The Sputnik Light first became popular in the mid 1950’s at a time where furniture design became imaginative and broke from traditional lines and concepts. No matter where you place this light, it is sure to draw comments and attention from anyone entering your home.
Lighting from any fixture, especially any decorative chandelier like the Sputnik light , should make a room, the people in it, your home furnishings and your prized possessions look as great as they can. Because of this it is important to hang your Sputnik light in the right spot and at the right height for the best effect.
• If you hang the light in a dining room the setting should be positioned in the center of the dining table and be proportionate to the room.
• Be aware of the size of your dining room table. You never want your light to be larger than your table since people might bump into it when getting up. The best way to judge is to make sure the Sputnik light is 12 inches narrower than a table and at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges.
• Hang your light about 30 to 34 inches over a table for a standard 8 foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the Sputnik light an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.
• To prevent unflattering facial shadows from the Sputnik light be sure to position it correctly. Also remember that the heat from bulbs when placed directly overhead can be uncomfortable. Avoid using high wattage bulbs. The increase of heat from the bulb may cause excessive table glare.
• Adding reflector bulbs or a wall dimmer will help you control the light and set a flattering mood.
• As your Sputnik light generally has no central down light, you can enhance the dining room setting and centerpiece by using a recessed fixture with adjustable head and narrow beam bulb. Aim these bulbs at the dining room table’s centerpiece to create additional visual interest to work with the Sputnik light.
• In a larger foyer setting, a Sputnik light can provide a great transition from outdoor to interior spaces and set the mood for your entire home. Hang the light high enough to illuminate stairways or side passages. If you have a staircase, about knee-level of the upstairs landing is a good standard.
• Sputnik lights in a lobby setting can be wider and taller than dining room pieces so that they comfortably fill a space without appearing too small. You don’t want to have a Sputnik light that is too small for a large space. Allow a space for at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor.
• For kitchen islands and dinette tables, pendant Sputnik lights are usually the best choice. According on their arrangement and number, position the pendant 30" to 34" inches up from the table surface.
• Many of the larger Sputnik lights are heavy and tricky to hang, so be sure to hire an electrician if you are unable to install the light yourself.
