Getting the height and spacing of a pendant light right makes the difference between a room that feels considered and one that feels slightly off. These are guidelines; always adjust to your ceiling height and how you use the space.
Over a dining table
Hang the bottom of the shade roughly 75 to 90cm above the tabletop. Taller ceilings can go a little higher, lower ceilings a little lower. Sit at the table before the final fixing to check sightlines.
Over a kitchen island
Use a similar height above the worktop. For several pendants, space them evenly and keep the outer lights inset from the ends of the island so the group feels balanced.
In a hallway or entrance
Leave comfortable head clearance, at least 2.1m from the floor to the bottom of the light, and more where people walk directly beneath it.
Beside a bed
Hang pendants so the bottom sits at roughly the height of a bedside lamp shade, and away from where you sit up or reach.
Clusters and multiples
Odd numbers often look natural, and varied heights can add rhythm. Give each shade enough space to read as its own form.
For help choosing the right style, see our pendant light buying guide or browse pendant lights.