Nine--I'm right there with you! These lights have caused me no end of stress, waaaaaayyy more than any other decision. I had almost settled on the Jefferson (is that yours?) when I realized my 8-ft. ceilings will need a flush-mount fixture. I have a 15 and 1/2 by 17 and 1/2 space now--it seems rather huge since the new wall is in but the room is still empty. I was just talking to the electrician and he suggests that apart from one fixture over the table on one side of the space and two pendants over the sink, five more fixtures should be plenty of light. Seems like a lot to me but he's quite experienced and had been good about my "no recessed lights" rule. He did say I should have three bulbs in each one (except for the sink lights,) so that they are bright enough; if they are too bright, I can always put lower wattage bulbs in them. I spoke with a couple of nice women at Rejuvenation (haven't tried Schoolhouse yet,) and one of them suggested 14 or 16-inch shades which can accommodate three bulbs each. Have you spoken to your electrician? He/she should know how far light will throw. Let me know how you're doing so I can calm down too!! Sweet Angie has been very kind to help me with this as well as my cabinet angst in the beginning--maybe she'll chime in.

At 15' high, my personal opinion, is go with a beautiful, contemporary hanging fixture and sconces. I would forego can lights. I would forego them also because the great room is more about lighting people than task lighting. Can lights are lousy at lighting faces flatteringly. IMHO Joe

Hi Laur, There is no hard/fast rule to determine size. Personal preference will play a part in the decision, as will actual fixture choice, fixture height, is the bulb exposed or hidden, etc. The attached image shows a 9'x3'4" island with 14" diameter pendants. You might also consider a linear pendant if it can fit in with your style preferences. Good luck! Post pics after you finish.

Usually you would see that type of fixture used in a kitchen. Fixtures used in a living room are dressier, even if your style is casual. The one right for you depends on your style and what you're naturally drawn to. Some of them come in different colors so you have to consider which color is best with your decor. This one would be pretty unobtrusive and is an update of the old so called "boob light." https://www.houzz.com/products/occhio-20-5-three-light-ceiling-light-lamp-flushmount-brushed-nickel-prvw-vr~53086303 There are a lot of variations on this type of light: https://www.houzz.com/products/trade-winds-cassie-drum-semi-flush-mount-ceiling-light-in-oil-rubbed-bronze-prvw-vr~165717271?lid=116170799 https://www.houzz.com/products/trade-winds-quatrefoil-flush-mount-ceiling-light-in-natural-brass-prvw-vr~175779551?lid=120866002 https://www.houzz.com/products/kira-home-zoey-17-5-ceiling-light-white-fabric-shade-warm-brass-prvw-vr~159444311 Hopefully this gives you some ideas. You can go pretty large in a living room, but three bulbs should be enough. Ceiling fixtures are meant to give general illumination. You will probably want to also have a couple table or floor lamps in the room.