Good Questions: How Big is Too Big For an Overhead Light?

9.27room.jpg Hello AT,

I need to replace an overhead light in our entry way. The problem is that 1)There is a pipe about 10" away (so the light would have to hang below that) 2) The space between the wall (which leads into the bathroom) and our entry open closet/shoe racks is around 55".

The ceiling height is 9ft.

My main question is: How big is too big?

I don't want a tiny little spotlight light like there is now, but I don't want the light to look awkwardly oversized for the space.

I'm loving this pendant shade from Nicolette Brunklaus, because it has some interest inside the shade. But at aprox. 12x15" is it too big?

Any other suggestions for this space? I'm willing to spend up to $300, but cheaper options are definitely welcome!

Thanks! Stephanie

Anyone?

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Comments (11)

12"x15" isn't especially big, it's probably fine for the space. Make a mockup out of paper and a piece of string to see for sure.

I think a suspended fixture like the Nelson Saucer lamp would be ideal for this.

You can never be sure until you try someting -- and a good lighting store will let you return a fixture that you are not happy with.

One option is to get a paper lantern that is about the size you think you want -- they can be bought for $5 or less -- then try it on for size and go from there.

hejiranyc - I was thinking about a Nelson Saucer as well. Thanks for confirming! (Stephanie)

Mid-C Frank - being able to bring it back if it didn't work would be ideal. That would be a problem with the Nicolette Brunklaus lamp (from Rose and Radish in San Fran, I'm in Vancouver) I guess that''s why I'm hesitant about it.

Oh... a really cheap but oh-that's-so-2004 thing to do would be to put up one of those Tord Boontje pendants. For some reason I am very fascinated by the "Icarus Light" (http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=23935&PartnerID=FR), but the traditional Garland Light (http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=13770&PartnerID=FR) still fascinates me for some reason...

hejiranyc- haha... I don't think my boyfriend would approve, as that light is a splitting image of his hair in highschool. Shhh....

I don't mind the garland light, but I kind of wanted something a bit more substantial.

Thanks for your suggestions though!

If that's a monopoint spot connection, you could also get an assortment of pendants and swap them with the seasons and moods (like they do with curtains - or really - window treatments in Sweden). You can even get a swag attachment to have the light in a different location (in otherwords on the other side of the sprinkler for instance) from the same box - or multiples off the one connection.

Canadian, I'm afraid he wasn't the only one sporting a mullet in the 80's. Sssshhh....

Thanks for your comments- I am going to get a small Nelson saucer lamp with a ceiling medalion (if I can convince the boyfriend)- I saw the idea in Lotta Jansdotter's place featured in September's Blueprint magazine- I think it's a great contrast in styles!