The hanging height of lighting, or the height at which a light fixture hangs above the floor or a work surface, is a key factor in optimizing lighting in a space. The correct hanging height influences both the functionality and aesthetics of the lighting. It can effectively distribute light, prevent glare, and enhance the ambiance.
The optimal hanging height depends on several factors, such as the type of room, the nature of the lighting and the objectives of the lighting design.
Factors that influence hanging height
- Type of lighting :
- Ceiling lights : For ceiling lights or recessed spotlights , the height often depends on the ceiling height. For pendant lights or pendant lamps, the hanging height is usually set based on the function of the room.
- Pendant lamps : The hanging height of pendant lamps is often determined by the function of the room, the size of the lamp and the design of the room.
- Space specifications :
- Living rooms : In a living room, a pendant lamp usually hangs between 70 and 100 cm above the coffee table or dining table , depending on the ceiling height.
- Dining rooms : For dining tables, a pendant light is often placed between 70 cm and 90 cm above the table top, so that the light falls evenly without dazzling the eyes.
- Kitchens : In kitchens, light fixtures are typically placed about 75-90cm above countertops so that the light is well-directed for task lighting.
- Lighting application :
- Functional lighting : In workspaces like kitchens or workstations, it's important to position lighting where most of the work is done. The hanging height shouldn't block or disrupt the task lighting.
- Mood lighting : With mood lighting, the hanging height depends more on aesthetic considerations, such as creating a certain atmosphere in a room.
- Lighting type :
- Direct lighting : For fixtures that cast light directly downwards (such as a pendant lamp above a table), the hanging height should be such that the light does not glare, but still illuminates the desired surface well.
- Indirect lighting : With indirect lighting (where the light reflects upwards or against walls), the hanging height can be somewhat more flexible.
- Room height :
- Low ceilings : With low ceilings (for example, less than 2.5 meters), it may be necessary to hang the pendant lights closer to the table or work surface to provide sufficient lighting without overloading the space.
- High ceilings : In rooms with higher ceilings (over 2.7 meters), lamps can often hang higher without the light becoming too diffuse. In larger rooms, the hanging height is often between 90 cm and 120 cm above the table top, depending on the type of fixture and the desired effect.
Guidelines for the hanging height of various luminaires
- Dining table :
- Pendant lamp : The general rule is to place a pendant lamp approximately 75 to 90 cm above the table top. This ensures good light distribution and prevents glare.
- Kitchen :
- Kitchen spotlight or pendant lamps : Above a kitchen island or worktop, a height of 75-90 cm is a good guideline for sufficient task lighting.
- Bedroom :
- Bedroom lighting such as bedside lamps or pendant lights above the bed can usually be placed at a height of 50 to 70 cm above the bed, depending on the style and effect you want to achieve.
- Living room :
- Pendant lights in living rooms can usually be hung 70 to 100 cm above a coffee table. In larger, open spaces, you can hang the lights higher to respect the scale of the room.
- Entrance or hall :
- In a hallway or entryway, you can hang lighting at a height of approximately 200 to 220 cm , depending on the ceiling height. This ensures that the light is well-dispersed without placing too much focus on the ceiling.
Importance of the correct hanging height
- Safety and comfort : Incorrectly positioned lighting can cause glare or discomfort for users. Lighting that is too low can shine directly into the eyes, while lighting that is too high can be ineffective for illuminating work surfaces or tables.
- Light distribution : The hanging height affects the light distribution in the room. Lighting that is too high can prevent the light from reaching the work surface or table properly, while lighting that is too low can make the room uncomfortable.
- Aesthetics : The right hanging height helps enhance the ambiance and aesthetics of a room. Lighting should be both functional and visually appealing, complementing the room's interior design.
Tips for determining the ideal hanging height
- Consider ceiling height : With lower ceilings, you'll want to hang lamps closer to tables or surfaces to ensure good light distribution without overloading the space.
- Use dimmers : By using dimmers you can adjust the light intensity to suit the situation, which is useful if the hanging height is not perfect for every occasion.
- Experiment with fixtures : If you have a larger space, you can opt for several smaller pendant lights or one larger lighting fixture, depending on your preferences and the space.
- Consult a lighting professional : In complex spaces such as offices, workspaces or commercial settings, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a specialist to ensure the correct lighting and hanging height.
Conclusion
The correct hanging height for lighting is essential for both the functionality and aesthetics of a space. It affects not only light distribution and comfort but also user safety . Consider the type of space, the lighting's intended use, and the ceiling height to determine the ideal height.