Hangout Lighting Pendant & Chandelier Length Guide

Have you ever hung a pendant light or chandelier and felt like it just wasn’t quite right? 

Getting the height of your fixture right can completely change how the light shows up in your room and how a room feels and functions. This guide will walk you through chandelier length above table, pendant light length over island and other key measurements so your lights look balanced and work for your space.

All of our cords and chains can be customized, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all length. Measuring your space before you buy (or even using a piece of string as a visual guide) can make installation easier and help you avoid mistakes.

We also recommend layering light sources. Combining general, task and accent lighting creates a versatile setup that brightens your space while keeping it cozy and functional. With a few simple adjustments, you can make sure your fixtures are both beautiful and practical. Let’s talk about lighting chain lengths for each major part of your home.

Entryways & Stairways

Entryway Lightning

Chandeliers in entryways make a statement, but getting the height right is key for both safety and style. A good rule of thumb is to hang the bottom of the fixture 80–84 inches from the floor. This keeps it high enough to move freely underneath, but still low enough to feel inviting.

Stairway Lightning

For stairways, leave a clearance of 18–24 inches from the railing to the bottom of the light. This ensures everyone can walk up and down safely while keeping the fixture visible and balanced in the space.

Customizing your chandelier is easy with adjustable cords and chains. Pairing it with matching wall sconces or table lamps can add soft layers of light, making the entryway or stairwell both functional and welcoming.

Hallways

Lighting in hallways is all about safety and smooth navigation, but it can also add a touch of style. For most hallways, aim to hang fixtures at least 7 feet from the floor. This gives plenty of clearance while keeping the space bright and inviting.

Single pendants or flush mounts work well, and installing more than one light source can prevent dark spots and shadows. Wall sconces are another great way to add subtle, layered lighting while keeping the hallway open and easy to move through.

Choosing the right pendant light length or standard length of pendant lights ensures your fixtures fit the space without feeling cramped. Adjustable cords and chains give extra flexibility, so you can get the perfect height without any guesswork.

Living Room

Living room lighting should feel comfortable and flexible. For fixtures above tables, aim for a minimum of 7 feet of clearance from the floor, while pendants can hang a bit lower to create a cozy atmosphere. This helps the space feel inviting without getting in the way of everyday activities.

Layering light sources works well here. Combine pendants, floor lamps or table lamps to brighten the room for reading, games or relaxing. Properly adjusting the chandelier chain length or using long-length pendant lights can make your fixtures fit perfectly, no matter the ceiling height

Dining Room

Dining room lighting can really set the tone for meals and gatherings, so it’s important to get the height just right. For ceilings under 8 feet, hang chandeliers about 33–34 inches above the table, keeping at least 6 inches from the edge. If the ceiling is taller, aim for 36–40 inches to maintain balance and proportion.

Adjustable cords and chains make it easy to fit your fixture perfectly. Knowing how to extend chandelier length, or fine tuning the chandelier chain length, can help your light feel custom-made for your space.

Using multiple light sources, like wall sconces or accent lamps, can soften shadows and add warmth. Proper placement ensures your chandelier looks centered, highlights the table and keeps everyone at the table in the perfect light.

Kitchen

Kitchen lighting is all about making tasks easier while keeping the space inviting. For pendant lights over an island, leave about 28–34 inches above the countertop and 6 inches from the edge. Space multiple pendants 24–32 inches apart for even illumination and a balanced look.

Adjustable cords make it simple to get the perfect fit. Knowing how to adjust pendant light cord length or using a pendant light length guide can help customize each fixture for your space.

Layering light is especially helpful in the kitchen. Combine pendants with under-cabinet or ceiling lighting to reduce shadows while prepping meals. A well-placed pendant not only lights the countertop but also adds style to the room. If you’re looking for more information, be sure to take a look at our Kitchen Lighting Guide.

Bedroom

Bedroom lighting should feel soft, functional and flexible. Standard fixtures are best hung at 7 feet from the floor, giving plenty of clearance. If a light is positioned above the bed, make sure it’s at least 6 inches above your head when kneeling to keep it safe and comfortable.

Adjustable cords and chains make it easy to find the right fit. Knowing what length pendant lights should be, or how long to make the pendant light, ensures your fixture works perfectly for your room.

Layering is also important in your bedroom. Combine ceiling lights with table lamps or wall sconces for reading, getting ready or winding down at night. This approach keeps the bedroom functional while creating a cozy, welcoming vibe.

