Dining Lighting Height Rules That Work

The 30-36 Inch Rule

Hang the bottom of your chandelier or pendant 30-36 inches above the table surface for standard 8-foot ceilings.

Higher Ceilings

For each additional foot of ceiling height, raise the fixture 3 inches. A 10-foot ceiling calls for 36-42 inches above the table.

Fixture Width

The fixture should be half to two-thirds the table width. A 36-inch-wide table needs an 18-24 inch fixture.

Multiple Pendants

• Two pendants: space them one-third of the table length from each end
• Three pendants: one in the center, others at one-quarter points

Dimmer Switches

Always install a dimmer. Dining rooms shift from bright homework sessions to candlelit dinners. A dimmer lets one fixture serve every occasion.