Design Tips
Ceiling Light Tips
Above a Kitchen Island
We recommend installing ceiling fixtures 30″-36″ from the surface of your kitchen island. When installing multiple fixtures, the widest part of the fixtures should be spaced a minimum of 30″ apart for optimal airflow, light spread, and visibility.
Linear Fixtures Above a Surface
The key to sizing an elongated light fixture is proportion. We recommend selecting a light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra long surfaces.
Above a Dining Table
We recommend leaving approximately 30″- 36″ between the bottom of your fixture and the surface of your dining table. The width of your fixture should be at least 6″ narrower than the width of your table.
Above a Round Table
Choose a fixture with a width measuring between 1/2 and 3/4 the diameter of around table. As with other surfaces, we recommend leaving approximately 30″- 36″ between the bottom of your fixture and the top of your table.
Wall Light Tips
Beside a Bathroom Mirror
To evenly illuminate a bathroom mirror from either side, we recommend mounting your sconce(s) just above eye level, or about 60″- 65″ from the floor to the center height of the sconce backplate.
Above a Bathroom Mirror
The ideal linear bath light will measure at least 3/4 the width of the mirror but not extend over its edges. For larger mirrors, consider mounting a pair of evenly-spaced linear sconces.
In a Hallway
When installing multiple wall sconces to accent a hallway, dining room or other living space, consider leaving a minimum of 8′- 10′ between each fixture for a balanced spread of light.
Beside the Bed
If your sconce has a switch, be sure to install it where it can be easily reached from a sitting position in the bed. For best results, leave approximately 55″- 60″ of space from the floor to the top of the sconce.
Picture Lights
As a rule of thumb, the width of the shade of your picture light should measure approximately 1/2 the width of the frame or artwork below. For best results, position the light at a 30-degree angle from the illuminated artwork.
Outdoor Light Tips
Front Door: Single Side
Position the light fixture on the same side as the doorknob in order to see your visitors’ faces when opening the door at night. Mount the center of the fixture at eye level, or 60″- 65″ from the ground.
Front Door: Both Sides
When mounting exterior wall lights beside a door, position the fixtures at eye level, or 60″- 65″ from the ground. For the best spread of light, the fixture should measure at least 1/4 the height of the door..
Ceiling Fan Tips
General Ceiling Height Tip
For ceilings at any height, we recommend that your ceiling fan be installed with the blades suspended 7’ to 9’ above the floor for optimum performance.
8 Foot Ceilings
For 8-foot ceilings, we recommend flush-mounted ceiling fans. Fans that sit flush to the ceiling can be approximately 4″-6″ shorter than standard dowrodded fans.
9 Foot Ceilings
For 9-foot ceilings, we recommend fans with a downrod length between 4″ and 8″. Installing the blades further away from the ceiling allows for more air circulation and fan efficiency.
10+ Foot Ceilings
For ceilings 10-feet or taller, we recommend adding additional downrod lengths of 12″, 18″, 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″ or 72″.
Sloped Ceilings
If your ceiling is pitched 25–45 degrees, a sloped ceiling canopy must be installed in place of the standard canopy. Many of our fans already include a dual mount canopy for this purpose, and Slope Ceiling Adaptors may be purchased separately.
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Laurent Lyons Lighting provides professional and comprehensive representation on behalf of manufacturers within the lighting, lighting controls and decorative accessories industry.