Repositioning a kitchen light

Deborah Allen
by Deborah Allen
I have a builders grade chandelier in my breakfast nook. It is positioned for a larger size table than I have. What is the best way to raise the hanging light so when you walk out you don't hit your head? Should I shorten the chain or will this look out of place when it is no longer over the table?
  4 answers
  • Therese C Therese C on Jul 20, 2013
    I would think the height of the chandelier should be at what is comfortable for you. Mine is nearly 4 ft above the table. If it is in an area where there is no table under it, then it should be about 6 1/2 foot above the floor. Shortening the is the easiest and best way as you can lower it again if needed. It really won't look out of place not being over the table if it is at a good height for clearance.
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Jul 20, 2013
    If your concern, I think, is that the fixture is not centered over the smaller table,,,,,,,you can always convert it to a swag light and that will eliminate the need of any dry wall work in relocating the electrics. You may have to splice a length of wire and add chain along with a ceiling hook......but it's a lot easier that playing with dry wall. Generally, a chandelier/pendant lamp should be approximately 30 inches above the surface of the table. Good lighting, Gary
  • Therese C Therese C on Jul 20, 2013
    I knew I had this guide somewhere and I found it! Here you go : Calculate according to the height of the ceiling. For an 8-foot ceiling, a pendant lamp should hang about 12 to 20 inches below. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches.
  • Nancy Nancy on Nov 11, 2015
    I hate moving the table and running into the light or reach across the table and hit it. Is the light on a chain? If so you can double up the chain and just wire the chain together at any height want. Don't wire the cord! If you want to re-center the light you can place a plant hook in the ceiling and swag the light. If there is no chain use a cording/rope looped over cord.