How high should a pendant light hang above the dining table

Determining the height of your pendant light above the dining table is an important part of the installation process. Even when using a Lightswing®, it’s a good idea to decide on the right height beforehand. When choosing the height of your pendant light, there are several factors to consider, such as the length of your table and the size of your light fixture. We’ll explain everything you need to know

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Determining the height of your pendant light

How do you determine the correct height for your dining table light? As a general rule, a pendant light should hang 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 inches) above the table surface. When installing your light with a Lightswing®, remember to allow an additional 1 to 2 cm to attach the light to the Quick Release.

Although 60 to 80 cm is the standard guideline, it doesn’t always apply. For example, if your light doesn’t provide much illumination or only lights a small part of the table, you may choose to hang it slightly higher or lower. Of course, the ideal height is also a matter of personal preference.

A open or closed Lampshade

First, decide whether you want an open or closed lampshade.
A pendant light with an open shade creates a warm, atmospheric glow throughout the room. However, if it hangs at the wrong height, the light may shine directly into your eyes. A closed lampshade focuses the light more effectively on the dining table. In that case, it’s often better to hang the light a little higher so the same fixture illuminates a larger part of the table.

The size of your pendant lights sbove the table

Pendant lights are available in a wide range of sizes, colours and shapes. The size of the fixture also affects how high it should hang above your dining table.

Smaller pendant lights can usually be hung a little lower, at approximately 55 cm above the table. For larger pendant lights, it’s recommended to keep a distance of around 75 cm above the tabletop.

Would you like to hang multiple pendant lights above your dining table? With the Lightswing® Twin, you can easily position two pendant lights, and with the Lightswing® Zero, you can place your linear pendant light exactly where you want it.

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