Pendant Light & Lampshade Size Guide: Size and Drop Height
Choosing a pendant shade is easier than it looks. Two numbers do most of the work: the width of the shade and the height you hang it. Get both right and the light looks as if it was always meant to be there. This guide covers how to measure, which size suits which space, and how far the shade should hang from the ceiling.
Start by measuring the space
Measure before you browse. You need three numbers:
- The ceiling height, from floor to ceiling.
- The width of the surface the shade will light, such as a dining table or kitchen island. If it is a whole room rather than a surface, measure the room instead.
- The distance from the ceiling to the surface, so you know how much drop you have to play with.
Write these down in centimetres or inches and keep them next to you while you shop. Our product pages list the size of each shade, so you can compare directly.
Choosing the size of the shade
Over a dining table
Over a dining table, choose a shade about one half to two thirds of the table's width, so a 100 cm (40 in) table takes a shade of roughly 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in). That keeps the light centred on the table without the shade feeling as wide as the table itself. See our dining room pendant lights collection.
If your table is long, you can split the width between two or three smaller shades in a row instead of one large one. Add up the widths of the shades and keep the total within the same rule.
Small shades: under 30 cm
Small shades, under 30 cm, suit compact rooms, bedsides and groups of two or three. They are the easy choice for a narrow hallway, above a bedside table or in a cluster at different heights. Browse our small bamboo pendant lights if you have a compact space in mind.
Large shades: 40 cm and over
Large shades, 40 cm and over, are made for statement spaces: a high ceiling, an open living area or a wide table where you want one light to anchor the room. See our large bamboo pendant lights for bigger pieces.
For kitchen islands, including how to space a row of shades, see our rattan pendant lights guide.
Choosing the drop height
The drop is the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the shade. It matters as much as the size.
Over a table or island
With a ceiling of about 2.4 m (8 ft), hang the bottom of the shade 76 to 91 cm (30 to 36 in) above the table. That puts the light close enough to feel warm and focused, while leaving the view across the table clear.
A simple check: sit down where people will sit. You should be able to see the person opposite under the shade. If the shade blocks the view, raise it. If the light feels harsh or the shade seems to float, lower it a little within the range.
Higher ceilings
The 76 to 91 cm rule is set for a ceiling of about 2.4 m. With a higher ceiling you have more cord between the ceiling and the shade, so a larger shade often looks more in proportion. The height above the table stays your starting point: set that first, then choose a size that fills the space above it.
Hallways and walkways
Where the shade is not over a table, hang it high enough that nobody needs to duck as they walk underneath.
A quick sizing table
| Space | Size of shade | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table | About one half to two thirds of the table's width | Bottom of shade 76 to 91 cm (30 to 36 in) above the table, ceiling about 2.4 m (8 ft) |
| Compact room, bedside, cluster | Under 30 cm | Set by eye for the space |
| Statement space | 40 cm and over | Set by eye for the space |
Before you order
Our rattan pendant shades include their hanging hardware. The cord set and bulb are sold separately; bulbs are never supplied with any of our lights. Check the length of the cord on the cord set you choose against the drop you measured. You will find cord sets and plug-in kits in our lighting kits and cord sets collection.
Our shades are handwoven, so size, colour and weave vary slightly from one piece to the next. Allow for this when you plan a row of matching shades.
If you are unsure about a size, email us at thaihomeshopmail@gmail.com. We are happy to help you choose.
When you are ready to hang your shade, see our guide on how to fit a rattan lampshade.
FAQ
What size pendant light should I hang over a dining table?
Choose a shade about one half to two thirds of the table's width. For a long table, use two or three smaller shades whose combined width stays within the same rule.
How high should a pendant light hang above a table?
With a ceiling of about 2.4 m (8 ft), hang the bottom of the shade 76 to 91 cm (30 to 36 in) above the table.
What counts as a small or large lampshade?
In this guide, small means under 30 cm and large means 40 cm and over. Small shades suit compact rooms, bedsides and groups. Large shades suit statement spaces.
