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.
