In design, style may steal the spotlight, but it’s the measurements that make a space feel just right. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, hanging a light, or styling your windows, these essential guidelines help your home not only look beautiful—but work beautifully too.

Here are the key measurements every homeowner (and designer!) should know:

Kitchen: Give Your Island Breathing Room

Distance between island and cabinets:
- Minimum: 36 inches (enough for one person to pass comfortably)
- Ideal: 42–48 inches (perfect for high-traffic kitchens or multiple cooks)
Pendant lights over island:
- Height from countertop: 30–36 inches
- Spacing between pendants: 24–30 inches apart (edge to edge)
- Rule of thumb: Divide the island into equal sections to balance light placement

Dining Room: Light That Sets the Mood

Chandelier or light fixture over dining table:
- Height from tabletop: 30–36 inches
- Fixture width: About ½ to ⅔ the width of the table
- Center it: Always hang the fixture directly over the center of the table—even if the table isn’t centered in the room

Living Room: Art, Seating & Lighting

Art above a sofa or console:
- Distance from top of furniture: 6–8 inches
- Ideal width of art piece: ⅔ the width of the furniture it hangs over
Sofa-to-coffee table distance:
- 14–18 inches (close enough for comfort, far enough to move easily)
TV viewing distance:
- Multiply the diagonal screen size by 1.5–2.5
  (Example: 65” TV = 8–13 feet viewing distance)

Bedroom: Creating Calm & Comfort

Distance between bed and wall:
- Minimum of 24 inches for walkways
Nightstand height:
- Should be roughly level with the top of the mattress
Lighting above nightstands:
- Sconces or pendants: Hang about 55–60 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fixture

Windows: The Curtain Call

Curtain rod placement:
- Height: 4–6 inches above the window frame (or higher to elongate the room)
- Width: Extend rods 8–12 inches beyond the window on each side
Curtain length:
- Floor-length for drama—panels should “kiss” the floor or puddle slightly

Bonus: Entryway Essentials

Console table depth:
- 12–15 inches for narrow halls; up to 18 for spacious entries
Mirror above console:
- Hang so the center is about 57–60 inches from the floor (eye level)

Final Tip: Measure Twice, Style Once

These guidelines are a great starting point, but every home is different. Let your space guide you, and remember, sometimes bending the rules (just a little) can lead to the most beautiful results.

Love,

Lindsay

Design by the Numbers: Must-Know Measurements for a Functional & Stylish Home