Lighting Size Guide

Liglite Lighting Size & Buying Guide

 

On this page:

1. Lighting basics: size, brightness & light quality

Before choosing the perfect pendant or chandelier, it helps to understand the three core pillars of good lighting: size, brightness and quality of light.

1.1 Fixture size (diameter & length)

For most ceiling lights and chandeliers, a simple rule works:
Room length (ft) + room width (ft) ≈ light diameter (inches)

Example: A 12 ft × 10 ft room → 12 + 10 = 22 → ideal diameter ~22 inches.

1.2 Brightness (lumens, not watts)

Modern LED lights are measured in lumens (light output), not just watts (power).

As a rough guide:

  • General rooms: 20 lumens × room sq ft
  • Kitchens / task areas: 30 lumens × room sq ft

1.3 Light color (Kelvin)

Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):

Color Kelvin Feels like
Warm White 2700–3000K Cozy, ambient, living & bedrooms
Neutral White 3500–4000K Balanced, natural, dining, work
Cool White 5000–6500K Bright, crisp, kitchens & task

1.4 CRI (Color Rendering Index)

CRI measures how accurately a light source shows true colors (0–100 scale).

  • 80+ CRI: standard quality
  • 90+ CRI: excellent, better for décor & clothing

Higher CRI makes wall colors, artwork and fabrics look more natural.

2. Fixture sizing rules (by type)

Use these guidelines to choose the right diameter/width of each fixture type so it looks proportional to the room and furniture.

2.1 Ceiling lights & chandeliers

  • Diameter formula: length (ft) + width (ft) = diameter (inches)
  • Small rooms (up to 10×10 ft): 16–20 inch fixtures
  • Medium rooms (up to 14×14 ft): 20–24 inch fixtures
  • Large rooms (16×16 ft and above): 24–32 inch fixtures

2.2 Pendants above dining tables

  • Diameter: ½ to ⅔ the width of the table
  • For long tables, consider a linear pendant or 2–3 smaller pendants in a row.

2.3 Kitchen island pendants

  • 2 pendants: small islands or counters
  • 3 pendants: islands 6 ft or more
  • Spacing: 20–30 cm between pendants
  • Use slimmer pendants for narrow islands

2.4 Wall sconces

  • Average width: 5–8 inches for hallways & bedrooms
  • Use slightly wider sconces for feature walls
  • Narrower designs work better for tight corridors

2.5 Floor & table lamps

  • Floor lamps: 5–6.5 ft tall, with shade bottom at 58–64 inches
  • Table lamps: 24–32 inches tall for side tables & bedside
  • Lamp shade width: about ½ the width of the table

3. Hanging heights & clearances

Height is as important as size. Use these clearances so lights feel comfortable and never in the way.

3.1 General ceiling lights

  • Leave at least 7 ft (213 cm) clearance from floor to bottom of fixture.
  • For very tall ceilings, use chandeliers or pendants to bring light down visually.

3.2 Dining table lights

  • Hang fixtures 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) above tabletop.
  • Keep centered over table, not over the room.

3.3 Kitchen island pendants

  • Hang 30–34 inches (76–86 cm) above the countertop.
  • Avoid blocking sightlines if you have an open-plan kitchen.

3.4 Wall sconces

  • Mount at 5–6 ft (152–183 cm) from floor.
  • Beside mirrors: 60–66 inches from floor and 24–30 inches apart.

3.5 Bedside pendants

  • 10–12 inches above the top of the bedside table, or
  • 40–48 inches (102–122 cm) from the floor.
  • Bottom of the pendant should sit around eye level when sitting up in bed.

3.6 Foyer & entrance lights

  • Minimum 7 ft clearance from floor.
  • For double-height spaces, 8–9 ft clearance looks more balanced.

4. Bulbs: caps, shapes, wattage & lumens

Choosing the right bulb ensures compatibility, correct brightness, and the look you want from each fixture.

4.1 Common bulb cap types

Cap type Where it’s used
E27 Standard screw bulb for many ceiling, pendant & floor lamps
E14 Smaller screw bulb, often in chandeliers and decorative fixtures
GU10 Spotlights, track lights, recessed downlights
G9 Compact decorative fittings and modern designs

4.2 Bulb types

  • LED: energy-efficient, long life, low heat (recommended)
  • Filament LED: classic look, modern efficiency
  • Spot / reflector: focused beams for accents

Always check the maximum wattage listed on the fixture and choose LED bulbs for efficiency.

4.3 Wattage vs lumens (how bright?)

Approximate comparison for LEDs:

LED Wattage Approx. Lumens Use case
5–7W 400–600 lm Small lamps, accent lights
8–12W 700–1000 lm General room lighting (per fitting)
13–18W 1100–1500 lm Bright or larger rooms

It’s better to use multiple medium-output fixtures than a single extremely bright one for softer, layered lighting.

5. Color temperature & CRI (how the light feels)

5.1 Picking the right color temperature

  • 2700–3000K Warm: bedrooms, living rooms, hospitality spaces
  • 3500–4000K Neutral: dining rooms, home offices
  • 5000–6500K Cool: kitchens, task zones, study areas

Many Liglite fixtures offer fixed color temperature; some modern designs feature adjustable CCT.

5.2 CRI for true colors

If you care about how fabrics, artwork and skin tones look, aim for CRI 90+, especially in living areas, wardrobes and dressing zones.

6. Voltage, plugs & dimming

Most Liglite fixtures are designed for standard household power and common plug types, but it’s important to match everything correctly.

6.1 Voltage

  • Check that the fixture is rated for your local mains voltage (typically 220–240V in many regions).
  • Never connect a fixture to a higher voltage than specified.

6.2 Plug-in vs hardwired

  • Plug-in: table lamps, floor lamps, some wall lights.
  • Hardwired: most ceiling, chandelier and wall fixtures.

Hardwired fixtures should be installed by a qualified electrician for safety and to protect warranty.

6.3 Dimmable lights & dimmers

  • Check if the fixture or bulb is dimmable.
  • Use a compatible LED dimmer for LED fixtures.
  • Mixing non-dimmable bulbs on a dimmer can cause flicker or damage.

7. IP rating & room suitability

In bathrooms, balconies and outdoor zones, protection from water and dust matters just as much as design.

7.1 IP rating basics

IP Rating Suitable for
IP20 Dry indoor spaces (living, bedroom, dining)
IP44 Bathrooms (outside direct shower), covered balconies
IP65+ Exposed outdoor zones, more demanding conditions

Always follow local regulations and safety zones for bathroom lighting.

8. Room-by-room quick recommendations

Living Room
  • Ceiling: 20–30 inch fixture
  • Color: 2700–3000K warm
  • Extras: floor lamps, sconces
Dining Room
  • Pendant: ½–⅔ table width
  • Height: 30–36 in above table
  • Color: warm or neutral
Bedroom
  • Ceiling: 18–24 inch
  • Bedside lamps/pendants
  • Color: 2700–3000K
Kitchen
  • Bright ceiling + island pendants
  • Lumens: 30 lm × sq ft
  • Color: 4000K or cool
Hallway
  • Sconces 5–6 ft high
  • Space 6–10 ft apart
  • Soft warm light
Bathroom
  • Use IP-rated fixtures
  • Vanity lights around mirror
  • Color: 3000–4000K
Not sure what to choose?
Share your room photos, approximate size and a quick note on your style, and we’ll suggest the right size, brightness, color temperature and fixture type from Liglite’s collection.

Email: ligliteofficial@gmail.com
For safe and correct installation of your light, visit our detailed Installation Guide.