Choosing the right size is the most important decision when you buy a light. Too small and it disappears in the room; too large and it feels heavy. These simple rules, used by interior designers, will help you get it right first time. All measurements are guides: your own taste and the style of the room come first.

Chandeliers and ceiling lights

How wide should my chandelier be?

For example, in a living room of 4 m by 5 m: 4 + 5 = 9, and 9 × 8 = 72. A chandelier of around 70 to 75 cm will feel balanced.

How low should it hang?

• Ceilings under 2.5 m: choose a flush or semi-flush ceiling light, or a pendant with a short, adjustable drop.
• In a room people walk through: keep at least 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the light.
• High ceilings and stairwells: a cascading or multi-level piece fills the vertical space and becomes the focal point of the room.

Many of our lights have an adjustable cable, so you can set the drop exactly once installed. Check the "Adjustable height" mention on each product page.

Dining tables and kitchen islands

Lighting above a table

• Height: hang the bottom of the light 75 to 85 cm above the tabletop, so it lights the table without blocking the view across it.
• Rectangular tables: a linear pendant of about two thirds of the table's length works beautifully. For a 180 cm table, look at lights of around 100 to 120 cm.
• Kitchen islands: use two or three pendants spaced 60 to 75 cm apart, or one linear light, and keep about 15 cm from each end of the worktop.

Wall lights

Where to place a wall light

• Living rooms and hallways: around 150 to 170 cm from the floor, roughly at eye level.
• Beside a bed: around 50 to 60 cm above the top of the mattress, so you can read comfortably.
• Either side of a mirror: at face height, 75 to 100 cm apart, for soft, even light without shadows.
• Corridors: one wall light every 2.5 to 3 m gives a gentle, continuous path of light.

Floor lamps

Choosing a floor lamp

Beside a sofa or an armchair, the bottom of the shade should sit roughly at eye level when you are seated, so the light falls on your book rather than in your eyes. Allow a little space around the base so it is not knocked when people pass.

Still unsure?

We are happy to help

Send us the size of your room, your ceiling height and a photo if you can, and we will suggest the right model and size. Write to contact@overalighting.com or use our contact page. Our team answers Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Dining room · Living room · Bedroom · Kitchen island · Hallway & stairs