How to Scale Lighting: A Guide by Hudson Valley Lighting Group

 Scale is one of the most important design elements when planning a space. When it comes to lighting, the experts at Hudson Valley Lighting Group  have it down to a science. The company, known for having four distinct lighting brands, developed the Lighting Sizing Guide to serve as a resource for interior designers. From where to place a vanity light to the perfect height for bedside sconces, they’ve truly thought of everything—and even done the math! Read on for the top five design dilemmas when it comes to sizing lighting.

Hudson Valley Lighting Hagen Pendant, Metal No.2 Sconce, Forsyth Pendant. Design: Becki Owens. Photo: Rebekah Westover.

Chandelier in a Room:

Multiply the ceiling height by 2.5 and 3. Convert the sum to inches to get your suggested fixture hang height range. A 10’ ceiling calls for a suggested chandelier height of 25–30". For diameter, add the room’s dimensions and convert the sum to inches. A 12' x 12' room calls for a suggested chandelier diameter of 24".

Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting Alyssa Chandelier. Design: Ashley Rose @sugarandcloth.

 

Flush and Semi-flush Mounts in a Hallway

Flush and Semi-flush Mounts should be placed a minimum of 8', and no more than 10’, apart. Leave at least 7’ between the floor and the base of the fixture. If the ceiling height allows for a semi-flush, they provide better ambient light.

Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting Grace Flush Mount. Design: Angela Rummans & Tyler Crispin

Pendants Over an Island

To estimate how much light your island needs, multiply the square footage of the surface by 2.5, then convert to watts. Leave 30–32” between the counter surface and the base of the fixture. Keep 2.5’ between the widest part of the pendant shades.

Corbett Lighting Everly Pendant. Design: Andrea Serrano.

 

Wall Sconces Beside a Bathroom Mirror

Mount wall sconces symmetrically a few inches to either side of the mirror while preserving a minimum of 28” between them. Keep 60–65” between the floor and the midpoint of the sconce backplate.

Hudson Valley Lighting Ivy Wall Sconce. Design: Cambridge Home Company. Photo: Rebekah Westover Photography.

 

Outdoor Sconces Beside an Exterior Door

Mount exterior sconces 60–65” from the ground. The center of the fixture should be about even with your eye. For optimal light spread, the fixtures should be a quarter to a third of the height of the door. If using only one light, place it on the doorknob side.

Troy Lighting Townsend Lantern. Design: Cambridge Home Company. Photo: Travis J Richardson Photography.

To download the complete Hudson Valley Lighting Group Sizing Guide, including helpful graphics, visit http://trends.hvlgroup.com/sizing-guide.