Akari Spherical – Compare sizes

Find your Akari Spherical size

Eleven sizes, from an 11.8 in accent to a 47.2 in statement piece. Choose a size for where it will hang, then check the height.

All eleven sizes drawn to the same scale, next to a 5 ft 6 in person.

1. Choose a size for where it hangs

Center of a room

Add the room’s length and width in feet. The total is a good starting diameter in inches. For a 12 × 14 ft room, 12 + 14 = 26, so look for about 26 in: the 60A.

Room Size For a lighter look
10 × 10 ft 50A 45A
10 × 12 ft 55A 50A
12 × 12 ft 60A 55A
12 × 14 ft 60A 55A
14 × 16 ft 75A 60A
16 × 18 ft 90A 80A
18 × 20 ft 100A 90A
20 × 24 ft 120A 100A

A round paper shade looks fuller than an open-frame fixture of the same width. If you’re between two sizes, the smaller one is a safe choice. Larger sizes need a taller ceiling where people walk underneath (see step 2).

Over a dining table

Choose a shade about 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your table. For a round table, use its diameter.

Table width Good sizes
36 in 50A–60A
42 in 55A–60A
48 in 75A–80A
54 in 75A–90A
60 in 80A–100A

Long table? Use two or three pendants and center each one over an equal section of the table. For the largest shade per pendant, divide the table length by the number of pendants and subtract 12 in, then use whichever is smaller: that number or the width guide. Example: an 84 × 42 in table with 2 pendants gives 84 ÷ 2 − 12 = 30 in, so two 55A or 60A.

Over a kitchen island

Compact shades suit a counter: 30A, 40A or 45A. Use two or three, centered over equal sections of the island, keeping each shade at least 6 in from the ends of the island. Hang them 30–36 in above the countertop.

Entryway

Most entries call for a compact shade. People walk directly under it, so check the ceiling height too.

Entry Size
6 × 6 ft 30A
8 × 8 ft 40A
8 × 10 ft 45A
10 × 12 ft or larger 50A–55A

With an 8 ft ceiling, no size leaves 7 ft of clearance underneath. Choose a spot off the main walking path, such as over a console table. With a 9 ft ceiling, stay at 50A or smaller. A tall foyer with a 12 ft ceiling or higher can take 90A–120A.

Beside the bed

For a pair over nightstands, choose 30A or 40A. Start with the bottom of the shade about 30 in above the nightstand, and keep it beside the bed rather than over the pillows.

2. Check the height

On this page, drop means the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the shade. Each size has a shortest possible drop, listed in the size chart.

Where people walk

Keep at least 7 ft (84 in) from the floor to the bottom of the shade.

Ceiling Largest size
8 ft None: hang it over furniture instead
9 ft 50A
10 ft 80A
11 ft 100A
12 ft or higher 120A

Based on each size at its shortest drop.

Over a table or island

Over a 30 in dining table, aim for 30–36 in above the tabletop with an 8 ft ceiling, and add about 3 in for each extra foot of ceiling. Over a 36 in counter, aim for 30–36 in. Find your ceiling height below. The drop is the number to give your installer.

Ceiling Dining table drop Island drop
8 ft 30–36 in 24–30 in
9 ft 39–45 in 36–42 in
10 ft 48–54 in 48–54 in
11 ft 57–63 in 60–66 in
12 ft 66–72 in 72–78 in

Even at their shortest drop, these sizes hang lower than the dining range: 90A, 100A and 120A with an 8 ft ceiling, and 120A with a 9 ft ceiling.

3. Size chart

All 11 sizes and shortest drops
Size Diameter Shade height Shortest drop Bulb
30A 11.8 in30 cm 11.0 in28 cm 16.0 in 10W
40A 15.7 in40 cm 14.6 in37 cm 19.6 in 20W
45A 17.7 in45 cm 16.5 in42 cm 21.5 in 20W
50A 19.7 in50 cm 17.7 in45 cm 22.7 in 20W
55A 21.7 in55 cm 20.1 in51 cm 25.1 in 20W
60A 23.6 in60 cm 20.5 in52 cm 25.5 in 20W
75A 29.5 in75 cm 28.0 in71 cm 32.9 in 20W
80A 31.5 in80 cm 29.5 in75 cm 34.5 in 20W
90A 35.4 in90 cm 32.7 in83 cm 37.7 in 40W
100A 39.4 in100 cm 36.6 in93 cm 41.6 in 40W
120A 47.2 in120 cm 44.5 in113 cm 49.5 in 40W

Shortest drop = shade height + 1 in canopy + at least 4 in (10 cm) of cord, measured from the ceiling to the bottom of the shade.

Before you order

  • Cord: 118 in standard. Your installer shortens it on site. Need it longer? Contact us before ordering.
  • Canopy: 4.7 in. Other sizes are available on request.
  • Installation: Hardwired by default; we recommend a licensed electrician. Prefer plug-in? The optional plug-in cord (196 in) has a built-in bulb socket, an inline switch and 3 mounting hooks, and needs no electrical wiring.
  • Light: Every size uses one E26 bulb. In a larger room, pair it with lamps for reading or task light.
  • Dimming: Optional dimmable bulbs are sold separately: a remote-control bulb, or a TRIAC bulb for most U.S. wall dimmers. Recommended for 30A–75A. For 80A and larger, contact us first.
  • Sloped ceiling: Send us the ceiling angle before ordering and we’ll confirm the fit.
  • Indoor use: Dry locations only.

Questions about sizing? Email support@vinlighting.com.