The Best Interior Designers

by Shannon Kirby

It seems in every one of our projects we are asked many questions about the "right" height or placement of lighting and art.  There really isn't one specific answer but I do follow guidelines so things are comfortable and pleasing to the eye.  Please use these as a starting point not just the hard and fast rules.


Chandeliers look best 33-36" above the table no matter the ceiling height.

The formula to begin to know what minimum size of fixture is best for your space is to take the width of the room in feet times 2 and convert this number to inches.


Wall sconces should be no less than 68" off the floor.  If they are in a hallway and have shades be sure they are high enough so the light doesn't shine directly in someones eyes.

Fireplace mantels vary widely as do the recommendations of where to add sconces.  The 68" above the floor is a good place to start.  If your fireplace is very wide they should be hung over both ends not in the wall spaces beyond the mantel.


Bedrooms pose their own set of issues.  The height of the swing arm light in the photograph is a good starting point.  The headboard height will really determine where it should be hung.  You will have to sit on the bed too to make sure it isn't shining in your eyes.


The base of the wall lamp should be a minimum of 8" from the headboard.

If you want to place fragile things above your bed be sure to use museum glue or even a glue gun so there is no  chance of something falling on your head.

If you hang art or a mirror above your bed be sure to use earthquake hangers which securely hold the wire through an "s" channel.



Hanging art is very personal and what is best to remember is the overall shape of a group of art.  In a living room if your sofa is low and long I would suggest you hang them low and in a row horizontally.  Hang 10" above a sofa so elbows and heads don't hit.  Sit in your room and look at the placement and height of the art- it should be easy to see without stretching your neck.  Hallways are where people walk so they should be at eye level but not hung by someone 6 ft 6 inches tall!

Mirrors above a fireplace are popular but can be tricky.  They should begin 8" above the mantel.  If you cannot see yourself in the mirror and only see the ceiling when standing in front of the fireplace I would suggest hanging something else.  If it looks too small over the fireplace it is!  Now it is possible to angle the mirror down into the room by increasing the length of the wire to the desired pitch but don't angle too much or you will see everyone's feet.

If you want to do a group it is best to lay it out on the floor first.  Once you have an arrangement you like you can use sheets of wrapping paper or other long paper on a roll to outline each piece and where to hanger should be.  Then just  tape the paper on the wall, hammer in the hangers where you marked, remove the paper and hang your art!



photos from House Beautiful 11/2001