Welcome to your ultimate coastal lighting guide, where you’ll find expert recommendations for various light fixtures alongside essential tips on optimal hanging heights and sizing. I understand that selecting the perfect light fixtures can be challenging, but I’ve discovered that choosing the right size can determine whether your lighting feels awkward or transforms into a stunning focal point in your home. Let’s dive in!
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How to choose the right size?
- Outdoor lighting (sconce or ceiling): Measure the length of your door in inches. Select a light fixture that is approximately 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the door. For instance, if your door measures 80″ tall, aim for a pendant light that is between 20″ and 26″ in height. While this may seem large, remember that a bigger light fixture tends to create a more appealing visual impact than one that appears too small!
- Indoor lighting: When selecting indoor lighting, such as pendants or chandeliers, it’s important to consider the specific room. A useful rule of thumb for determining the appropriate size of a fixture is to measure the room’s length and width in feet, then add these two measurements together. The result will give you the ideal width of the light fixture in inches. For example, if your room measures 15 feet by 20 feet, the recommended width for your light fixture would be approximately 35 inches.
How high do I hang my light fixture?
One of the most common questions regarding lighting is how high to hang your fixtures. A helpful guideline to remember is to aim for 7 feet of clearance, ensuring that the bottom of the fixture is no lower than 7 feet from the ground. If your ceilings are particularly tall (over 8 feet), consider adding a few extra inches for each additional foot of height.
Dining room fixtures require a slightly different approach, as a lower placement is ideal for adequate eating light. I recommend hanging the fixture so it’s approximately 30-36 inches from the top of the dining table to the bottom of the light fixture. This height fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere while providing the necessary light for dining.
Coastal Outdoor Lighting
Choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for your home is a simple yet cost-effective way to enhance its exterior appeal. Here, I’ve curated a selection of my favorite outdoor ceiling lights. The charming rattan designs are perfect for a covered porch or above an outdoor dining table, while the classic lantern style adds a touch of elegance to any entryway. For a more playful vibe, the blue drum light works wonderfully in any outdoor living space. Browse through the collection below to find your favorites!
Coastal Outdoor Lanterns
Of course, I had to showcase a collection of my favorite lanterns, as they are my go-to choice for all exterior lighting needs. These lanterns seamlessly complement almost any home design, be it traditional, cottage, modern, or colonial. We recently updated our exterior entryway with the stunning black glass lantern in the upper right corner, and I absolutely love it. The yolk-style New Orleans light in the bottom right corner is a bit pricier, but it remains my top pick. You can shop them all below.
Coastal Outdoor Sconces
Here is a curated selection of beautiful and unique outdoor sconces to illuminate your entryway or infuse charm into your garage. How charming is this delightful pink lantern? While it may not appeal to everyone, it would be stunning in a coastal cottage setting. We recently updated our porch with the black lantern featured at the bottom of the page, and it has made a significant difference in the overall aesthetic of our exterior. I’m also in love with the bronze double light lantern at the top. Explore your favorites below, and feel free to drop me a comment to share your thoughts!
Looking for more lighting options? Check out my coastal chandelier post here.
