You have found the perfect light fixture. It’s unboxed, assembled, and you are standing on a ladder... now what? One of the most common questions I get as a lighting consultant is: "How high is this supposed to be?"

Hang it too high, and the light gets lost, leaving your table looking lonely. Hang it too low, and you block sightlines or, worse, bang your head. Getting the height right is the difference between a professional-looking interior and an awkward one.

Here are the "Golden Rules" of suspension for the three most common areas.

1. The Dining Table: The 30-36 Inch Rule

The dining room is the most common place for statement pieces like our Sunset Pendant Light. You want the light to create an intimate pool of illumination on the table without blocking the view of your dinner guests.

• The Rule: The bottom of the fixture should be 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the table.
• The Exception: If you have extra-high ceilings (over 8 feet), you can raise the fixture 3 inches for every additional foot of ceiling height. This keeps the fixture balanced in the vertical space.

2. Kitchen Island: The Clearance Zone

Kitchen lighting is task-oriented but also serves as a visual anchor. Pendants here are usually hung in a row.

• The Rule: Aim for 30 to 36 inches above the countertop, similar to the dining table.
• Spacing: Ideally, space your pendants about 24 to 30 inches apart (measuring from the center of one bulb to the center of the next).

Because the kitchen is a standing zone, make sure the light doesn't hit you at eye level, which can cause glare. This is where fixtures with diffused glass or acrylic shields are superior—they soften the light even if it is slightly in your line of sight.

Recommended reading:Tips for creating a more romantic ambiance in your restaurant lighting

3. Living Room or Open Space: The 7-Foot Clearance

When hanging a pendant in the center of a living room or an entryway where people will be walking underneath it, safety comes first.

• The Rule: Keep the bottom of the fixture at least 7 feet from the floor.
• Focal Points: If you are hanging the light over a coffee table (where no one walks), you can drop it lower to create a cozy vignette—aim for eye level when seated on the sofa.

Adjusting for Design

These rules are excellent starting points, but the design of the lamp matters. Visually "heavy" or large lamps can sometimes feel overwhelming if hung too low. Conversely, airy, transparent designs can handle being a bit lower because they don't block the view as aggressively.

Take the Sunset Pendant Light for example. Because it uses translucent acrylic and glass with a Bauhaus aesthetic, it feels light and airy. It creates a presence without dominating the room, giving you slightly more flexibility to play with height for dramatic effect.

Recommended reading:How to shorten or lengthen pendant cords safely

Summary Table

Getting the height right makes your lighting look intentional. Take your measurements, mark the cord, and enjoy the perfect balance.