Alabaster Wall Light

Choosing the right size makes all the difference: too small and a light gets lost, too large and it overwhelms the room. Here is how to find the perfect fit for every piece in our collection.

At a glance

1. Chandeliers: width (diameter) by room size

Add the length and width of your room in feet. The total, in inches, gives you a good starting diameter.

2. Chandeliers: height by ceiling height

Allow about 7-8 cm of chandelier height for every 30 cm of ceiling height.

3. Over a dining table

• Diameter: between 1/2 and 2/3 of the table width.
• Hang the bottom of the chandelier 75-90 cm above the table.
• For a long table, use two smaller chandeliers or a linear model.

4. Staircases and high ceilings

• Choose a long, cascade or multi-tier chandelier.
• Centre it in the stairwell so it can be enjoyed from both floors.
• Keep at least 2.1 m of clearance above any step or walkway.

5. Pendant lights

• Over a kitchen island or worktop, hang the bottom of each pendant 75-90 cm above the surface.
• Space pendants 60-75 cm apart, and keep about 15 cm between the last pendant and each end of the island.
• Two pendants suit an island up to about 2 m long; three suit a longer one.
• In a hallway or above a walkway, keep at least 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the pendant.

6. Ceiling lights (flush and semi flush)

• Ceilings under 2.4 m (8 ft): choose a flush ceiling light, which sits close to the ceiling.
• Ceilings from 2.4 m: a semi flush light adds more presence while keeping enough headroom.
• Use the same rule as for chandeliers to choose the diameter: room length + width in feet = diameter in inches.

7. Wall lights

• Fix wall lights so that their centre is 1.5-1.7 m (5-5.5 ft) from the floor, slightly above eye level.
• In a hallway or along a long wall, space them about 2-2.5 m apart.
• Either side of a mirror, a fireplace or a bed, place them symmetrically, 15-30 cm from each side.
• Bedside wall lights: about 50-60 cm above the top of the mattress.
• Picture lights: choose a light about 1/2 to 2/3 of the width of the frame, fixed 10-15 cm above it.

8. Table and bedside lamps

• The bottom of the shade should sit at about eye level when you are seated, so the bulb is not visible.
• On a bedside table, a lamp of 50-70 cm suits most beds; the shade should not be wider than the table.
• On a console or a sideboard, a taller lamp (65-80 cm) balances the furniture.
• Rechargeable lamps follow the same rules, and can be moved wherever you need soft light.

9. Floor lamps

• Most floor lamps measure 150-180 cm. Next to a sofa or an armchair, the bottom of the shade should sit just above shoulder height when you are seated.
• Arc floor lamps: check the reach on the product page so the shade sits above a coffee table or a seat, and allow enough space for the base behind or beside the sofa.

10. Before you order

• Check the dimensions on the product page (diameter, height, maximum drop or reach) and compare them with your space.
• Check the weight of ceiling and wall lights and make sure your ceiling or wall can support it.
• Installation of ceiling and wall lights by a qualified electrician is strongly recommended.