Hanging light fixtures are a common feature in both dining rooms and kitchens. These lights are attractive and functional, but installing them can be tricky. The most difficult aspect of installing new hanging light fixtures is determining the proper height. There is no single rule for this; instead, you should consider several factors to determine the best height for the lighting in your home.
Type
There are many different types of hanging light fixtures. Yours may be a pendant, a mini pendant or a chandelier. These types of lighting can all feature an adjustable length, allowing you to hang them at different heights. Other types of lighting such as track lighting, recessed lighting, close-to-ceiling light fixtures, and lights within a ceiling fan are less adjustable, and are typically affixed directly to the ceiling.
Function
The most important consideration when determining the height of you light fixture is the function that it will serve. You should have an unobstructed view across the table. The height needed to obtain this view will vary from person to person, so take into consideration the tallest member of the family as well as the height of your frequent guests. Begin with the bottom of the light fixture hanging about 30 inches from the surface of the table. This is a standard starting point. From here, you can raise or lower your lighting a few inches as needed. Have someone sit down at the table while a second person holds the light above it, to get the best vantage point for determining the light's height.
Location
Your hanging light fixture may be suspended over a table in the dining room, or an island in the kitchen depending on where you eat. If you are hanging lighting over an island, there is a second consideration in regards to its height. Many islands are designed with seating on one side and a counter, stove or other standing work area on the other. In this situation, the individual standing up should still have an unobstructed view across the island to those seated opposite. For island lighting fixtures, the light may need to be closer to 40 inches from the surface of the counter.
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