How High Should You Hang Pendant Lights?

When it comes to pendant lighting, height isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s everything. Hang it too low and it obstructs views or overwhelms the space. Too high and it loses impact. As experienced lighting specialists, we can confidently say: getting the drop right is what separates a “nice light” from a perfectly balanced room.

Here’s how to get it right.

1. Over a Coffee Table (Living Room)

For pendants positioned over a coffee table in a living area:

Ideal drop:
The bottom of the pendant should sit 75–90cm above the table surface.

This keeps the light low enough to create atmosphere and act as a focal point, but high enough to avoid blocking sightlines across the room.

If there’s no table beneath and the pendant is simply suspended in open space, maintain:

Minimum clearance:
At least 210cm from the floor to the bottom of the fitting.

In rooms with standard UK ceiling heights (around 240cm), this usually means a shorter drop pendant works best — especially with compact designs around 30cm wide, like many modern sculptural fittings.

2. Over a Dining Table

Dining areas allow for a lower, more dramatic drop because people are seated.

Ideal drop:
Hang the bottom of the pendant 75–85cm above the dining table.

This creates intimacy, prevents glare, and ensures the light frames the table rather than floating too high above it.

For higher ceilings (2.7m+), you can extend the drop proportionally — but always reference the table, not the ceiling height.

3. Over Kitchen Islands

Function matters as much as form here.

Ideal drop:
Bottom of pendant should sit 75–90cm above the worktop.

If using multiple pendants:

• Space them evenly.

• Keep at least 60cm between each fitting.

• Ensure they’re centred to the island for symmetry.

Too high and task lighting suffers. Too low and they interfere with prep space.

4. In Hallways or Open Spaces

Where pendants hang without furniture beneath:

Minimum floor clearance:
At least 210cm, though 220cm is safer in walkways.

In homes with lower ceilings, choose more compact pendants or semi-flush alternatives to keep proportions right.

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5. Consider the Pendant’s Size

Proportion is critical.

For example:

• A pendant around 30cm wide works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms.

• A taller piece (around 100cm total drop, including ceiling rose and cable) needs careful positioning so it doesn’t dominate visually.

Large sculptural pendants should become a central focal point, not an obstacle. Adjust the cable length so the fitting sits comfortably within the vertical centre of the room — not pressed against the ceiling, and not intruding into head height.

6. Lighting Is About Visual Weight

We always advise customers to think in terms of balance:

• Does the pendant sit in proportion to the sofa or table beneath?

• Is the scale appropriate for the room width?

• Does it feel intentional rather than accidental?

The right height makes a pendant feel anchored and purposeful.

Final Expert Tip

Before final installation:

1. Temporarily hook the pendant at the intended height.

2. Step back.

3. View it from multiple angles.

4. Sit down in the room.

5. Live with it for a day if possible.

Lighting is one of the most visible design choices in a room. Take the time to get the drop right — and your pendant won’t just light the space, it will define it.

If you’d like guidance on choosing the correct drop for your room dimensions, we’re always happy to help.