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Dear Jessica: I have an eating nook near a set of double windows. The current chandelier is centered in relation to the double windows, but my table will not work centered under the chandelier. If the table is centered beneath the chandelier, there isn’t room to walk around the table when people are seated.
Suggestions? — Maria, Greensboro

Dear Maria: Your design dilemma involving the chandelier is one that I hear often during client meetings. Lighting offers a great method for adding style to a space, but many homeowners are truly baffled by the vast number of options available in the marketplace.  Your concern about how to set up this room is understandable because if your light fixture is not properly positioned, the entire space will look “off.”

My first suggestion is to position your table however it fits best in the space, because if it is not functional, it is not serving its intended purpose. The chandelier really needs to be centered above your table to look balanced in your space, but a chandelier is not your only option. If centering your table and light fixture doesn’t work, you can opt for recessed lighting above the table and install decorative sconces next to your window or on your anchor wall.

Sconces will give a space a nice decorative touch while providing soft accent lighting. Since they are positioned on the wall, they are perfect for punctuating art and accessorizing your space. This option will also take the focus off the lack of symmetry and give your space balance.

Another nice option would be to incorporate several hanging lantern or pendant fixtures above the table. By using several fixtures, you can position them to be centered above your table and the window. You can install your fixtures at varying heights, but I recommend that they all are equally spaced in relation to each other. In this way, you are embracing the asymmetrical quality of your room and taking full advantage of the unique qualities in your space.

While I see your design challenge being best solved with a different configuration than a single chandelier, here are some general lighting tips:

• When deciding on the size of a single fixture to go over a table, there is a simple formula you can use by adding the length and width of a room to help you get the right size. If a room measures 12 by 15 feet, for example, add 12 plus 15 to get the correct diameter. In our sample room, 27 inches should be the approximate diameter of the chandelier. To determine the height of the fixture, add 2 ½ to 3 inches for every foot of height in the room. An 8-foot room should have a fixture that is 20 to 24 inches in height.

• For hanging light fixtures to position over a table, fixtures should be hung at approximately 30 to 34 inches above the table. This is an important point, since hanging a light fixture too high will make it look out of place. Hanging your fixture too low will result in glare from the bulbs. Your hanging fixtures should be raised an additional 4 inches for each added foot of ceiling height. The same rule applies to kitchen island pendants. They should be positioned approximately 30 to 34 inches above the counter surface. If your island is 42 inches, your pendants should be installed at 6 feet, or 72 inches, off the ground.

• A hanging fixture for an entry hall, bathroom or even a stairwell requires walking space underneath, therefore, the fixture should be installed no less than 7 feet from the floor.   

• Wall sconces should be hung 70 inches to 78 inches from the floor to avoid having to deal with glare from the visible bulb. For higher ceilings, use 78 inches above the floor as your measure. For wall sconces above furniture, the fixtures can be placed as low as 66 inches from the floor. For hallways and other high-traffic areas, place the wall sconce between 72 inches and 78 inches above the floor. Be sure to accurately measure the height of your room from floor to ceiling to determine the appropriate height for your sconces.

Light fixtures add so much personality to a space, but a gorgeous fixture installed incorrectly will take away from the overall look you are trying to achieve. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.