Frequently Ask Question

Welcome to our FAQ page, where we address the most common questions and concerns our customers have. We aim to provide clear and concise information to enhance your shopping experience. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us through email.

---

Lighting Selector Guide

Use the questions below to find the right light for your space. Each answer is written in plain language — and where electrical work is involved, we always recommend consulting a qualified electrician.

---

1. Mounting Height — How high should I hang my light?

Over a dining table: Hang the bottom of the fixture 70–80 cm (28–32 in) above the tabletop. This keeps the light at eye level when seated without blinding diners.

Over an island or kitchen counter: 75–90 cm (30–36 in) from the counter surface is a comfortable range.

In an open room or hallway: Aim for at least 210 cm (7 ft) of clearance between the floor and the bottom of the fixture.

High ceilings (3 m+): Use a longer cord or chain so the light sits in the occupied zone of the room rather than floating near the ceiling.

Note: Mounting heights for ceiling roses and canopy brackets should be confirmed by a qualified electrician, especially if rewiring or extending cable lengths is required.

---

2. Fixture Sizing — What size light suits my room?

A simple rule: add the room's length and width in metres, then convert to centimetres — that number is roughly the ideal fixture diameter.

Example: a 4 m × 4 m room → 4 + 4 = 8 → look for a fixture around 60–80 cm wide.

• Small rooms (up to 3 m wide): 30–45 cm diameter fixtures
• Medium rooms (3–5 m wide): 45–70 cm diameter fixtures
• Large or open-plan spaces: 70 cm+ or a cluster of smaller pendants

Browse our Modern Lights & Lighting collection to filter by size.

---

3. Pendant Spacing — How far apart should I space multiple pendants?

For a row of pendants over an island or dining table, space them evenly with roughly 60–90 cm between the centres of each fixture. Avoid placing a pendant directly above a seat.

• 2 pendants: Position each one-third of the way in from the ends of the surface.
• 3 pendants: Space evenly at quarter points across the surface.
• Clusters: Vary heights by 15–30 cm for an editorial look.

Tip: Mark positions with tape on the ceiling before drilling — this makes adjustments much easier.

---

4. Colour Temperature — Warm, neutral, or cool white?

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower = warmer and cosier; higher = cooler and more energising.

• 2700 K – Warm White: Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Creates a relaxed, candlelit ambience.
• 3000 K – Soft White: Slightly crisper. Good for kitchens and home offices where you want warmth but still need to see clearly.
• 4000 K – Cool White / Neutral: Clean and bright. Best for bathrooms, task lighting, and workspaces.
• 5000 K+ – Daylight: Very bright and clinical. Suited to garages, utility rooms, or display lighting.

Most homes mix temperatures by room. Our Home Décor Accessories and Modern Lights & Lighting listings include the colour temperature in each product description.

---

5. Dimming Compatibility — Can I dim my light?

Not all bulbs and dimmers work together. Before purchasing, check three things:

1. The bulb is dimmable — this is stated in the product description. Non-dimmable LEDs will flicker or buzz on a dimmer circuit.
2. Your dimmer switch is LED-compatible — older trailing-edge dimmers designed for halogen may not work well with modern LEDs.
3. The minimum load is met — some dimmers require a minimum wattage to operate correctly. Check the dimmer's spec sheet.

If you are replacing or upgrading a dimmer switch, this work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

---

6. Voltage — What voltage do your products use?

All Royal Lights & Home Décor fixtures are rated for 220–240 V, 50 Hz — the standard UK and EU mains voltage. They are not suitable for 110 V systems without a step-up transformer.

If you are shipping to a country with a different voltage standard, please contact us before ordering so we can advise on compatibility.

Connecting a fixture to an incompatible voltage supply is a safety hazard and must never be attempted without professional guidance.

---

7. When should I use a qualified electrician?

We know many customers enjoy DIY home projects — and swapping a like-for-like pendant on an existing fitting is often straightforward. However, please always use a qualified, registered electrician for:

• Any new wiring, cable extensions, or moving of junction boxes
• Installing ceiling roses or canopy brackets where none existed before
• Replacing or installing dimmer switches
• Any work in bathrooms, kitchens near water, or outdoor locations
• Installations in rented properties (may be a legal requirement)
• Any situation where you are unsure about the existing wiring

This FAQ is a general guide only and does not replace professional installation advice. When in doubt, always consult a qualified electrician.

---

Still have questions? Contact us — we're happy to help you find the right light for your space.