Hey there! With summer in full swing and a few exciting IRL client renovation projects, I’ve got a lot to share with you today!

Hanging Lights

One of my tasks this week is to curate and source a dining room light for a client who has a rectangular combined living space that encompasses their kitchen, dining area and family room.

The major advantage of their dining space is the tremendous natural light streaming in with high ceilings and large windows. But right now the whole space is gutted and in full reno mode so I dont have much to show you yet. But this is the kind of pendant that I had in mind.

All this sourcing reminded me that maybe a little technical advice would be helpful too!

Image Credit: Claire Esparros for Home Polish | MyDomaine

First things first, decide on the style of your light.

Is your space casual and fun or traditional with more structure?

As a general rule, the higher you hang the light the less formal it is. So up up up is more casual.

The lower the light, the more formal your design shall be.

Also, the fixture diameter width should be 12 inches less than the width of the dining table. There should be a 30-36 inch clearance from the bottom of the light and tabletop.

That being said, rules are never steadfast.

Other things to consider are the height of your family. If you are taller, a low light may not be the best fit. Its never fun to constantly hit your head on the light fixtures.

On the flip side, we are not the tallest people on earth. Ha!

So we hang our West Elm Grand Mobile Chandelier fairly low.

Here is a break down of measurements with the assumption that your ceiling height is 8 feet tall:

Informal/Casual

• Hang the light 78-84 inches from the floor

Formal/Traditional

• Hang the light 72 inches from the floor

For a eclectic modern rustic yet fresh feel, metal colorful shades offer a great look.

On the flip side, we are not the tallest people on earth. Ha!

So we hang our West Elm Grand Mobile Chandelier fairly low.

Here is a break down of measurements with the assumption that your ceiling height is 8 feet tall:

Informal/Casual 

• Hang the light 78-84 inches from the floor

Formal/Traditional

• Hang the light 72 inches from the floor

Style for Days

Another consideration is the style of pendant for your dining space.

Mid century modern choices do very well in California Cool, Scandinavian Minimalist designs.

Image Credit: Apartment Therapy

For a modern rustic yet fresh feel, metal colorful shades offer a great look.

Image Credit: The Cozy Space| Tumblr

Image Credit: Rejuvenation

I am still on the hunt for the perfect pendant but I hope these give you some handy know how hints on searching for your dream pendant!

As always, share with me what you find or design. It’s so much more fun when we can design together.

Happy Day!