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What Size Should My Light Be?

Posted by admin@oldcalifornia.com BigCommerce on Dec 23rd 2024

What Size Should My Light Be?  

How to Choose the Right Size Light Fixture for Your Space

Choosing the right size for your light fixtures can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your room. At Old California Fine Lighting & Home Goods, we understand that sometimes even a minor change in the dimensions of a light fixture can make a major difference. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a simple process to mockup fixtures you’re considering so you can find your Goldilocks solution: just right.

That 'just right' will be depend on your space. The fixture should feel proportional to the room overall and pleasing to the eye. It's your home—make it yours!

Materials Needed
  • Marker
  • Scissors or a blade
  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Paper (for the two-dimensional method)
  • Cardboard and tape (for the three-dimensional method)
  • Dimensions of the light fixtures you're considering
Two-Dimensional Mockup

1. Measure and Mark: Using your ruler and marker, draw lines on the paper to represent the height and width of the fixture.

2. Cut Out the Shape: Carefully cut the paper along the lines you've drawn. You can cut a taper at the top to simulate the roof or any angular design of the light fixture.

3: Visual Placement: Tape the paper where you plan to install the fixture to see how it will fit into the space.

Three-Dimensional Mockup

1. Measure and Mark: On the cardboard, draw lines that measure the height and width of each side of the light fixture, including all facets if it’s not simply rectangular.

2. Cut Out the Panels: Using the scissors or blade, cut out each panel that represents a side of the fixture.

3. Assemble the Mockup: Tape the cardboard pieces together to form a three-dimensional model of your light fixture.

4. Test Placement: Hold or tape the cardboard model in place, or hang it from a string if it’s a pendant or chandelier, to see how it fills the space.

Here's a mockup some of our customers made (they went above and beyond to build out each section of the fixture), followed by their new lamp in place!

Evaluate Your Choices

Create at least a couple different-sized mockups to compare. Hang or place these in the intended location and step back to consider how each relates to the rest of the space. It’s often helpful to live with the mockup for a short period to ensure you are happy with the size.

Finding the right size for your light fixture doesn't have to be complicated. With these easy steps, you can ensure your new lighting is proportionate to your space and enhances your home's overall aesthetic. Remember, the perfect size light fixture can transform a room from good to spectacular.

Thank you for following along! We hope this guide makes it easy for you to find your perfectly-sized light fixture. See you next time for more useful home improvement tips!

LOOKING FOR YOUR PERFECT NEW LIGHT FIXTURE?
Powder Coat Bronze Finish with Wispy White Glass | An artistic garden lantern on a shepherd's hook post with a smooth bronze finish, butterfly artwork and white glass. The lantern is not illuminated.
Sold out
Powder Coat Bronze Finish with Wispy White Glass | An artistic garden lantern on a shepherd's hook post with a smooth bronze finish, butterfly artwork and white glass. The lantern is not illuminated.
Sold out
Powder Coat Bronze Finish with Wispy White Glass | An artistic garden lantern on a shepherd's hook post with a smooth bronze finish, butterfly artwork and white glass. The lantern is not illuminated.
Sold out
Powder Coat Bronze Finish with Wispy White Glass | An artistic garden lantern on a shepherd's hook post with a smooth bronze finish, butterfly artwork and white glass. The lantern is not illuminated.
Sold out