How Low Should a Light Be Over a Dining Table?
How low a light should hang over a dining table comes down to a range rather than a single number, and this guide explains both the figure and the reasoning. The working answer is 75cm to 90cm from the tabletop to the bottom of the shade, and we set out why the lower end usually produces a warmer, more focused result, particularly in open plan kitchens where a low pendant defines the dining zone. There is detail on what forces the drop higher, including exposed bulbs that glare at seated eye level, tables used for homework or serving, and taller ceilings that need extra length for proportion. We also cover shade shapes and how they distribute light, sizing a pendant to one third of the table width, spacing multiple fittings, centring the light on the table rather than the room, warm dimmable bulbs and layering lamps around the space....