Expert: Valery Forti - 9/7/2009

Question
Hi!

Could you please give me advice on hanging a pendant light over a king size bed? I would like to know the proper distance between the bed and the bottom of the light as well as the distance between headboard and footboard.  Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Thank You Mel for Your question.

Here a good guide I've found here: http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/authored/articles/Bedroom+Lighting+101

The Right Height for Lights

Don't underestimate the proper placement of task lighting. It can save you eyestrain, headaches, and accidentally pairing blue socks with black pants. Here are some preferred placement measurements for different task lights. (Adjust them accordingly if you're a great deal taller or shorter than the average person.)

Abide by this general rule: The diameter of the beam spread out of the bottom of the shade for reading and writing should be about 16 inches.

   * For a dressing table, have 2 lights 36 inches apart (on either side of the mirror you use) and about 15 inches above the base of the table.
   * Similarly, for lighting a dresser whose top is used for grooming, place 2 lights 36 inches apart (again, on either side of your mirror). Assuming the dresser reaches your waist, the lights should rise 22 inches from the dresser top.
   * For bedside reading lamps, the bottom of the shade should be 20 inches above the level of your bed. If your night table is extremely tall or short, you may need to choose lamps to compensate.
   * At a desk, work lamps should be 15 inches above the desk's surface, whether they are mounted on the wall or sitting on the desk.