Light up your space: How to transform a room with overhead lighting
Changing up your lighting is one of the most transformative things you can do to a space. While it can often be the last thing on your mind when designing, lighting can make or break the aesthetic of a room — and should really be the star of your space, if you're doing it right. To help simplify things, we're giving you a rundown of general rules to follow when it comes to overhead lighting, and showing off some of the hottest styles on the market right now.
Chandeliers
Here are a few things to consider when installing a chandelier in your space:
Height
One of the most common mistakes people make is hanging a light either too high or too low above their tables. A good rule is to hang the fixture 34" above your dining table. For ceilings higher than 8 feet, add about three inches to the hanging height per foot.
Placement
Chandeliers should always be centered over the dining table.
Size
To avoid bumping heads, a fixture hung above a table should have a diameter that's 1 foot narrower than the table's width.
Shape
When possible, choose a chandelier that follows the shape of the table it's hanging over, so that the light coming from the fixture is equally dispersed throughout the table.
Get some design inspo from these artful chandeliers:
Woven chandelier
For under $100, Ikea offers this beautiful, simple bamboo chandelier. The pendant is hand crafted and allows a soft, ambient light to soak through. You can stain the fixture if you like, making it unique to your space.
Modern chandelier
This contemporary ceiling light from ELTE features five adjustable brass rods that can be turned and positioned to form whatever shape suits your space best. It's a sculptural piece of art that is sure to be a show stopper — and set the tone of your room.
Mixed materials chandelier
Sleek and edgy, this piece features faux leather strapping on a chrome frame with clear glassware.
Mercury glass chandelier
This three-tiered, metalwork and mirrored chandelier is finished in bronze for an extra touch of glamour. The fixture is large in scale, so it's perfect for a sweeping room.
Transitional chandelier
Bridging modern and traditional styles, this light fixture is extremely versatile. The silhouette is sleek and minimalist, yet refined enough to suit a traditional space.
Kitchen pendants
Placing a pendant over your kitchen island is a great way to provide task lighting and establish a design focal point in your space. Before you hang yours, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Height
In general, pendant lights should hang 28-34" above the island countertop. If you're lighting an area people will stand around, ensure that the fixtures are hung high enough that your guests won't bump their heads, but close enough that they won't be blinded by a light bulb glare.
Placement
Center the pendants over your countertop. When hanging two pendants, the space between the fixtures should be centered on the middle of the island. When hanging three, ensure that the middle pendant hits the center of the island.
Spacing
Try to space your pendants between 24-30" apart. For fixtures that are narrower in diameter, go closer to 24", for lights that are wider in diameter, go closer to 30".
Now that you're an expert, check out these stunning pendant styles:
Modern pendant
With a smooth iron surface, slim vertical stem and parabolic shade, this versatile pendant from Union Lighting is an homage to the minimalism of 1950s Scandinavian design.
Industrial pendant
The metal detailing and masculine design of this caged pendant with an Edison bulb will add an edge to any space.
Traditional
For a more feminine aesthetic, go with this three-light mini pendant with cylinder glass rods and polished nickel.
Resource guide:
- Island pendants
- Traditional pendant
- Industrial pendant
- Transitional chandelier
- Mixed materials chandelier