How to Select the Right Size Fixture for a Room

Sizing: How to select the right size ceiling (hanging or flush) fixture for a room.


Width
- Generally speaking, there is a simple mathematical equation to figure out the best size fixture for your space.
- Add the length by the width of your room, the summation will be how wide in inches your fixture should be.
- For example, if your room is 9 feet by 12 feet, this is the equation: 9 + 12 = 21”
- This is true for 8 – 9-foot ceilings. If you have taller ceilings you can tend to go a little bit wider than that number.

Height
If your fixture is going over a table, island, bar, etc. it should hang 32-36” from the top of table, island, bar, etc. to the bottom of the light.

If you are walking under the fixture in any space, there should be enough clearance between the light and the floor to comfortably walk under without feeling like the light is hanging too low. This is usually between 6.5’ – 7’ off the floor.

If the light is hanging over the bed in a bedroom, you can hang it at a height you are comfortable with, even on an 8ft ceiling, as you do not have to worry about having walking space.

If there is a door nearby, it is important to ensure there is enough clearance between the door and the light fixture.





For tall ceilings, 10ft and higher, you will want to select a fixture that the fixture itself has some height to it (not including the rods/chains/wires) to reasonably fill the vertical space.

For over a table: It is important to keep in mind the size of the room while selecting a light for over a table, however, there are other rules to consider for selecting the right size fixture for over a table. Firstly, the fixture should be appropriately sized for your table, which is approximately ½ - ¾ the width/diameter of the table. The fixture should be at least a few inches narrower than the edges of the table. For a circular table, it is recommended to use a round fixture. For an elongated table, consider a linear or oval fixture. The fixture should hang 32- 36” from the top of the table to the bottom of the light. Based on the height of the fixture itself, you will select the applicable amount of rod/cord/chain to achieve this dimension. Another nice option is to hang two fixtures over an elongated table.

For over an island/bar: if you are using pendants, they should be installed to hang 32-36” from the top of the island to the bottom of the light. Based on the height of the fixture itself, you will select the applicable amount of rod/cord/chain to achieve this dimension. The pendants should be inset at least a few inches from the edges of the island, on both sides. Between the pendants, there should be at least the same distance as the width of the pendants. A fresh idea is to use flush mounts over an island. This can be a great option for those that might have a great view out of a window they want to see, or another hanging chandelier close by so as not to have too much hanging. As the flush mounts will be close to the ceiling, it is important to ensure the beam spread will provide enough lighting across the entire island. Another option is to use a single linear fixture over the island. It should cover at least 2/3’s of the surface.

Vanity Lighting: There are a few options lighting for bathroom vanities above the mirror; beside the mirror, on the mirror; a lit mirror (semi colon) or any combination of these options. Integrated LED sconces will provide the brightest light in a bathroom. For above the mirror, the sconce should be equal or less than the width of the mirror. Beside the mirror, the sconce should be proportionate to the mirrors they are beside (or on). The lights can be installed in the centre point beside the mirror or in the top third. If mounting the scones on the mirror, they should be relative in size to the vanity. There are many options for lit mirrors, it is important to select the right size mirror for your vanity. Something else to consider is which direction the light should face. If there is another source of light in the bathroom (for example a ceiling fixture or pot lights) it will be possible to select a downward facing sconce for above the mirror. This will directly highlight one’s face when standing in front of the mirror. If the sconce is the only source of light, it is important to select a fixture with outward facing light as it will provide ambient lighting for the entire space.

How to select the correct fan size: Fans are great for both the winter and summer seasons to move either the hot or cold air, throughout the room. With the use of LED lights, fans with lights have become much brighter than they used to be. Fans can be used indoors or outdoors. If using a fan outdoors it must be wet rated. Many fans can also be controlled with smartphone apps. To select the correct size, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, the fan should be at least 7ft off the floor to ensure safe clearance for walking underneath. The fan should be at least 12” from the wall and in the centre of the room to provide the best air circulation.

Sizing guide: Airflow is also an important consideration. It determines the amount of air the fan circulates through a variety of factors of the fan such as blade span, pitch, materials, and motor size. The larger the room, the higher the airflow should be.