile fixture — used over kitchen islands, dining tables, entryways, and in stairwells. Two numbers matter: hanging height and diameter.

Pendant hanging height Ceiling Table / Island 30–36 in Floor
Hang the pendant so the bottom of the fixture sits 30 to 36 inches above the table or island surface.

Hanging height

  • Over a kitchen island or dining table: 30 to 36 inches from the surface to the bottom of the pendant. Taller ceilings allow the upper end of that range.
  • In an entryway or foyer: at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. In a two-story foyer, center the pendant at the second-floor landing height.
  • Above stairs: 6 feet 8 inches minimum clearance from the highest step tread.
Pendant diameter vs. table width Table width (W) ≈ W / 2 Ceiling
Pendant diameter should be roughly half the width of the surface below.

Pendant diameter to table or island

A good rule: the pendant should be roughly half the width of the surface below it.

  • 30-inch dining table → 14–16 inch pendant
  • 48-inch dining table → 20–24 inch pendant
  • 60-inch dining table → 28–30 inch pendant
Kitchen island pendant spacing Kitchen island (top view) 2 ft 2 ft 12–18 in 12–18 in
For a kitchen island, plan one pendant per 2 feet of island length, with 12 to 18 inches of empty space at each end.

How many pendants for a kitchen island?

Plan one pendant for every 2 feet of island length, with at least 6 to 8 inches between them.

  • 4-foot island → 2 pendants
  • 6-foot island → 3 pendants
  • 8-foot island → 3 to 4 pendants (depending on pendant size)

For visual balance, leave 12 to 18 inches of empty space on each end of the island.

Chandelier sizing

A chandelier is a statement piece. Oversizing feels grand; undersizing looks lost. Use the classic room-diameter formula.

Chandelier diameter formula Length (ft) Width (ft) Length + Width (ft) = Chandelier diameter (in)
Add the room's length and width in feet — the sum is the ideal chandelier diameter in inches.

Room diameter formula

Add the length and width of the room in feet. The sum is the ideal chandelier diameter in inches.

  • 10 ft × 12 ft room → 22 inch chandelier
  • 12 ft × 14 ft room → 26 inch chandelier
  • 14 ft × 16 ft room → 30 inch chandelier
  • 16 ft × 20 ft room → 36 inch chandelier

Hanging height

  • Above a dining table: 30 to 34 inches from table top to bottom of chandelier (standard 8-foot ceiling). Add 3 inches for every extra foot of ceiling height.
  • In an open room (no furniture below): at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor.
  • Two-story foyer: center the chandelier between the two floors so it reads from both levels.

Chandelier width to table

The chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than the table on every side — so roughly half to two-thirds of the table width. Example: a 60-inch table pairs well with a 30 to 36-inch chandelier.

Wall sconce sizing and placement

Sconces are small but their placement is exact — a few inches off makes a big visual difference.

Sconce mounting height Floor 60–66 in from floor Center of sconce
Mount sconces so the center of the fixture sits 60 to 66 inches above the floor.

Mounting height

  • General wall: center the sconce 60 to 66 inches from the floor.
  • Bedside (reading light): 30 to 36 inches above the mattress top, or 60 to 66 inches from the floor.
  • Flanking a bathroom mirror: 60 inches from the floor, and 6 to 12 inches from the outer edge of the mirror.
  • Hallway: 60 to 66 inches from the floor, spaced 8 to 10 feet apart.
  • Dining room (flanking artwork or buffet): 60 to 66 inches from the floor.

Spacing between sconces

  • Around a mirror or artwork: leave 6 to 12 inches of wall between the mirror edge and the sconce body.
  • Flanking a bed: match the outer edge of each nightstand, or space them so the beams cross at reading height.

Ceiling lights & flush mount sizing

For rooms with lower ceilings (under 8 feet) or for hallways, flush mount and semi-flush mount ceiling lights work best.

Diameter formula

Add the length and width of the room in feet, multiply by 2, then read the result in inches. Or for a smaller space, use this rule of thumb:

  • Small bathroom or closet (under 40 sq ft) → 10–12 inch diameter
  • Medium bedroom or hallway (80–120 sq ft) → 14–18 inch diameter
  • Large living area (150+ sq ft) → 20–24 inch diameter

Clearance

  • Flush mount: works on ceilings 7 feet 6 inches or lower.
  • Semi-flush mount: works on 8-foot ceilings. Leave at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture.

Lantern sizing

Moroccan lanterns are often used as pendants in hallways, entryways, and over long tables. Apply pendant rules, with two extra notes:

  • Lanterns tend to be taller than wide. Measure the overall height carefully — not just the body.
  • For a cluster of lanterns over a long table or hallway, hang them at staggered heights (1 to 3 inches offset) for visual interest.

Still unsure?

Send us a photo of your room with rough dimensions and we'll recommend a size. Email hello@ekenoz.com or use our contact form.

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