Measure three things before you choose: the room's length and width, the ceiling height and, for a dining table or kitchen island, the surface below the fixture. The guidelines below are widely used starting points, not fixed rules. We can check your measurements for free; see the end of this guide.

1. Diameter: start with the room

Add the room's length and width in feet. The total, in inches, is a good starting diameter for foyers, entryways, living rooms and bedrooms.

Room size	Suggested diameter
10 × 10 ft	20 in
10 × 12 ft	22 in
12 × 14 ft	26 in
14 × 16 ft	30 in
16 × 20 ft	36 in

2. Fixture height: match the ceiling

Allow about 2–3 in of fixture height, top to bottom, for each foot of ceiling height.

Ceiling height	Suggested fixture height
8 ft	16–24 in
9 ft	18–27 in
10 ft	20–30 in
18 ft (two-story)	36–54 in

3. Foyer and entryway

• Single-story: keep at least 7 ft (2.13 m) between the floor and the bottom of the fixture. With an 8 ft ceiling, this leaves about 12 in for the fixture, canopy and cable together.
• Two-story: hang the fixture so its bottom is at the same level as the second floor.

4. Staircase

• Keep at least 7 ft (2.13 m) between the bottom of the fixture and the step or landing directly below it.
• Hang the fixture over the landing or centered in the open stairwell.
• In a tall stairwell, a small fixture looks lost. Use the height from the lowest floor to the ceiling as the ceiling height in section 2, and consider a multi-light or cascading fixture.
• For a long cascading fixture, choose a hanging length that keeps the 7 ft clearance above every step beneath it.

5. Dining room

• Rectangular or square table: choose a diameter of one-half to two-thirds of the table's width, at least 12 in (30 cm) narrower than the table. For a table 42 in wide, that is 21–28 in.
• Round table: choose a diameter of one-half to two-thirds of the table's diameter. For a 48 in round table, that is 24–32 in.
• Long table: consider the table's length, not only its width. A linear or rectangular fixture covers more of a long table.
• Height: center the fixture over the table, not the room. With an 8 ft ceiling, hang it so its bottom is 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the tabletop. Add about 3 in (8 cm) for each additional foot of ceiling height: about 33–39 in for a 9 ft ceiling and 36–42 in for a 10 ft ceiling.

6. Kitchen island

• Hang pendants or a linear fixture so the bottom is 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the countertop.
• Space pendants 24–30 in (61–76 cm) apart, measured center to center.
• Keep the outer pendants at least 6 in (15 cm) in from each end of the island.

7. Before you order

• Dimensions: compare these figures with the dimensions on the product page. If a measurement you need is not listed, contact us with the product name.
• Hanging length: if you need a specific length, confirm it with us before ordering.
• Weight: under the US National Electrical Code, a fixture over 50 lb (23 kg) must be supported independently of the electrical box unless the box is listed and marked for that weight. Ask your electrician to confirm the support before installation.
• Sloped or vaulted ceiling: contact us to confirm the fixture suits your ceiling.

8. For designers and trade professionals

We make custom sizes, finishes and configurations to order. Custom pieces take up to 16 business days to produce before they ship. For project orders, see our Trade Program.

Free sizing advice

Send us:

• Room length, width and ceiling height
• Table or island size, if the fixture will hang over one
• A photo of the space (optional)

We reply within 12 hours, Monday to Friday.
Email: info@auroraeshop.com
WhatsApp (messages only): +1 513 206 0326