Tips for Customizing Your Fixture

One of the great things about Hangout Lighting is how easy it is to customize your fixture to fit any space. Cords and chains can be adjusted to match your ceiling height or personal preference, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all length. Knowing how to extend chandelier length, adjusting chandelier chain length, or referencing a pendant light length guide makes it simple to get the perfect fit.

Consider Ceiling's Height

For high ceilings (10–12 feet or vaulted), extra chain length, rods, or adjustable cords can help your chandelier or pendant hang at a proportional, comfortable height. For low ceilings under 8 feet, consider flush or semi-flush mounts, or keep pendants and chandeliers closer to the ceiling so they don’t feel heavy or overwhelm the space.

Keep in mind that fixture height can affect perceived brightness. Higher-hanging chandeliers or pendants may need bulbs with higher lumens to properly light the space. Clear glass pendants provide more direct light, while frosted glass softens glare—choose based on how much light you need and how you want it to feel in the room.

Balance Proportions

When choosing a chandelier, aim for a fixture that is about ½ to ⅔ the width of your table to keep the proportions balanced. For pendant lights over an island, the total width of all pendants should be roughly ⅔ of the island’s length. This helps the lighting feel intentional and visually pleasing without overwhelming the space.

Before installing, measuring your space with a piece of string can help visualize the final height. This is especially handy for swag chandeliers or long pendants. For offset junction boxes, measure carefully and plan placement so the fixture hangs where you want it. Common mistakes include hanging lights too high, which can make them feel like they’re “floating,” or too low, which can block sightlines or interfere with activities.

Customizing your lighting also lets you layer lights for maximum effect. Combining general, task, and accent lighting makes any room functional, cozy, and stylish. With a few adjustments, your pendants and chandeliers can highlight the room beautifully while fitting perfectly with your lifestyle.

Lighting Length FAQ

How high should a chandelier hang above a dining table?

For ceilings under 8 feet, aim for 33–34 inches above the table and at least 6 inches from the edge. If your ceiling is taller, 36–40 inches works well. Adjusting the chandelier chain length can help you get the perfect height.

What is the standard height for pendant lights in the kitchen?

Pendants over an island should hang about 28–34 inches above the countertop, 6 inches from the edge and spaced 24–32 inches apart. Using a pendant light length guide makes customizing each fixture simple.

What height should lights be in hallways and stairways?

Fixtures in hallways should be at least 7 feet from the floor, while stairway chandeliers need 18–24 inches of clearance from the railing. This ensures safe movement while keeping your lighting proportional.

How do I determine the lengths of cord or chain for my swag chandelier?

To get the right look and function, you’ll want to measure in three parts:

1. Distance from ceiling plate to hook(s)

2. Drop height – Decide how far you want the globes to hang down. A good formula is: Ceiling height – Counter/table height – 30" (clearance) – Globe size = Drop length

3. Swag curve – Add in the extra length for the decorative drape or “droop” in the chain. The height you want the droop is the amount you should add. 

Pro Tip: It’s better to order a little longer than you think you’ll need. Cord and chain can always be shortened during installation.

How do I determine the globe size for my chain swag chandelier?

Globe size depends on a combination of ceiling height and number of pendants:

Ceiling Height

• For 8–9 ft ceilings, we recommend 8" or 10" globes for the right balance and clearance.

• For 10-12 ft ceilings or higher, go with 10-12" globes or a mix of sizes to keep the scale proportional to the space.

Number of Pendants

• More pendants → use smaller globes to prevent the fixture from feeling crowded.

• Fewer pendants → you can scale up with larger globes for more presence.

What if my junction box isn’t centered over the table or island?

Use a swag chandelier or wood chandelier to visually re-center your lights without moving electrical.

Pro Tip: Many customers use this approach to align fixtures perfectly with their furniture layout rather than the builder’s electrical plan.  

How do I adjust for tall ceilings?

For ceilings higher than 8 feet, add about 3 inches of drop for every extra foot of ceiling height.

Are the lengths adjustable?

Yes, most of our fixtures are designed with adjustable cords or chains, so you can set the drop to the exact height you need during installation. We always recommend ordering on the longer side, since cords and chains can be trimmed or links removed, but they cannot be extended.

The one exception is our rope cord fixtures, which are not adjustable on-site. Because rope has a fixed length, it’s important to measure carefully before ordering. A simple way to test is to use a piece of string to visualize the drop and swag before finalizing your order.

Pro Tip: Extra cord or chain can always be tucked neatly into the canopy at the ceiling, giving you flexibility if you ever move the fixture or want to adjust it later.