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length of pendant/mission style lighting for 8' ceilings

15 years ago

Hello, I am new to postins to this forum, but have been a visitor for a few months now and love this site. We are redoing our kitchen. We are going for a mission style throuhout. I would appreciate any help in the following areas:

1. What is the proper length for kitchen pendant over the sink. We have 8' ceilings.

2. What is the proper length for mission style lighting fixture in dining room (not really a chandelier, and not a small pendant). We have 8' ceilings.

Thank you for your help.

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Comments (4)

Circus Peanut
15 years ago
Hi there,
Rejuvenation Lighting has the following guide:

How do I decide on an overall length?

In general, consider a span of 80" to 90" from the floor to the bottom of the light. Adjust the span based on ceiling height and room conditions, e.g., if the light illuminates a table or other furniture setting, or if you'll walk underneath it.

More general lighting length tips:

* Lower fixtures create more intimacy, higher fixtures are less noticeable, and taller ceilings may require more height from the floor.
* A quick cardboard and string mock-up can help you determine a comfortable length.
* Enter lighting length measurements in decimal whole or half inches. For example, you'd enter 36-1/2 as 36.5 online.

Lighting length recommendations for specific rooms:

Dining room lighting: Dining room tables are typically 31" high. In most cases, dining room lighting should hang 35" above the table, or 66" to 76" from the floor. If you're really unsure, err towards a longer length which can be shortened on site if absolutely necessary.

Kitchen island and counter lighting: Work spaces need focused task lighting. Hanging pendant lights 72" to 76" from the floor provides illumination and head room, although tall folks may want even shorter fixtures. Unless your kitchen is small, island and counter task lighting shouldn't be your primary light source.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rejuvenation Lighting
bluekitobsessed
15 years ago
Try the GW balloon mockup: blow up some balloons and hang them from the ceiling with various string lengths. HTH.
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mmme
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Balloon idea is fabulous! Thank you!!!
oruboris
15 years ago
My rule: I want to see under the pendants over my island. Some tall members of my family won't be able to-- life isn't fair, that's what they get for being so darn tall.

In my sink area, the pendants are to the side so as not to block the window. I *may* want them above eye-line too, not sure yet.

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