Lighting guide
First, the purpose.
Then, the glow.
Reading corner, bedside or a room-wide layer: decide what the light needs to do before choosing its shape.
01 / Purpose
What happens here?
Notice where you read, work, settle in or move through the room. A light chosen for a task may need different placement or controls from one chosen for atmosphere.
02 / Position
Look from your seat.
Consider the shade, base and overall height in relation to nearby furniture. Look at the intended position from where you will use the room, not only from the doorway.
03 / Details
Check the actual fixture.
A photograph cannot confirm brightness, bulb compatibility or dimming. Use the exact product information, and ask the supplier about anything that is missing.
Heights and Sizes That Usually Work
| Light | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Table lamp beside a sofa or bed | The bottom of the shade near eye level when you are seated, roughly 38 to 42 inches from the floor. |
| Floor lamp for reading | About 58 to 64 inches tall, placed slightly behind your shoulder. |
| Pendant or chandelier over a dining table | About 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop, and roughly half to two-thirds the table's width. |
| Wall sconces | Around 60 to 66 inches from the floor in halls and living rooms. |
| Bulb color in living spaces | 2700K to 3000K reads warm; higher numbers read cooler. |
Starting points, not specifications. The exact fixture's dimensions and bulb requirements come first.
Before You Choose
Bulbs and Controls
Confirm the specified bulb type, permitted wattage, whether a bulb is included and whether the fixture supports dimming. Check the intended bulb and dimmer together with the supplier; do not assume compatibility.
Dimensions and Everyday Use
Check overall dimensions, the base footprint, shade size and the position of the switch. For a plug-in light, confirm cord length and consider where the cord would run without obstructing everyday movement.
Connection and Setting
Confirm whether the piece is plug-in or hardwired, its electrical rating and its suitability for the intended setting. Ask a qualified installer about installation requirements. This guide is not electrical or installation advice.
The Light Itself
Product photography is useful for shape and finish, but exposure and styling can change the apparent light. Confirm the relevant bulb or integrated-light specifications before relying on the pictured brightness or color.