Hanging Light Fixtures 101~by Michele Thrasher

The holidays are fast approaching and it’s time to think about sprucing up a bit before entertaining family and friends.  A quick and easy décor change is lighting in the foyer and dining room.  But how do you choose ~ there are so many styles and sizes!

Style:  Determine the main metal element of your home.  Whether it’s Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, or Brass ~ stick with it for continuity unless you’re planning on making a change to all the door knobs, kitchen hardware, etc.  Websites such as www.bellacor.com have well developed search engines where you can check the metal, price, style of your décor (modern, rustic, traditional), etc to simplify the selections.

Size:  A simple formula will keep you from under or over-sizing the fixture and it works in all rooms.  Add the length and the width of the room (ex. 10’ by 14’) and covert to inches (ex. 24”) ~ plus or minus 2 inches and you’ve got the correct size (ex. 22-26”).

If the resulting measurement (room length+width, converted to inches) seems inappropriate due to the size of your table, size your chandelier three quarters the width of your table (ex. A table that is 48” in width would yield a chandelier that is 36” in diameter ~ assuming you’re only hanging one fixture).

Hanging Heights:  Chandeliers are typically hung 30-32” above the top of your table, although up to 36” is acceptable.  Foyer fixtures should be 7’ from the floor unless you have a 2-story foyer with a window.  In that case the fixture should be centered in the window.  And, sconces should be 60” from the floor.

Tip:  Always have a professional electrician install lighting.  It may seem like an added expense, but why take a chance on the safety of your home and family.

Thanks Michele, Great advice as always!
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