The Perfect Height for Hanging a Light Fixture Above a Dining Room Table

Types

• Chandeliers, flush mount lights and ceiling fans all work well to light a dining room table. Flush mount lights can be used on ceilings 7 feet high. Chandeliers and ceiling fans are appropriate when ceilings are 8 feet or higher.

Height

• Chandeliers should hang 30 to 34 inches from the table surface. Ceiling fans work best when they hang further away from the table surface; they generally light up more of the area and don't shine down on the table. Flush mount lights shine directly on the table. Because flush mount lights are mounted close to the ceiling, they work best on ceilings no more than 8 feet high.

Tip

• If the chandelier is mounted on a ceiling more than 8 feet high, add 3 inches to the height of the light from the table surface. Determine the best width of the chandelier or flush mount light by adding the room length and width together. If the room is 13 feet long by 12 feet wide, the light fixture should be 25 inches wide to light the table and room.