THE
ULTIMATE GUIDE
TO LIGHTING
Looking to make your home design truly shine? It all starts with the right lighting. Thoughtful choices enhance the functionality of a space and add an unmistakable touch of style. But it's more than just flipping a switch – lighting the way requires careful planning, precise measurements, and, in some cases, professional installation. That's where our illumination guide comes into play.
THE
ULTIMATE GUIDE
TO LIGHTING
Looking to make your home design truly shine? It all starts with the right lighting. Thoughtful choices enhance the functionality of a space and add an unmistakable touch of style. But it's more than just flipping a switch – lighting the way requires careful planning, precise measurements, and, in some cases, professional installation. That's where our illumination guide comes into play.
How to Position & Hang Lighting Fixtures
Learning how to properly hang light fixtures is essential for safety and stability as well as for ensuring that your lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How to Position & Hang Lighting Fixtures
Learning how to properly hang light fixtures is essential for safety and stability as well as for ensuring that your lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Dining Room
When hanging a light fixture over a dining table, the width of the fixture plays an important role in determining the ideal placement. As a general guideline, the fixture should be about 24 to 30 inches narrower than the width of the table to create a balanced look. For a dining table, the general rule is to hang the fixture 30 to 36 inches above the surface.
Kitchen
For pendants over a kitchen island or dining table, a common rule of thumb is to hang them about 24 to 30 inches apart from the center of one pendant to the center of the next. Additionally, you'll want to position the pendant at least 6 inches from the edge of the table or island.
Living Room
Layered lighting is key in the living room. Floor lamps, task lamps, and table lamps can help define seating areas, as well as provide a warm, intimate ambiance. Meanwhile, accent lamps add a gentle glow to bookcases and mantles. Remember the "eye-level rule" to prevent glare: when seated, the bottom of the lampshade should be at or slightly below eye level.
Bedroom
Bedside table lamps should be easily reachable from the bed and no taller than the headboard. (Shades are essential here for a soft, gently glow.) Sconces should typically be mounted 60 to 72 inches above the floor, with the center of the sconce at eye level for most people.
Bathroom
Vanity lights should be around three-quarters of your vanity's length, and centered over the mirror. When selecting a flush or semi-flush mount, add your room's length and width together, then use that number in inches to select the size of your fixture. For example, a 10' x 12' room can accommodate a 22" flush mount.
Outdoors
Outdoor sconces can measure up to one-third of your door height. Position them between 6" to 12" from your door frame. When choosing outdoor lighting, select fixtures that are either damp-rated (for covered porches and patios) or wet-rated (for exposed areas).
When hanging a light fixture over a dining table, the width of the fixture plays an important role in determining the ideal placement. As a general guideline, the fixture should be about 24 to 30 inches narrower than the width of the table to create a balanced look. For a dining table, the general rule is to hang the fixture 30 to 36 inches above the surface.
For pendants over a kitchen island or dining table, a common rule of thumb is to hang them about 24 to 30 inches apart from the center of one pendant to the center of the next. Additionally, you'll want to position the pendant at least 6 inches from the edge of the table or island.
Layered lighting is key in the living room. Floor lamps, task lamps, and table lamps can help define seating areas, as well as provide a warm, intimate ambiance. Meanwhile, accent lamps add a gentle glow to bookcases and mantles. Remember the "eye-level rule" to prevent glare: when seated, the bottom of the lampshade should be at or slightly below eye level.
Bedside table lamps should be easily reachable from the bed and no taller than the headboard. (Shades are essential here for a soft, gently glow.) Sconces should typically be mounted 60 to 72 inches above the floor, with the center of the sconce at eye level for most people.
Vanity lights should be around three-quarters of your vanity's length, and centered over the mirror. When selecting a flush or semi-flush mount, add your room's length and width together, then use that number in inches to select the size of your fixture. For example, a 10' x 12' room can accommodate a 22" flush mount.
Outdoor sconces can measure up to one-third of your door height. Position them between 6" to 12" from your door frame. When choosing outdoor lighting, select fixtures that are either damp-rated (for covered porches and patios) or wet-rated (for exposed areas).
How to Pick the Right Fixture
Choosing the right lighting fixture is essential for setting the mood, enhancing functionality, and complementing the room's design.
How to Pick the Right Fixture
Choosing the right lighting fixture is essential for setting the mood, enhancing functionality, and complementing the room's design.
Chandelier
Typically used in dining rooms, foyers, or living areas, chandeliers serve as a focal point, offering both ambient and decorative lighting.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps offer adjustable, high-reaching light that can easily be moved to different areas, making them perfect for adding functionality and style to any room.
Pendant
Pendant lighting offers versatile, focused illumination and is perfect for task lighting or adding a stylish accent to kitchens, dining areas, or entryways.
Table Lamps
Table lamps provide flexible, portable lighting that can enhance a room’s vibe while offering targeted illumination for tasks like reading or working.
Flush Mount
Flush mount lighting provides a clean, streamlined look by sitting directly against the ceiling, making it ideal for spaces with low ceilings or for a subtle, unobtrusive light source.
Wall Sconce
Wall sconces offer elegant, space-saving lighting that can add ambiance, provide focused task lighting, or highlight architectural features without taking up floor space.
Typically used in dining rooms, foyers, or living areas, chandeliers serve as a focal point, offering both ambient and decorative lighting.
Floor lamps offer adjustable, high-reaching light that can easily be moved to different areas, making them perfect for adding functionality and style to any room.
Pendant lighting offers versatile, focused illumination and is perfect for task lighting or adding a stylish accent to kitchens, dining areas, or entryways.
Table lamps provide flexible, portable lighting that can enhance a room’s vibe while offering targeted illumination for tasks like reading or working.
Flush mount lighting provides a clean, streamlined look by sitting directly against the ceiling, making it ideal for spaces with low ceilings or for a subtle, unobtrusive light source.
Wall sconces offer elegant, space-saving lighting that can add ambiance, provide focused task lighting, or highlight architectural features without taking up floor space.
Light Bulbs 101
BULBS
Type A
THE ARBITRARY
The classic pear-shaped bulb provides wide, even light that's ideal for everyday use. Perfect for lamps, ceiling fixtures, and household appliances.
Type B
THE BULLET CANDELABRA
The candelabra bulb casts a soft, focused glow. It's perfect for enhancing chandeliers, wall sconces, ceiling fans, and decorative fixtures.
Type C
THE CANDELABRA
The flame-inspired candelabra bulb creates warm, accent lighting. Ideal for decorative fixtures and wall sconces.
Type G
THE GLOBE
The round, spherical bulb offers even, flattering light distribution. It’s the go-to choice for vanity mirrors, bathroom lighting, and pendant fixtures.
Type T
THE TUBULAR
The cylindrical tube bulb delivers focused, linear lighting. It’s perfect for task-oriented setups, display cases, and accent lighting.
Specialty
THE JC BI-PIN
The compact JC Bi-Pin bulb has a small, cylindrical shape with two thin pins. It provides bright, focused light, making it ideal for task and accent lighting.
BASES
E26
THE STANDARD BASE
E12
THE CANDELABRA BASE
G9
THE BI-PIN BASE
E26
THE STANDARD BASE
E12
THE CANDELABRA BASE
G9
THE BI-PIN BASE