2 min read- In a recent Instagram Reel, HGTV star Drew Scott shared that his top lighting tip is to prioritize scale, since fixtures that are too large or too small can make even a well-designed room feel unbalanced.
- He revealed the best rules and measurement proportions to follow for installing chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces.
- Scott also emphasized measuring your room before shopping to ensure the right fit.
It’s no secret that the right lighting can completely transform a space. Wall sconces add character, pendants bring charm, and chandeliers make a statement—when they’re chosen and installed correctly. No matter your home’s layout or style, improperly sized fixtures can throw off an entire room. A light that’s too big or too small can make even the most polished design feel awkward and out of proportion.
Property Brothers star Drew Scott recently shared his go-to lighting tips on Instagram, and one piece of advice stands above the rest: Never underestimate the importance of scale. Here are the HGTV star’s top tips for getting every fixture just right.
When it comes to chandeliers, leave at least seven feet of clearance between the floor and the fixture’s lowest point. This keeps the room feeling open while giving your lighting plenty of room to shine, and it ensures even taller guests, like Scott himself, won’t have to duck.
For fixtures above a kitchen island, breakfast nook, or dining table, diameter matters just as much as height. According to Scott, your lighting’s diameter should measure at least half and no more than two-thirds the width of your table or countertops.
If you're aiming for perfectly placed pendants, remember this concept that we’re calling Scott’s “30-36-30 rule”: Hang pendants 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop, and space them at least 30 inches apart to keep the arrangement looking balanced instead of crowded.
Wall sconces have their own placement guidelines. Install them about 60 to 65 inches from the floor, leaving enough space between fixtures to create an even, intentional look. You want to make sure these read as intentional design features, not oversized night-lights.
And lastly, before you install anything, measure first. Knowing your dimensions before you shop will help you choose the right fixture and avoid costly mistakes later. As Scott puts it, there’s nothing worse than a tiny light fixture floating in a massive room—or an oversized one overwhelming a small space.
