How High Should a Pendant Light Be Above Dining Table?

A pendant light should hang between 75cm and 90cm above the tabletop, with 80cm suiting most UK homes with standard 2.4 metre ceilings. Measure from the table surface to the lowest point of the shade rather than from the ceiling. Taller ceilings need a longer drop, low ceilings are better served by semi flush fittings, and the shade design itself changes the ideal height, since exposed bulbs need to sit higher than opaque directional shades. This guide covers height adjustments for different ceilings, spacing multiple pendants over long tables, handling a ceiling rose that does not line up with the table, lighting extending tables, and choosing bulbs and dimmers that suit dining spaces....