The Complete Lighting Installation Guide
Where each type of light belongs, how high to hang it, how far to space it, and how to install it — everything you need to light your home beautifully and safely.
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Before you begin: Always switch off power at the breaker before installing any hardwired fixture. For chandeliers, ceiling lights, and hardwired sconces, we recommend a licensed electrician. Measurements below are general guides — adjust to your ceiling height and furniture. ChandeliersWhere to installDining rooms above the table, two-story foyers and stairwells, living rooms, and large bedrooms — anywhere you want a sculptural centerpiece and layered overhead light. Ideal height & spacing• Over a dining table: hang the bottom about 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the tabletop. • Open room / foyer: keep at least 7 ft (213 cm) of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. • Diameter rule: add your room's length + width in feet — the sum in inches is a good chandelier diameter (e.g. 12 + 14 ft → ~26 in). • Stairwell: position the lowest point visible and balanced from both floors, never below the upper landing rail. Installation steps1. Turn off power at the breaker and confirm with a voltage tester. 2. Confirm the ceiling box is rated to support the fixture's weight; use a brace box if needed. 3. Assemble the chandelier and set your desired drop length (shorten the chain/wire if required). 4. Mount the bracket, then connect wires: black-to-black (live), white-to-white (neutral), green/bare (ground). 5. Tuck wires into the box, secure the canopy, install bulbs, restore power, and test.
Wall Lamps & SconcesWhere to installBeside the bed, along hallways, flanking a mirror or fireplace, up stairwells, and in living rooms as accent lighting. Ideal height & spacing• General height: center about 60–66 in (150–170 cm) from the floor (eye level). • Bedside: roughly 30–36 in (75–90 cm) above the mattress. • Beside a mirror: mount 65–70 in (165–178 cm) high, spaced 28–36 in (70–90 cm) apart. • Hallway: space multiple sconces 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) apart. Installation steps1. Turn off power at the breaker and test the wires. 2. Mark the mounting height; use a level so paired sconces align. 3. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall junction box. 4. Connect wires (live / neutral / ground), tuck them in, and secure the base. 5. Install the bulb, attach the glass shade, restore power, and test.
Pendant LightsWhere to installOver kitchen islands and counters, above a dining table, beside the bed as hanging nightstand lights, and in entryways. Ideal height & spacing• Over a counter/island: hang the bottom 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the surface. • Multiple pendants: space 24–30 in (60–76 cm) apart, center to center. • Island ends: keep the outer pendants at least 6 in (15 cm) in from the island edges. Installation steps1. Turn off power and test the wires. 2. Adjust the cord/rod to your target height before wiring. 3. Fix the mounting bracket to the ceiling box. 4. Connect wires (live / neutral / ground) and secure the canopy. 5. Add the bulb and shade, restore power, and confirm the height looks right from a distance.
Ceiling Lights (Flush & Semi-Flush)Where to installBedrooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and any room with lower ceilings where a hanging fixture won't fit — flush mounts are the go-to for ceilings under 8 ft. Ideal placement• Center of the room for even, general lighting. • Ceiling height: flush mounts suit ceilings under 8 ft; semi-flush suit 8–10 ft. • Size: use the room length + width (ft) = fixture diameter (in) rule. Installation steps1. Turn off power and test the wires. 2. Attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling box. 3. Connect wires (live / neutral / ground). 4. Tuck wires in and fix the base plate to the bracket. 5. Install bulbs, attach the shade/diffuser, restore power, and test.
Table & Floor LampsWhere to placeTable lamps on nightstands, side tables, consoles, and desks. Floor lamps beside a sofa or armchair, in a reading corner, or filling an empty corner with warmth. No wiring required — just plug in. Ideal height & placement• Bedside/table lamp: the bottom of the shade should sit near eye level when seated — total lamp height around 24–28 in (60–71 cm). • Reading floor lamp: the shade bottom around 40–50 in (100–127 cm) from the floor, beside and slightly behind the shoulder. • Desk lamp: tall enough that the bulb sits above eye level to avoid glare. Setup steps1. Assemble the base and pole (floor lamps), and attach the shade with the harp and finial. 2. Install a suitable bulb (LED, correct base and wattage). 3. Place near an outlet, route the cord safely (avoid walkways), and plug in. 4. Use a smart plug or an inline dimmer if you'd like adjustable brightness.
What Size & How Many Do I Need?Two simple rules do most of the work. Use them to size a fixture to your room and to figure out how many you need for even, balanced light. Rule 1 — Size a fixture to the roomAdd your room's length + width in feet. That total in inches is a good chandelier or ceiling-light diameter. Example: a 12 × 14 ft living room → 12 + 14 = 26 → aim for a ~26 in fixture.
Sizing over a dining tableChoose a fixture about ½ to ⅔ the width of the table (not the room). A 40 in-wide table suits a 20–26 in fixture. Leave at least 6 in of table on each side. Rule 2 — How many do I need?For rows of the same fixture, space them evenly and let the spacing decide the count. • Hallway sconces: space 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) apart, with the first about 3–4 ft from each end. A 24 ft hallway → roughly 3 sconces. • Kitchen island pendants: allow 24–30 in between pendants and keep the outer ones ~6 in from the island ends. A 6 ft (72 in) island → 2 pendants; an 8 ft (96 in) island → 3 pendants. • Dining table: one centered chandelier for tables up to ~6 ft; use 2 pendants or a linear fixture for longer tables. • Bedroom: a pair of wall sconces or table lamps, one on each side of the bed. • Bathroom vanity: a pair flanking the mirror, or one above for a single sink. • Living room: layer one central fixture with a pair of sconces or floor/table lamps for depth. Tip: For very high ceilings, size up a little — fixtures look smaller from far below. When between two sizes, the larger one usually looks more intentional. Installation FAQCan I install a light fixture myself?+Plug-in table and floor lamps need no wiring. For hardwired fixtures — chandeliers, ceiling lights, and wired sconces — we recommend a licensed electrician, especially for high ceilings and heavier pieces. How high should I hang a light over a table?+For a chandelier or pendant over a dining table or counter, hang the bottom about 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the surface, so it lights the table without blocking sightlines. What size fixture fits my room?+Add your room's length and width in feet; the total in inches is a good fixture diameter. For example, a 12 × 14 ft room suits a chandelier around 26 in wide. What bulb should I use?+A warm white LED (2700–3000K) suits most home lighting and brings out the glow of glass shades. Always check your fixture's base type and maximum wattage before choosing a bulb. How do I hang a light in a high stairwell?+Because of the height and weight, use a licensed electrician with proper scaffolding or a lift. Position the fixture so its lowest point is visible and balanced from both floors, and confirm the ceiling box supports the weight. |
Every Hoai Lamp piece is designed to be as easy to live with as it is beautiful. When in doubt, our team is here to help you choose and place the right light.
