Lighting might be one of the most underrated design elements in a home—but it's one of the most important. A properly sized and well-placed ceiling fixture can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Whether you're prepping your home for sale or simply giving your space a fresh update, here’s a guide to help you choose the right light fixture size and style for each room.
1. Get the size right: light fixture sizing by room
One of the most common mistakes I see when walking into homes is lighting that’s either too large and overpowering—or too small and underwhelming. A quick rule of thumb to determine the ideal diameter (in inches) of a ceiling fixture is to add together the room’s length and width in feet. The result? That’s your light’s approximate diameter in inches.
Example:
A 12' x 14' room → 12 + 14 = 26 → look for a fixture around 26 inches wide.
For dining rooms or spaces with a specific focal point (like over a table or kitchen island), the scale should relate more to the furniture than the room itself. In that case:
The fixture should be about ½ to ⅔ the width of the table or island.
Hang it 30–36 inches above the table surface (higher if your ceilings are over 8').
2. Flush mount vs. pendant: which to choose?
Flush mounts:
These are ideal for spaces with standard ceiling heights (typically 8 feet or less), where you don’t want the fixture to hang too low. Think hallways, closets, laundry rooms, and small bedrooms.
Semi-flush or pendant fixtures:
These work well in rooms with higher ceilings or where you want to make a design statement. They provide more visual interest and tend to offer better ambient light. Consider them for:
Entryways and foyers
Dining rooms
Kitchen islands
Bedrooms with 9'+ ceilings
A pendant or chandelier in the right size can elevate a space instantly, especially when selling your home—it adds a layer of design that buyers respond to.
3. Mixing metals: yes, you can!
One of the top questions I get when clients are updating light fixtures is whether they should match the finishes throughout their home. The short answer? Not everything has to match, but it does need to coordinate.
Here’s how to do it right:
Stick to two or three metal finishes throughout the home for consistency.
If your cabinet hardware is matte black and your faucet is brushed brass, a light fixture that blends both tones can tie everything together.
In open-concept spaces, mixing metals can help define different areas while still keeping the flow.
Pro tip: Repeating the same metal finish at least twice in a space (for example, a brass light and brass-framed mirror) helps it feel intentional rather than accidental.
Whether you're updating light fixtures to modernize your home or preparing it for sale, paying attention to the size, placement, and finish of ceiling lights can make a huge difference. And if you're not sure where to start, I’m always happy to walk through your space and help with suggestions that also make sense for resale value.