5 Common Hanging Lights Mistakes You Should Avoid

Hanging lights add style, warmth, and functionality to any space, whether enhancing your kitchen with glass pendant lights, sprucing up your patio with outdoor hanging lights, or creating an elegant look with ceiling hanging lights. 

However, people make some typical mistakes when choosing and installing hanging lights. Bliss & Birch presents you with a guide to watch out for these errors and how to avoid them to achieve the perfect lighting setup.

1. Choosing the Wrong Height of Ceiling Hanging Lights

One of the most common mistakes is hanging the lights too high or too low. If they’re too high, they won’t provide enough light or make the space feel cozy. Too low, and they might obstruct the view or become a hazard.

How to Avoid:

For dining tables or kitchen islands, hang lights 30 to 36 inches above the surface. Plus, for ceilings over 10 feet, add 3 inches of height for every extra foot.

2. Ignoring the Room’s Scale

Hanging lights that are too small or too large for the space can throw off the room’s balance. For instance, tiny glass pendant lights may feel lost in a spacious room, while oversized ceiling hanging lights can overwhelm a smaller area.

How to Avoid:

You should choose a fixture proportional to the size of the space. For larger rooms, consider multiple pendants or chandeliers. You can measure the diameter of the fixture using this formula: Room Width (in feet) + Room Length (in feet) = Ideal Fixture Diameter (in inches).

3. Neglecting Functionality

Many focus solely on style and forget the purpose of the hanging light. Without considering functionality, you might end up with poor lighting or an unsuitable design for the room’s purpose.

How to Avoid:

For task areas like kitchens, opt for brighter lights with focused beams. You can also use dimmable lights for living rooms or bedrooms to create mood flexibility. Besides, for outdoor hanging lights, ensure they are weather-resistant and offer adequate brightness for safety.

4. Using Inappropriate Bulbs

Pairing the wrong bulb type with your fixture can ruin the light’s effect and actually cause overheating or inefficiency. Bright white bulbs in a relaxing area or dim lights in a workspace can be frustrating.

How to Avoid:

Choose bulbs with the right wattage and color temperature for the space. You should use warm tones (2700K-3000K) for cozy spaces and cooler tones (4000K-5000K) for task-oriented areas.

5. Overlooking Maintenance

Dusty or damaged hanging lights can lose their charm and reduce lighting efficiency. Glass pendant lights, for example, require regular cleaning to maintain their shine and clarity.

How to Avoid:

It is important to clean fixtures monthly to prevent dust buildup. Make sure to check for loose wires or damaged components during maintenance.

Conclusion

Hanging lights, whether sleek ceiling hanging lights, weatherproof outdoor hanging lights, or stunning glass pendant lights, can elevate your space when installed correctly. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your lighting enhances both form and function.

Bliss & Birch offers a wide range of hanging lights to suit every style and need. 

Check out our collection today and transform your space into something truly extraordinary!